World Alzheimer Report 2024

Earlier today, Alzheimer’s Disease International released World Alzheimer Report 2024: Global changes in attitudes to dementia, a report based on a comparison between a survey on people’s understanding of dementia and their attitudes towards it, conducted first in 2019 and again this year. People were surveyed around the world, including representation from Canada and here in B.C. specifically. Some of the key findings from the 2024 report include:

• Eighty per cent of the general public think dementia is a normal part of aging – a dramatic increase compared to 66 per cent in 2019.
• Sixty-five per cent of health-care providers believe that dementia is a normal part of aging – up from 62 per cent in 2019.
• Over 93 per cent of the general public believe there are things we can do to improve the lives of people living with dementia.
• Eighty-eight per cent of people living with dementia report experiencing discrimination due to their condition, an increase from 83 per cent in 20199.
• Over 80 per cent of the general public indicated a willingness to take a genetic test to determine their risk of developing dementia.

You can read the full report here.

While many of these numbers are staggering, they don’t necessarily reflect the entire picture here in B.C., as evidenced by a recent study we conducted in partnership with Leger Canada – but there is still a long way to go in challenging the stigma associated with the disease and ensuring that people on the journey are supported, welcomed and truly included. That’s why it’s so important that people across the province raise their voices and help us make dementia a priority this election season.

This election season, we are asking candidates to make dementia a priority by committing to working towards a fully funded dementia strategy that includes a focus on helping break down stigma and social isolation, as well as improving the diagnosis experience and ensuring the right support is available at the right time.

We invite you to register for our September 23rd virtual town hall to hear what your political representatives will do to support people affected by dementia this election. The town hall will feature a live Q&A session with representatives from each political party in B.C. and will be facilitated by the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s CEO, Jennifer Lyle and lived experience advocate, Jim Mann. Register and submit your questions early here.