Mr. Speaker, yesterday I met with Miss Sandy Riley, president of the board of the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia.
Alzheimer's is a progressive, degenerative brain disorder that destroys vital brain cells. It is not a normal part of aging; it can strike adults at any age. There is no known cause or cure, although some of the symptoms can be cured by medication. The symptoms of the disease include the gradual onset and continuing decline of memory, changes in judgment or reasoning and an inability to perform familiar tasks. As the baby boom generation ages, it is estimated that by 2031 over 750,000 Canadians will have Alzheimer's and related dementia.
This society provides support and educational programs to families and caregivers as well as promoting public education. The Alzheimer Society symbol is the forget-me-not. Let us not forget those with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.