Cognitive impairment in aging (CIA), including Alzheimer disease and other types of dementia, affects one in four Canadians over the age of 65. The prevalence of cognitive impairment rises dramatically to two out of three Canadians over the age of 85. With our aging population, the number of cases of cognitive impairment is expected to double in Canada over the next 30 years, reaching epidemic levels.
Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment in Canada
The effects of cognitive impairment are far-reaching. Those who suffer from cognitive impairment experience a decline in their quality of life. The emotional suffering of their families and loved ones is considerable, and the financial burden on the health care system is significant.
While the need for cognitive impairment research is great, there are not enough researchers to meet the growing demand. The CIA Partnership, established in 2002, addresses this need by bringing together organisations with a shared interest in finding solutions.
The participants* are made up of a growing list of leading organisations from the voluntary, public and private sectors that have expertise in the field of research on cognitive impairment.
*As the group of participants is continually growing, please contact the CIHR Institute of Aging for an updated list.
To reduce the prevalence and impact of cognitive impairment, the participants of the CIA Partnership have developed a National Research Strategy on cognitive impairment that
aims to:
Research conducted as part of the CIA Partnership's National Research Strategy covers a broad range of topics, disciplines and issues related to cognitive impairment including Alzheimer disease and other dementia such as vascular dementia:
After a short time, the CIA Partnership already has notable accomplishments in creating new funding opportunities for research on cognitive impairment in aging:
Please contact the CIHR Institute of Aging:
Dr. Linda Mealing,
Assistant Director, Partnerships
(613) 952-4537
lmealing@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
