With millions affected worldwide, today Alzheimer’s disease is a global public health concern, compounded by a progressively ageing population. There are currently estimated to be around 55 million people worldwide living with dementia, with approximately 60 to 70% of cases related to Alzheimer’s (WHO). Prevalence increases with age: roughly 5% of people aged 65 to 74 (Bright Focus) and more than 30% of over-85s (Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2010) have the condition. The projections are alarming: this number is expected to double by 2050, reaching around 139 million individuals (Alzheimer's Disease International).
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterised by memory loss, cognitive decline and an inability to perform everyday activities.
From a biological perspective, the two hallmark changes of Alzheimer’s are: the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques (Neurology, 2004), formed by protein aggregates deposited between nerve cells, and the abnormal build-up of fibrils of hyperphosphorylated tau, proteins that accumulate anomalously within the cerebral cortex (Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 2006). These processes cause neuron damage and loss as a result of cytopathological changes that lead to reduced brain size and cognitive dysfunction (Ageing Research Reviews, 2016).
Alzheimer’s has a severe impact on families, who are often forced to completely overhaul their lives to ensure continuous care. For family caregivers, this means dealing with constant emotional and physical stress, which can create financial problems (as a result of healthcare costs), leading to the risk of burnout and depression.
On top of this, healthcare and social systems in countries all around the globe are overburdened: care homes and in-home support services are lacking, and health professionals need continuous training. Developed countries show higher prevalence rates, partly due to their ageing populations (Global Digital Health Monitor).
However, even developing nations are experiencing a rise in cases (World health statistics, 2025), often with healthcare systems that are less equipped to face this challenge. The global cost of dementia care is estimated to be about 1.3 trillion US dollars a year (2019 data, WHO 2021), which includes healthcare, social welfare and loss of productivity for both patients and their caregivers (Global Dementia Observatory).
The origin of Alzheimer’s is complex and multifactorial. Although we are yet to fully understand the exact cause, we do know that several factors influence a person’s risk of developing the disease: their age, genetics (the presence of genes such as APOE ε4 increases the risk – Molecular Neurodegeneration, 2022) and lifestyle. Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, smoking and drinking too much alcohol are associated with a greater likelihood of developing the disease, together with social and environmental factors, education, level of mental stimulation and socioeconomic factors (WHO).
While early diagnosis is key to managing the disease, it can be problematic, especially in the initial stages. It is done through clinical examinations, neuropsychological tests, MRI and CT scans of the brain, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and genetic biomarkers (Istituto Superiore di Sanità [Italian National Institute of Health]). But there is still no definitive cure, nor is there any treatment that can stop or reverse its progression. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine can slow symptoms (Alzheimer's and Dementia, 2012), but non-pharmacological therapies, such as cognitive stimulation (Istituto Superiore di Sanità) and occupational and creative therapy (Ageing Research Reviews, 2023), can also be a big help.
Intensive research is underway in various areas of study and innovation to discover more effective therapies and, if possible, a cure.
The future of the battle against Alzheimer’s is based primarily on genetic research and biomarkers – identifying the earliest and most reliable biomarkers to ensure timely diagnosis – and on the study of the genes involved to develop personalised therapies.
Immunotherapies and drugs aimed at removing beta-amyloid plaques are being trialled, as well as neuronal regeneration and cell therapies.
Promoting healthy lifestyles, balanced diet, physical exercise and mental stimulation with educational and awareness-raising programmes is the way forward if we are to improve the quality of life of patients and their families (WHO).
In his blog, Dementia Researcher (2025), Professor Brian Lawlor of the Irish Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) states that dementia care needs a brain health revolution. He believes it is time that doctors rethought the way they see and treat dementia, because all too often these individuals end up falling into “therapeutic hopelessness”. Lawlor proposes a brain health approach focused on proactive and personalised care. This means managing comorbidities and helping patients, with a view to modifying disease course and maintaining quality of life.
Alzheimer’s is not just an individual disease, but a huge social phenomenon that calls for integrated and innovative solutions. To tackle it, we need to take a multidisciplinary approach and create public policies and healthcare systems that encourage investment in research and healthcare, and in building integrated support networks and effective home-based services. Researchers, doctors, politicians, caregivers and the civil society must be united in this approach.
Alzheimer Cafés are a pioneering model of social care and community support to help patients and caregivers. Devised in 1997 in the Netherlands, this winning formula spread rapidly across the world, becoming a benchmark for managing the disease.
The Alzheimer Café was the brainchild of Dr Bère Miesen, an old age psychologist who came up with the idea at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Miesen’s aim was to create an informal meeting space to support people with dementia and their families. The name “Café” was chosen to evoke the idea of a welcoming, informal and friendly place that is far removed from traditional clinical environments. The main aim is to provide a setting where people with dementia and their caregivers can share experiences, get information about the disease, take part in social activities and ultimately feel less alone.
Alzheimer Cafés are normally set up as regular sessions, often monthly, in informal settings such as coffee shops, community centres or health centres. The events are open to everyone, with no need to book, and take place in a welcoming, stigma-free environment.
Activities carried out at the events can include presentations and talks on aspects of the disease; recreational and therapeutic activities, such as music, art, cognitive games, emotional support sessions and discussion groups for caregivers; advice from healthcare professionals; and sharing of resources and information about the services available. The presence of trained staff is a core element: the sessions are attended by nurses, social workers, psychologists or volunteers, who facilitate the discussions, ensuring a respectful and supportive environment.
The effectiveness of Alzheimer Cafés in improving the quality of life of people with dementia and their family members has been demonstrated by numerous studies. It is a well-known fact that meeting with other families and professionals combats loneliness, helping to reduce social isolation (International Psychogeriatrics, 2011). What’s more, the information provided helps caregivers understand the course of the condition better, equipping them with more effective strategies for managing the illness.
Attending support groups relieves anxiety, depression and feelings of guilt. It is also worth mentioning that the groups help raise public awareness, thus encouraging greater acceptance and inclusion of people with dementia (Alzheimer's Disease International, 2016).
The spread of Alzheimer Cafés throughout the world bears witness to the importance of human, participatory and informal approaches in facing the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s disease. To address this escalating situation effectively, it is paramount that we continue to promote and support initiatives such as these, by investing in training, research and innovation. Only through shared and global action can we build a more inclusive and supportive future for all those affected by dementia and their families and successfully manage this complex and devastating disease.
There is still a long way to go, but research and awareness are bringing fresh hope for the future.