Print
Email
World Alzheimer Report 2011: evidence of a treatment gap
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. says the new World Alzheimer Report 2011 released today presents an opportunity for the provincial and federal governments to save money in the health budget and ensure better care is accessible for individuals living with dementia. The report, by Alzheimer Disease International (ADI), indicates that research has shown early interventions are beneficial but that sadly very few people are getting an early diagnosis.
“Diagnosis is the first step to getting treatment and support, this report signals an opportunity to further work with the government and health partners to close the treatment gap,” explained Jean Blake, CEO, Alzheimer Society of B.C.
“Without the diagnosis, persons with dementia and their families cannot access treatments and support that they need, so they’re essentially going on the journey of this heartbreaking disease alone. We can’t let that happen,” she added.
The report suggests a “spend now to save later” solution based on figures that costs of early detection are more than likely offset by projected future savings. By closing the “treatment gap”, the report suggests, governments could save up to $10,000 in healthcare costs for each individual living with dementia. Given the anticipated increase in prevalence of dementia, this could potentially yield billions of dollars in savings over the next several decades.
Here in B.C., the Ministry of Health has funded the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s First Link® program, which costs approximately $500 a family per year in order to help stem the anticipated costs associated with the rapidly increasing prevalence of dementia in our province. If nothing is done, it is estimated that the cost of care would be approximately $80,000 per year, per person for an extended care bed.
In the meantime, the report’s evidence that early diagnosis is possible and beneficial is encouraging evidence for the work the Society is doing throughout the province to deliver education programs and support services across British Columbia.
The report is based on independent research commissioned by the ADI that, for the first time, collated and reviewed all of the available evidence relating to early diagnosis and early treatment.
