Alzheimer Society of Canada says Council of Federation on the right track but more action needed for dementia

TORONTO, Aug. 29, 2014 /CNW/ - The Alzheimer Society of Canada is pleased that the Council of Federation continues to make early diagnosis and treatment of dementia a priority.

"Sharing and building on best practices that are already working well across the country means we can make a huge difference in the lives of Canadians affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias," says Mimi Lowi-Young, CEO, Alzheimer Society of Canada.

The Alzheimer Society is asking all levels of government to support a national dementia plan. It has recommended the creation of the Canadian Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Partnership. The Partnership would bring together researchers, health professionals, provincial governments, industry, people with dementia and their families, as well as Alzheimer Societies across Canada, in order to plan and implement a national dementia plan. 

"We need Canada's premiers to get behind our Partnership and for the Federal government to provide leadership. Dementia is one of the biggest health challenges we're facing as an aging population. Through better planning and use of our resources and expertise, we can build a health-care system that better meets the needs of Canadians with dementia and deliver services more cost-effectively," says Lowi-Young.

A national dementia plan would primarily focus on improving research through collaboration and innovation. It would standardize the training of health workers who provide dementia care and ensure integration of services throughout the dementia journey. A national plan would also improve supports for family caregivers and increase public understanding of the disease.

Representing 747,000 Canadians already living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, the Alzheimer Society will continue to work with provincial and federal leaders to achieve a national dementia plan.

About the Alzheimer Society
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. To learn more, visit www.alzheimer.ca

SOURCE: Alzheimer Society of Canada

Media contact: Rosanne Meandro, Director, Media Relations, Direct: 416-847-8920, Mobile: [phone], [email protected], www.alzheimer.ca