Every year, September 21 marks World Alzheimer’s Day to raise awareness about the disease and the stigma that can come with it. If you or a loved one have not yet been touched by Alzheimer’s or dementia, then it may become your reality one day.
It is important for all of us to take the time to learn about Alzheimer’s and the other types of dementias, so we can help those affected enjoy a better quality of life, live safely in their communities and reduce the stigma associated with this disease.
Dementia in Canada by the Numbers
- There are currently 564,000 individuals living with dementia in Canada, and this number is projected to rise to 937,000 in 15 years
- There are 25,000 new cases diagnosed each year
- 65% of individuals over the age of 65 who are diagnosed with dementia are women
- Dementia is not exclusively for those considered to be ‘seniors’ or ‘elderly’ as 16,000 (2.8%) of those currently living with dementia are under the age of 65
- 56,000 individuals with dementia are being cared for in hospitals in situations where this is not the best location for their care
- Directly or indirectly, 1.1 million Canadians are affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s, and 1 in 5 Canadians have cared for someone living with Dementia
- Caring for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s in Canada costs $10.4-billion per year
Do you want to learn more about Alzheimer’s and Dementia? Visit our blog or resources page for information, caregiving tips and links to external community resources and services to assist individuals with dementia and their families.
Source: http://alzheimer.ca/en/Home/About-dementia/What-is-dementia/Dementia-numbers