From Alzheimer Society

Dementia is an overall term for a set of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. Symptoms may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language, severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities. A person with dementia may also experience changes in mood or behaviour.

Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse as more brain cells become damaged and eventually die.

Dementia is not a specific disease. Many diseases can cause dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia (due to strokes), Lewy Body disease, head trauma, fronto-temporal dementia, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. These conditions can have similar and overlapping symptoms.

 

• Alzheimer Society of Durham Region is a non-profit, charitable organization providing support and education programs for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, and their family and professional care partners.

 

• Durham Mental Health Services (DMHS) is a non-profit, charitable agency providing services and supports to individuals and families living with mental health concerns. Staff work in partnership with clients, offering services that are person-centered and sensitive to individual needs.

 

• Canadian Mental Health Association – Durham provides a broad range of services to individuals and their families experiencing mental health challenges, from information and education to case management, psychosocial rehabilitation, housing and primary healthcare.

 

• Central East LHIN Home & Community Care: In  Durham Regions, CCAC serves those in the community who need acute and/or long-term care, nursing, therapy, personal support services, medical supplies and equipment, and referral to other in home services.

 

• Durham Elder Abuse Network addresses the prevention of elder abuse in Durham Region through networking, information sharing, raising awareness and advocacy. Elder abuse is any action or inaction which causes harm to an older person by a person in a position of trust.

 

• Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation is a social housing provider helping to meet housing needs through the provision of a practical, well-maintained and affordable housing portfolio, as well as assisting with related services to support residents in their housing.

 

• Durham Region Transit (DRT) Specialized Services provide accessible door to door transit service for persons with disabilities. Passengers must meet the eligibility criteria and complete an application form to qualify for Specialized Services.

 

• The Region of Durham Social Services Department provides services to over 25,000 Durham Region residents, many of whom may require one or more of Social Services aids such as: Long-Term Care & Services for Seniors, Business Affairs & Financial Management, Family Services, Housing Services, or Income & Employment Support.

( resource: Community Care Durham )