The New Millennium

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The New Millennium

by Susan Hart

This is Susan Hart’s third book in a series discussing the process of Alzheimer's Disease and the related disorders and the affect on loved ones. The New Millennium reflects on the dilemmas encountered in the struggle to balance efficiency and fiscal responsibility with flexibility. In a time of great change and opportunity Susan stresses the value of specialized versus generic caregiving required by those with a dementing illness and their families.

The New Millennium discusses new medications, the diagnosis assessment, care options, end of life issues, death, and recovery. It is a call for further education regarding the disease process, advocacy, action, risk taking and balancing family needs and community resources. It is time to make a difference and give a voice to a hidden group of people impacted by this devastating disease.

For every person affected by Alzheimer’s disease, 10 to 12 others are directly impacted. These include caregivers such as family members, friends and neighbours; employers and healthcare workers.

Within the past 10 years the Alzheimer Society of York Region has contributed more than $625,000 towards research into finding a cause and cure for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

One in every 11 Canadians over the age of 65 and 1 in every 3 over the age of 85 are living with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder.

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading form of progressive dementia, as approximately 65% of all people with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease.

Right now, Alzheimer’s affects more than 160,000 Ontarians over the age of 65. By the end of 2009, this number will increase to 184,416. Aging baby boomers and longer life expectancy rates will help fuel the Alzheimer’s crisis.

Currently, Alzheimer’s disease costs Ontario taxpayers $7 billion a year. Unless changes are made to funding research and developing community services and programs, Alzheimer’s disease will overwhelm Ontario’s health care system.

Alzheimer’s disease is the seventh leading cause of death in Canada.