Parliament recently passed Bill C-233, an act that will lead to the creation of a national strategy for dealing with dementia
The latest statistics from the Public Health Agency of Canada suggest that more than 400,000 Canadians are currently living with dementia. That number has increased by 21 per cent in the past decade.
The increase shows no signs of slowing down as more and more Canadians become seniors.
READ MORE: Dementia numbers in Canada
I’m sure a national strategy will include more money for research into dementia; to understand the different types, how they develop, and to prescribe treatments that might help to slow the process.
There’s already some interesting work being done with music and animal therapy. Dr. Yves Joanette, of the Institute of Aging, shared some thoughts on this subject Monday during the Alberta Morning News.
LISTEN: Joanette with Peter Watts on July 3
I don’t know what the government’s strategy will look like when it is created, or how it will be implemented. I only know it can’t be put in place a moment too soon.
For every Canadian suffering from some form of dementia, there is at least one caregiver who is affected as well. That brings the issue into a sharp focus because the trauma of memory loss affects more people than simply the patient.
Let’s not forget about this. Let’s get on with the challenge right away.
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