Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health update on Dementia

 Dementia in Canada: Cross-Country Report 

Data from the 2021 census indicates that the Canadian population is aging faster than ever with about 19% of working individuals nearing retirement. Seniors aged 85 and older are one of the fastest-growing segments of the population has increased as a group by 12% since the 2016 census. 

Although dementia is not a normal part of aging, the risk of developing dementia increases substantially with age. For example, after age 65, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (the most common form of dementia) doubles about every five years. It is estimated that about 25% of individuals 85 years of age and older have Alzheimer’s disease. But dementia is not restricted to those over 65. The Alzheimer Society of Canada has estimated that between 2% and 8% of all dementia cases affect individuals less than 65 years of age. Currently, about 600,000 Canadians are living with dementia. It is estimated that by 2050, that number will increase to 1.7 million. 

A recent report from CanAge examines what each Canadian province and territory is currently doing to address the prevalence of dementia. Highlights from the report include the following: 

• The percentage of Canadians 65 years of age and old ranges from 4.4% in Nunavut to 23.6% in Newfoundland and Labrador. •

 The percentage of primary care physicians who have sufficient skills and experience to manage dementia ranges from 19% (in Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut) to 50% in New Brunswick and 52% in Nova Scotia. 

• Four jurisdictions (PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories and Yukon) currently have a dementia strategy in place.

• Three jurisdictions (Alberta, Nova Scotia and Nunavut) publish resources for individuals (and their families) who suspect they may have dementia encouraging them to contact a health care provider for assessment. 

• Six jurisdictions (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Yukon and Northwest Territories) publish resources for caregivers of individuals with dementia.

The authors concluded “[Canada] is not adequately prepared to support the number of people with dementia now – let alone the [projected] growth in the future.” 

The CanAge report provides an opportunity to assess where Canada currently stands as well as where there is room for improvement. To read the full report, go to https://www.canage.ca/advocacy/dementiareport-2022/