Canadian Addison Society

The Canadian Addison Society (La Societe Canadienne d’Addison) (CAS) is a non-profit, voluntary agency dedicated to providing support and educational information to individuals affected by Addison’s disease and their families. All society staff members are volunteers. Addison’s disease is a rare disorder characterized by chronic, usually progressive, insufficient functioning of the outer layer of the adrenal glands (adrenal cortex). Deficiencies of certain hormones manufactured by the adrenals (i.e., cortisol and aldosterone) result in abnormally low levels of sodium and chloride in the blood and body tissues as well as unusually high levels of potassium (electrolyte imbalance). Increased urinary output and abnormally low blood pressure (hypotension) can lead to extremely low levels of fluid in the body (dehydration). Other early symptoms of Addison�s disease may include weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite (anorexia), and a darkened discoloration of scars, skin folds, and/or mucous membranes (hyperpigmentation). The Canadian Addison Society publishes a quarterly newsletter that includes information on national and international issues from support groups around the world; information on local support group activities is also included. In addition, the society publishes an educational brochure on Addison’s disease. The society has approximately 200 members and is itself a member of The Addison and Cushing International Federation.