January is recognized as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Canada, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This observance highlights the growing impact of dementia on individuals and families across the country, with approximately 750,000 Canadians currently living with these conditions.
The Canadian government, through initiatives like the national dementia strategy “A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire,” aims to improve the quality of life for those affected by dementia. This focuses on increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and enhancing community support for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
Throughout January, various activities and educational programs are organized to promote understanding of dementia, encourage early detection, and provide resources for caregivers. The Public Health Agency of Canada also supports culturally appropriate educational initiatives to reach diverse communities.
Our Adult Day Program provides support to older adults and seniors who have a cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia and are physically frail. Learn more
Knowing how vital Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia are, one of our key strategic priorities is to enhance client—and Family-Centered Care. This includes Enhancing and expanding our programs with a focus on improving outcomes for clients and families. This ensures we support more seniors and older adults with cognitive impairment.
Understanding the Impact:
The latest data reveals some striking statistics:
– Close to 477,000 Canadians aged 65 and older were living with diagnosed dementia between April 2020 and March 2021[2].
– Approximately 76,000 new dementia cases are diagnosed annually in Canada[2].
– The age-standardized prevalence rate of dementia in Canada is 6.8%[5].
Positive Trends and Ongoing Efforts:
Despite these sobering numbers, there are some encouraging signs. The rate of newly diagnosed cases among Canadians aged 65 and over has declined, from 1,545 new cases per 100,000 in 2011-2012 to 1,398 new cases in 2021-2022[3]. This trend highlights the potential impact of ongoing prevention efforts and improved healthcare.
The Government of Canada remains committed to addressing this challenge through its national dementia strategy, “A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire.” This initiative focuses on research, surveillance, awareness, and community-based projects[1].
What Can You Do?
During this Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, consider taking steps to reduce your risk of dementia:
1. Stay physically active
2. Maintain a healthy diet
3. Engage in social activities
4. Challenge your brain with new activities
5. Manage chronic health conditions like hypertension and diabetes
Remember, while age is the most significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s and dementia, it’s never too late to adopt healthier lifestyle habits[1].
By raising awareness, supporting research, and taking proactive steps to maintain brain health, we can work together to reduce the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia on Canadians and their families. For more information on dementia prevention and support, visit Canada.ca/dementia[1].
Citations:
[1] https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2024/01/message-from-the-minister-of-health—alzheimers-awareness-month.html
[2] https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/dementia-highlights-canadian-chronic-disease-surveillance.html
[3] https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/dementia-strategy-annual-report-parliament-2024.html
[4] https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/expert-alzheimers-awareness-month-january-2024-354657
[5] https://www.cihi.ca/en/dementia-in-canada/how-dementia-impacts-canadians
[6] https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2023/01/message-from-the-minister-of-health–alzheimers-awareness-month.html
[7] https://www.statista.com/topics/11570/dementia-and-alzheimer-s-disease-in-canada/
[8] https://www.extendicare.com/about-extendicare/blog/january-is-alzheimer-rsquo-s-awareness-month-32
[9] https://www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/osa-events/alzheimers-awareness-month/
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Key Facts About Dementia in Canada:
Prevalence
– Close to 477,000 people aged 65 and older were living with diagnosed dementia between April 2020 and March 2021[2]
– About 86,000 people aged 65 and older were newly diagnosed with dementia during that period[2]
– The age-standardized prevalence rate of dementia is 6.8%[1]
Demographics
– Two-thirds of seniors with dementia are women[1]
– Approximately 76,000 new cases of dementia are diagnosed annually in Canada[1]
– Dementia rates increase dramatically with age:
– Less than 1% for ages 65-69
– About 25% for those 85 and older[4]
Projections
– The number of Canadians with dementia is expected to almost double over 20 years [1]
– Canada’s senior population is projected to grow 68% in the next 20 years[4]
Specific Alzheimer’s Data
– In 2020, an estimated 368,200 adults had Alzheimer’s disease[5]
– The death rate for Alzheimer’s disease is 13.9 per 100,000 population[5]
These statistics highlight the growing impact of dementia in Canada, particularly among the aging population.
Citations:
[1] https://www.cihi.ca/en/dementia-in-canada/how-dementia-impacts-canadians
[2] https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/dementia.html
[3] https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/dementia-highlights-canadian-chronic-disease-surveillance.html
[4] https://www.cihi.ca/en/dementia-in-canada/dementia-in-canada-summary
[5] https://www.statista.com/topics/11570/dementia-and-alzheimer-s-disease-in-canada/
[6] https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2016005/article/14613-eng.htm
Author
Shiroman is a dedicated Marketing and Communications Specialist at ESS Support Services, driven by a passion for the non-profit sector and enhancing the well-being of seniors. With a strong commitment to community service, he uses his expertise to make meaningful contributions that support aging with dignity and joy. Through his work, Shiroman shares valuable insights, resources, and research to empower seniors and those who care for them. Outside his professional endeavors, he enjoys diving into self-help books, weightlifting, and discovering the city’s hidden gems.