Mr. Speaker, today is World Alzheimer's Day. Alzheimer's disease is one of the most significant social and health crises of the 21st century. It is the most common form of dementia.
Five hundred thousand Canadians live with some form of dementia. This will double within a generation. Dementia costs the Canadian economy $15 billion a year but by 2034 this will rise to $153 billion. Delaying the onset of Alzheimer's by just two years could save $219 billion over 30 years. The stress Alzheimer's places on families is incalculable.
Research on the early detection of risk factors is essential in delaying the onset of the disease.
It is important to recognize the early signs of Alzheimer's, such as personality change, disorientation, loss of initiative and difficulty performing familiar tasks.
Research shows that longevity is a factor in the increasing rate of Alzheimer's. If we can delay its onset by five years, we could cut—