Reports on dementia

Canadian reports

The following is a list of reports to help you understand the national impact of dementia in Canada.

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada: (Disconnected): How unseen links are putting us at risk

February 2019. This report details the links between heart, stroke and vascular cognitive impairment. New research indicates that heart conditions other than stroke can possibly lead to cognitive decline. This report is also available digitally on the Heart and Stroke website.

Canadian Academy of Health Sciences: Improving the quality of life and care of persons living with dementia and their caregivers

January 2019. In this report, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences was tasked by the Public Health Agency of Canada to assess current dementia knowledge and best practices to help shape the national dementia strategy.

Health Canada: Framework on Palliative Care in Canada

December 2018. The Framework will help inform the development of Canada’s national dementia strategy to benefit the more than half a million Canadians living with dementia today.

HEAL: The Canadian Way 2.0

November 2018. This consensus statement from HEAL (Organizations for Health Action) evaluates the action taken by the federal government on health care from 2016 to 2018, and offers additional recommendations on seniors’ care and mental health.

Public Health Agency of Canada: National Dementia Conference Report, May 14-15, 2018

September 2018. Public Health Agency of Canada's summary of the National Dementia Conference in May 2018, outlining the plan to develop Canada’s first national dementia strategy.

Senate of Canada: Dementia in Canada: A National Strategy for Dementia-friendly Communities

November 2016. The Senate of Canada summarises expert testimony and community consultations, providing a list of 29 recommendations for improving dementia care and support in Canada – including the introduction of a national dementia strategy.

Alzheimer Society of Canada: Prevalence and Monetary Costs of Dementia in Canada

June 2016. The Alzheimer Society of Canada provides an overview of how many Canadians are affected by dementia, and the monetary impact of the disease in Canada.

Canadian Institute for Health Information: Dementia in Canada

June 2016. The Canadian Institute for Health Information releases new data on how dementia impacts Canada’s seniors, caregivers, and health-care systems. Digital only.

International reports

Read these reports to learn more about the global impact of dementia.

Alzheimer’s Disease International: World Alzheimer Report 2018

September 2018. This report tackles some of the complex questions surrounding dementia research. It looks at the hopes and frustrations and asks why there have been no major medical treatment breakthroughs for over 20 years.

Alzheimer’s Disease International: From Plan to Impact

May 2018. One year after the Global Action Plan on Dementia was introduced, Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) looks at progress made towards the Plan’s 2025 targets.

Alzheimer’s Disease International: World Alzheimer Report 2016

September 2016. ADI reviews “research evidence on the elements of healthcare for people with dementia, and, using economic modelling, suggests how it should be improved and made more efficient.”

Alzheimer’s Research UK: Dementia Attitudes Monitor

February 2019. This report surveyed over 2,000 people living in the United Kingdom, tracking their attitudes and perceptions toward dementia. This report is also available digitally on the Alzheimer’s Research UK website.

Milken Institute: The Price Women Pay for Dementia

March 2016. Women are disproportionately affected by dementia. The California-based Milken Institute investigates the financial burden dementia places on American women, especially caregivers.

OECD Health Policy Studies: Care Needed: Improving the Lives of People with Dementia

2018. This report examines the approaches to dementia care taken by the 36 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

United Nations: Concluding Observations on the Initial Report of Canada

May 2017. The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities offers feedback and recommendations on Canada’s compliance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – a landmark international treaty ratified by Canada in 2010.

World Health Organization: Dementia: A Public Health Priority

2012. In this report, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides “an overview of global epidemiology and the impact of dementia, national-level approaches to dementia including the role of health and social care systems and workforce, issues around caregiving and caregivers, and awareness raising and advocacy for dementia.”

World Health Organization: Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017-2025

2017. The WHO lays out “ambitious targets” to be met by 2025, for the improvement of the health and wellbeing of people affected by dementia worldwide.

World Health Organization: Towards a Dementia Plan

2018. Thirty-two countries have implemented national dementia plans. Learning from their experiences, the World Health Organization put together a guide for countries – like Canada – striving to develop a plan of their own.