Ottawa – According to the latest national data, in Canada, almost 474,000 people aged 65 and older have been diagnosed with dementia. As our population ages, the number of Canadians affected by dementia is expected to increase. If current trends continue, by 2050 the number of people living with dementia in Canada is expected to double.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting efforts to reduce the risk of developing dementia and is providing $382,740 in funding to McMaster University.
This project funding will enable McMaster University to evaluate the effectiveness of existing e-learning resources on iGeriCare and the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal to raise awareness about how to reduce the risk of dementia. After evaluating the impact on knowledge and intention to engage in risk reduction activities, bilingual e-learning tools will be promoted to help educate Canadians about the impact of healthy lifestyles and management of medical risk factors (such as hearing loss and high blood pressure) on brain health.
While all people in Canada can benefit from a clear understanding of the modifiable risk factors for dementia and taking action to reduce risk, a particular focus will be placed during this project on reaching those more susceptible to dementia risk factors along with health care and public health professionals.
The funding is provided through the Dementia Strategic Fund, which supports a variety of activities, including:
- A national public education and awareness campaign;
- Awareness raising projects; and
- Projects to improve access to high-quality dementia guidance.
The project announced today contributes to the implementation of Canada’s first national dementia strategy, A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire, by building on efforts to promote dementia risk reduction. McMaster University is ranked among the top 100 universities globally. Through research, teaching and learning, it is focused on advancing human and societal health and well-being in their community and around the world.