ATTENTION: Assignment editors, health, research and science reporters
| For immediate release - |
2006-36 |
OTTAWA (September 12, 2006) - More than 280,000 Canadians aged 65 and over have Alzheimer's disease. As the Canadian population and populations around the world continue to age, Alzheimer's disease will become even more prevalent. Two experts from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) are available to comment on the effects of Alzheimer's disease and on Canadian researchers working towards a cure in light of World Alzheimer's Day on September 21, 2006.
"Aside from its devastating impact on those who suffer from it, Alzheimer's disease can be a significant burden for families and for the health care system," says Anne Martin-Matthews, based in Vancouver and Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Aging (CIHR-IA). "CIHR-funded research projects across the country give hope to seniors, families and caregivers who are directly and indirectly affected by this disease."
"Almost 25 per cent of Canadians have someone with Alzheimer's disease in their family. Research into the causes of, or solutions to Alzheimer's disease is significant since researchers hold the key to unlocking new means of preventing, treating and curing it," says Remi Quirion, based in Montreal and Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction (CIHR-INMHA). "CIHR has also been at the cutting edge of research on the genetics of Alzheimer's disease by supporting some of Canada's top geneticists."
CIHR funds research into the causes of Alzheimer's disease and on prevention strategies through diet or treatment through drugs. Other research focuses on the regulation and cost of Alzheimer's medication, and the costs and burdens faced by family caregivers. CIHR also supports important research into the genetics behind this disease. CIHR's involvement in Alzheimer's disease research is part of broad effort to find both immediate and long-term solutions.
Dr. Anne Martin-Matthews is available to comment in English on the social and health service-related aspects of this topic.
Dr. Remi Quirion is available to comment in English and/or French on the neurological mechanisms underlying the disease and the science behind potential cures.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's agency for health research. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to catalyze its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 10,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada. www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/
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For an interview with Dr. Martin-Matthews or Dr. Quirion, please contact:
Marie-France Poirier
CIHR Media Specialist
Office: (613) 941-4563
Mobile: (613) 447-4794
E-mail: mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
