Media
Release
For
immediate release
October 10, 2008
For more information:
Patricia Wilkinson
Manager, Media & Government Relations
Office: 1.800.616.8816 or 416.847.2959
Mobile: 416.669.5715
pwilkinson@alzheimer.ca
Response to Conservative's Announcement Regarding Funding for Major Study on Neurological Diseases
Alzheimer Society welcomes $15 million funding promise
The Alzheimer Society welcomes yesterday's announcement by the Conservative Party of Canada that they will work with Canada's major neurological charities, and provide $15 million for a four-year study of Canadians affected by illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's and related diseases affect approximately 500,000 Canadians, or 1 in every 13 people over the age of 65. As our population ages, these numbers are going to increase substantially. This is more than just an important health concern, Alzheimer's and related diseases have the potential to overwhelm the health care system if fundamental changes are not made in research funding and care delivery.
"We welcome yesterday's announcement, and are pleased to see this important health issue being discussed in the context of a federal election platform," says Scott Dudgeon, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. "Following the election, we look forward to engaging all federal parliamentarians in this critical discussion of neurological diseases, and their impact on Canadian Society."
The Alzheimer Society is a member of the Neurological Health Charities of Canada (NHCC), a collective of organizations that represent people with chronic, often progressive, brain diseases, disorders and injuries in Canada. Together, with these partners, the Society is advocating to all parliamentarians to consider the magnitude of neurological diseases, and their impact on Canadian Society, while there is still time.
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 Disease International, at the forefront of world wide efforts to fight dementia.
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