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Early Dementia Diagnosis: A Postcard's Path
17 Dec
Summary
- A postcard led to an early dementia diagnosis for a Yukon resident.
- Yukon faces challenges in dementia diagnosis due to lack of family doctors.
- Growing senior population necessitates specialized geriatric health services.
In Whitehorse, Don Cheeseman's life has been impacted by mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to dementia. His diagnosis came unexpectedly through a University of British Columbia study, underscoring the difficulty many Yukoners face in receiving timely medical assessments. This situation is exacerbated by a significant percentage of residents lacking family physicians.
The Yukon's aging demographic is increasing the demand for specialized senior care. Medical professionals emphasize the need for a dedicated geriatric health service. This would allow referrals to specialists equipped to handle age-related conditions, including accurate dementia diagnoses, differentiating between causes like Alzheimer's or vascular disease.
Current statistics show hundreds of Yukoners over 65 living with dementia, though actual numbers are likely higher due to diagnostic access issues. Improved data collection is crucial for allocating services and support, with new resources like the Alzheimer Society of B.C. expanding to the territory, offering hope for better care and community connection.
