According to a survey published by the Pierre Deniker Foundation, Alzheimer’s disease is feared by 85% of French people, who are afraid of suffering from it one day. It is in fact a serious pathology, which is growing every year: at present, no less than a million people aged over 65 are affected and the number cases are likely to increase sharply in the years to come, due to the aging of the population.
Alzheimer’s disease is increasingly widespread in Europe. Indeed, according to the results of the survey conducted by the Pierre Deniker Foundation, 62% of the population knows at least one person affected by Alzheimer’s disease, in their entourage extended to friends and work colleagues.
A disease better known by name, but less talked about
If in the early 2000s, there was a lot of talk about the disease, particularly in the media when the government, in 2008, launched the first Alzheimer’s plan, this seems to be less the case today. According to the Deniker Foundation survey, the proof is in the rate of people “feeling well informed about the disease“, which stagnates below 50% and even declines between 2001 and 2017, going from 48 to 45%.
Caregivers who feel abandoned
Beyond the general public, caregivers are those most concerned by the disease, after the patients themselves. 18% of them come to the aid of a loved one affected by Alzheimer’s, whether for preparing meals, helping with washing or carrying out administrative procedures. That is why “a large majority want the public authorities to act in their favor, particularly regarding working hours, financial assistance and the provision of day care facilities” underlines the press release.
“Creating new interest in Alzheimer’s disease”
Raphaël Gaillard, president of the Pierre Deniker Foundation, declares: “Beyond our desire to share with the scientific community, we wanted to give with this survey a social dimension to Alzheimer’s disease in order to once again arouse interest in this pathology whose prevalence will continue to increase with aging. of the population and the increase in life expectancy“. Before adding: “Yes, Alzheimer’s disease is scary. Yes, it is a well-founded fear. Yes, caregivers are often confused about the future of their sick loved one. Yes, they expect concrete actions from the public authorities!”
World Alzheimer’s Day takes place today, September 21, 2023. For him, on this day, we must talk about it, because “each mention of the disease will already be an additional victory“.