THE LATEST FROM THE LANDMARK STUDY

The second Landmark Study report, The Many Faces of Dementia in Canada, offers fresh insights into understanding dementia in Canada’s diverse population over the next 30 years. Dementia is a growing public health concern, with substantial differences in risk, prevalence and outcomes among various communities. The report focuses on ethnic, racial, age, sex, and gender variations in dementia, highlighting the unique needs and experiences of each group.

Dementia and Indigenous Peoples: Research has established that health disparities faced by Indigenous Peoples are rooted in colonization and ongoing social inequities. Compared to 2020, the study estimates an increase of 273% in dementia cases amongst Indigenous Peoples by 2050. This is far greater than the overall population’s projected 187% rise, pointing to the urgent need to address Indigenous health disparities and support Indigenous-led research and care resources.

Ethnic and Racial Diversity of People Affected by Dementia: The ethnic and racial population of Canada is shifting. By 2050, 1 in 4 people living with dementia in Canada will be of Asian origin, marking a 785% increase compared to 2020. People of African and Latin/Central/South American descent will see a 507% and 434% rise, respectively. In Canada, there’s a lack of research focusing on the experiences of racialized communities and dementia. Clearly, more support for this type of research is needed.

Sex and Gender Differences in Dementia: In high-income countries, females experience dementia at a much higher rate than males. In 2020, an estimated 61.8% of persons living with dementia in Canada were female. By 2050, the study projects that women will account for over 1 million people with dementia in Canada. The report stresses the need for further research into the experiences of intersex, non-binary and genderdiverse individuals.

Young Onset Dementia: This form of dementia presents unique challenges, including a variety of symptoms and causes that can lead to delayed diagnoses. By 2050, over 40,000 people in Canada under 65 could have dementia, up from 28,000 in 2020, demonstrating the need for more research. The study emphasizes the need for awareness among healthcare workers and appropriate support systems for younger adults.

Promoting Inclusion for All People Living with Dementia: Our shared characteristics and differences are vital to planning future dementia health supports. Learning that race, ethnicity, sex, gender and dementia intersect, and understanding the impact of colonization as a determinant of health in Indigenous communities, are important first steps we can take as individuals to support the diverse people in Canada currently living with dementia, as well as those who will develop it.

THIS IS MORE THAN A REPORT. IT’S A CALL TO ACTION.

The Many Faces of Dementia in Canada report makes clear that we need to adapt how we help everyone living with dementia – including Indigenous, racialized and younger people – while supporting equal access to care, diagnosis and prevention tools. We all have a responsibility to be part of the solution.

Read the full report at alzheimer.ca/ManyFaces

WHO ARE YOU WALKING FOR? REGISTER NOW!

The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is back for its 9th year! Join the Canada-wide movement on May 25th and 26th as we rally to raise awareness and crucial funds to support people living with dementia and caregivers in your community.

Register now to join, and donate to walk at walkforalzheimers.ca

Once you’re registered:

1. Update your Personal Page and share your story. Participants raise 20% more when their page is personalized with a photo and story.
    
2. Get your first donation today! Think of those who won’t say no – your partner, family, friends, co-workers, boss. Or better yet, make a self-donation to show your commitment. Walkers who make a self-pledge are 75% more likely to hit their fundraising goal.
    
3. Share your link with your contacts. Let them know you’re fundraising to help keep programs and services available in your community.

Register now at walkforalzheimers.ca

OUR NEW COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING WEBSITE!

alzheimersocietycanada.crowdchange.ca

Create your own fundraiser in support of the Alzheimer Society! Here are some ideas:

• Honour someone in tribute or memory
  Honour someone by creating an event in their memory or in celebration of them. Creating a tribute event in someone’s name is simple and meaningful.
   
• Do something active
  Want to challenge yourself in the spirit of fundraising? Walk, swim, bike, compete – test your physical abilities in support of people living with dementia.

• Celebrate a special occasion
  Show your support through a special event – such as your wedding, birthday, graduation or anniversary. It will be even more special when you raise funds to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia.
   
• Host a fundraiser at work or school
  Raise your office or school spirits and create friendly competition in your workplace or school by challenging your co-workers or classmates to raise funds in support of the Alzheimer Society. Who will raise the most?
   
• Have your own idea for a fundraiser?
  Whether it’s any of the ideas above or your event is different and doesn’t fit the mold, use your imagination to raise funds for the Alzheimer Society!

Hosting a fundraiser on our website is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. So why wait? Take the first step towards making a positive change and start your fundraising journey with us today!

Questions? Contact fundraising@alzheimer.ca

MONTHLY DONOR CORNER: WHY I GIVE

My husband passed away 10 years ago. He was having a hard time with memory and processing words. He was OK to be on his own while I worked, but I had a friend check on him daily.

Several of my friends’ husbands also developed similar symptoms. They attended the same day program at Pioneer Manor. It is an excellent program and a much-needed respite for family and friends.

As the population ages, more and more people will need the services and programs offered by the Alzheimer Society. Even I may need their services one day, so I am proud to be a monthly supporter of the Society. – Donna C.

WHAT IS AN ENDOWMENT FUND?

Think of an endowment fund as a “living fund.” A sum of money is donated to charity, with the principal remaining invested – a perpetual source of support. Only the income is used for charitable purposes.

Imagine fueling change that extends far beyond your lifetime. John Graham is a passionate advocate for people living with dementia. He and his sister, Jane, created the McMullan-Graham Research Fund. The fund is named to honour their mother, Shirley and her sisters, who all lived with dementia. These generous siblings established the fund and chose the Alzheimer Society as the beneficiary.

“The scarcity of funding for research drove us to create this endowment fund,” claims John, who is actively involved in raising more money for the fund. John and Jane hope to someday raise enough to fund entire dementia research projects.

John’s vision encompasses more than funding research; he wants to inspire others to see the lasting value in creating endowment funds of their own. By fueling a continuous cycle of giving and impact, every donation is a step towards a future where dementia no longer steals memories and lives.

Learn more about endowment funds at alzheimer.ca/LegacyGiving

Please donate to support essential programs and services in your community.