Executive Summary

Dementia is a devastating, costly chronic disease that has become a health priority worldwide. As of 2016, just over 42,000 Albertans have been diagnosed and are living with dementia. If nothing changes, this number is expected to increase to more than 155,000 within 30 years (source: the Population Estimates of Dementia in Alberta Working Group).

Dementia affects far more Albertans than those living with the disease. It impacts us in our homes, communities, care facilities, hospitals and society as a whole. Dementia does not have one face - it affects men and women, the elderly and those under the age of 65. It affects individuals from every culture and background. As such, it is important to address dementia as both a health and societal issue.

The time has come for Alberta to commit to raising awareness of dementia and to better support Albertans living with dementia, their caregivers and the communities in which they live.

The Government of Alberta is committed to working with our partners to increase public understanding of dementia and provide the support needed by Albertans living with and affected by dementia. While many supports and services are already available in Alberta to improve the lives of individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, more can and must be done.

The Alberta Dementia Strategy and Action Plan is composed of two parts: the Strategy and the Action Plan. The Alberta Dementia Strategy (the Strategy) outlines how, through collaboration with persons living with dementia and their caregivers, community organizations and care providers, the Government of Alberta can raise awareness of dementia and support all Albertans living with and impacted by dementia. The Strategy outlines the steps needed to achieve our vision.

Our vision is to see a future where: Albertans are committed to optimizing brain health and valuing and supporting individuals impacted by dementia from its onset through to end-of-life.

During the development of this strategy, we heard from many individuals and groups, including Albertans living with dementia, their caregivers and families, care providers and community members. They told us that our approach to dementia care and support must be person- and family-centred. It must also be a collaborative, integrated, flexible and adaptable approach that meets the needs of each Albertan living with or affected by dementia.

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