Dementia, a “tidal wave” coming

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Dr. Alain Naud, which has provided medical assistance to die to several patients, believes that “the slaughter” of dementia will weigh heavily on the Healthcare system in 20 years.

Héloïse Archambault

Saturday, 24 February, 2018 01:00

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Saturday, 24 February, 2018 01:00

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The number of Quebecers who will be suffering from dementia goes straightforwardly to double in the next 20 years, a true “tidal wave” predictable, but for which the health system is not ready, say several experts.

“The next disease of the century, it is the Alzheimer’s (which accounts for 64 % of cases of dementia],” says Nouha Ben Gaied, director of research and development at the quebec Federation of Alzheimer societies.

“Scourge “, ” slaughter “, “tidal wave” : the expert no longer mince words to describe the increase in the number of cases of dementia in the coming years.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, which includes the spectrum of symptoms associated with the decline in mental functions (see table).

“This is a real problem, thinks Sylvie Belleville, director of research at the Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal. […] It is known that it is happening. “

In light of this, The Newspaper wanted to know what will be the economic impact of dementia and Alzheimer’s by 20 years, and if the Health network is ready to cope with this wave.

According to forecasts of the ministry of Health and social Services (MSSS), 296 333 Quebec 65 years and older will have dementia by 2035. This is almost double compared to the figures for 2015. Despite this, the MSSS has not forecasts of the financial burden of the disease.

“We do not separate the investments by disease, stresses in an interview to the Journal de Montréal, the minister of Health, Dr. Gaétan Barrette. […] It doesn’t work like that to the government in terms of budgeting. “

More than $16 billion

“Just about everyone can make predictions on it, apart from the ministry of Health,” said Dr. Alain Naud, general practitioner. […] The cost of doing nothing, we will pay with a lot of interest in 10 or 20 years. “

However, the MSSS refers to The Journal de Montréal projections of the canadian Society of Alzheimer’s disease. According to the organization, the burden of the disease in the country will increase by 60 % from 2016 to 2031, from 10.4 to 16.6 billion $.

“There are many economic impacts that will be difficult to stop because it has no long-term vision “, is also the opinion of Dr Ziad Nasreddine, neurologist.

In this regard, the Dr. Barrette agrees that the network should be the object of investment (infrastructure and staff) to cope with the increase in the number of cases.

Already, several voices are calling for the expansion of medical assistance to die in order to include these patients, who cannot provide informed consent in end-of-life.

“We must give a humanity and stop being bureaucrats,” says Manon Boudriau, whose son, 36-year-old is suffering from Alzheimer’s.

“Stop to save anyone, at any condition,” she said.

“Terrible disease “

In a context where the population is aging, the dementia cases are rising sharply in several countries. The reason is simple : the age is the main risk factor, after age 65.

“People want to live a long life, but also in health. The problem is that Alzheimer’s disease we steal the achievements that we have had in the sciences, ” observes Ms. Belleville. […] Those wonderful years where it was thought to be close to our children and grandchildren, and finally, it suffers from a terrible disease. “

“Not ready “

“We would not be ready tomorrow to welcome the double case. But it’s beginning to be an awareness of governments to recognize that everything that surrounds the aging must be a priority “, grade Ms. Belleville.

According to Dr. Nasreddine, this disease is a victim of ageism in society as it affects an ageing population.

“It is as if one is forced to wait for it to touch so many people, and it becomes obvious, that we need to invest in there. Even if it will be too late for a certain generation. “

Dementia by the numbers

• It can be caused by various diseases or injuries affecting the brain. Its most common form is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 64 % of the cases. Among the other forms, there is vascular dementia, or cognitive loss related to impairment of the vascular network of the brain, and dementia with Lewy bodies, which is characterized by deposits of protein in nerve cells of the brain.

• The third of people aged 85 years and older will be reached.

• Life expectancy at the time of diagnosis : 7 to 10 years.

What is Alzheimer’s ?

Irreversible disease that destroys brain cells and causes of disorders of thinking and memory. Plates are tiny and toxic (amyloid plaques) eventually suffocate the healthy cells and cause their death.

Symptoms

• Memory loss (short-and long-term)

• Loss of judgment

• Mood swings

• Behavior changes

• Difficulties to communicate

Risk factors

• Age

• Sex (women are affected more than men)

• Genetic

• Cardiovascular disease

• Depression

• Concussions

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Smoking

• Obesity

‘Protective’ factors

• Education level (minimum 15 years)

• Physical activity

• Cognitive Stimulation

• Healthy habits for life

Net cost annual bed CHSLD

• 2015-2016: 82 448 $

• 2014-2015: 82 006 $

• 2013-2014: 79 487 $

• 2012-2013: 77 522 $

• 2011-2012: 74 973 $

Life expectancy in a CHSLD : 28 months (2015). Source : MSSS and the quebec Federation of Alzheimer societies

Forecasts of the number of Quebecers 65 years of age and older, with dementia

• 2015: 152 084
• 2025: 213 278
• 2035: 296 333

Increase over 20 years : 95 %

Source : forecasts of the MINISTRY, according to data from the statistical Institute and of the american study, ” Prevalence of dementia in the United States “.

“I don’t want to see it wither”

Photo Chantal Poirier

A mother whose son, a 36-year-old is suffering from the “cursed disease” Alzheimer’s captures to see it turn to small fire, and regrets that the system does not permit him to let him go when his life will have more meaning.

Click here to read the article

Reopening the debate on medical aid to die

Photo Fotolia

Quebecers want the Law on medical assistance to die should be extended to people with dementia, found an aid organization that receives many calls about it.

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The doctors are optimistic to discover a cure against the disease

Photo Pierre-Paul Poulin

Although Alzheimer’s remains a mystery to scientists, the prospect of discovering a cure in the next few years gives hope to the specialists.

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Congestion to be expected in NURSING homes

Archival Photos, QMI Agency

While 3000 Quebecers are already waiting for a place in a CHSLD, the prediction of the double of cases of dementia in 20 years suggests a major congestion in the accommodation centres.

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