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Our Issues
The Alzheimer Society believes that research remains the key to finding a cure, and that a significant investment in science is essential if we are to eradicate dementia. We also believe that there must be better support, care and treatment for people living with this illness.
With approximately half a million Canadians affected by dementia, or one in every 11 over the age of 65, this is more than just an important health concern. This disease has the potential to overwhelm the health care system if fundamental changes are not made in research funding and care delivery.
What do we want government to do?
In order to prevent this potential epidemic from overwhelming the health care system, the Government of Canada must act now and make dementia a national health care priority.
Along with recognizing dementia as a national health care priority, the Government of Canada must also put together a comprehensive strategy for research funding and care delivery. The strategy would encompass the aspects that most directly impact the lives of those touched by dementia, including:
What do we want government to do?
The Government of Canada must sponsor the development of a Canadian Dementia Management Strategy by a
pan-Canadian coalition of experts, assembled by the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Other talking points
- 4.3 million Canadians are aged 65 or older, meaning that one in seven are now senior citizens. By 2015, the number of seniors is expected to reach 5.4 million.
- About 500,000 Canadians currently have Alzheimer's or a related disease.
- Of the 500,000 people affected, more than 71,000 of them are under the age of 65, and approximately 50,000 of them are under the age of 60.
- Within just five years, an additional 250,000 Canadians could develop Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
- Within a generation (25 years), the number of people living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia could reach between 1 million and 1.3 million.
- Currently, there are more than 24 million people in the world with Alzheimer's or a related disease – this is projected to rise to 81 million by the year 2040.
- The total worldwide cost of dementia care is estimated to be US$315.4 billion annually.
- In Ontario alone, the annual cost of caring for people with dementia is estimated at $7 billion.
- According to a recent poll, Alzheimer's disease is the second most feared disease for Canadians as they age.
Fact Sheets
Advocating for Change
Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
Alzheimer Society Fact Sheet
If you would like more information on our issues, or you would like help building your speaking notes, please contact Patricia Wilkinson, Manager of Media and Government Relations at
1-800-616-8816 or 416-847-2959, or by e-mail at advocacy@alzheimer.ca.
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