At Orléans Family Health Clinic (OFHC), we are often asked:
“Is it normal that I sometimes can’t find the right word?”
The short answer is yes: occasional word-finding difficulty is completely normal.
But in some cases, frequent or worsening word-finding problems can signal something more serious. Understanding the difference is important.
For decades, the challenge of Alzheimer’s disease has been its “invisible” nature. By the time cognitive symptoms—like memory loss or confusion—become apparent, the underlying biological changes have often been progressing in the brain for nearly twenty years.
A simple blood test may eventually help identify older adults who are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s-related cognitive impairment years before symptoms appear.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting nearly 50 million people worldwide. It is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioural changes, deeply impacting patients and their families.
This World Alzheimer’s Day, we recognize both the incredible scientific progress being made here in Canada and the everyday actions families can take now to protect brain health.
Maintaining cognitive health is essential for a vibrant and fulfilling life, particularly as we age. One area of concern that affects many individuals and their families is Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that impacts memory and cognitive function. Understanding the early signs of Alzheimer’s can aid in early detection and management, improving quality of life for those affected.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a groundbreaking new blood test designed to assist in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Developed by Roche, the Elecsys pTau181 test measures levels of a specific molecule—a phosphorylated form of the tau protein—in the blood.
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to increase understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and highlight steps we can all take to protect our brain health.
For years, studies have shown that being married or partnered is linked to longer life and better overall health outcomes. But when it comes to dementia, new research is challenging this assumption.
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At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we know that early detection of serious illnesses can significantly improve health outcomes. Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition, affects over 150,000 people in the UK and thousands more in Canada—but it’s often misdiagnosed or detected too late. That’s why it’s important to recognize subtle, early signs—such as changes in your handwriting.
OFHC celebrates the science and the sniffer dogs leading the way
At Orléans Family Health Clinic (OFHC), we are always inspired by research that pushes the boundaries of early detection and compassionate care — and this time, the heroes aren’t just scientists. They’re dogs.
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