The 2020 national public opinion research survey on Dementia

The 2020 report to Parliament on A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire marks the first anniversary of the release of the strategy. This report, through the variety of initiatives selected this year as examples of our collective effort, underlines that progress on the strategy and its impact over time relies on the initiatives and investments of all levels of government and from many different organizations across Canada.

As Canada continues to implement the strategy and pursues its aspirations, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) will continue to gather information to increase our understanding of the initiatives and investments across Canada that are aligned with the strategy’s three national objectives: prevent dementia; advance therapies and find a cure; and improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and caregivers.

It is also clear that the impact of COVID-19 on Canadians, including people living with dementia and caregivers, will shape and inform federal and other efforts related to dementia as we move forward.

The 2020 national public opinion research survey is part of the Government of Canada’s initial work on implementation and is helping us better understand the knowledge and perceptions of Canadians on key aspects of dementia, including risk reduction and stigma. The 2020 survey revealed some key areas where awareness-raising efforts in the years ahead can be particularly important. For example, knowledge gaps are higher in some regions of the country and within some populations that are at higher risk. As well, about one-quarter of respondents were unaware that there are actions that can be taken to reduce the risk of dementia. There are also knowledge gaps regarding some risk factors linked to dementia, including existing health conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease and diabetes, and how certain behaviours or environmental factors such as smoking, and air pollution can increase risk. Only one quarter of survey respondents reported taking steps specifically intended to reduce their risk for developing dementia.

The survey also confirms more work needs to be done to reduce and ultimately eliminate stigma and improve quality of life for people living with dementia. There is good news in that only 12% of respondents reported that they would not be comfortable interacting with someone living with dementia, largely due to uncertainty or lack of knowledge about dementia which suggests there is potential to increase this comfort level among this small group. However, only 46% of respondents feel efforts to make the community safer for people living with dementia are moderate to excellent and only 51% rated opportunities for social engagement/social connection for this population at moderate to excellent. One-quarter of respondents felt that the level of support in their community for people living with dementia is poor while 25% did not know, suggesting that while there is room for awareness raising and improvement of support, there is also much happening that is making a difference and is recognized.

All organizations across Canada involved in dementia-related initiatives are encouraged to share information with PHAC about their work. This effort to create a more comprehensive understanding of our national effort will provide a more accurate portrait of the magnitude and scope of work underway in Canada, while identifying gaps in programs and services. If you would like to receive communications about the national dementia strategy and funding opportunities or provide information about your activities, please contact the PHAC Dementia Policy Secretariat.