Doctors of BC commits to improving the lives of those affected by dementia

Dementia is a complex, degenerative condition that erodes an individual’s cognitive abilities, stealing a person’s memories, talents and even their identities. Today, close to 27,000 British Columbians between the ages of 65 and 84 live with some form of dementia, with an additional almost 25,000 over the age of 85 affected – numbers that are expected to continue increasing.

In our new policy update, Improving the Lived Experience of People with Dementia, Doctors of BC builds upon our 2004 dementia policy paper which supports efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding dementia and improve the quality of life for all British Columbians living with this disease. In addition to our earlier commitments and calls to action, we offer four new areas of opportunity:

1. Prioritizing Prevention
2. Education and Training
3. One-on-One Care in Long-Term Care Facilities
4. Promoting a Palliative Approach to Care

For further information and to read the policy update, please click here. 

To read the our 2004 dementia policy paper, Building Bridges: A Call for a Coordinated Dementia Strategy in BC, please click here.