Alzheimer, 190 thousand patients in Lombardy. Here are some tips to keep the disease away as much as possible

Table of Contents

• 1 Doctors on the front line
• 2 The (scary) data from Lombardy
• 3 The trend
• 4 Prevention tips
• 5 Attributes of saffron
• 6 How might ⁤the ⁣cultural and social context of Lombardy influence the approaches to Alzheimer’s‌ research, patient care, and ​public perception of the disease?

Milan, 27 November 2024 – With 48 million people impact on the world, with 600 thousand of these in Italy alone, the Alzheimer’s it is establishing itself as one of the main causes of disability, with projections pointing to positive growth, also in terms of the age of the population. Italy, for its part, has used important financial resources, which can now be invested by promoting collaboration between public health, social assistance and health care and social and scientific research which, in recent years, has made very important steps forward from a diagnostic-medical, innovative and technological point of view. In Brescia, at the conference “New challenges for mental disorders. Pathways for investigation” discussed clinicians, experts, stakeholders and institutional representatives, all agreeing that regional systems are being asked to face new challenges and that it is time to provide answers, inter- translation suggestions and recommendations. in concrete actions.

Doctors on the front line

Scientific research has faced several challenges over the years, with significant investments, following the importance of technological innovation for early diagnosis, for the treatment of the initial stages of the disease and the importance of cognitive rehabilitation to combat, in many aspects, the progression of the disease from its early stages. As a result of these considerations, there is a need for synergistic cooperation between the National Health Service and regional health systems to provide uniform diagnostic and treatment pathways dedicated to people with neurocognitive disorder with the aim of guaranteeing an early and timely diagnosis for integrated, multidisciplinary and continuous management.

The (scary) data from Lombardy

In Lombardypeople with diagnosis of dementia there are around 190 thousand, of which 115 thousand suffer from Alzheimer’s. At least 160 thousand people must be added who are considered to be affected by mild cognitive decline. Statistics show that by working on risk factors and correct lifestyles, the incidence of neurodegenerative pathology. Analysis of the Brescia company, for example, he analyzed data from 2003 to 2019, found overall increase in the number of cases (from 6,766 in 2003 to 17,856 in 2019) due to the age of the population, but also a decrease in the incidence, which went from more than 3 cases per thousand inhabitants in 2011 to 2 per thousand per year about finally considered. “With better control of risk factors and lifestyles – explained Alessandro Padovani, director of the Neurological Clinic, University of Brescia and the president of That – the Italian Association of Neurology – for the same number of people getting sick, there is a reduction in incidence. This data is found in many countries, and it emphasizes the importance of prevention. ”

The trend

Of the 160 miles people with moderate cognitive decline, according to estimates, more than 50 thousand live in the Milan area, 19 thousand in the province of Brescia, almost 17 thousand in Bergamo. And then: 14 thousand and 500 in Varese, 13,800 in the area of ​​Monza and Brianza, 9,600 in Como, 9,000 in Pavia, 6,600 in Mantua, 5,900 in Cremona, 5,500 in Lecco, just over 3000 in the area of ​​Sondrio. According to estimates, subjects over 65 with dementia are distributed as follows in the regions of Lombardy: 18,381 in Bergamo, 22,044 in Brescia, 11,347 liking, 7,118 in Cremona, 6,492 in Lecco, 3,855 in Lodi. And then: 8,061 in Mantua, 62,242 in Milan, 16,078 Monza and Brianza, 11,115 in Pavia, 3,551 in Sondrio, 17,489 in Varese. These numbers are expected to increase as the population ages in recent years.

It helps a lot to have relationships and to be present at groups or recreational centers

Prevention tips

But what are they? prevention tips to delay possible Alzheimer’s? The “Alzheimer’s Center” from Brescia have identified six categories, and the concept of “a healthy life full of social relationships” is the general name of all of them. At the top of the list is physical activity, especially aerobic activity, such as running, brisk walking, cycling, but also casual dancing, tai chi and martial arts; stop smoking to reduce the risk of developing the disease to a comparable level to those who do not smoke (smoking, on the other hand, greatly increases this risk); take care of your heart both through preventive tests and through a lifestyle that keeps cardiovascular diseases away, strokes, heart attacks; follow indeed healthy food, which as is known, includes less consumption of meat, fried foods and sausages, a choice for vegetables, fruits, grains and whole fish Omega 3 and, as fuel oil-oil

The antioxidant properties of saffron are known, but now its beneficial properties for the brain are also known

Attributes of saffron

Garlic and onion they should not be ignored. But spices are good for you too. And there is an “ally” who can lend a hand: saffron. Rich in antioxidants, Recent research has shown that consumption of saffron promotes the degradation of beta-amyloid protein, the main toxic protein suspected of causing Alzheimer’s disease. For Antonio Orlacchio, director of the Neurogenetics Laboratory of the European Brain Research Center (CERC) of the IRCCS Santa Lucia in Rome and professor of Medical Genetics at the University of Perugia, saffron is extremely important. neuroprotective potential. “This is because of the spice powerful antioxidants and bioactive molecules, such as pendants and crocetine. So in our study we manipulated immune cells of 22 patients, men and women with the most extensive form of Alzheimer’s and a picture of cognitive decline, with an active part of the heart, the cross-crocetin. Our data suggests that a drug may be made from saffron in the future anti-Alzheimer.”

Finally but actually the first tip from the “protocol” against Alzheimer’s having a fulfilling social life: friendships, relationships, loves, attending leisure clubs or sports are all activities that contribute to preventing decline of brain activity.