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with each report about the newest sure-fire drug ( aducanumab ), with every intriguing university study ( fluid from young mice improves memory in older mice), with every shocking headline about a cause ( aluminum ), people with alzheimer’s disease and other dementias get their hopes up. and, inevitably, those hopes are dashed as the claims often crumble.
the latest census figures show canada’s population is aging fast: from 2016 to 2021, those 65 and older rose from 16.9 per cent to 19 per cent , those 85 and older increased by 12 per cent. statistics canada says the number of canadians 85 and older could triple over the next 25 years.
and while alzheimer’s and other dementias are not a normal part of aging, age is the biggest risk factor (others include genetics, lifestyle and environment). according to the alzheimer society of canada , one in 20 people who have the disease are 65 and older. after age 65, the risk doubles about every five years. after 85, the risk is one in four.
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“what are we trying to cure?” says wong. “any kind of treatment, whether curative or not, must be tailored to meet the needs of the person, and each person can be different.” (there are several medications that don’t cure the disease but may slow the rate of cognitive decline.)
it’s much of the same story when it comes to figuring out the cause. according to the alzheimer society , a protein in the brain called amyloid-beta clumps together in between brain cells, forming deposits called amyloid plaques, which, when large enough, can block signals between brain cells, causing them to die, eventually leading to cognitive decline. scientists still don’t fully understand why it happens.
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that doesn’t stop researchers from doggedly digging for answers for those more than half a million canadians living with dementia though. and yes, though the answers continue to be elusive, funding for that research is crucial if we’re ever going to get there.
the federal government recently allocated $50 million over five years for dementia research. the alzheimer society had requested $30 million per year . wong says it’s not unreasonable to hope for more, noting the canadian cancer society is funded 20 times the amount as the alzheimer society, and the heart & stroke foundation six times higher.
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“long-term care homes need to be better supported, funded, and staffed,” she acknowledges. but she points to the ontario alzheimer society’s dementia strategy roadmap , which advocates for — among other things — earlier detection and prolonged aging at home. “it’s one way to get our government to understand that dementia is a significant issue that needs to be thought about and addressed now and not from a reactive standpoint.”
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iroanyah says while there are many approaches to diagnosis — physical and cognitive exams, blood tests and scans — the alzheimer society wants more standardized testing.
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wong says socialization is also important for those living with dementia, as well as music therapy or other art forms, which can all be helpful and calming. the alzheimer society advocates for dementia-friendly communities to allow those with the disease to function within a supportive community setting, free of stigma, and equipped with all the necessary supports, including easier use of transportation.
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