Message from Tony Clement, Minister of Health

Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month - January 2008

January is Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, which serves as a great opportunity to raise awareness about Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias.

Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia and mainly affects seniors. The World Health Organization reports that the prevalence of dementia in persons aged 65 years and older in North America is approximately 6%-10%, with Alzheimer's Disease accounting for two-thirds of these cases.

Although much progress has been made in research, care, and education, we still do not know what causes Alzheimer's Disease or how to cure it. However, there is medication that can slow down the disease and treat some of its symptoms. Leading a healthy lifestyle - exercising, eating well, and keeping your brain active - may help reduce your risk of developing the disease.

Over $99 million in research projects on Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias have been funded by the Government of Canada through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research since 2000 (including over $22 million in 2006-07).

The Government of Canada is also working with key stakeholders to improve the health of seniors. For example, support was provided to the Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health to develop the first Canadian National Guidelines on Seniors' Mental Health.

Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month is coordinated by the Alzheimer Society of Canada, a national not-for-profit health organization which provides individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and their caregivers with help in the form of support and information, public awareness activities, and research to search for the causes and cure of the disease.

Please join me this month in recognizing the Alzheimer Society of Canada, and all those who are involved in the fight against Alzheimer's Disease.

Tony Clement
Minister of Health
Government of Canada