Alzheimer's disease places heavy burden on Spanish families and healthcare systems

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias significantly impact Spanish society, affecting approximately one in ten people over the age of 65. In Spain, nearly one million people live with these conditions, with an estimated 150,000 cases in Catalonia alone. Families bear a heavy burden, providing care in over 80% of cases and covering 87% of the total costs, which average roughly 42,000 euros annually per affected person.

A Sanitas study reveals that 64% of Spaniards believe the disease transforms the lives of the entire family, while 94.5% of respondents acknowledge that caregiving significantly affects the physical and emotional health of the caregiver. Despite this awareness, a gap in preparedness exists: 83.7% of Spaniards report feeling they would need guidance or would feel lost following a family diagnosis, with only 12.5% stating they would know how to proceed.

Cristina Maragall Garrigosa, president of the Pasqual Maragall Foundation, has called for Alzheimer's to be treated as a public priority. She emphasized the need for sustained investment in research, prevention, early diagnosis, and the training of healthcare professionals to ensure scientific advancements translate into practical assistance for patients and their families.