National Alzheimer’s Plan, Canadian National demographics show

Right now, over 500,000 Canadians have Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia.

That number is expected to double by 2038.

We are asking the Canadian government to create a plan to respond to the dementia crisis.

Within two decades, it’s estimated that more than 1 million Canadians will be living with dementia, yet Canada still has no national, strategic plans to make sure every one of these people — and their families — get the treatment and support they need.

Tell Prime Minister Harper it’s time for Canada to develop a National Alzheimer’s Plan.

Coping with dementia isn’t like other health problems. Not only does it change a patient’s abilities and way of life, it actually changes who they are and how they act. With incidence of dementia rising, we need a strong, comprehensive plan in place to make sure everyone gets the best care and support this country has to offer.

Because Alzheimer’s disease is everybody’s business.

 

Alzheimer’s disease is not an illness we can ignore. It has an overwhelming impact on the people who develop it, and the families who care for them.

In 2010, the Alzheimer Society released Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society. The study alerted the Canadian public and federal, provincial and territorial politicians of the need for policies and approaches to address the looming dementia crisis.

The report concluded with five recommendations to government, developed through comprehensive consultations with subject experts and stakeholders. The underlying message is that we must act now and that change is possible.

The five recommendations, which make up a national Call to Action are;

• An accelerated investment in all areas of dementia research
• A clear recognition of the important role played by family caregivers
• An increased recognition of the importance of prevention and early intervention
• Greater integration of care and increased use of chronic disease prevention and management
• A strengthening of Canada’s dementia workforce

A dementia diagnosis can rock a patient and a family — but as a nation we can make it just a little bit better for them.

Tell Harper you want a national Dementia Plan for Canada.

 

Thank you for Taking Action,

Emily V.
Care2 and ThePetitionSite Team