More Alzheimer's programs needed in P.E.I.: report

A report released Monday from the Alzheimer Society of P.E.I. says if changes aren't made, the number of people with the disease — along with the cost of managing them — will increase significantly.

By 2038, it's expected almost twice as many people will be diagnosed with dementia each year in Canada.

That will be 4,000 Islanders annually, most of whom will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

More has to be done to prevent the disease, and help the people affected by it, said the report, entitled Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia on Islanders and Canadians.

Government and funding agencies need to invest in exercise programs and more support for caregivers.

"Even programs that might retard the development of the disease by a few years can lead to enormous savings in overall health care costs," said Thomy Nilsson, who worked on the report.

For example, delaying the onset of dementia by just two years, could save the health care system $219 billion over 30 years, said the report.

The Alzheimer Society wants all levels of government to adopt a national dementia strategy that would, in part, educate Canadians about the importance of early diagnosis and methods of keeping their brains healthy as they age. The society would also like to see more money put toward dementia research.