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.

National Strategy

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.

Canadians need a pan-Canadian response to the dementia epidemic that improves care at every stage. Other countries have risen to the challenge. Canada must do the same. To date, the record of tackling this challenge in Canada has been uneven: some provinces are without any dementia-specific policies, others have policies that have not been implemented. The few provinces that have made earnest efforts are still largely unprepared for the impending societal impact of dementia.

We must take action now.

This comprehensive strategy would encompass the aspects that most directly impact the lives of those touched by dementia, including:

1. Increase the investment in dementia research
2. Provide Support for family caregivers
3. Emphasize prevention and early intervention
4. Build an integrated system of care
5. Strengthen and supplement Canada's dementia workforce

What do we want government to do?

The Government of Canada must sponsor the development of a National Strategy that addresses the needs of Canadians affected by dementia.

A pan-Canadian response is imperative if we are to meet this critical societal challenge. Despite the lack of a national plan, Canada has valuable experience on which to build. A pan-Canadian response can and should leverage the experience of provinces that have put measures in place (Ontario), provinces with imaginative new ideas (Quebec), as well as the experience from other jurisdictions facing similar challenges.

Canada's national strategy must be developed in partnership with the Alzheimer Society, Canada's research community and federal/provincial/territorial governments.

Other talking points

1. Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society, a new Alzheimer Society report, projects alarming economic and social costs of the rising tide of dementia in Canada: the number of Canadians with dementia will double while the costs will increase tenfold.
• Today, someone in Canada develops Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia every five minutes. By 2038, that number will grow to one in every two minutes if nothing changes.
• Currently there are 500,000 people living with dementia, a number that will more than double to 1.1 million within a generation.
• Of the 500,000 Canadians currently living with dementia, approximately 70,000 of them are under the age of 65.
• Right now, dementia costs Canadians $15 billion a year, a figure expected to grow ten times to $153 billion by 2038.
• The cumulative cost is an alarming $872 billion between 2008 and 2038.
2. There is hope. The report offers four possible interventions to lessen dementia's crippling effect on Canadian families, health care system and economy.
• The Report offers four possible evidence-based scenarios to minimize the impact of dementia on Canada over the next 30 years.
• For example, delaying the onset of dementia by just two years has a potential cost savings of $219 billion over 30 years.
3. If we act now, we can stem the tide. Every Canadian has a role.
• Canadians need to learn about prevention and caring for their brain health, and about the importance of early diagnosis.
• Governments need to act. Other nations have taken proactive measures to mitigate the impact of dementia. Our federal and provincial governments need to do the same.
• Canada needs to invest significantly more into research, a critical piece for changing the course of these diseases.

Fact Sheets

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.

This page last reviewed/revised March 2010.
© Alzheimer Society of Canada 1997-2010. All rights reserved.
Important Notice and Disclaimer
For comments, suggestions or additional information, contact advocacy@alzheimer.ca.