January 30, 2008
For Immediate Release

News Release

Government of Canada Announces a $60,000 Contribution to the Alzheimer Society of Canada

OTTAWA – Parliamentary Secretary Steven Fletcher, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, today participated in a reception on Parliament Hill marking the conclusion of Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, and announced new Government of Canada funding of $60,000 to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.  The funding will be used to improve Canada’s knowledge of the prevalence and the impact of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias in Canada.

“Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month is a great opportunity to raise awareness about Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias,” said Mr. Fletcher. “I am especially pleased that, during this very month, we have concluded a funding agreement with the Alzheimer Society of Canada to support research and analysis on the impact of dementia in Canada. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who are committed to the fight against Alzheimer’s for their dedicated work.”

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.

Over $22 million in research projects on Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias have been funded by the Government of Canada through 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.

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Media Inquiries:

Laryssa Waler
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Jacinthe Perras
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 941-8189