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alzheimer's disease in canada: stats, resources and impact on canadians

by 2050, it’s expected that more than 1.7 million canadians will be living with dementia — with an average of 685 individuals being diagnosed each day.

by corey deeth
published sep 20, 2023
last updated dec 08, 2023
read time 9 minute read
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read time 9 minute read
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alzheimer's disease in canada: stats, resources and impact on society
while there’s no current cure for alzheimer’s disease, there are medications available to reduce the rate of cognitive decline, or help manage symptoms such as difficulty with language, cognitive skills, and physical mobility. getty images
alzheimer’s disease is a condition that affects the brain and causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. it’s a disease that typically affects seniors, especially those over the age of 65, but its impact can extend to families, caregivers, and society as a whole. as canada’s population ages, the prevalence of alzheimer’s disease continues to rise, causing substantial strain on healthcare systems, social support networks, and the economy. increased education and awareness of alzheimer’s disease is crucial in helping affected individuals and caregivers identify early signs and symptoms, learn effective caregiving strategies, and access the vast array of support services available.

what is alzheimer’s disease?

alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and irreversible neurological disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking, reasoning, and behavior.
alzheimer’s disease mainly occurs in older people (over the age of 65) and can start slowly, often with forgetting things or having trouble finding words. it’s a progressive disease that tends to worsen over time, making it difficult for individuals to remember important events, recognize people they know, or even perform day-to-day tasks.

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alzheimer’s disease disrupts the communication between neurons in the brain, leading to the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits (amyloid plaques and tau tangles). these deposits interfere with the proper functioning of brain cells, causing them to degenerate and die. as a result, the brain’s structure and function are altered, leading to the characteristic symptoms of the disease.
the disease is commonly categorized into stages based on the extent of symptom severity. the symptoms of alzheimer’s can differ among individuals.
in early stage alzheimer’s the symptoms are mild. common symptoms in this stage include:
  • trouble finding words to express thoughts
  • frequently losing or misplacing items
  • difficulty making plans
  • difficulty with basic problem-solving
  • needing more time to finish regular tasks
in the middle stage an individual’s symptoms will start to become more noticeable. symptoms in this stage include:
  • increased memory loss and confusion, often forgetting events or details about their life
  • confusion about the day of the week, season, and location
  • repeat stories, thoughts, or events
  • difficulty recognizing family or friends
  • difficulty with basic math
  • needing assistance with personal care tasks, such as bathing and using the restroom
  • personality changes, including agitation, depression, or anxiety
  • disruptions in sleep
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in the final stage of alzheimer’s, individuals struggle with severe dementia symptoms and require extensive care. symptoms in this stage include:
  • almost complete memory loss
  • unaware of surroundings
  • requires assistance for eating, sitting up, and walking
  • unable to communicate with limited words and phrases
  • vulnerable to infections, such as pneumonia and skin infections
the exact cause of alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood, but genetic factors, age, and environmental influences are all believed to play a role.
while there’s currently no cure for alzheimer’s disease, various treatment approaches, including medications and interventions focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life can help the diagnosed individual. research is ongoing to better understand the underlying causes of the disease and to develop effective therapies and preventative measures.
alzheimer’s disease can have a significant impact on a person’s life and the lives of their family members, as it gradually changes their ability to take care of themselves and communicate with others. this is why it remains an important focus of medical research and public health efforts.
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current alzheimer’s disease statistics in canada

in 2020, 124,000 people in canada were diagnosed with dementia, and a total of 597,000 people were living with the disease. nearly 62 per cent of people living with dementia in 2020 were women.
the likelihood of developing alzheimer’s disease or related dementia rises as individuals get older, with 1 per cent of canadians between the ages of 65-69 being affected up to 25 per cent for those age 85 and older.
approximately 25 per cent of seniors over the age of 85 have been diagnosed with dementia. though uncommon, 3 per cent of canadians under the age of 65 are diagnosed with young on-set dementia.
dementia is now the seventh leading cause of death globally. more than half of canadians are concerned about being affected by alzheimer’s disease.

impact of alzheimer’s disease on canadian society

alzheimer patients require ongoing medical care and specialized treatment. healthcare related costs, including doctor visits, medications, long-term care and hospitalizations can be significant. globally, dementia care costs an estimated $1.3 trillion (usd) every year. by 2031, estimates suggest that the annual health-care expenses for canadians with dementia will reach $16.6 billion (cad).
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the cost of alzheimer’s in society extends far beyond treatment cost and patient quality of life. often overlooked is the impact of caregivers, who are required to limit their working hours or leave their jobs to provide for their loved ones. in 2011, canadian alzheimer caregivers provided 19.2 million hours of unpaid care, a figure projected to double by 2031. forty-five per cent of caregivers of seniors with dementia experience feelings of anger, depression, or unable to continue.
it’s not uncommon for alzheimer patients to experience changes in behavior including mood swings, feelings of depression, and instances of hallucinations. as a result, other neuropsychiatric conditions can co-exist, like depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder as alzheimer’s disease progresses. these conditions can advance to a point where they disrupt the individual’s daily functioning and can worsen the course of the disease.

resources and support available for alzheimer’s disease

family doctors, geriatricians, neurologists, and other healthcare professionals can provide medical guidance, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations for individuals with alzheimer’s disease. they can also offer information about available medications and therapies that may help manage symptoms.
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many hospitals and healthcare centres across the country have memory clinics or specialized dementia clinics. individuals struggling with memory-related issues can visit these clinics to receive comprehensive assessments, diagnosis, and treatment plans.
while there’s no current cure for alzheimer’s disease, there are medications available to reduce the rate of cognitive decline, or help manage symptoms such as difficulty with language, cognitive skills, and physical mobility.
individuals with mild to moderate alzheimer’s may benefit from medications donepezil, galantamine, or rivastigmine to prevent the breakdown of a brain chemical (acetylcholine). for those with moderate to advanced alzheimer’s disease, memantine or donepezil may be prescribed.
cognitive therapies and mental stimulation programs can also be used to manage an individual’s cognitive decline.
there are also a number of community resources, support groups, and helplines available to both alzheimer patients and caregivers in canada.
the alzheimer society of canada provides a wealth of information, resources, and support services for individuals with alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. they have both provincial and territorial branches to offer more localized information and services for individuals.
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the dementia helpline is a toll-free number operated by the alzheimer’s society of canada. those affected by dementia can receive support in receiving the diagnosis, disease progression, maintaining independence, or providing care and support. the helpline also provides information on support groups and other resources available in your community.
canadians suffering from alzheimer’s can receive medical advice and support over the phone through provincial telehealth services, including:
the government of canada is actively developing a national dementia strategy to tackle the challenges posed by dementia, including alzheimer’s disease. the strategy aims to improve dementia care and support, enhance public awareness, and promote research.
your family doctor or local health clinic may provide additional information and resources related to alzheimer’s disease, managing symptoms, and caregiver support. your local community health center may also offer a range of medical and support services, including access to various healthcare professionals and resources for alzheimer patients.
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alzheimer’s can have significant psychological effects on patients, such as depression, aggression, agitation, or psychosis. psychologists, psychiatrists, or other mental health professionals can offer counseling, therapy, and, if necessary, medication to support a patients’ mental well-being.

the future of alzheimer’s disease in canada

by 2050, it’s expected that more than 1.7 million canadians will be living with dementia — with an average of 685 individuals being diagnosed each day. over the next 30 years, it’s predicted that an estimated 6.3 million canadians will be diagnosed, live with, and eventually die from dementia.
ongoing research in canada is actively working to develop innovative treatment options for alzheimer patients. researchers are exploring a number of different approaches, such as targeting abnormal protein deposits in the brain, enhancing brain cell communication, and understanding the genetic factors that contribute to the disease’s development.
some areas of research and potential upcoming treatment options include:
  • amyloid-targeted therapies: these types of treatments attach to and eliminate beta-amyloid, a protein that forms plaques in the brain. these treatments significantly impact the disease’s progression, especially for those in the initial stages, providing them with more time to live independently.
  • immunotherapy: both passive and active immunotherapies, which are treatments that boost the immune system, have been found to work well in reducing harmful protein buildup and preventing disease progression in early tests.
  • precision medicine: using markers like genes and images to diagnose and group patients based on the specific type of disease they have allows medical professionals to create personalized treatments and develop therapies that focus on the unique needs of each patient. targeted interventions can help slow the progression of the disease, better manage symptoms, and improve the overall quality of care.
  • lifestyle interventions: research indicates that lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress management, sleep, and social interaction can influence brain health and significantly reduce an individual’s risk of developing dementia.
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while research is progressing, developing new treatments for alzheimer’s is complex and can take time. each new intervention must successfully pass clinical trials to test the safety and effectiveness of new interventions before they become widely available.
societal awareness and education also have a critical role to play in mitigating alzheimer’s disease. increased awareness helps individuals and their families recognize the early signs of alzheimer’s disease. while early detection allows medical intervention and support to begin sooner, potentially slowing down the disease’s progression and improving the quality of life for patients.
raising awareness can help reduce the stigma associated with alzheimer’s disease and dementia. this promotes open conversations, empathy, and support within communities, making it easier for affected individuals and caregivers to seek help and engage in social activities. education also equips caregivers with information about the disease, caregiving strategies, and available resources to better face the challenges of caring for a loved one with alzheimer’s.
alzheimer education can also encourage individuals and families to plan for the future, including legal and financial matters and caregiving arrangements. being prepared can reduce stress and uncertainty as the disease progresses.
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over the next two decades, canada’s senior population, aged 65 and older, is projected to increase by 68 per cent. with an aging population, the impact of alzheimer’s is expected to rise along with it, placing a growing strain on healthcare resources and caregivers alike. understanding the disease is essential to reducing stigma and enabling a more empathetic and supportive environment for those affected and their caregivers.
if you or someone you know is concerned about alzheimer’s disease or any cognitive changes, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and guidance. early detection and intervention can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals and their caregivers.
corey deeth is a toronto-based writer. 
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