The Growing Impact of Dementia in British Columbia

Dementia is a significant and complex health challenge in British Columbia (BC) and across Canada. As the aging population increases, so does the prevalence of dementia. By 2030, nearly 1 million Canadians are projected to be living with dementia, and by 2050, this number could exceed 1.7 million. In BC, the number of individuals affected by dementia is expected to rise dramatically, requiring urgent attention from policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities.

Understanding Dementia: Key Facts

• More than 25 different diseases and conditions can cause dementia.
• Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.
• Other significant types include vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia.
• Many individuals experience mixed dementia, where multiple conditions affect the brain simultaneously.
• Currently, there is no cure for most types of dementia in BC or worldwide.

Dementia Projections in British Columbia

• As of January 2025, an estimated 771,939 Canadians will be living with dementia, with a significant proportion residing in BC.
• Every day, more than 414 Canadians develop dementia, equivalent to 17 new cases every hour.
• By 2030, nearly 1 million people in Canada will be affected by dementia, with BC experiencing a 218% increase in cases compared to 2020.
• By 2050, more than 1.7 million Canadians could be living with dementia, with BC seeing a substantial rise in cases.
• Over the next few decades, more than 6.3 million Canadians will develop, live with, and eventually die from dementia.

Dementia and Demographics in British Columbia

• By 2050, dementia cases among individuals of Indigenous ancestry in Canada will rise by 273%.

• The number of Canadians of Asian origin affected by dementia will increase significantly, with BC being home to a large portion of this population.

• Women make up 61.8% of those living with dementia in Canada, and by 2050, more than 1 million will have dementia.

• Young onset dementia (under age 65) presents unique challenges. By 2050, more than 40,000 Canadians under 65 will be living with dementia.

The Role of Caregivers in BC’s Dementia Crisis

• Family and friends in Canada provide over 580 million hours of dementia-related care annually, equivalent to 290,000 full-time jobs.
• By 2050, Canada will have more than 1 million care partners for people with dementia, with caregiving hours exceeding 1.4 billion annually.
• The number of caregivers will nearly triple, marking a 188% increase between 2020 and 2050.
• 45% of dementia caregivers report high levels of distress, almost double the rate of caregivers for seniors with other health conditions.

Regional Differences in Dementia Growth

• British Columbia, along with Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta, will experience the highest dementia increases due to aging populations and high growth rates.
• By 2050, dementia cases in BC will rise by 218%, making it one of the provinces most affected by the growing crisis.

• Ontario will see the highest number of new dementia cases, while BC will experience rapid growth in Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diagnoses.

Can Dementia Be Prevented?

• Research suggests that up to 40% of dementia cases worldwide could be preventable.
• A 2020 study identified 12 key risk factors that, if modified, could significantly reduce dementia cases.
• Delaying the onset of dementia by just one year could prevent nearly 500,000 cases in Canada by 2050.
• A 10-year delay in onset could prevent over 4 million cases and reduce caregiving demands by almost 1 billion hours annually.

How British Columbians Can Take Action

• Review the 12 Actions to Improve Brain Health at alzheimer.ca/12actions to learn ways to reduce dementia risk.
• Support community programs, public health initiatives, and government policies aimed at dementia prevention and care.
• Explore recommendations from The Many Faces of Dementia in Canada report for further guidance on supporting those affected.

Final Words

Dementia presents a growing challenge in British Columbia, but raising awareness and supporting prevention efforts can improve care and reduce cases. Now is the time to take action and make a difference. Now is the time to take action and make a difference.