The Quebec government must take action to deal with the exponential growth in the number of people living with a neurocognitive disorder. We have the opportunity to position Quebec at the forefront of resilient societies, on the sole condition that we act now.
With the aging of the population, 360,000 Quebecers will be living with a neurocognitive disorder by 2050, an increase of 145% compared to 2020. We can therefore anticipate an increase in patients in the system of health, already under pressure. In the very realistic case where there will be more people to help than caregivers, what will be the impacts on society and the economy, when the labor shortage is already a source of concern?
The creation of a fund is the very foundation of a long-term strategy. Whether in terms of prevention or support, several actions must be taken and these require financial support which will be even higher in the years to come if an evolving financial structure is not established now. . This fund will make it possible in particular to act on three strategic axes that will prepare us for what awaits us.
A health system ready for all eventualities
The imminent arrival of innovative drugs calls for an adaptation of the infrastructures of our health system. This will notably involve the training of a wider circle of health professionals or even an increase in the workforce specializing in neurocognitive disorders—these are needs that will continue to grow. Thus, it is essential to prepare our health system so that it is more resilient.
Adequate support
In the absence of effective treatment, what people living with dementia need most is time. The time that caregivers, health workers and support organizations that accompany them through the different stages of the disease are all ready to put in. However, resources are currently rather limited. Investing now in support solutions for people living with a neurocognitive disorder and their loved ones allows us to tighten our social safety net in order to prevent certain people from falling through it.
Neurocognitive disorders are everyone’s business
By recognizing neurocognitive disorders as a public health issue, we are collectively committed to implementing concrete solutions to prevent the onset of symptoms. Many modifiable risk factors can be involved in the development of a disease such as Alzheimer’s. It is possible to act on these as soon as the age of 45 and even before.
Of course, it is also possible to take short-term actions. Joanne Castonguay, Commissioner of Health and Welfare, supports it herself: “Our health and social services system is no longer adapted to today’s reality. » We suggest that the government mandate the commissioner to conduct a study on the needs related to the increase in neurocognitive disorders, in order to assess the current situation, confirm the estimates for the coming years and propose solutions to deal with them. .
It is urgent to take all possible measures now to prevent Quebec from running into a wall.