Tomorrow is the last day of Alzheimers Awareness Month in Canada. Over the last several years I have shared many blogs on the crisis of dementia. It is a disease that impacts everyone and with science helping us to live longer, we need to appreciate that for some, they may feel that they are not living at all. I have discussed both the economic and financial cost to providing care to a loved one with dementia that impacts our work, our lives, our health care system and our economy.    “It is estimated that about 228,000 Ontarians are living with dementia. As Ontario’s population ages, it is expected that these numbers will rise to 255,000 people in 2020 and over 430,000 people by 2038.” The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care project that between “2008 and 2038, dementia is projected to cost Ontario close to $325 billion.” We are all looking for a Dementia Strategy. Last week’s blog highlighted recommendations from the Federal government and today’s blog highlights Ontario’s discussion paper  on developing such a strategy.  While public consultations are now complete, the next plan is to see a fully funded dementia strategy included in the Ontario 2017 budget.   Here’s hoping. You can still get involved https://actionfordementia.ca.

Some of you may not yet be familiar with DementiaHack which focuses on solutions for the Dementia Community. Bright minds come together to create prototypes/applications to help solve/improve the lives of those with Dementia and those that love and care for them.  This year’s event is taking place at  MaRS Discovery District in downtown Toronto for 2 days straight March 4-5. I am thrilled to have been asked to be a mentor and judge.

Last year’s event had approximately 70 teams with 300+ competitors.  It was an international competition with the UK Government backing it and competitors coming from across North America.

We are hoping that this year’s event will be even better! Please consider making a difference by getting involved.