The Department of Health of Dénia ensures that from the age of 70, 4% or 5% of the population suffers from some type of dementia, a figure that skyrockets from the age of 85. At this age the percentage increases to 35% or 40% of citizenship. World Alzheimer's Day is celebrated tomorrow, a pathology that experts define as a "XNUMXst century" disease, because age is one of the factors that most influence its development.
According to the Head of Neurology of the Department of Health of Dénia, Alexandre García Escrivà, "in addition to age, the genetic footprint or the abuse of toxins, such as alcohol or tobacco, are contributing factors for the development of any type of dementia, including Alzheimer's.
Experts say that much progress has been made in diagnostic techniques to determine what type of dementia each patient suffers from. However, despite the large international investment being made in the field of research to prevent and treat the disease, there have been no significant advances in recent years.
According to Dr. García, “today we are administering the same drugs as a decade ago. They improve the symptoms of the pathology in its initial phases but, unfortunately, in later stages, Alzheimer's progresses irremediably without the possibility of treatment”.
Solidarity in the Marina Alta
Tomorrow, on World Alzheimer's Day, professionals from the Department of Health of Dénia will use green gloves to sensitize and educate the population about the disease.
For its part, the Teulada Association of Relatives of Patients with Alzheimer's (AFA) has scheduled activities throughout the week to commemorate the event. Throughout the day, the psycho-expressive therapist of the Department of Dénia, Alicia Costa, will carry out workshops on visuoperceptive skills and visual memory with the affected patients.
During the world day, AFA Teulada will also place information tables in the municipality, in addition to reading a manifesto and celebrating a mass in honor of people with Alzheimer's. The program of activities will culminate on Sunday with a charity march, a concert and a patient management workshop for family members and caregivers.
Is that a lot or a little? Very unscientific approach