{"id":43402,"date":"2025-03-07T11:31:32","date_gmt":"2025-03-07T10:31:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.silvereco.org\/en\/?p=43402"},"modified":"2026-01-22T13:48:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T12:48:11","slug":"alzheimers-disease-a-major-global-challenge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.silvereco.org\/en\/alzheimers-disease-a-major-global-challenge\/","title":{"rendered":"Alzheimer&#8217;s disease: a major global challenge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Alzheimer&#8217;s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to a deterioration in cognitive function, affecting memory, thinking and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Worldwide prevalence of Alzheimer&#8217;s disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2019, around <strong>58 million people worldwide<\/strong> were living with <strong>Alzheimer&#8217;s<\/strong> or related diseases, according to a study by the Fondation M\u00e9d\u00e9ric Alzheimer. Projections indicate that this number could reach <strong>139 million by 2050<\/strong>, due to the aging of the world&#8217;s population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.silvereco.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flux-migratoires-deplacements_116614312-1024x660.jpg\" alt=\"Alzheimer's disease in the world\" class=\"wp-image-1700326\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dementia<\/strong>, of which Alzheimer&#8217;s disease is the most common form, was responsible for 1.6 million deaths in 2019, making it the <strong>7th leading cause of death worldwide<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Situation in France<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In France, over <strong>1.2 million people suffer from Alzheimer&#8217;s disease<\/strong> or a related disorder. Every year, around 225,000 new cases are diagnosed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The prevalence of the disease increases with age:<strong> it is estimated at 40 per 1,000 people after the age of 60<\/strong>, 180 per 1,000 after the age of 75, and reaches <strong>almost one person in two after the age of 90<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By 2050<\/strong>, the number of people suffering from a neuro-cognitive disease such as Alzheimer&#8217;s is expected to reach over 1,800,000. This would represent<strong> 9.6% of the over-65s<\/strong> and 6.2% of the French working population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prevalence among senior citizens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Alzheimer&#8217;s disease is rare before the age of 60, but its frequency increases significantly thereafter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>After the age of 65<\/strong>, around 1 in 10 people suffer from dementia, 60% to 80% of which is Alzheimer&#8217;s.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>After the age of 85<\/strong>, around 40% of seniors are affected.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>More than 900,000 people over the age of 75<\/strong> are currently affected in France.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.silvereco.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/6-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Alzheimer's disease\" class=\"wp-image-1700311\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The impact of Alzheimer&#8217;s disease on seniors&#8217; lives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Progressive loss of autonomy<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Alzheimer&#8217;s disease leads to a <strong>progressive loss of autonomy<\/strong>, beginning with damage to short-term memory before affecting <strong>language<\/strong>, <strong>recognition<\/strong> and <strong>spatial orientation<\/strong>. At an advanced stage, seniors need daily assistance with essential tasks such as dressing, eating and getting around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A factor in social isolation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The disease is a major factor in <strong>social isolation<\/strong>, as many patients see their circle of acquaintances gradually shrink. This loneliness can a<strong>ccelerate the progression of cognitive disorders<\/strong>, and exacerbate depressive symptoms,<strong> making daily life even more difficult<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Increased risk of medical complications<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The disease exposes the elderly to an<strong> increased risk of medical complications<\/strong>. Balance problems lead to frequent <strong>falls<\/strong>, while <strong>swallowing<\/strong> and <strong>eating<\/strong> <strong>difficulties<\/strong> can lead to deficiencies. What&#8217;s more, their vulnerability to infections, notably <strong>pneumonia<\/strong> and <strong>urinary<\/strong> tract infections, represents a further danger to their fragile health. Not to mention f<strong>orgotten medication<\/strong>, which can prove fatal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.silvereco.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/16-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Alzheimer's disease care\" class=\"wp-image-1700321\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Care for Alzheimer&#8217;s patients<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While there is no cure, <strong>certain medical approaches and non-medicinal therapies<\/strong> can improve patients&#8217; quality of life. <strong>Prevention<\/strong> also plays a key role, by acting on risk factors to delay or even avoid the onset of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Staying at home or moving into an EHPAD?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Around<strong> 70% of Alzheimer&#8217;s patients live at home<\/strong>, often with the help of a caregiver. To delay entry into a <strong>specialized institution<\/strong>, schemes such as shared <strong>Alzheimer&#8217;s care<\/strong>, <strong>home help services <\/strong>(SAD) or <strong>home nursing care services<\/strong> (SSIAD) are set up. However, as the disease progresses, around 40% of sufferers enter an EHPAD, often in a <strong>specialized unit<\/strong> dedicated to advanced cognitive disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The role of family caregivers<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The role of family carers is central<\/strong> to the support of patients. In France, more than three million family members assist a person suffering from dementia. This is a heavy responsibility, and<strong> one in three caregivers reports suffering from stress<\/strong>, <strong>anxiety<\/strong> or <strong>depression<\/strong> as a result. To support them, <strong>financial aid<\/strong> such as the APA (Allocation Personnalis\u00e9e d&#8217;Autonomie) and respite solutions are available to offer them moments of rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-embed wp-block-embed-embed\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"I6yDSgVTDw\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.silvereco.org\/en\/owning-a-dog-reduces-the-risk-of-dementia-in-seniors-according-to-a-recent-study\/\">Owning a dog reduces the risk of dementia in seniors, according to a recent study<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Owning a dog reduces the risk of dementia in seniors, according to a recent study&#8221; &#8212; \" src=\"https:\/\/www.silvereco.org\/en\/owning-a-dog-reduces-the-risk-of-dementia-in-seniors-according-to-a-recent-study\/embed\/#?secret=z8aKEgnNad#?secret=I6yDSgVTDw\" data-secret=\"I6yDSgVTDw\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Medical management and non-medication therapies<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In medical terms, there is <strong>currently no cure for Alzheimer&#8217;s disease<\/strong>, but certain medications can slow its progression. In addition, non-medical therapies such as <strong>memory workshops<\/strong>, <strong>pet therapy<\/strong>,<strong> music therapy<\/strong> and adapted <strong>physical activities <\/strong>play a key role in improving patients&#8217; quality of life. By stimulating their <strong>cognitive abilities<\/strong>, they help them maintain their autonomy for longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Risk factors and prevention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Several modifiable risk factors have been identified, such as <strong>hypertension<\/strong>, <strong>obesity<\/strong>, <strong>smoking<\/strong>, <strong>social isolation<\/strong>, <strong>hypercholesterolemia<\/strong> from the age of 40 and untreated vision loss. <strong>By tackling these factors, almost 40% of dementia cases could be delayed or even prevented.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prevention is therefore essential to delay the onset of Alzheimer&#8217;s disease.<strong> Good habits to adopt include<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Regular physical activity<\/strong> reduces the risk of dementia by 30 to 40%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A healthy, balanced diet<\/strong>, such as the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.silvereco.org\/en\/alzheimers-discover-the-benefits-of-the-mediterranean-diet\/\">Mediterranean diet<\/a> <\/strong>(fruit, vegetables, olive oil, fish): improves brain health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lifelong prevention<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Regular cognitive stimulation<\/strong>: reading, thinking games, learning a new language\u2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintain strong social ties<\/strong>: avoid isolation, maintain contacts with family and friends, and even with associations if the person is isolated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Control the main risk factors<\/strong>: hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, stress, sleep, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.silvereco.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/13-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Alzheimer's disease therapy\" class=\"wp-image-1700318\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Therapeutic advances in the fight against Alzheimer&#8217;s disease?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In November 2024, <strong>the European Medicines Agency approved <a href=\"https:\/\/www.silvereco.org\/en\/alzheimers-treatment-lecanemab-soon-on-sale-in-the-united-states\/\">Lecanemab<\/a><\/strong>, a treatment designed to <strong>slow cognitive decline<\/strong> in patients at an early stage of the disease. However, this treatment is reserved for certain patients due to the potential risk of serious side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other treatments exist<\/strong>, with encouraging results, but are <strong>still in their infancy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.silvereco.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/5-1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Alzheimer's disease lecanemab\" class=\"wp-image-1700310\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.silvereco.org\/en\/aging-population-expected-to-increase-the-prevalent-cases-of-alzheimers-disease-says-globaldata\/\">Alzheimer&#8217;s disease represents a major public health challenge<\/a><\/strong>, both in France and <strong>worldwide<\/strong>. The implementation of prevention strategies targeting modifiable factors, combined with recent therapeutic advances, offers promising prospects for <strong>reducing the impact of this devastating disease<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Preserving your brain means adopting a healthy lifestyle today!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>#Alzheimer&#8217;s #disease: a major #global #challenge<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":43407,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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#disease: a major #global 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