A diagnosis of dementia is not easy. This January, during National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society of Canada hopes to connect people living with dementia and caregivers with support, knowledge and a sense of community, so they don’t have to face the journey alone. With more than half a million Canadians living with dementia today, a number expected to reach 1.7 million by 2050, the Alzheimer Society of Canada is continuing to enhance its support amongst people living with dementia to meet their needs early in, and throughout, their journey.
Quick facts about dementia
- Today, more than half a million Canadians are living with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
- By the year 2050, more than 1.7 million people in Canada will be living with dementia
- Alzheimer Societies across Canada provide programs and support services for people with all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and their caregivers.
- Care partners for people with dementia provide an average 26 hours of caregiving per week compared to 17 hours per week for seniors with other health issues (coming from data out of the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)). Data from the CIHI has shown that:
- 45% of care partners providing care to people living with dementia exhibit symptoms of distress. This is twice the rate compared to care partners of older adults with health conditions other than dementia (26%).
- 21% of care partners feel unable to continue their caring activities due to stress
- Alzheimer Societies across Canada provide caregivers and families with information, education and resources to help them support the person in their care who is living with dementia.
- The Alzheimer Society is a leading Canadian funder of dementia research. Since 1989, we have invested over $70 million in grants and awards toward innovative dementia research through the Alzheimer Society Research Program, improving the quality of life for people with lived experience and bringing us closer to a future without Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
- The Alzheimer Society is a key partner in the development of Canada’s first national dementia strategy, which will enhance research efforts and ensure access to quality care and support for all Canadians affected by dementia,
- The Alzheimer Society is the organization behind First Link® and all the important services and supports it provides to those diagnosed with dementia across Canada.
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