Alzheimer’s Disease Could Double in Incidence over the Coming Decades

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• In Spain, nearly 800,000 people are currently living with this neurological condition, and forecasts suggest that by 2050 the number will exceed two million.

On the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day, specialists from the Neurosciences Unit at Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante are drawing attention to the rising number of cases of this disease, which already affects 47 million people worldwide and could reach 132 million by 2050.

According to Dr Erika Torres, coordinator of the Neurosciences Unit at both hospitals, “Alzheimer’s is one of the great silent pandemics of the 21st century. In Spain, nearly 800,000 people suffer from it, and it is estimated that by 2050 the figure will exceed two million, according to the Spanish Society of Neurology.”

Regarding the causes of this neurological disease, Dr Torres explains that “its origins are multifactorial and, although there are non-modifiable risk factors such as age, sex and genetic predisposition, controlling cardiovascular risk factors can help to prevent or delay the onset of the disease.”

The specialist advises avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, following a Mediterranean diet, taking regular physical exercise and maintaining an active social life to protect brain health. “Engaging in intellectual activities such as reading, learning a new language, playing a musical instrument or doing cognitive stimulation exercises can enhance brain plasticity and build cognitive reserve,” she suggests.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Alzheimer’s Treatment

Treating Alzheimer’s disease requires the coordinated involvement of a team of specialists. At the Neurosciences Unit of Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante, neurologists, neuropsychologists, radiologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physiotherapists and nursing staff work together to provide early diagnosis and personalised treatment.

“Our aim is to maintain the patient’s quality of life for as long as possible. That is why we have developed a comprehensive cognitive impairment programme that includes neurological nursing consultations, neuropsychological care from the moment of diagnosis, cognitive rehabilitation and psychoeducation for family members and carers,” explains Dr Torres. The programme also offers emotional support to the patient’s immediate circle, helping families to cope more effectively with the impact of the disease.

This unit thus reinforces its commitment to research, prevention and multidisciplinary care, which are all essential to improving patients’ quality of life and slowing the progression of the disease.