A Call for Early Dementia Detection in Canada
A breast cancer diagnosis is very often the result of a scheduled biennial mammogram.
Every two years, since my 50th birthday, I’ve received a reminder from the Government of Québec to have a mammogram to detect breast cancer.
The Programme québecois de dépistage du cancer du sein is a voluntary program for women over 50, as a preventive, early-detection measure in light of the worrying statistics: 31,900 women living in Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer, that is, on average 87 women per day will be diagnosed, while 15 will die each day from the disease. (Source: Canadian Cancer Society 2025)
And no, I haven’t been diagnosed with breast cancer.
But I’m writing this post to ask a very pertinent question that needs to be urgently answered.
WHY ISN’T THERE A SIMILAR PROGRAM TO SCREEN PERSONS OVER 50 FOR EARLY SIGNS OF DEMENTIA?
Dementia is impacting more people than breast cancer.
- As of January 1, 2025, it was estimated that 771,939 people live with dementia in Canada.
- Every day, more than 414 people in Canada develop dementia. This is more than 17 every hour.
- By 2030, nearly 1 million people in Canada could live with dementia.
(Source: Alzheimer Society of Canada)
There is compelling evidence that these unsustainable trends can be changed.
The Lancet Commission reported in 2025 that there are 14 risks of dementia, which, if modified, could reduce the number of new diagnoses by 45%.
EARLY DETECTION IS ESSENTIAL so that EARLY INTERVENTION THERAPIES can more effectively reduce the progression of symptoms and preserve a better quality of life for persons in cognitive decline.
The Montreal-based charity Hope for Dementia takes the position that the dementia growth trajectory can be bent downward through public education on dementia prevention and risk reduction services, which must include biennial cognitive screening tests administered in routine medical checkups and reminders sent to persons over 50.
Without neglecting investments in research and post-diagnosis care, Hope for Dementia encourages advocacy and action by seniors’ residences, community groups and governments to make dementia prevention a national healthcare priority to avert the impact of a looming crisis.
Take action. Get involved.
Visit Hope for Dementia’s website to learn more and support our advocacy efforts, use our resources and services to promote dementia prevention and the deceleration and potential reversal of its symptoms.
See the BIG picture. Focus on what’s important.
Camille N. Isaacs Morell has been Vice-President, Hope for Dementia since 2021, where she advocates for preventive healthcare and community programs for vulnerable seniors and their caregivers.
theBIGpicture Camille 