Introduction

Dementia is a growing concern in Canada, with projections indicating that nearly one million people in Canada will have dementia by 2030, an increase of over 65 percent from 2020. The Alzheimer Society of Canada has published a report, “Navigating the Path Forward for Dementia in Canada”, which highlights the alarming trend of dementia in the country and the impact it will have on caregivers.

Growing Number of People with Dementia:

The report shows that in 2020, an estimated 597,300 people had some form of dementia in Canada, with an incidence rate of 348 new cases diagnosed daily. If the current trend continues, by 2050, the number of people with dementia will nearly triple. The report projects that close to 1.4 billion caregiving hours, the equivalent of over 690,000 full-time jobs, will be required annually to support the growing number of people with dementia.

Modifiable Risk Factors:

The report also highlights that while some risk factors, such as age and genetics, are not modifiable, there are various risk factors that are modifiable, such as lack of education, hearing loss, social isolation, physical inactivity, and air pollution. The report provides a list of measures that people can take to reduce the risk of developing dementia.

Recommendations for Organizations and Government:

The report offers recommendations aimed at organizations, health systems, and various levels of government. The federal government is recommended to cost out and fully fund the national dementia strategy, while the provincial and territorial governments are recommended to improve education for all ages and help workplaces provide flexible support to caregivers.

Conclusion:

The rising trend of dementia in Canada is a cause for concern, and the impact it will have on caregivers is alarming. However, the report highlights that by investing in addressing modifiable risk factors, the government and the country can change the trend and reduce the number of cases of dementia. It is crucial for communities, public-health agencies, and other governmental organizations to support individuals in making changes to reduce their risk of developing dementia. It’s time to act now to prevent the growing trend of dementia in Canada.

Source: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canada-alzheimer-2030-projection/