Suche
Mein Konto
New Alzheimer's drug: Hope for better prevention against dementia!
The articles provide information about dementia prevention in North Rhine-Westphalia, new medications and current statistics on Alzheimer's.
New Alzheimer's drug: Hope for better prevention against dementia!
In Germany, almost 2 million people are currently battling dementia, a number that is expected to continue to increase in the coming years. Alzheimer's is particularly common as the main form of dementia, with the majority of those affected being over 80 years old. According to the German Alzheimer Society, the number of dementia cases could rise to up to 2.7 million by 2050, due to increasing life expectancy and the changing age structure of the population. In 2023 alone, between 364,000 and 445,000 people were newly diagnosed with this cognitive disease, which is reaching alarming proportions, as tagesschau.de reports.
A ray of hope could be the new Alzheimer's drug "Lecanemab", which Klara Winterhoff from Cologne was one of the first people to receive. This medication treats the cause of the disease by removing harmful protein deposits in the brain. The European approval for 'Lecanemab' is linked to a specific treatment program and although there are concerns about its safety and effectiveness, many are hoping for improvement. Until now, Alzheimer's treatments have been considered a rather sad chapter in the history of research due to the lack of progress in the last two decades.
Risk factors and prevention
The likelihood of developing dementia can be significantly reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle. There are 14 known risk factors that put a strain on metabolism and blood vessels. Preventative measures include a balanced diet based on the Mediterranean diet, avoiding stimulants such as cigarettes and excessive alcohol, and regular physical activity. At least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week is recommended to minimize the risk. Social contact also contributes to brain health, while isolation and loneliness can increase the risk.
Furthermore, education plays a crucial role in protecting the brain. Mental stimulation, whether through reading or learning new skills, promotes cognitive health. The effects of air pollution are also alarming: fine dust and microplastics could therefore also have a negative influence on the risk of dementia, which deutsche-alzheimer.de in terms of general quality of life and health care underlined.
Future outlook
An increase in dementia cases is expected; around 6 percent of those affected in Germany are under 65 years old. At the same time, the German Alzheimer Society strives to support relatives and carers and calls for reforms in the care system in order to be able to better respond to the increasing challenges. Meanwhile, developments in the field of drug treatment raise questions about the safety of new therapies, which, although promising, also pose risks.
From October 31, 2025, the documentary “Hirschhausen and the Great Forgetting” will be broadcast, which deals with the topic of dementia in more detail and will be available in the ARD media library. This educational effort is more important than ever, especially given the significant numbers associated with the increase in the disease, raising questions about how we can best protect our brains.