News

The phenomenon of rapidly aging societies is being observed across Europe.

This situation also applies to Poland. Ongoing demographic changes are leading to an increase in the prevalence of dementia-related diseases, which typically affect older individuals. This poses a serious challenge for the public health system. Dementia encompasses a broad group of conditions that result in impairments of cognitive functions such as memory, judgment, thinking, planning, and overall information processing. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.

Worldwide, dementia-related diseases are becoming an increasingly significant civilizational challenge. According to the World Alzheimer Report 2021, 55 million people are currently living with dementia, and by 2030, this number may rise to 78 million. Projections for 2050 are even more alarming—up to 152 million affected individuals. In Poland, symptoms of dementia affect as many as 15.8% of people over the age of 60, while mild cognitive impairment is present in an additional 16.8%.

The Council of Ministers has prepared a groundbreaking strategic document: The National Action Program on Dementia-Related Diseases for 2025–2030. This program is intended as a response to the growing number of individuals struggling with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and aims to improve the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers.

We recommend the commentary by Professor Bartosz Karaszewski, Poland’s national consultant in neurology.