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Rising Tide

January 29, 2010 14:01

In health-care circles, much has been made in recent years about the emergence of diabetes in Canada and the need for cohesive strategies to promote healthy lifestyles.

But, if coping with diabetes represents an immediate challenge, the storm on the horizon is Alzheimer's and dementia, and the forecast is bleak indeed.

A report commissioned by the Alzheimer Society of Canada, called 'Rising Tide: The impact of dementia on Canadian society', sounds the warning that cases of dementia could surpass 1.2 million within three decades and the economic cost of managing that growth may exceed $150 billion a year.

By 2038, there could be a new case of dementia every two minutes and the amount of unpaid care provided by the family members of patients could total 756 million hours - up from the current 231 million hours.

Given these predictions, the $24 million Ottawa currently invests in research into the causes and treatment of Alzheimer's appears exceptionally insufficient.

"You need to enhance research, you need education, you need to enhance public awareness, reducing stigma," dementia expert Carrie McAinet told Canadian Press. "You need to enhance services, including within the community."

The Alzheimer Society of Canada is calling on the federal government to boost its investment in research to $72 million, but even that sounds paltry in comparison with the potential economic and human costs Canadians could face down the road, should the report's predictions prove accurate.

A national strategy needs to be formulated to educate Canadians about dementia and to promote healthy living. Prevention programs have the potential to save billions and to save lives. And far more resources need to be invested in developing new treatments for Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Measures need to be taken as soon as possible, before this problem grows beyond our control.

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