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Alzheimer society report shows disturbing trends 2. WELLNESS: Cases of dementia could spike in next 6 years .â€" It projected the number of Cana- dians with dementia will double to 1.1 million and related annualcosts will increase tenfold to $153 bil- lion by 2038. Dependence on infor- mal family care will also increase, resulting in enormous pressure and health impact on caregivers. It’s alarming and it will continue to glow, he said of‘ statistics con- tained in 10 by 20: Ontario action plan for dementia, a follow up to Rising Tide, an Alzheimer Society of Canada report neleased in January. If unabated, the economic and socialtollofthediseaseisatick- ing time bomb, Alzheimer Society of York Region executive direc- tor Loren Freid said in reaction to research predicting the malady could cripple not only the health care system but countless families as well. BY CHRIS TRADER ctraber®yrmg. com Within six years, York Region can expect a 35-perâ€"oent spike in Alzheimel’s disease and related dementias, states an Alzheimer Society of Ontario strategy report released this week (mah'lWMi-m Better Workouts, Better Results No risk, no hasslesâ€"pay monthly Free instruction and workout plan Personal trainers for faster results Comfortable, friendly environment The Ontario society’s report, Tone up, trim down at Snap Fitness! Haawflstz 905-642-6300 5892 Main Street Stouffville 5892 Main St., Stouffville (Giant 1199! next to the Beer Store) 905-640-4400 Harold Culham of Aurora sufiers dementia after a series of small strokes while his wife, Irene, is amicated with Alzheimer’s disease. a comprehensive 10-step action and curb the province’s health care The plan looks at five key areas, plan that, by 2020, would reverse spending, is welcome and workable, including prevention, earlier diag- the escalating economic impact of Mr. Freid said nosis and intervention, accessible the disease on patients and families “It’s a call to arms," he added and equitable caregiver supports (55% 09367776 07%? Me Jest W's STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT “What is required is a systematic societal approach toward the man- agement of dementia. integrating all levels of care giving. from physician to caregiver support and patient ser- vices," Toronto Sunnybrook Research Institute Neurosciences Research director Dr. Sandra Black said. The plan offers solutions to tackle the social impact of the disease and reducethecosttoourhealthcaresys- tent, Ms Carey said. Ontario was the first province to spearhead a five-year strategy over 10 years ago, but since then, the num- bers have increased dramatically and there is no cure in sight, she said “We’re giving the Ontario government an opportunity today to reaffirm its leadership," Ms Gale added. Because of our aging population in Ontario, more people every year are diagnosed with Alzheimer's dis- ease and other forms of dementia, Alzheimer Society of Ontario chief execufiveofiicer GaleCareysaid and a co-oxdinated and better trained dementia workforce. The report also calls for greater research investments toward treat- ment and a cure and leadership from theprovince.