Prime Minister Harper announced yesterday that, if re-elected, the Government of Canada will fund a major study on neurological diseases over the next four years.
The members of Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC) applaud the leadership and foresight demonstrated by making this a key platform issue and encourage all parties to demonstrate similar support for the millions of people living with chronic brain diseases, disorders and injuries across Canada.
The health, social and economic burden of brain disorders is massive. A 2002 report released jointly by the World Bank, the World Health Organization and Harvard School of Public Health, found that, when considered in terms of death and disability (DALYs), the current burden of brain disorders outweighs that of cancer and cardiovascular conditions combined. And, as our population ages, the problem will only get worse.
A Canadian population-based study of brain disorders can serve as the first step in developing a comprehensive national brain strategy - one that recognizes the unique value of the human brain, considers the complexity and collective impact of brain disorders (neurological and psychiatric), and guides increased investments in research, universal access to services and supports, access to the most effective medications and treatments, and key economic issues including income security and genetic discrimination.
The magnitude of the problem cannot be understated. We need a comprehensive brain health strategy urgently. We celebrate the recent announcement and encourage all political parties to develop a strategic approach to the looming health, social and economic crisis that brain
disorders present.
NEUROLOGICAL HEALTH CHARITIES CANADA (NHCC) is a collective of organizations that represent people with chronic, often progressive, brain diseases, disorders and injuries in Canada. NHCC's role is to provide leadership, evaluating and advancing new opportunities for collaboration specific to advocacy, education and research projects, related to brain health. For more information, visit www.neurohealthcharities.ca.
NHCC Members: ALS Society of Canada, Alzheimer Society of Canada, Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation, Epilepsy Ontario, Huntington Society of Canada, March of Dimes, Mood Disorders Society of Canada, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Muscular Dystrophy Canada, NeuroScience Canada, Ontario Federation of Cerebral Palsy, Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, Parkinson Society Canada, Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Ontario, Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada.
For further information: NHCC Media Contact: Shannon MacDonald, (416) 512-8642 office, (416) 725-1237 cell, shannon@blisscommunications.ca
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