Important Alzheimer’s and Dementia Updates

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Important Alzheimer’s and Dementia Updates

According to the Alzheimer Society 2017 – 2018 Impact Report, more than 500,000 Canadians are living with dementia. That number is expected to increase by 66% by 2031, to over 937,000 Canadians. Because of this expected growth, it is important for people to know the most up-to-date information and prevalent risk factors.  

If you are one of the 1 in 5 Canadians who have experienced providing care for a senior with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you’re undoubtably aware of the investment in time required: in fact, 87% of caregivers wish that more people understood the realities of caring for someone with dementia.  

Key findings from the report include:

  • People who smoke have a 45% greater risk of developing dementia
  • 65% of people diagnosed over the age of 65 are women
  • 1.1 million Canadians are affected directly or indirectly by dementia or Alzheimer’s
  • The annual cost to care for Canadians with dementia is $10.4 billion

Of considerable importance in the future of dementia research is the passing of the National Strategy for Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias in 2017. This coordinated, targeted effort aims to improve results for all aspects of dementia care and research, both now and with an eye to the future. 

Because so many people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia rely on family caregivers, a focus of the national strategy will be looking at the impact of caregiving on an individual’s emotional stress and physical health. Reports show that in 2011, family caregivers provided 19.2 million unpaid hours of care. By 2031, this number is projected to double.

Another significant finding from the Alzheimer Society is that based on a 2017 survey of more than 1,500 Canadians affected by dementia, ten research priorities were identified which will help inform researchers and research funding. The top concern identified was the stigma of diagnosis, with 50% of respondents stating they would not want others to know if they were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. To help reduce the stigma of diagnosis, awareness campaigns have been launched with the goal of increasing understanding of the realities and experiences of Canadians who are affected by dementia. 

Amy’s Helping Hands, the home care leaders in Windsor and Essex counties, continues to be invested in following the latest developments in Alzheimer’s disease and reducing the stigma of diagnosis for families and their loved ones. We proudly offer the most exceptional, highly skilled care in order to cultivate the highest possible quality of life at all times for anyone with dementia. Contact us or give us a call at 519.915.4370 for additional educational resources pertaining to Alzheimer’s, or if you'd like to know more about our specialized in-home dementia care services.

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