Politicians at Queens park are being warned about an avalanche of new cases of dementia and Alzheimers over the next 25 years.
Recently, the Alzheimers society of Canada warned the number of Canadians with Alzheimers would jump from half a million to over one million within a generation.
Yesterday, officials presented Ontario figures to MPP’s in Toronto.
The Executive Director of the Grey Bruce branch, Deborah Barker says their study shows an increase of 18 per cent by 2016 in the Southwest LHIN — which includes Grey-Bruce.
Barker says that’s going to have a huge impact on our health care system and our ability to deal with those afflicted.
In Grey Bruce — she says the number of referrals has gone up recently by 30 to 40 clients a month.
Deborah Barker is worried with the budget deficit at Queens Park, the government may try to cut back on funding for Alzheimers’ organizations when they most need it.
Bruce Grey Owen Sound MPP Bill Murodch was among the politicians hearing the presentation.
Murdoch was impressed by the 10 point plan to meet the soaring caseload of Alzheimers’ patients should help force the government to act.
He doesn’t know if the Dalton McGuinty Liberals will address the concerns in todays budget, but says there is always next year.
Murdoch adds it is the Oppositions job to run with the issue and pressure the government to prepare for the increase in dementia and Alzheimers’ patients.