Fast Facts

About Alzheimer’s, Dementia and the Bruyère Health Memory Clinic

• In 2012, the World Health Organization recognized dementia as a public health priority.
• Dementia is not a normal part of aging.
• Dementia is a syndrome in which there is deterioration in memory, thinking, behavior and the ability to perform everyday activities.
• Alzheimer's disease, a toxic buildup of brain protein, is the most common cause of dementia – 60 to 70 per cent of cases.
• Dementia has significant social and economic implications in terms of direct medical and social costs. Total global societal costs estimated to be over US$ 604 billion.
• No treatment currently available to cure dementia, but medications can slow cognitive decline if started early.
• Research identifying modifiable risk factors of dementia is growing.
• Numerous new treatments are being investigated in various stages of clinical trials. Bruyère Health is conducting these clinical trials.
• The principal goals for dementia care at the Bruyère Health Memory Clinic: early diagnosis and treatment, clinical trials, and connecting patients, families and caregivers with community support services.
• Over 1,000 referrals received per year, an average of 300 patients seen monthly by physicians, neuropsychologists and nursing staff, which represent over 3,500 visits per year.