Quebec aims to reduce Alzheimer’s cases by focusing on health prevention

Quebec hopes to reduce the number of cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurocognitive disorders by focusing on health promotion and prevention, among other things. This is one of the key objectives of the Quebec Policy on Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurocognitive disorders, presented Tuesday morning by the minister responsible for seniors, Sonia Bélanger. 

The 60-page document emphasizes that this objective is realistic and achievable, despite the aging of the population. It explains that the incidence has started to decrease by 25 per cent over the past 20 years in developed and high-income countries. If Quebec were to perform as well, it is estimated that approximately 11,500 Quebecers per year would avoid these diseases. 

“The absolute number of people living with one of these diseases has still increased despite the decrease in incidence, due to the growth in the number of elderly people,” the national policy indicates. 

“It will increase, but perhaps less than we think if (we focus on) prevention and (the) promotion of health, (and with the) potential of medications within five to 10 years. And with all the interventions, yes, there is significant hope that it will perhaps even decrease, but not if we are passive,” argued family physician and geriatrician Dr. Howard Bergman at a press briefing. 

Improved living conditions, higher education rates, and lower smoking rates all contribute to the decline in cases in developed countries. Efforts to prevent and treat high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol disorders also have a positive effect on the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive disorders. 

Minister Bélanger explained that to achieve its objectives, the government is focusing heavily on strengthening front-line services. “That is extremely important. So, better screening, care, support… we talked about pivot nurses, but the entire role of pharmacists, social workers, psychologists around family doctors is important. It exists, but it needs to be strengthened,” she said. 

In its National Alzheimer’s Policy, the government recognizes that access to a family doctor, a specialized nurse practitioner (SNP) and primary care clinic teams is a challenge, particularly for patients with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another neurocognitive disorder who require follow-up. 

According to the National Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services, 8 per cent of Quebecers diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another neurocognitive disorder are not registered with a family doctor, but this figure could be much higher since people without a family doctor often have more limited access to cognitive assessments and diagnosis. 

One of the axes of the national policy aims precisely to ensure better follow-up for these patients. Dr. Bergman shared his wish that in 10 years no one will be lost or feel lost in the care pathway. He indicated that at present, the continuity of care in family medicine groups (GMF) and home services is a challenge. 

Among the objectives of the national policy, Quebec wants to recognize Alzheimer’s disease and other neurocognitive disorders as one of the priority conditions for obtaining registration with a family doctor or an IPS. 

He also wants to simplify the registration process at the various access points to a doctor, an IPS or a primary care clinic for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or another neurocognitive disorder. 

—The Canadian Press’ health content is funded through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. Editorial choices are solely the responsibility of The Canadian Press.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews