Experts High importance of Alzheimer's prevention

Experts emphasize importance of Alzheimer's prevention

09/22/2013

Worldwide, about 36 million people are affected by dementia. Experts also emphasized the importance of prevention in Austria for the World Alzheimer's Day.

Alzheimer's affects us all
The global increase in life expectancy is accompanied by societal, socio-political and also health problems, such as the rapidly increasing number of dementia diseases. On yesterday's Saturday, the World Alzheimer's Day was celebrated internationally with numerous events. The President of the „Alzheimer Austria“-Self-help group, Antonia Croy, explained: „Alzheimer's disease affects us all. Worldwide, 36 million people are affected. In Austria 110,000 to 130,000 people are demented. The number of dementia patients in Austria will increase up to 270,000 by the year 2050.“

Put more emphasis on prevention
Little progress has been made in the direct therapy of patients in the moderate and severe stages of this neurodegenerative disease with progressive loss of memory and personality traits in recent years. Experts are therefore increasingly relying on prevention and delay of the full picture of the disease. Andreas Winkler, specialist at the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation at Klinik Pirwarth, explained at a press conference in Vienna: „Today we diagnose the disease only at its full onset. Since we have already lost 30 years of development of the disease for prevention.“

Reduce the risk of disease
Serial patient imaging studies have found that education and ongoing mental activity are a protective factor. There are also indications and clinical studies that nutrition plays a role. Although there are no guarantees, there are some measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's aging. For example, exercise, a healthy diet, constant learning and sociability are advised. (Ad)

Picture: Helene Souza