Dementia and caregiver health challenges rise in Poland

In Poland, approximately 600,000 people live with dementia, a figure projected to rise to 770,000 by 2030 and exceed 900,000 by 2040. Experts emphasize that early diagnosis is critical, as new therapies can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in its early stages. However, many patients seek medical help too late, often mistaking cognitive impairments for natural aging. According to the Patient Rights Ombudsman, 80 percent of Alzheimer's patients lack a correct diagnosis, with the average time from initial contact with a primary care physician to diagnosis being roughly 24 months.

Parallel to the rise in dementia, the mental and physical health of caregivers is a growing concern. Providing long-term care for individuals with mental illnesses or chronic conditions often leads to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. Medical professionals describe this as a phenomenon similar to burnout, noting that caregivers frequently reorganize their entire lives around the patient, often neglecting their own health and needs in the process.