Dementia services in Canada

Canadians with dementia have access to Medicare, a universal, single payer healthcare program. Implementation of Medicare is through the provinces and territories, giving variation in the level of care available. At present, there is no national strategy for dementia, although a recent report from the Alzheimer Society of Canada is expected to catalyze one. Most dementia care is provided by primary care practitioners, with three specialties (geriatric psychiatry, geriatric medicine and neurology) providing consultant expertise. Primary care reforms are aimed at developing a more coordinated approach to the complex needs of people with dementia, and have especially emphasized education of providers. Any national strategy is expected to underscore prevention and research, the latter building on Canada's strong contribution to this international undertaking.