The NACA Position on Alzheimer Disease and related dementias no. 23

What is the National Advisory Council on Aging?

The National Advisory Council on Aging (NACA) was created by Order-in-Council on May 1, 1980 to assist and advise the Minister of Health on issues related to the aging of the Canadian population and the quality of life of seniors. NACA reviews the needs and problems of seniors and recommends remedial action, liaises with other groups interested in aging, encourages public discussion and publishes and disseminates information on aging.

The Council has a maximum of 18 members from all parts of Canada. Members are appointed by Order-in-Council for two- or three-year terms and are selected for their expertise and interest in aging. They bring to Council a variety of experiences, concerns and aptitudes.

Members of the National Advisory Council on Aging
(as of July 19, 2004)

NACA believes:

• Canada must guarantee the same rights and privileges to all its citizens, regardless of their age.

• Seniors have the right to be autonomous while benefitting from interdependence and the right to make their own decisions even if it means "living at risk."

• Seniors must be involved in the development of policies and programs and these policies and programs must take into account their individuality and cultural diversity.

• Seniors must be assured in all regions of Canada of adequate income protection, universal access to health care, and the availability of a range of programs and services that support their autonomy.

Acknowledgements

NACA is grateful for the advice and support received from the Alzheimer Society of Canada, as well as its provincial societies, in the research and writing of this paper. The Alzheimer Society of Canada is a full partner with NACA in recommending the development and implementation of a National Strategy to address Alzheimer Disease and Related dementias.

NACA would also like to express its appreciation to the Cognitive Impairment in Aging Partnership for lending its strong support at the outset of this project and for providing expert advice as the content of the paper was developed.

The NACA Position in Brief

This report examines the many serious issues faced by those dealing with Alzheimer Disease and related dementias. The issues are examined from a variety of perspectives: those with the disease, their families and caregivers and, from a broader perspective, the Canadian public.

NACA's vision proposes a role for individuals, families, caregivers, the voluntary and private for-profit sector, and governments, in order to improve the health and quality of life of those living with dementia. The Council envisions an environment in which all sectors work together to improve the prospects of those who may be affected by dementia in the future - through improved prevention, support, treatments and eventually a cure.

In this paper, NACA will make recommendations that address the following:

• increased research, prevention and treatment;
• improved physician training and education in Alzheimer Disease and related dementias;
• assured access to treatments for all Canadians, especially pharmaceuticals;
• government funding to provide appropriate long-term care facilities, at reasonable cost, for those with dementia;
• income protection and other public policies that support caregivers;
• increased funding for home care and a wider range of appropriate housing options for those with dementia;
• ethics of dementia research and genetic testing;
• the need for the federal government to collaborate with other key partners to develop a National Strategy that designs policies and funds to diminish or eliminate the many challenges that make of Alzheimer Disease and related dementias such devastating diseases.

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