Mr. Speaker, our seniors and Elders are the fastest growing population in the NWT. Over the next decade, our seniors population over 60 will increase by 56 percent, and the demand for home care by 80 percent. As the GNWT pens an Elders strategy, we speak often in this House about the need for housing to support seniors to age in place with dignity. But what we don't talk about, Mr. Speaker, is the predictable surge of chronic illness. 31 percent of NWT residents over the age of 65 have diabetes, a disease shown to lead to neurodegeneration that substantially increases a Northerner's risk of Alzheimer's, other dementias, and Parkinson's.
Seniors with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's and 80 percent more likely to develop Parkinson's. Currently, Alzheimer's, dementias, and Parkinson's cannot be cured but treatment options are available to help mitigate the symptoms and health impacts associated with these conditions. But like any disease, before it can be treated or supported, it needs to be diagnosed.
The onset of dementias and Parkinson's have a slow progression and often symptoms that make life difficult for the individual travelling through life changes and that are hard to diagnose. These neurodegenerative diseases require a series of tests, many of which are not accessible in most of our communities, a full physical exam by a doctor, neurological exam by a specialist, blood work, CT scan, MRI, and EEG, and a PET. Travel and its associated stresses exacerbate neurological conditions, rendering our Elders further exhausted, stressed, and needing more medication to attend and participate in appointments for the purposes of finding out if their treatment and medication doses are working. This is counterintuitive, Mr. Speaker. But without diagnosis, there are no supports, and without supports, conditions worsen and quality of life suffers.
The number of Canadians living with dementia is expected to double by 2030, and the number of Canadians living with Parkinson's are expected to double by 2031.
Mr. Speaker, the NWT does not have physicians who specialize in the care of neurodegenerative disease, and we are in the wake of a wave that is about to break. The people who birthed us, taught us, loved us, and cared for us are ageing. The times are shifting, and it is our turn to be the caregivers. But I am worried that we are not resourced, ready, or acknowledging what is required for our Elders to age in place with dignity. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
