I am experiencing cognitive difficulties
Am I living with a neurocognitive disorder?
What are neurocognitive disorders?
Nearly 40% of people over the age of 65 experience some memory loss. When no underlying medical condition is causing it, this is referred to as age-related memory changes (ARMC).
These changes are part of the natural aging process. For most people, memory remains strong as they age and does not decline rapidly.
However, brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and other neurocognitive disorders are different.
Neurocognitive disorders are characterized by a decline in mental abilities that reduces a person’s capacity to care for themselves independently. There is a decline in performance in one or more cognitive domains such as memory, complex attention, executive functions (e.g., planning, organizing, abstraction), language, perceptual-motor abilities, or social skills.
Alzheimer’s disease and other neurocognitive disorders are not part of normal aging.
Whatever your situation, the Alzheimer Society Laurentides can help you better understand it and manage it more effectively.
Several services are available to support you in your journey
Telephone Support
The Alzheimer Society Laurentides (SAL) offers a toll-free telephone support service, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Outside of these hours, a voicemail system is available. Calls are returned within 24 to 48 hours on business days.
This service is designed to listen, provide reassurance, and answer urgent questions. SAL staff can, for example, support individuals who have just received a diagnosis or caregivers who are dealing with the situation. They can also provide information about SAL services and respond to questions regarding different aspects of the disease.
To reach us, call 1-800-978-7881.
Support Group for People Living with the Disease
THIS SERVICE IS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED
This service allows participants living with Alzheimer’s disease or a neurocognitive disorder to share experiences, build connections, and find ways to improve their daily lives. Monthly two-hour meetings (closed group).
Eligibility criteria:
- I am living with a neurocognitive disorder (mild stage).
- I want to learn more about the disease.
- I wish to improve my quality of life on a daily basis.
- I want to share my experience, emotions, fears, and be supported in this journey while building social connections with others in similar situations.
Registration is required at 1-800-978-7881.
Individual and Family Meetings
Some individuals who have recently received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another major neurocognitive disorder, as well as their loved ones, may not feel comfortable sharing their questions and emotions in a group setting. To meet these needs, the Alzheimer Society Laurentides (SAL) offers individual or family meetings with a psychosocial worker.
Available across the entire region, this service allows individuals to express their needs, share emotions, and receive support either at home or at SAL offices. This service is free of charge.
To book an appointment, call 1-800-978-7881. Calls are returned within 24 to 48 hours on business days.
Respite–Accompaniment–Stimulation at Home
The Alzheimer Society Laurentides (SAL) offers in-home accompaniment and stimulation services on a regular basis at a low cost for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or a neurocognitive disorder, as well as for their caregivers.
A trained support worker visits the home to provide caregivers with respite or time to rest, while offering the person living with the disease meaningful and adapted activities. Cognitive stimulation helps maintain remaining abilities, supports autonomy, and reduces isolation.
- Medical diagnosis required
- Weekly or bi-weekly service (day, evening, or weekend)
- 4-hour or 6-hour blocks
- Cost: $20.00 for 4 hours and $30.00 for 6 hours (reduced fees available with referral from a CISSS des Laurentides social worker)
- Available to families living at home across the Laurentians region
All requests must be made Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. by contacting the respite service coordinator at 1-800-978-7881 ext. 230 or by email at repit@salaurentides.ca.
The Oasis Activity Center for People Living with the Disease
This service is offered to individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or a neurocognitive disorder in the mild to moderate stage, as well as their caregivers.
On-site cognitive stimulation activities and recreational games are provided and supervised by a SAL facilitator supported by volunteers. Activities are tailored to each group’s needs and adapted to the stage of the disease.
Participants enjoy enriching experiences that promote social interaction and the development of friendships.
This service is free and offered at the Alzheimer Society Laurentides head office in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts.
- Service offered Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Neurocognitive disorder diagnosis required
- Participants are matched with a group corresponding to their stage of the disease
- Available to families living at home or in private seniors’ residences (RPA) across the Laurentians region
All requests must be made Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. by contacting the respite service coordinator at 1-800-978-7881 ext. 230 or by email at repit@salaurentides.ca