National statements
Learn more about the Alzheimer Society of Canada’s position and perspective on a range of considerations relating to dementia, people living with dementia and their caregivers.
For enquiries regarding these statements and positions, please contact us at [email protected].
Advance requests for medical assistance in dying (MAID) for people living with dementia
Last updated: February 17, 2023
Excerpt/Summary: On February 15, 2023, Parliament’s Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) released its second report on MAID, providing additional insight and recommendations on requests in complex circumstances, including for advanced requests.
After hearing from Canadians, the committee has recommended to the House of Commons that advance requests be permitted following a diagnosis of a serious and incurable medical condition, disease or disorder leading to incapacity.
The Alzheimer Society of Canada applauds the committee’s recommendation that advance requests be permitted as part of end-of-life care planning under certain circumstances.
We believe and continue to support that people living with dementia should have the right to choice in their advance care planning, and we believe this committee recommendation will help support that.
We recognize that planning for a medically assisted death must be a free and informed choice. Our federal, provincial and territorial governments must ensure access to high-quality community and home care, long-term care and palliative care, so that a person living with dementia has access to a full range of quality care options for end-of-life care planning.
Download and read our full statement on this report (PDF).
Read more about medical assistance in dying.
Cannabis and the treatment of dementia
Last updated: July 20, 2018
Summary: While there is ongoing promising research on the effects of cannabis, there is currently no evidence that cannabis is useful for the treatment or prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
Limbic-predominant aged-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE-NC)
Last updated: May 2, 2019
Summary: The discovery of LATE-NC speaks to the growing umbrella of different dementias and the complexity of these diseases. The Alzheimer Society is hopeful that these new findings will pave the way to new treatments that target different forms of dementia.
Meaningful engagement of people living with dementia
Last updated: August 17, 2018
Summary: The Alzheimer Society of Canada believes that people with dementia want to inform the work that directly impacts their quality of life and well-being.
The Society recognizes the right of people with dementia to be actively involved in the work of organizations that represent their interests and value their involvement.
Online self-assessments for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
Last updated: May 26, 2014
Summary: Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are complex diseases of the brain and qualified health care providers should be involved in diagnosing these conditions. People who are experiencing memory issues accompanied by difficulties in day-to-day activities and skills should contact their healthcare provider.
Race and dementia in Canada
Last updated: October 5, 2020
Summary: At the Alzheimer Society of Canada, we work to change the lives of those living with dementia. However, we need to do more to combat systemic oppression.
Use of antipsychotic medications to treat people living with dementia in long-term care homes
Last updated: June 7, 2017
Statement summary: The Alzheimer Society recommends that antipsychotics only be used as a last resort to treat behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, especially in older adults. The Society encourages health professionals in all settings to practice a person-centred approach to care for people living with dementia.