Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

This content was archived on June 24, 2013.

Alzheimer's Awareness Month

January 2011

We all hope to reach our senior years and look back fondly on a lifetime of memories, but this cannot be for those with Alzheimer's disease. As Minister of Health, I invite all Canadians to learn more about this debilitating disease during January, and to participate in your local "Walk for Memories" at the end of the month.

Alzheimer's is a progressive, degenerative disease that causes the memory and thinking processes to become seriously impaired. Common symptoms of Alzheimer's can include short- and long-term memory loss, mood and behavioural changes, a declining ability to think and communicate clearly and, ultimately, a decrease in the body's immune functions. Typically, Alzheimer's patients die of this disease 7 to 10 years after diagnosis.

The Canadian Study of Health and Aging estimates that, by 2011, one in 10 Canadians aged 65 and older will have some form of dementia. Alzheimer's disease will make up two-thirds of these cases. As our population ages, the incidence of Alzheimer's is expected to increase, placing growing demands on community health and social services, as well as on long-term care facilities.

To help prevent or delay the onset of this disease, I encourage Canadians to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviours. This includes scheduling regular health checkups and keeping blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight within recommended ranges. Diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol are all risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. Pursuing a healthy lifestyle means eating a diet high in anti-oxidant rich foods as well as staying physically, mentally and socially active.

The Government of Canada has invested more than $176 million in Alzheimer's research, care, and education. We are working with Canada's major neurological charities to implement a four-year national population study of Canadians affected by neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's. With federal funding of $15 million, this study is filling gaps in knowledge about rates of neurological conditions in Canada and their effects on individuals, families, and caregivers.

We are also working closely with the Alzheimer Society of Canada to develop an International Research Strategy for Alzheimer's disease. This will pave the way for us to collaborate globally to address this major public health concern.

I encourage you to join me in recognizing the Alzheimer's Society of Canada for its efforts in bringing attention to a disease that affects many Canadians, both those living with Alzheimer's and those who love and care for them.

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada