The term dementia refers to a group of degenerative diseases that affect cognitive function and lead to loss of functional autonomy. Vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are the most common forms of dementia. In this report, the term “Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders” will be used.
Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders generally start appearing from the age of 60 to 65 years of age and onwards. They affect individuals’ daily functioning by disrupting their memory, judgment, organization, orientation, language or control over their behaviour and emotions. These diseases place a staggering burden on individuals who are affected, their families and caregivers, as well as on professionals and the health system.
To date, most estimates of the prevalence and incidence of AD and related disorders in Canada are still based on the Canadian Study of Health and Aging (CSHA), a large population study conducted across Canada between 1991 a…