Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society
A new report released January 4, 2010 by the Alzheimer Society of Canada to mark Alzheimer Awareness Month reveals alarming new data about the projected economic and social costs of dementia in Canada.
According to Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society, if current demographic trends continue, the prevalence of dementia will more than double in 30 years, with the costs increasing tenfold.
The report suggests that by 2038, someone in Canada will develop dementia every two minutes, up from one every five minutes. That means the associated health care costs will soar to $153 billion a year from the current $15 billion a year, and the total cumulative costs will skyrocket to $872 billion over the next 30 years.
In Ontario during the same time period, the number of individuals living with dementia will reach 395,540, and the number of new annual cases will triple to 98,620.
Families and individuals are at the heart of the report. Because of the progressive nature of the dementia and the escalating numbers of people, Rising Tide underscores the need for more services. “In Ottawa and Renfrew County, there are approximately 13,000 people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This number does not include family members and caregivers who must also cope with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease,” says Kathy Wright, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County. “When we are able to give families with the right tools and education, they are better equipped to manage the disease and live fulfilled lives beyond diagnosis.”
The Rising Tide report also identifies four possible solutions that could minimize the economic fallout of the disease. For example, figuring out how to postpone the onset of dementia by just two years would save the healthcare system $219 billion over the 30-year period. More than ever, research is vital to further understanding the disease and finding better diagnostic methods.
“These new findings are a great opportunity to put into place a national dementia strategy,” adds David Harvey, Ontario spokesperson for the Rising Tide project. “Investing more in research to improve early diagnosis, prevention and treatments and investing more in the training of frontline workers is a first good step towards stemming the tide and offering families real hope.”
About Rising Tide
Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society is a ground-breaking research study conducted by the Alzheimer Society in conjunction with RiskAnalytica, a leading firm in risk management. Rising Tide data were determined through RiskAnalytica’s specialized Life at Risk® evaluation framework, combined with the Alzheimer Society's extensive network of leading researchers and clinicians. For downloadable copies of the report, visit www.alzheimerontario.org.
About Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are progressive, degenerative diseases that destroy vital brain cells. They are not a normal part of aging and are ultimately fatal. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 63 per cent of all cases in Canada.
About the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County
The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County exists to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and to promote research. It provides information, support and education to the 13,000 individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in Ottawa and Renfrew County as well as their families and caregivers. For more information, visit www.alzheimer-ottawa-rc.org or call 613-523-4004.
Local Alzheimer Awareness Month Events
Seminar: “STOP The Rising Tide of Dementia: Experts to Reveal Economic and Social Costs” -- Wednesday, January 13, 2010 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Hellenic Banquet Centre at 1315 Prince of Wales Drive. Speakers David Cork and Heather Menzies will provide highlights from the newly released study Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society on the growing economic impact of dementia in Canada. It will also outline a series of potential intervention strategies that could help reduce the number of people affected by dementia. Pre-registration required at 613-523-4004. Cost: $20 includes continental breakfast.
Manulife Walk for Memories -- Ottawa’s premier indoor fundraising walk at the new location inside Carleton University Fieldhouse -- Sunday, January 31, 2010 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Team registration at 9 a.m. and individual registration at 9.30 a.m. Sign up online at www.walkformemories.ca or call 613-523-4004 for more information.
The 2010 Awareness Campaign was made possible in part through the generosity of the following sponsors: Pfizer Canada, Transcontinental Media, Medicine Shoppe Canada, Genworth Financial Canada, Lundbeck, Janssen-Ortho Inc., and Burnbrae Farms. The project Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia on Canada 2008-2038 was funded by Pfizer Canada, Health Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Rx&D.
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