Information about Alzheimer’s and related Dementias

The Facts

Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, is named for the German physician, Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 35.6 million people around the globe are currently living with dementia. This number is expected to double by 2030 and more than triple by 2050. ***
In Canada, is it estimated that the number of Canadians afflicted with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias will increase from about 480,600 in 2008 to 1,125,000 by 2038. *
Of the approximately 500,000 Canadians currently living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, 71,000 are under age 65. *
The older you become the higher the risk: one in 20 Canadians over age 65, and one in four of those over age 85 are affected by Alzheimer's disease. **
Women represent 72% of all cases of Alzheimer's disease. In the context of overall dementia, women represent 62% of cases. *
In addition to the direct costs of Canadians living with dementia, the costs informal caregivers incur to treat their own negative health outcomes often results from the stressful nature of providing support to individuals with dementia. *
Opportunity costs of informal caregivers are expected to add a further $56 billion to annual economic burden by 2038. *
Is it estimated that the total economic burden to Canada of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias will grow to $152 billion per year by 2038, from $15 billion in 2008. *