Each year, on September 21, we recognize World Alzheimer's Day and the impact this disease has on Canadians.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia in Canada. Approximately one million Canadians are affected by neurological conditions - including Alzheimer's. Together with its partners, the Government of Canada is working to improve the lives of Canadians living with Alzheimer's.
Over the last decade, the Government of Canada has invested over $214 million into dementia- related research through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
To keep Canada at the forefront of research on this disease and other forms of dementia, CIHR supports an International Collaborative Research Strategy for Alzheimer's disease. Since 2009, this strategy has enabled Canadian researchers to participate in, and lead, important international collaborations with China, the European Union, and the United States.
Moving forward, this strategy will bring together the best researchers across Canada to tackle this disease through the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging. This initiative will leverage financial contributions from close to 25 partners to address Alzheimer's and other diseases resulting in dementia.
In addition, the Government of Canada is supporting a $15 million, four-year national population health study. Led by the Public Health Agency of Canada, in collaboration with Neurological Health Charities Canada, this study will improve our understanding of Alzheimer's and other neurological conditions.
In 2011, our Government created the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), which matches private donations, dollar-for-dollar, with federal funding up to $100 million. As announced in 2012, the CBRF is home to a $25 million investment in research to prevent Alzheimer's -- which represents the single largest investment made in Canada for this important issue.
On World Alzheimer's Day, I encourage all Canadians to discuss Alzheimer's with their friends and families. While there is still no cure, we can all play a role in raising awareness of this devastating disease.
For more information about Alzheimer's research, please visit the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR): Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), or for more information on Alzheimer's disease, including support services, please visit the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Sincerely,
Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
Government of Canada
