Media
Release
For
more information, please contact:
Patricia Wilkinson
Manager, Media and Government Relations
Office: 1.800.616.8816 or 416.847.2959
Mobile: 416.669.5715
pwilkinson@alzheimer.ca
Mr. Prime Minister, The Time to Act is Now
This Brain Awareness Week, Canadians urge government to take immediate action
March 16, 2009 – There are currently half a million Canadians living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Even more startling, within just five years, an additional 250,000 people could develop one of these illnesses¹.
In conjunction with international Brain Awareness Week March 16 to 22, the Alzheimer Society is urging Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his government to recognize the urgency of this issue through the development of a national strategy on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Canadians coast to coast will also be lending their support to this critical message, sending thousands of postcards to the Prime Minister's office during the month of March.
"It is important for Canadians to let the government know that this is an important issue, one that may have devastating consequences if we don't act now," says Dr. Bob Lester, a retired physician now caring for his wife who developed dementia in her late 50s. "My wife's illness has robbed my family of so very much. I don't want the next generation to have to suffer like we have."
People interested in joining our postcard campaign should visit www.alzheimer.ca and use our on-line tool to send an e-card to the Prime Minister. A copy of each postcard will be copied to that person's MP as well as the Hon. Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health.
Brain Awareness Week is an international campaign, coordinated by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research. Brain Awareness Week is a unique international partnership of more than 2,100 organizations in 69 countries.
About the Alzheimer Society
The Alzheimer Society is the leading, nationwide health organization for people affected by dementia in Canada. The Society is a principal funder of Alzheimer research and training, provides enhanced care and support to people with the disease, their families and their caregivers, and is a prominent voice within all levels of government. Active in more than 140 communities across Canada, the Society is also a key player in Alzheimer's Disease International, an organization at the forefront of world wide efforts to fight dementia. For more information, please visit www.alzheimer.ca.
Footnote
- Rising Tide – The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society. Alzheimer Society of Canada (Full study expected September 2009).
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