To mark January, Alzheimer Awareness Month, the Fédération québécoise des Sociétés Alzheimer reminds us that by 2024, more than 170,000 Quebecers will have a major neurocognitive disorder. With this in mind, a free online conference will be held on January 17, entitled Mémoire et vieillissement : Quand faut-il consulter? presented by Dr. Ziad Nasreddine, neurologist and Director of the Institut et Clinique MoCA.

These statistics will increase in the coming years. From the age of 65, the risk of developing a major neurocognitive disorder doubles every 5 years. By 2040, the number of people affected is expected to exceed 300,000. Here's the link to register for the free conference: conference registration: inscription à la conférence.

The Alzheimer Society of Suroît

Quebec's 20 Alzheimer Societies are there to support Quebecers from the earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease and throughout their journey with the disease, offering services close to home. In the region, the Alzheimer Society of Suroît serves the population of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges and Beauharnois-Salaberry MRCs. 

If you are living with a neurocognitive disorder or are a caregiver, the organization provides information, support, respite and training. The organization will also be there every step of the way to manage the challenges and transitions associated with neurocognitive disorders, from risk reduction to day-to-day management, including housing and end-of-life care.

Contact details 

To access support, information on the Alzheimer Society of Sûroit can be found at https://alzheimer.ca/suroit/fr/qui-sommes-nous. The organization is located in Valleyfield. On the organization's website, there is a direct e-mail link to the nurse who meets with those in need. An office agent is available during regular business hours to answer users' questions.

Tel: 450-373-0303; Toll-free: 1-877-773-0303; Fax: 450-373-0388; E-mail: [email protected]

Highlights

The year 2023 was marked by significant therapeutic advances. On July 6, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of trials for Lecanemab, marketed under the brand name Leqembi, a drug for people with mild-stage neurocognitive disorder, aimed at slowing its progression. This drug is currently under review by Health Canada.

The Alzheimer Society remains one of Canada's leading contributors to research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer Society Research Program has invested over $70 million in grants and awards to fund innovative research into neurocognitive disorders. These efforts have improved the quality of life of those affected, and contributed to a better understanding and management of neurocognitive disorders.

Another notable advance in 2023 in Quebec was the adoption, on June 7, of Bill 11 by the National Assembly. This bill broadens the eligibility criteria for medical assistance in dying. The law provides for a maximum period of 24 months from that date to put in place measures enabling people suffering from serious and incurable illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease to make an early request for medical assistance in dying. The Fédération québécoise des Sociétés Alzheimer actively participated in public consultations throughout the discussions on this bill.

Here is the link to the Quebec website: www.alzheimerquebec.ca.