Naslov
Why Alzheimer's disease became World's health priority?

Autori
Mimica, Ninoslav

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, stručni

Izvornik
Abstract Book 2018 - Mind & Brain / Demarin, Vida ; Budinčević, Hrvoje - Zagreb : International Institute for Brain Health, 2018, 32-32

Skup
58. Međunarodni neuropsihijatrijski kongres (MIND & BRAIN)

Mjesto i datum
Pula, Hrvatska, 25.05.2018. - 27.05.2018

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Pozvano predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
Alzheimer's disease ; dementia ; public health
(Alzheimer's disease ; dementia ; public health ; epidemic ; prevention)

Sažetak
There is no doubt that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is today the World’s health priority, but It was not always like this. Although this disease exists always in humans, it was uncommon e. g. rare. Namely, the early onset form was as much present as it is today, and very young cases of AD were rare the same as there are today. What is the difference - the disease is now much more evident in older people, among oldest old and more present in women due to the fact that they live substantially longer. Today we observe the link between females and dementia due to longevity, but also there is a link between carers who are more common females according to their empathy and specific knowledge. AD, as a disease without cure, is by its definition a palliative disease, so every society should develop and improve palliative medicine and best care for people with dementia (PWD) and help the informal caregivers and families. Continues medical and social suport is needed for all PWD due to fact that disease is long-lasting and devastating. Timely diagnoses should be provided for all, but post-diagnostic support is even more needed. Informal carers need education, suport at their homes, prevention in developing the burn-out syndrome and other psychiatric disorders. Standard pharmacological treatment is obligatory, but additional non- pharmacological approach is benefitial and always recommended. The research in the field of psychopharmacology is very vivid and almost hundred substances are tested for potential anti- dementia drug. Amiloid and tau hypothesis are under questioning, and inovative treatment, personal approach, like immunisation may be a future option. Dementia friendly communities / spots, dementia friends’ projects, Alzheimer Café’s and other may be the good way to help people live with dementia. Non-governmental organisations (NGO) help whole society in showing the way how the things should be improved or organized, but of course this is not enough to make a substantial move and make significant difference. Only national dementia strategy / plan can make the difference and would cover the variety of needs for PWD during the long period of illness. Although the long life without AD is not pretty much certain, the preclinical treatment of AD is probable in (near) future. For that reason, new biomarkers for AD should be developed. So, leaving with AD, but without dementia, will hopefully be our future.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti, Javno zdravstvo i zdravstvena zaštita

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