Media
Release
For
immediate release
March 6, 2007
For more information:
Patricia Wilkinson, Alzheimer Society of Canada
(416)847-2959, PWilkinson@alzheimer.ca
Establishment of National Seniors Council welcomed by Alzheimer Society
March 6, 2007 — The Alzheimer Society of Canada is optimistic that the creation of a National Seniors Council will help to open new avenues for dialogue on the serious issues concerning this country's seniors.
"The establishment of a National Seniors Council is an indication that the federal government recognizes the complexity of issues concerning seniors, issues that include everything from health to housing to income," says Scott Dudgeon, chief executive officer of the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
In regards to health, Alzheimer's disease is one of the greatest concerns to Canadians as they age, and the Society is hopeful that this new advisory panel will help advance talks towards a national dementia strategy.
"How can the dementia epidemic be stopped before it overwhelms the Canadian health care system? We must develop a Canadian Dementia Management Strategy that will guide both policy development and care delivery," says Dudgeon. "The strategy would draw upon the collaborative effort of Canadian politicians, policy makers, health-care providers and researchers for a common cause, to reduce the impact of Alzheimer's disease and dementia on individuals, families and societies."
Key categories of a Canadian Dementia Management Strategy would include prevention, diagnosis, improved treatment, improved care, care for caregivers and research.
"The National Advisory Council on Aging (NACA) was very helpful to the Society in the past, calling the government's attention to the need for a national dementia strategy," adds Dudgeon. "Now, we are looking forward to working closely with the new National Seniors Council, which we understand will build upon NACA's accomplishments."
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disorder that destroys vital brain cells. Alzheimer's and related diseases affect an estimated 1 in 13 Canadians over the age of 65, or approximately 450,000 people. It is estimated that 750,000 Canadians will have Alzheimer's or a related disease by the year 2031 if a cure is not found.
The Alzheimer Society 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.
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