New Brunswick has launched a three-year strategy and action plan to better navigate Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in the province. The provincial government worked with more 1,700 people, including many who live with the condition and their loved ones, over the course of 10 years to develop the strategy. The plan will aim to identify and diagnose patients more quickly and give them the right supports immediately. The provincial government will spend $1 million on the plan, which will be led by the Alzheimer’s Society of New Brunswick and developed over the next three years. New Brunswick’s strategy focuses on the following five areas: Chandra MacBean, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Society of New Brunswick, says it’s the first plan of its kind in the province, and it was a long time coming. “No one should have to face dementia alone,” she said. “One-in-four Canadians say they would rather not know if they have dementia ... that’s stigma. And stigma delays diagnosis.” She says the funding will strengthen public awareness and add more aids like memory clinics and cafes and support groups. Right now, MacBean says it can take six to nine months, or even more than a year, to get properly diagnosed, depending on where the individual lives in the province. About 12,000 people live with Alzheimer’s or dementia in New Brunswick. “But if you think of the ripple effect of the diagnosis and the care that happens, it’s usually four to six additional people that help to support that individual to live in community,” she said. “So, the effects are quite far-reaching.” The hope is to allow more people to stay in their homes and communities for as long as possible. January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Canada. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
