It's a disease that affects millions around the world.  January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, helping to raise the profile of the incurable disease.

Program Services Manager with the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan Joanne Michael says that education and support are key, to making a proper diagnosis.

"With this being awareness month, we're really focusing on the warning signs and the importance of getting a diagnosis and connecting with the Alzheimer's Society if they're not sure whether or not somebody might be experiencing the warning signs so we can help them prepare for that doctor's visit."

Michael adds that a checklist is available that can be taken to your family doctor, if you suspect that you or someone you love might be showing the early stages of Alzheimer's. Symptoms often include a drastic change in behaviour, which could include anything from no longer being able to navigate a calendar to balancing a check-book.