1 in 10 people over 65 develops Alzheimer's, and prevention reduces dementia by 45%

Specialists at the Ministry of Health confirmed that Alzheimer's disease affects one in every 10 individuals aged 65 and older, accounting for 50 to 75 percent of dementia cases. They noted that adopting preventive measures and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce dementia incidence rates by up to 45 percent.

These remarks were made during the Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Day organized by the Department of Health Services for the Elderly at the Ministry of Health, coinciding with World Alzheimer's Day, under the slogan “They Matter in Every Memory.” The event aimed to support patients, their families, and caregivers, and to raise awareness of the physical, cognitive, and psychological aspects associated with the disease.

The event featured 10 lectures and workshops delivered by a distinguished group of physicians and specialists in various fields, including geriatrics, nutrition, occupational therapy, and mental health. It also included educational booths and interactive activities focused on raising awareness about the disease and its early symptoms, training and equipping caregivers, enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families, and highlighting the supportive services available within the healthcare system.

The specialists explained that Alzheimer's disease is one type of dementia, representing 50 to 75 percent of dementia cases. It is followed by vascular dementia, which accounts for 20 to 30 percent, Lewy body dementia at 10 to 15 percent, and frontotemporal dementia, also ranging between 10 and 15 percent.

They pointed out that the global burden of dementia is continuously increasing. According to 2021 data, approximately 33 million people worldwide live with dementia, with projections indicating the number will rise to around 78 million by 2035 and reach approximately 152.8 million by 2050.