It's no secret that Atlantic Canada is an ageing region.
As we age, our risk of developing diseases such as dementia increases.
“My biggest concern over the next 20 years is the increase in the number of people over 75 and whether our system can meet the needs of these people,” said Pamela Jarrett, a geriatrician at Horizon Health Network.
Jarrett studies dementia and was involved in a recent New Brunswick study aimed at both preventing and screening for dementia by treating patients in their own homes.
“I think we need to get creative,” she said of how to ease the strain on the health care system caused by an aging population.
“By reducing that burden, we can slow or prevent the progression of dementia.”
The study, “New Brunswick Brain Health Initiative: Preventing Alzheimer's Disease through Modifiable Risk Reduction,” was conducted in collaboration with Dalhousie University, the University of New Brunswick, the University of Moncton and the Horizon and Vitalité Health Network.
Dr. Pam Jarrett, a geriatrician in Saint John, is part of the team that put together the Synergic@Home program, which she says is designed for English- or French-speaking New Brunswickers between the ages of 60 and 90 who are at risk of developing dementia.
Dr. Pamela Jarrett, a St. John's geriatrician who led the study, said satisfaction was high among the older adults who participated. (Submitted/Jeremy Slater)
Jarrett said risk factors for the disease can be managed or reduced even in older age, and while it won't work for everyone, she said it can be hopeful.
The study involved an “at-home intervention” in which older adults participated in physical and mental activities via Zoom three times a week for 16 weeks.
“And it actually worked,” she said, adding that there was strong demand from across the senior population to take part in the study.
The physical aspect involved aerobic training with balance and toning exercises, while the cognitive aspect involved a virtual program developed in Montreal called “Neuro Peak.”
In a recent presentation, Jarrett said 80 percent of participants adhered to the study's physical and mental training and there was high satisfaction with the virtual technology aspects of it.
Comments from older adults who participated in the study were also included in the presentation.
“It was so much easier not having to go anywhere. My trainer was flexible and we even adjusted the time. All the physical parts were done right in this room,” one participant wrote.
“I've noticed a huge difference in my flexibility, everything, just my capabilities,” another wrote.
Number of people with dementia in New Brunswick expected to double
“People want to do something to help themselves if they can,” Jarrett said.
“So our hope at this point is to find ways to provide these programs more broadly across the state and hopefully have a very positive impact in preventing the onset of dementia later in life.”
Chandra McBean, executive director of the Alzheimer's Society of New Brunswick, said there are currently about 12,000 people living with dementia in New Brunswick.
Chandra McBean is executive director of the Alzheimer's Society of New Brunswick, and she said the new guide is different from anything that currently exists.
Chandra McBean is executive director of the Alzheimer's Society of New Brunswick, and she said innovative research like the one recently completed could help reduce dementia risk in older adults. (Courtesy of Chandra McBean)
In 30 years, that number is expected to double, she said.
“I think it's really difficult to prepare for an ageing population. This is something we certainly knew was coming and we've been talking about it for quite some time,” McBean said.
An innovative study that has just been completed could help reduce the risk, she said. Both physical and mental exercise are good ways to prevent the disease, and this study used both.
“I think it's always a good thing if we can find innovative ways to enable people to continue living at home and leading fulfilling lives despite being diagnosed with dementia.”
She said dementia research aims not only at prevention but also at reducing risk and delaying onset, benefiting not only patients but also caregivers and the health care system.
“All of the different ways that they can affect the course of dementia and the experience of living with dementia have very real implications.”
