As part of the World Alzheimer's Day, the social entities that work in Alzheimer's research and in defense of the rights of people affected by the disease (Alzheimer Catalunya Fundació, Association of Alzheimer's Relatives of Barcelona, ​​​​Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, ​​​​Alzheimer Treatment Research Center, Uszheimer Foundation and the Pasqual Maragall Foundation) make an urgent call to the authorities to increase their support in care and investment in research, and in social and health care.

Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease with no treatment to stop or slow its progression, which is estimated to affect more than 900,000 people in Spain and more than 120,000 in Catalonia. Its impact on the lives of those who suffer from it and their families is devastating, and the lack of adequate resources for its management is a major problem.

Although Age is the best-known risk factor; the disease is not an inevitable consequence of biological aging. Studies show that there are environmental factors that increase the risk of suffering from the disease and, therefore, It is necessary to incorporate Alzheimer's prevention into public health policies. Social determinants such as nutrition, educational level, stress and anxiety, pollution, loneliness and isolation are very relevant in the appearance and evolution of Alzheimer's disease and in the strategies to deal with it.

This disease is not only a health challenge for those who suffer from it, but it also seriously affects the well-being of their families, who assume a large part of the burden of care. With a estimated annual cost of €35,000 per patient, Managing the disease is an economic and emotional challenge that families cannot continue to assume without the necessary support.

Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized dementia as a public health priority, in Spain and Catalonia the institutional response has been insufficient. «National Plan for Alzheimer's and other dementias» (2019-2023) has not been adequately implemented, and the “Dementia Plan in Catalonia” (PLADEMCAT) has also fallen short of the expected deployment. It is essential that institutions allocate more resources to provide a comprehensive and effective response to the needs of affected people and their families.

Urgent demands

On World Alzheimer's Day, the organisations demand that the approach and response be a social and health priority for all institutions. It is urgent that the necessary policies and resources be implemented to adapt to demographic change and its impact on society, while at the same time devoting scientific efforts to ending the disease.

In 2024, it is imperative to offer responses to dementia and, in particular, to the impact of Alzheimer's in our country, in a comprehensive manner, with resources and services appropriate to needs.

The manifesto is concretized in the following 10 demands

1. Include The perspective of Alzheimer's and dementia in regulatory texts to respond to specific needs in an agile and flexible manner.
2. Include the perspective of dementia in the design of public policies to promote the inclusion of the affected population and encourage autonomy in people with dementia.
3. Implement and provide resources to the Plans and Strategies approved to provide an effective and cross-cutting response to people with Alzheimer's and their families. 
4. Increase investment in research in the field of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, with the aim of improving prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, encouraging the existing research and innovation ecosystem.
5. Implement measures to speed up the time of diagnosis and ensure an immediate response and stable that improves the prognosis and treatment of the disease. Urgently launch a national registry of the number of diagnoses of Alzheimer's and other dementias to predict their evolution and impact. 
6. Boost Comprehensive and integrated social and health care which includes effective support from the moment the diagnosis is received. This includes modifying the portfolio of social services including specific resources for care, information, training, advice, guidance and support.
7. Give Coverage within the framework of social and labour rights people with an early diagnosis and of working age and take into account the need for support facilities for people under 65 years of age.

8. Invest in the deployment of a network of support, prevention and residential facilities that includes the needs of people with Alzheimer's, with appropriate ratios and professionals and territorial equity. Develop a network of memory and cognitive stimulation workshops throughout the country as an essential element of public health and prevention of cognitive decline. 

9. Inform, raise awareness and alert society about Alzheimer's disease and its consequences, fighting against stigma and abuse and promoting a Catalonia that is inclusive and respectful of those affected.

10. Support social entities and family associations, aimed at improving the quality of life of people affected by Alzheimer's and working towards its eradication.

Read the full manifesto here.