Alzheimer's disease challenges experts in Spain

Experts and medical professionals are highlighting the challenges of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, focusing on the importance of early diagnosis and empathetic care. In Alicante, specialists organized sessions to emphasize that while the disease affects memory and decision-making, emotions, preferences, and the need for companionship remain intact. Experts suggest that caregivers should learn to interpret non-verbal cues, such as frustration or fear, when communication becomes difficult.

In Ourense, the impact of the disease is significant due to a high aging population, with 32% of residents aged 65 or older. Neurologists estimate approximately 800 new cases annually in the province, with around 8,000 people currently affected. Medical professionals warn that symptoms are often mistakenly attributed to normal aging, which delays diagnosis. In Spain, there is an average delay of more than two years between the onset of symptoms and a formal diagnosis, leaving many mild cases unidentified.