Lived experience: Dementia unscripted

Dementia's Tipping Point

Canada stands at a critical juncture in addressing Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. In October 2025, Health Canada granted conditional approval to lecanemab (Leqembi), the first medication that targets the underlying amyloid pathology to slow cognitive decline in early-stage patients. This breakthrough shifted the treatment landscape from symptom management to potential disease modification, raising hopes for extending quality time in mild stages.

Yet the promise collides with harsh realities. In February 2026, Canada's Drug Agency issued a draft recommendation against listing lecanemab on public drug plans, citing insufficient evidence of clinically meaningful benefits relative to its high cost and risks such as brain swelling or bleeding. The decision, open for feedback until March 5, 2026, means access may remain limited to those with private insurance or ability to pay out-of-pocket, exacerbating inequities in a country where public coverage dominates.

The urgency stems from demographics. As of 2025, roughly 772,000 Canadians live with dementia, with projections showing nearly one million by 2030 and 1.7 million by 2050 due to population aging. In British Columbia alone, over 85,000 people are affected now, a figure expected to nearly triple by 2050. Daily, more than 414 new cases emerge nationwide.

The economic toll is staggering. Dementia already imposes tens of billions in healthcare and productivity losses annually, with long-term care waitlists lengthening and hospitals burdened by patients awaiting placement. Shortages in suitable facilities compound the pressure, while families shoulder much of the care burden—often unpaid and emotionally draining.

Lived experiences highlight overlooked dimensions. People with dementia and their care partners frequently describe resilience and joy amid adversity, yet stigma persists, delaying diagnosis and support. Efforts to share unscripted stories aim to normalize the condition and challenge assumptions, amid tensions between investing in emerging therapies and bolstering basic infrastructure like community services and caregiver respite.

Provincial variations add complexity. While some regions push for expanded research funding and awareness, national coordination lags, and recent calls for broader dementia strategies underscore the risk of inaction amid accelerating demand.