Contracts Awarded for Alzheimer Disease Education Initiative
HEALTH--Contracts Awarded for Alzheimer Disease Education Initiatives
The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia recently awarded two contracts to address the education of health professionals and physicians on Alzheimer disease and other dementias.
Dalhousie University Continuing Medical Education will lead a provincial assessment of physician learning needs related to the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of Alzheimer disease. The Nova Scotia Centre on Aging at Mount Saint Vincent University will complete a review and inventory of education programs currently available for health professionals and health care providers across Nova Scotia.
"These contracts are a positive step toward enhancing health professional and physician education around Alzheimer disease and other dementias," said Health Minister Jamie Muir. "As the population ages, there is a greater need for geriatric expertise. It is our goal to increase early diagnosis of the disease and to strengthen the quality of care and support provided to individuals and their caregivers."
Together, the Department of Health and the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia are contributing more than $300,000 to Initiatives for Action. Over 22 organizations, associations and professional disciplines from across Nova Scotia are represented on two action committees established to address specific objectives under the project.
"Completion of this work will better enable the Alzheimer Society and its provincial partners to work together to address the education needs of Nova Scotia physicians and health professionals around Alzheimer disease," said Kathryn Garden, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.
More than 300,000 Canadians over the age of 65 have Alzheimer disease and other dementias; 11,000 of these people are Nova Scotians. By 2031, that number is expected to triple. The Alzheimer Society offers help for today and hope for tomorrow through education and support programs, advocacy and research support.