Dear visitor,

January brings a new year, new beginnings, and resolutions.

January is also Alzheimer Awareness Month.

I encourage Ontarians to take the opportunity to learn more about Alzheimer disease and related dementias.

This progressive, degenerative brain disease has the potential to affect anyone, and every year an increasing number of Ontarians are diagnosed with Alzheimer disease or a related dementia.

Alzheimer disease affects:

• 1 in 20 Canadians over the age of 65,
• 1 in 14 Canadians between the ages of 75 and 84,
• 1 in 4 Canadians over the age of 85.

As our population ages, the number of people affected with Alzheimer disease will grow as well.  The disease has far reaching ripple effects. When a person suffers from this disease it can affect the whole family.

At present, there is no cure.

However, investment and research have made improvements in the lives of those who are affected by this disease.  

Ontario’s Strategy for Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias was Canada’s first comprehensive strategy to support people with Alzheimer Disease, and their families.

The Strategy resulted in $13 million in ongoing funding for new or expanded respite programs; 50 new psycho-geriatric resource consultants and 39 public education coordinators in local Alzheimer society chapters.

For information on awareness activities across the province as well as on the Walk for Memories, visit the Alzheimer Society of Ontario at www.alzheimerontario.org.

For more information on Alzheimer disease and related dementias visit www.alzheimer.ca.

Sincerely,

Hon. Aileen Carroll
Minister Responsible for Seniors