Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Dementia 2020 Strategy for Canada Report

 is now available at https://alzheimer.ca/sites/default/files/documents/PHAC-A-dementia-strategy-for-Canada-2020-annual-report.pdf

The following are some excerpts from the report:

What is dementia?

Dementia is a term used to describe symptoms affecting brain function. It may be characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities such as memory; planning; judgement; basic math skills; and awareness of person, place and time. Dementia can also affect language, mood and behaviour, and the ability to maintain activities of daily living.

Dementia may be caused by neurodegenerative diseases (affecting nerve cells in the brain), vascular diseases (affecting blood vessels like arteries and veins) and injuries. Types of dementia include vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal, Alzheimer’s disease and mixed. In rare instances, dementia may be linked to infectious diseases, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, or caused by injuries.

 The report sets out data points to provide a snapshot of some aspects of the state of dementia in Canada. Tracking data points over time will help our efforts to assess how we are doing as a country in making progress on the national objectives and in moving closer to the aspirations set out in the national dementia strategy. To improve the data available about dementia in Canada, PHAC commissioned a national public opinion survey of about 4,200 Canadians in early 2020. This survey also provides insights into differences in knowledge and attitudes across regions and within different demographic groups. It found that 83% of respondents believe dementia is having a moderate to a significant impact in Canada today. About half of respondents worry about developing dementia themselves (49%) and almost two-thirds worry that someone close to them will develop dementia (64%).

COVID-19 has created new challenges for people living with dementia and caregivers and requires tailoring of responses to address those needs. Some of the early challenges identified for people living with dementia and caregivers include:

·    Physical distancing may disproportionately affect people living with dementia because they depend primarily on in-person support, are extremely sensitive to disruptions to their daily routines, and may have very low technological literacy to stay connected with friends and family.

·    Some people living with dementia may have difficulties remembering safeguard procedures such as regularly and thoroughly handwashing or understanding public health information and guidance, which could expose them to a higher risk of infection.

·    Given the recent occurrence of COVID-19, there has not been adequate opportunity to assess the impacts of COVID-19 on people living with dementia. However, 90 percent of those living with this condition have at least one other chronic condition and nearly 20 percent have five or more health conditions, which may increase their risk for severe symptoms and death.

·        COVID-19 is placing enormous additional pressure on family/friend caregivers who may already be feeling stretched and stressed. Key caregiver challenges include:

§  Lack of respite care and closures of day programs;

§  Concerns about loved ones living in long-term care facilities;

§  Restrictions on being able to see their loved ones who are living in facilities;

§  Moving their loved ones temporarily back home to reduce the risk of transmission; and,

§  Juggling children and work at home at the same time as continuing or increasing caregiver responsibilities.

Factors affecting the risk of dementia.

There is growing persuasive scientific evidence that healthy living throughout a lifetime may prevent or delay the onset of dementia. Along with having healthy environments to live in, there are individual health behaviours and other factors that can affect the chance of developing dementia. This list outlines several of the factors identified. Research is underway to further explore the links between the risk of developing dementia, individual actions, and environmental surroundings.

From unhealthy to healthy behaviours:

Physical inactivity                                                                 Be more active.

Harmful alcohol use                                                              Reduce or quit alcohol.

Smoking in later life (over age 65)                                        Reduce or quit smoking.

Sleep disturbances (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea)               Taking steps towards

sufficient and better-quality sleep.

Management of these health conditions:

·                    High blood pressure (hypertension)

·                    Stroke, heart disease and other vascular diseases (affecting blood vessels like arteries and veins)

·                    Cholesterol levels

·                    Diabetes

·                    Obesity

Other factors:

·                    Social isolation Social engagement and inclusion

·                    Lower levels of early life education More years of childhood education

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