In addition to the defining the extent of the problem, the new report provides five recommendations for action. The report is titled “A Multi-Method Investigation of Dementia and Related Services in Saskatchewan: Final Report and Recommendations.”
The word dementia describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes.
To assess the problem in part of Canada, the report considers a 12-month period (2012-2013.) Within this period, a total of 3,270 new cases of dementia were identified among adults aged 45 years and older in Saskatchewan. This represents seven out of every 1,000 residents aged 45 years and older. Furthermore, the study reveals that 28 of every 1,000 residents aged 45 years and older had been previously diagnosed. This was a total of 13,012 people.
According to Debra Morgan, who heads up RaDAR: “This is the most comprehensive study of the scope of dementia and dementia care in Saskatchewan that has been undertaken to date.”
Commenting further on the main risk factors, Professor Morgan adds: “Since age is the main risk factor associated with dementia, we can expect to see more people with dementia in the future as our population grows older. Having epidemiological data that are as current as possible is important, as the data can inform future decisions that affect individuals with dementia and their families living in every corner of this province.”
The report does not only catalog the extent of the problem, it also highlights areas for improvement in relation to the dementia rate. Here the report identified gaps between actual and best practices. These are: quality improvement in care services, family support, raising public awareness, timely diagnosis and staff training.
In drawing the study results together, and by identifying the gaps, the study puts forward five recommendations for action to improve the quality of care in Saskatchewan. These are:
Include dementia in the provincial Chronic Disease Management Quality Improvement Program;
Track quality indicators of dementia care provincially and by health region, to ensure that individuals are properly assessed, diagnosed and managed within the health care system;
Improve and encourage access to timely and accurate diagnosis
Ensure that individuals with dementia and their families are adequately supported; and
Revisit the Provincial Strategy for Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias in Saskatchewan (released in 2004) and consider aligning with the proposed national strategy for Canada.
This is not something that can be solved immediately and it will require a multi-pronged approach.