Canada's commitment to dementia care and research

In November 2024, The Public Health Agency of Canada released The 2024 Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Achieve report.

This report provides an overview of the progress made since the national strategy was first introduced in 2019. It highlights the collaborative efforts of governments, researchers, community organizations, caregivers, and people with lived experience to reduce the risk of dementia, advance research, and improve quality of life. At the same time, the report underscores that while strides have been made, dementia remains one of the fastest-growing health challenges in Canada, requiring sustained attention and investment.

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Key themes in the 2024 report

Prevention Matters: Progress is being made on lowering risk factors like smoking and hypertension, but challenges remain around diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and social isolation.

Investing in Research and Innovation: New funding opportunities from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and an $80 million federal commitment to the Brain Canada Foundation highlight the importance of advancing therapies and finding a cure.

Supporting Caregivers and Communities: More than 70 projects funded since 2018 have helped reduce stigma, create dementia-inclusive communities, and provide better resources for caregivers.

Improving Quality of Life: Innovative projects across Canada focus on dignity, inclusion, and support for people living with dementia and their families.

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The Road ahead

The 2024 report reaffirms that while progress has been made, continued collaboration and investment will be essential to achieve the vision of a Canada where dementia can be prevented and better understood. Through sustained efforts in research funding, every advancement can bring us closer to a reality where the impact of memory loss disease is reduced and quality of life is optimized for all people in Canada.