Tiffany W. Chow, MD, MSc, Baycrest Health Sciences Rotman Research Institute, and Ross Memory Clinic; University of Toronto Depts. of Medicine (Neurology Division) and Psychiatry (Geriatric Psychiatry Division).

Mary A. Corcoran, OTR, PhD, Professor of Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.

Ellen Costello, PT, PhD, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy, The George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Mary A. Corcoran, OTR, PhD, Professor of Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.

Sylvia Davidson, MSc, BSc, Dip Ger, OT Reg.(Ont.), Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, ON.

Elsa Marziali, PhD, Professor and Schipper Chair, Gerontological Social Work Research, University of Toronto and Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Toronto, ON.

André Tanguay, MD, Chief Physician, Pavillon Hubert-Maisonneuve, CHSLD Drapeau-Deschambault, Rosemère, QC.

Currently, more than one in 10 Canadians is over the age of 65. By the year 2021, it is estimated that this number will increase to almost 18% of the population or 6.7 million people. Approximately 80% of eldercare is provided by family members. The Berger Monitor has estimated that there are 4.5 million caregivers in Canada who spend about $100 million a week--$5 billion a year--on the incidental expenses of caregiving.1 This doesn't include the inevitable emotional stresses of caregiving, and their attendant physical side effects.

Jaye Waggoner, BAA

A diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) can turn the lives of patients, spouses, friends and family members upside down. There can be a real sense of fear in not knowing what the future will hold. What kind of changes will take place? Who will take on the role of caregiver? It is a lot for families to handle.