TORONTO , Sept. 6, 2022 /CNW/ – More than one million Canadians are projected to live with dementia by 2030, when an estimated 21 people will be diagnosed with dementia every hour. That forecast is expected to increase to 1.7 million Canadians living with dementia by 2050. These are some of the key findings of “Navigating the Path Forward for Dementia in Canada,” the first volume of the new Landmark Study series, released today from the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Today’s report, authored by Alzheimer Society of Canada scientist Dr. Joshua J. Armstrong, represents the first major update of Canada’s dementia landscape since the Society published its “Rising Tide” report in 2010. The report is the first of three volumes of the Landmark Study, with volumes two and three addressing issues such as the economic and social impact of dementia. These volumes will be released in the coming months. “As the baby boomer generation continues to age, Canadians will face a number of challenges to ensure that people living with dementia continue to live their best lives,” says Dr. Armstrong, “Our study, which generated its projections using demographic data from Statistics Canada in a micro-simulation model also demonstrates the power of risk reduction. With effective mitigation efforts on the part of individuals, combined with increased support from all levels of government, there is the potential to drastically reduce the number of Canadians who will develop dementia over the next three decades. This would have a positive impact on our healthcare system and on the family members and carers of people living with dementia.” Other points from the report include:

The report describes three scenarios in which the onset of dementia in Canadians is delayed by one, five or 10 years. A delay of just one year could lead to nearly 500,000 fewer new diagnoses by 2050 – And if the onset of dementia could be delayed by 10 years, Canada could see 4 million fewer dementia diagnoses by 2050. In 2020, there were 350,000 friends and family members of people living with dementia as care partners, with an average of 26 hours of care per week. This equates to 235,000 unpaid full-time jobs and is valued at more than $7.3 billion annually. If current trends continue, the number of service hours provided by care partners could reach nearly 1.4 billion hours per year by 2050. This equates to more than 690,000 full-time jobs.

“While the report’s findings should raise alarm bells across the country, there is still hope that solutions can be found to support Canadians living with dementia and those who care for them,” Kevin Noel, Interim CEO of the Society Alzheimer’s Canada. says. “That’s why the Society is committed to educating Canadians about the steps they can take to reduce their risk of dementia and encouraging governments at all levels to invest more in dementia research and support programs.” Dr. Saskia Sivananthan, Head of Research and Knowledge, Translation and Exchange at the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, agrees: “The report should be seen as a wake-up call for Canadians. The health care system and all Canadians can and must do to change this the trajectory of positive outcomes for all people living with dementia Their own communities Investing more in dementia research, as pursued in Canada’s National Dementia Strategy, is the only way we can make a real difference the effects of dementia.” A full copy of the report is available at alzheimer.ca/Landmark-Study. About the Alzheimer Society
The Alzheimer’s Society is Canada’s leading national health charity for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Operating in communities across Canada, the Society provides information, programs and services to those living with dementia and their caregivers. The Alzheimer Society Research Program is one of Canada’s most innovative hubs for dementia research. Our funded research explores ways to develop a better understanding of the causes of dementia, improve diagnosis, treatment and care, and work towards a cure. The Alzheimer Society of Canada has representatives available to speak to the national media about today’s report. Local media outlets across the country are encouraged to contact the Alzheimer’s Society in their community for comment. SOURCE Alzheimer Society of Canada For more information: Media Contact: Bob Neufeld, Interim Director, Communications, Alzheimer Society of Canada, [email protected]905-441-2640