| |
Media
Advisory
Nov. 6, 2006
For more information:
Patricia Wilkinson, Manager of Media Relations and Communications,
Alzheimer Society of Canada
(416)847-2959, or
1-800-616-8816
cell: 905-965-2156
PWilkinson@alzheimer.ca
Research and Innovation Leading the Way
National conference on Alzheimer's disease reporting on the latest advances in research and support
November 6, 2006 — In a year that marks the 100th anniversary since the identification of Alzheimer's disease, research, innovation and hope continue to light the way towards a brighter tomorrow.
That is the message being delivered to more than 400 delegates from across North America today as the Alzheimer Society of Canada's 28th national conference kicks off in Toronto. Alzheimer Research and Innovation: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, being held November 6 to 8, will feature renowned Canadian and US researchers, clinicians and health-care professionals reporting on the latest advances in Alzheimer research and support.
"The Alzheimer Society, in partnership with some of the finest researchers and health-care professionals in Canada, is working hard on many fronts to help solve the riddle of Alzheimer's disease," says Scott Dudgeon, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. "Our national conference is an opportunity for many of these top minds to gather together and share critical information on the latest in research and care."
The conference will feature sessions on risk factors, diagnosis, treatments, quality of life, caregiving and other social issues. This diverse program will explore the challenges of Alzheimer's disease, address the issues facing people with the illness, and present ways to help change the future of the disease. All presentations will take place at The Westin Harbour Castle, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario, and highlights include the following:
-
Alzheimer's Disease: How We Got to Where We're at Today
- Early Diagnosis and Mild Cognitive Impairment Family Issues – Alzheimer's Disease: The Future Impact on
- Family and Health
- Societal Issues – Engaging People with Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease in the Work of the Alzheimer Society
- Emerging Treatments
- Quality of Life: Its Evaluation and Improvement
- The Person Within – Working Together to Transform the Meanings of Dementia
- Research and Innovation and Tomorrow's Promise
Included in this year's program will be sessions led by people with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, who will be sharing their experiences, tips and viewpoints on living with the disease.
"When I was first diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, I felt very alone. Then I had the opportunity to meet and talk to others with the disease. That was the day I realized there was strength in numbers, and started taking back control of my own life," says Brenda Hounam, a person with Alzheimer's disease and presenter at the conference. "Now, I rely on people that offer support, but do not prematurely rob me of my independence. I continue to look for new gifts, and relish the new memories I create everyday."
About Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disorder that destroys vital brain cells. Symptoms include a gradual onset and continuing decline of memory, changes in judgment or reasoning, and an inability to perform familiar tasks. The disease eventually affects all aspects of a person's life, including how they think, feel, act and react to their environment. At present, there is no cure for this fatal disease.
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias affect an estimated 1 in 13 Canadians over the age of 65, or approximately 420,000 people. It is estimated that 750,000 Canadians will have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia by the year 2031 if a cure is not found. Canadian taxpayers already spend an estimated $5.5 billion to care for people with dementia, and this number will continue to grow substantially as the population ages.
About the Alzheimer Society of Canada
Founded 28 years ago, the Alzheimer Society of Canada is a nationwide, not-for-profit health organization dedicated to helping people affected by Alzheimer's disease. The Society develops and provides support and educational programs for people with the disease, their families and their caregivers. The Society is also a leading funder of Alzheimer research and training in Canada. In 2006, the Society and its partners funded 24 new grants and training awards, amounting to almost $3 million.
|
