Liberals are working to help improve the quality of life of people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and their families, by hosting a forum on Parliament Hill on neurodegenerative diseases and strategies to help ease the burden on caregivers.
“Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s will place significant demands on our loved ones as our population ages,” said Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff, who opened the forum by speaking about his personal experience with his mother’s illness.
“It is critical that governments take steps to plan for the expected future impact of neurological diseases on our health system and our economy,” said Liberal Public Health Critic Dr. Kirsty Duncan.
The roundtable will hear from experts in the fields of neurological diseases, advocacy organizations, as well as those personally living with these diseases.
“This is an occasion to further important discussions regarding research on the cause, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia,” said Dr. Duncan. “We will also look into strategies for improving the quality of life for all persons with dementia, and for easing the burden on caregivers and families of patients.”
Stephen Harper sidetracked the work of the Neurological Diseases Parliamentary subcommittee by shutting down Parliament until March. The committee was to begin two days of expert testimony next month.
“We’re hosting this forum because decision-makers, scientists, and stakeholders were keen to keep this discussion going,” said Dr. Duncan. “We need to look into pooling resources to address neurological disorders, what kinds of research should be pursued, and what kinds of help should be provided to the growing number of families affected by these diseases.”
“Let’s hope the subcommittee will be reconstituted with little delay when Parliament resumes, so we can continue our work on this important issue for the benefit of all Canadians.”
Factsheet: Alzheimer’s and Dementia Forum
• Today, half a million Canadians have Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. 71,000 of patients are under age 65, with women accounting for 72% of all cases of Alzheimer’s disease.
• One in three – or 10 million – Canadians will be affected by a neurological or psychiatric disease, disorder or injury at some point in their lives.
• Alzheimer’s disease is the leading form of dementia. It currently represents 64% of all dementias.
• A recent report from the Alzheimer Society of Canada highlighted that while there was one new case of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in Canada every five minutes in 2008, there will be one new case every two minutes in 2038.
• There are no cures for ALS, MS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and no effective treatments that consistently slow or stop the course of these devastating neurodegenerative diseases.
• These diseases often put a significant burden on Canadian families. There are currently at least 2.85 million Canadians providing care for a family member with long-term health problems. It is expected that the number of seniors with chronic conditions requiring home care services will increase by a third by 2017.
• According to a Health Canada study, 25% of caregivers have had their employment situation affected by their care giving responsibilities, and about 40 % of them face long term financial pressures related to these responsibilities.
