A Growing Concern: The Alarming Rise in Dementia Cases

Alberta is facing a looming crisis as one of Canada’s foremost brain health researchers, Dr. Allison Sekuler, warns that the province is poised to experience one of the highest increases in dementia rates in the country. With the aging population in Alberta accelerating, the urgency for action cannot be overstated.

Shocking Statistics: The Future of Dementia in Canada

Currently, approximately 770,000 Canadians are living with dementia, a number projected to soar to 1.7 million by 2050. Alberta, with its rapidly aging populace set to triple, is expected to see its dementia cases explode from around 60,000 to an astonishing 200,000.

The Time to Act Is Now

Dr. Sekuler emphasizes that the prevalence of dementia is escalating at an alarming rate in Alberta compared to the rest of Canada. This trend highlights the need for proactive measures. "We are really at a turning point in terms of aging and dementia," she explains.

A New Hope: Advancements in Dementia Research

As a leading brain health researcher, Sekuler’s work strives to identify methods to prevent, detect, and treat age-related cognitive decline. With new treatments emerging, she believes early intervention is key: "This is an exciting time for dementia research, as certain promising treatments are becoming available, especially if we can get individuals on the path to treatment early."

You Can Make a Difference: Simple Lifestyle Changes

Dr. Sekuler highlights that there are effective lifestyle changes individuals can adopt to minimize dementia risks. The earlier these habits are established, the more impactful they will be in maintaining brain health.

Diet and Exercise: Your Best Defense Against Dementia

At the forefront of her recommendations are regular exercise and a nutritious diet. These fundamental changes can tackle risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels. Dr. Sekuler insists, "The most important things are to exercise regularly and to eat a healthy diet; these can significantly reduce your dementia risk."