Gravelle, joined by NDP Health critic Libby Davies (Vancouver East), NDP Seniors critic Irene Mathyssen (London-Fanshawe) and Alzheimer advocates, profiled his mother Leona’s story, painfully familiar to Canadians whose numbers will double to 1.1 million plus their caregivers within a generation.

“Long before her death at 83 in 2003, besides the first forgetting of appointments and things on the stove, it deteriorated to forgetting to take medication, to language loss, changes in mood and behaviour and loss of initiative,” Gravelle recalled. “We were helpless watching a mild-mannered woman at times turn aggressive and seeing part of her true self slip away. My dad was the partner who also suffers, learning to sleep with one eye open.”

“Existing federal programs, research funding, support and income assistance pale in comparison to the enormous and rapidly escalating health, economic and social impacts of this devastating disease,” said Debbie Benczkowski, interim CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. “Dementia is a non-partisan issue. On behalf of Canadians with dementia and their families, we urge all parties to work together to act on Mr. Gravelle’s bill.”

“The Conservative government needs to take immediate action and provide comprehensive long term and community care options to support those living with chronic illness,” stated Davies. “A national dementia strategy is desperately needed, and should be a cornerstone in guiding the implementation of long term and community care programs.”

“With a rapidly expanding seniors’ population, 9.8 million Canadian seniors by 2036,” investments for programs and research into seniors’ health and well being must happen now” said Mathyssen. “Inaction is not an option. The federal government can and must take the lead.”

According to the Alzheimer Society’s 2010 landmark report Rising Tide: the Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society, without government action dementia costs to the Canadian economy will increase tenfold, from $15 billion a year to $153 billion a year over the next 30 years.

“Alzheimer’s is not part of normal aging,” Gravelle said. “Together, let’s champion a national dementia strategy.”

For further information:
Rick Prashaw, Legislative Assistant to Claude Gravelle
613-290-3238
claude.gravelle.a1@parl.gc.ca

View press release

Remarks from interim CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada, Debbie Benczkowski

House of Commons Standing Committee on Health

The Health committee has agreed to hold eight meetings this fall to conduct a study of chronic diseases related to aging. The Alzheimer Society believes that immediate action by governments across Canada in three key areas, support for caregivers, improved brain health, and greater integration of health care services throughout the care continuum will offer both short and long-term benefits for Canadians. We know with certainty that there is broad public support for a range of solutions to improve Canada’s health system, in particular for those with dementia. The Alzheimer Society hopes that during the upcoming weeks of committee hearings, our recommendations will receive careful consideration.

Additionally, the Committee has agreed to hold two meetings this fall to conclude its study of neurological diseases which was conducted during the last parliament.

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology

This fall the Standing Senate Committee will continue its review of the Canada Health Accord. Given the committee’s extensive experience in the area of mental health, the Alzheimer Society is hopeful that the committee will including in its review, an overview of the current state of support and care systems for Canadians living with mental health disorders and neurological diseases.
As Canada’s national advocate for those with dementia, the Alzheimer Society continues to be inspired by each of the millions of Canadians impacted by dementia. As a dedicated supporter of world class research and service provider for those with dementia, we believe we have the mandate to share our expertise on areas of public policy and welcome the opportunity to do so.