Ministerial Message World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21, 2017
Statements
September 21, 2017, marks World Alzheimer's Day.
Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are degenerative brain diseases that affect thinking, memory, mood, behaviour and physical abilities. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease – a disease that has a profound impact on those living with it, as well as their families and friends.
Today, the latest data show that more than 402,000 seniors (65 years and older) are living with dementia in Canada. As our population ages, the number of Canadians with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia is expected to increase.
Given these statistics, the Government of Canada continues to address this important public health issue. We are currently working with partners at home and abroad to improve our understanding of dementia by supporting initiatives, including the largest-ever study of dementia in Canada. This research project, coordinated by the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging, is a two-year $8.4 million study involving 1,600 Canadians in 30 sites across the country with the goal of better understanding who is at risk of developing dementia, how early dementia can be detected and the most effective tests for detecting the disease. We also supported the establishment of the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation in 2016, which facilitates collaboration among key stakeholders to advance the development of innovative products and services for brain health and aging, with a focus on dementia.
Bill C-233, An Act respecting a national strategy for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, received Royal Assent on June 22, 2017. As part of this legislation, I will establish an advisory board and convene a conference to help inform the development of a national dementia strategy that will help to address the growing impact of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, in Canada. To develop a concrete strategy that will truly benefit Canadians, I am committed to working with Canada’s leaders on this issue – from our provincial and territorial counterparts, to organizations, researchers, innovators and health care professionals with expertise in dementia care, as well as people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Today, on World Alzheimer’s Day, let’s all take steps to better understand dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Together, we can discover ways to help people living with dementia as well as those who care for them.
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health
Related Links:
Page details
- Date modified: