Poland faces rising neurodegenerative disease burden

The Polish Society of Pharmacy Students organized the "Consult a Pharmacist" 2026 campaign, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Over 300 pharmacy students conducted 611 consultations, aiming to raise public awareness and improve their own patient‑communication skills.

At a press conference in Białystok, Prof. Alina Kułakowska, president of the Polish Society of Neurology, warned that an aging population is driving a surge in neurological patients. She highlighted the lack of public knowledge on preventive measures and announced a ten‑point health recommendation covering diet, exercise, sleep, and regular screenings. PTN data show roughly 600,000 Poles currently live with dementia‑related illnesses, a figure that could reach one million by 2050, with about 90,000 strokes reported annually. The society is pushing for a coordinated network of neurological centres and a dedicated post‑stroke care system, priorities echoed by the Ministry of Health.