Media
Release
For
immediate release
Sept. 18, 2008
For
more information, please contact:
Patricia Wilkinson, Manager, Media & Government Relations
Office: 1.800.616.8816 or
416.847.2959
Mobile: 416.669.5715
pwilkinson@alzheimer.ca
Federal Candidates Asked to Consider Dementia this World Alzheimer's Day
September 18, 2008 – As the Alzheimer Society prepares to join hundreds of countries across the globe in recognition of World Alzheimer's Day this Sunday, Canada's federal election candidates are being asked to show their support by recognizing dementia as a national health priority.
With approximately half a million Canadians affected by dementia, or one in every 13 over the age of 65, this is more than just an important health concern. This disease has the potential to overwhelm our social and health care systems if fundamental changes are not made in research funding and care delivery.
"This World Alzheimer's Day, we need to ensure the future government leaders of our country are aware of this potential health care crisis, and that they commit to helping make dementia a national health care priority," says Scott Dudgeon, Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. "It is time for Canada to put in place the same concrete measures and policies as countries like the USA, Australia the UK and France."
World Alzheimer's Day will be celebrated across the globe this Sunday, September 21. Alzheimer 's Disease International, an organization at the forefront of world wide efforts to fight dementia, will be marking the day by releasing a charter adopted by its 77 member organizations, including the Alzheimer Society of Canada. The charter calls for immediate action to address the dementia epidemic, or face a global public health and social care emergency. For more information on the charter, visit www.globalcharter.org.
Today is also the launch of the Alzheimer Society's nationwide Coffee Break™ fundraiser. This year, to mark the 13th anniversary of this grassroots campaign, the Society is hoping to raise $1.3 million to support critical programs and services for people with Alzheimer's disease, their caregivers and their families.
The Alzheimer Society is the leading, nationwide health organization for people affected by dementia in Canada. The Society is a principal funder of Alzheimer research and training, provides enhanced care and support to people with the disease, their families and their caregivers, and is a prominent voice within all levels of government. Active in more than 140 communities across Canada, the Society is also a key player in Alzheimer Disease International, an organization at the forefront of world wide efforts to fight dementia.
For more information on the Alzheimer Society, our election campaign, World Alzheimer's Day or Coffee Break, please visit www.alzheimer.ca.
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