Diagnosis and treatment of dementia

Abstract

"During the next 3 years, a demographic milestone will be reached across North America as baby boomers, who are currently in their late 50s, begin to reach 65 years of age. The proportion of the Canadian population aged 65 or older will rise from 11.6% in 1991 to 16% in 2016 and will reach 23% in 2041. As this demographic shift occurs, the health problems affecting elderly people will take centre stage as never before. The prevalence of dementia (both general types of dementia and Alzheimer disease) dramatically increases with age. The prevalence of Alzheimer disease is 1% among people aged 65–74 years, 6.9% among those 75–84 years and 26% among those aged 85 years and older."