Reports on dementia

Understand dementia and its impact in Canada and around the world. Here you will find reports by the Alzheimer Society of Canada, other leading Canadian organizations, and international authorities.

Teen girl embracing midlife woman as they look at content together on a tablet

Alzheimer Society of Canada reports

Alzheimer Society of Canada: The Many Faces of Dementia in Canada: The Landmark Study Report #2

January 2024

The Many Faces of Demencia in Canada

With the rapid rise of our aging population in Canada, this is one of the first studies that seeks to better understand the many demographics of dementia, so that no one is left behind and we’re able to serve their specific needs and those in their circle of care. Read highlights, stories and more at alzheimer.ca/manyfaces.

Alzheimer Society of Canada: Navigating the Path Forward for Dementia in Canada: The Landmark Study Report #1

September 2022

The first of a series of three reports on dementia prevalence and costs in Canada, this volume covers the projections of people living with dementia in Canada from 2020 to 2050. It also recommends actions to reduce the risk of dementia that could potentially change the future of dementia in Canada.

Cover of the Landmark Study's first report in English.
Rising Tide: The impact of dementia on Canadian society (PDF)

January 2010

In this report, the Alzheimer Society of Canada provides a demographic and epidemiological profile and projected prevalence of dementia in Canada for a 30-year period. It also shares a future picture of the health and economic burden of dementia on Canadian Society and introduces a discussion of what can be done to reduce the impact.

Rising Tide: The impact of dementia on Canadian society

Other Canadian reports about dementia and related issues

Royal Society of Canada's Repair and Recovery in Long-Term Care (PDF)

January 2024

This report by the Royal Society of Canada Task Force on COVID-19 updates where Canada’s long-term care reform stands, using publicly available sources. The authors also make eight recommendations, noting that the need for federal and provincial action and leadership is urgent. 

Cover of a report
CanAge's Dementia in Canada: Cross-Country Report 2022

October 2022

CanAge, a national seniors’ advocacy organization, released this report on October 18, 2022, to assess Canada’s level of preparedness to handle the predicted rise in dementia in coming years. Includes evaluations of “dementia-ready” status for each province and territory. Also includes a review of Canada's National Dementia Strategy, and recommendations for national and provincial governments to take next. Source: CanAge.

Report cover featuring minimal line art of a skull of a human head and brain
Health Canada: Third Annual Report on Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada, 2021 (PDF)

July 2022

The Third Federal Annual Report on Medical Assistance in Dying presents data for the 2021 calendar year. It builds upon the First and Second Annual Reports on Medical Assistance in Dying. With three full years of data collection now complete, three-year trends provide even greater insight into the picture of medical assistance in dying (MAID) in Canada. Source: Health Canada.

Health Canada: Third Annual Report on Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada, 2021 - cover
Egale and National Institute on Ageing: Coming Out and Coming In to Living with Dementia: Enhancing Support for 2SLGBTQI People Living with Dementia and their Primary Unpaid Carers (PDF)

May 2022

The report discusses the significance of gender and sexual identity in experiences of living with dementia and providing care, the many ways that people become carers for 2SLGBTQI people living with dementia, and key needs, gaps, and strategies to mobilize networks of support. This discussion is relevant to the aging population, equity and healthcare access, and care work in Canada. Source: Egale.

Egale and National Institute on Ageing - Coming Out and Coming In to Living with Dementia: Enhancing Support for 2SLGBTQI People Living with Dementia and their Primary Unpaid Carers - cover
Health Canada: Second Annual Report on Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada, 2020 (PDF)

June 2021

This second annual report provides insight in how medical assistance in dying (MAiD) was delivered in Canada in 2020, including data on requests and the administration of MAiD across the country. Source: Health Canada.

Health Canada: Second Annual Report on Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada, 2020 - cover
HEAL: Beyond COVID-19: HEAL’S Recommendations for a Healthier Nation (PDF)

November 2020

The Alzheimer Society of Canada is a member of Organizations for Health Action (HEAL), a coalition of 40 national health organizations. HEAL’s latest consensus statement recommends that the Government of Canada increase its initial investment of $50 million over five years in the national dementia strategy to $150 million to ensure measurable and timely progress on the strategy’s vision and national objectives. Source: HEAL.

HEAL: Beyond COVID-19: HEAL’S Recommendations for a Healthier Nation - cover
Health Canada: First Annual Report on Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada, 2019 (PDF)

July 2020

This report lists the numbers behind medical assistance in dying (MAID) in Canada, broken down by province and territory, for the 2019 calendar year. This provides the most comprehensive portrait of MAID in Canada to date. Source: Health Canada.

Health Canada: First Annual Report on Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada, 2019 - cover
Public Health Agency of Canada: A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Achieve: 2020 Annual Report (PDF)

June 2020

The federal Minister of Health has tabled the 2nd annual Report to Parliament on the national dementia strategy. The report is a requirement of the National Strategy for Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias Act. It provides an overview of the strategy’s first year in existence, achievements and plans moving forward. Source: Public Health Agency of Canada.

Public Health Agency of Canada: A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Achieve: 2020 Annual Report
The Royal Society of Canada: Restoring Trust: COVID-19 and The Future of Long-Term Care (PDF)

June 2020

This report outlines current deficiencies in Canada’s long-term care system that COVID-19 has laid bare. It recommends nine steps to solving the longtime workforce crisis in long-term care homes. Recommendations include calling for immediate action and the implementation of national standards for long-term care. This report also has an executive summary. Source: The Royal Society of Canada.

The Royal Society of Canada: Restoring Trust: COVID-19 and The Future of Long-Term Care - cover
Public Health Agency of Canada: A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire (PDF)

June 2019

This first national dementia strategy focuses on preventing dementia, advancing therapies and finding a cure, as well as improving the quality of life of people living with dementia and caregivers. Source: Public Health Agency of Canada.

Public Health Agency of Canada: A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire - cover
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada: (Disconnected): How unseen links are putting us at risk (PDF)

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. Source: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

HeartandStrokeReport2019_0
Canadian Academy of Health Sciences: Improving the quality of life and care of persons living with dementia and their caregivers (PDF)

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. Source: Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
Health Canada: Framework on Palliative Care in Canada (PDF)

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. Source: Health Canada.

Health Canada: Framework on Palliative Care in Canada
HEAL: The Canadian Way 2.0 (PDF)

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. Source: HEAL.

HEAL: The Canadian Way 2.0
Public Health Agency of Canada: National Dementia Conference Report (PDF)

September 2018

Public Health Agency of Canada's summary of the National Dementia Conference on May 14-15, 2018, outlining the plan to develop Canada’s first national dementia strategy. Source: Public Health Agency of Canada.

Public Health Agency of Canada: National Dementia Conference Report
Alzheimer Society: 2017 Awareness Survey Executive Summary (PDF)

January 2018

In November 2017, the Alzheimer Society surveyed 1,506 Canadians online to get their thoughts and insights on Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This report is the summary of those findings. Source: Alzheimer Society.

Alzheimer Society: 2017 Awareness Survey Executive Summary
Canadian Dementia Priority Setting Partnership: Report of the Canadian Dementia Priority Setting Partnership (PDF)

July 2017

Funded by the Alzheimer Society of Canada, this report aimed to identify priority areas for Canadian dementia researchers and research funding organizations. The result of this study identified 10 dementia priorities according to Canadians affected by dementia. Source: Canadian Dementia Priority Setting Partnership.

Canadian Dementia Priority Setting Partnership: Report of the Canadian Dementia Priority Setting Partnership
Senate of Canada: Dementia in Canada: A National Strategy for Dementia-friendly Communities (PDF)

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. Source: Senate of Canada.

Senate of Canada: Dementia in Canada: A National Strategy for Dementia-friendly Communities
Alzheimer Society of Canada: Prevalence and Monetary Costs of Dementia in Canada (PDF)

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. Source: Alzheimer Society of Canada.

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

Other reports

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's Report 2022: Life after diagnosis (PDF)

September 2022

This report is dedicated to the vast topic of post-diagnosis support – an umbrella term encompassing the variety of official and informal services and information aimed at promoting the health, social, and psychological wellbeing of people living with dementia and their care partners after a diagnosis. Source: Alzheimer's Disease International.

Cover image for Alzheimer's Disease International: World Alzheimer's Report 2022: Life after diagnosis
Alzheimer’s Disease International: From Plan to Impact V: WHO Global action plan: The time to act is now (PDF)

May 2022

This is the fifth From Plan to Impact report, monitoring the progress of the World Health Organization (WHO)'s Global action plan on the public health response to dementia 2017-2025. Source: Alzheimer's Disease International.

Alzheimer’s Disease International: From Plan to Impact V: WHO Global action plan: The time to act is now - cover
Alzheimer’s Disease International: World Alzheimer Report 2021: Journey through the diagnosis of dementia (PDF)

September 2021

This report focuses on the crucial and timely subject of diagnosis. Diagnosis is still a major challenge globally, with those who seek a diagnosis often experiencing long wait times, if they are able to receive a diagnosis at all. Societal stigma, self-stigma and clinician related stigma also exacerbate what is already a difficult journey. Source: Alzheimer's Disease International.

Alzheimer’s Disease International: World Alzheimer Report 2021: Journey through the diagnosis of dementia - cover
Alzheimer’s Research UK: Dementia Attitudes Monitor (PDF)

September 2021

This report surveyed over 2,000 people living in the United Kingdom, tracking their attitudes and perceptions toward dementia. Source: Alzheimer's Research UK.

Alzheimer’s Research UK: Dementia Attitudes Monitor - cover
Alzheimer’s Disease International: From Plan to Impact IV: Progress towards targets of the WHO Global action plan on dementia (PDF)

May 2021

The fourth From Plan to Impact report examines progress to date, barriers and enablers. It also looks at how the global dementia community can influence and accelerate progress, working with and advocating to governments to develop and deploy essential national dementia plans. Source: Alzheimer's Disease International.

Alzheimer’s Disease International: From Plan to Impact IV: Progress towards targets of the WHO Global action plan on dementia - cover
Alzheimer’s Disease International: World Alzheimer Report 2020 Volume 2: Design, dignity, dementia (PDF)

September 2020

In the second of of two volumes, this report examines 84 case studies of dementia-related design in home/domestic settings, day and residential care, hospitals and public buildings and spaces. Source: Alzheimer's Disease International.

Alzheimer’s Disease International: World Alzheimer Report 2020 Volume 2: Design, dignity, dementia - cover
Alzheimer’s Disease International: World Alzheimer Report 2020 Volume 1: Design, dignity, dementia (PDF)

September 2020

In the first of two volumes, this report takes a global perspective of dementia-related design that takes a cross cultural approach, reflects regional and economic differences in low-, middle- and high-income countries, and considers urban versus rural settings. It highlights the role of innovation, entrepreneurship and the importance of aesthetics. Source: Alzheimer's Disease International.

Alzheimer’s Disease International: World Alzheimer Report 2020 Volume 1: Design, dignity, dementia - cover
Alzheimer’s Disease International: From Plan to Impact III: Maintaining dementia as a priority in unprecedented times (PDF)

June 2020

The third From Plan to Impact report provides a critical update on the progress towards the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Global action plan on the public health response to dementia 2017-2025, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Source: Alzheimer's Disease International.

Alzheimer’s Disease International: From Plan to Impact III: Maintaining dementia as a priority in unprecedented times - cover
Alzheimer’s Disease International: World Alzheimer Report 2019: Attitudes to dementia (PDF)

September 2019

The latest report from ADI features a global survey on attitudes to dementia, Almost 70,000 respondents from 155 countries gave their thoughts on topics like the attitudes of healthcare practitioners to dementia, the experiences of carers, intimacy and relationships and whether dementia can be a laughing matter. Source: Alzheimer's Disease International.

World Alzheimer Report 2019
Alzheimer’s Disease International: From Plan to Impact II: The urgent need for action (PDF)

May 2019

The report updates the progress toward the WHO’s Global Action Plan, delving deeper into the seven action areas that were introduced in the plan. Source: Alzheimer's Disease International.

From Plan to Impact II - cover
Alzheimer’s Disease International: World Alzheimer Report 2018: The state of the art of dementia research (PDF)

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. Source: Alzheimer's Disease International.

World Alzheimer Report 2018
Alzheimer’s Disease International: From Plan to Impact: Progress towards targets of the Global action plan on dementia (PDF)

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. Source: Alzheimer's Disease International.

From Plan to Impact
World Health Organization: Towards a Dementia Plan (PDF)

2018

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

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

2017

The World Health Organization (WHO) lays out “ambitious targets” to be met by 2025, for the improvement of the health and wellbeing of people affected by dementia worldwide. Source: World Health Organization.

World Health Organization: Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017-2025 - cover
Alzheimer’s Disease International: World Alzheimer Report 2016: Improving healthcare for people living with dementia (PDF)

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.” Source: Alzheimer's Disease International.

Alzheimer’s Disease International: World Alzheimer Report 2016: Improving healthcare for people living with dementia - cover
Milken Institute: The Price Women Pay for Dementia (PDF)

March 2016

The California-based Milken Institute investigates the financial burden dementia places on American women, especially caregivers. A technical update to this report was released in September 2019. Source: Milken Institute.

Milken Institute: The Price Women Pay for Dementia - cover
World Health Organization: Dementia: A Public Health Priority (PDF)

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.” Source: World Health Organization.

World Health Organization: Dementia: A Public Health Priority - cover

Other reports

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). Digital only.

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. Digital only.

Alzheimer Society impact and accountability reports

These reports detail the impact of the Alzheimer Society of Canada and its Alzheimer Society Research Program. Ordered by date of publication. If you would like a printed copy mailed to you, please e-mail us at research@alzheimer.ca.

Research

Research moves us forward. The Alzheimer Society's research scientists work on vital studies about dementia. And the Alzheimer Society Research Program offers funding to innovative researchers nationally. Your support will get us closer to life-altering treatments and better care for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

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Group of researchers.