Alzheimer Society of Canada commends Federal Throne Speech

Government shows leadership in renewing dementia research  

TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2013 /CNW/ - The Alzheimer Society of Canada welcomes the Federal Government's commitment to renew health research to tackle the growing onset of dementia and related diseases, as outlined in the Speech from the Throne.

"The Alzheimer Society is pleased that the Government of Canada recognizes dementia as an important issue," says Mimi Lowi-Young, CEO, Alzheimer Society of Canada. "The Throne Speech also demonstrates their commitment to finding solutions that will benefit Canadians and their families facing this fatal disease." 

Close to 750,000 Canadians have dementia today. This number is expected to reach 1.4 million by 2031, with costs rising to $293 billion per year by 2040. With an aging demographic and with dim prospects for a cure, dementia will continue to drain our economy and stretch our health-care resources. 

The Alzheimer Society also applauds the Government's commitment to improve the caregiver tax credit which will help provide relief to caregivers who currently spend up to 444 million unpaid hours per year looking after a family member with dementia.

In September, the Alzheimer Society of Canada called on the Government to establish the Canadian Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Partnership, with a mandate to assemble dementia experts, government officials, health-care providers, researchers and people who are personally impacted by the disease to facilitate and implement a national dementia strategy. 

"We know from a recent Nanos survey that 83 per cent of Canadians want a national dementia strategy. Our pledge to Canadians and families living with this disease is to make sure their voices are heard. We will continue to work with our government partners to ensure this happens."

For more information about the Canadian Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Partnership, visit Alzheimer.ca/alzheimerspartnership.

About the Alzheimer Society of Canada
The Alzheimer Society is the leading nationwide health charity for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Active in communities across Canada, the Society offers help for today through our programs and services, and hope for tomorrow by funding research into the cause, prevention and a cure.

SOURCE: Alzheimer Society of Canada

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