The Minister of Health, Monica Garcia, has participated in an event of the Pasqual Maragall Foundation, where the presentation was made “Catalogue for a new prioritization of Alzheimer’s in Spain”. During the event, the Minister stressed the Government's commitment to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care of Alzheimer and other dementias, diseases that represent one of the greatest threats to healthy aging.
A growing health emergency
In her speech, Monica Garcia highlighted that Alzheimer's currently affects a large number of families in Spain and its prevalence could double by 2050, affecting 1.7 million people"The socioeconomic and psychosocial impact of these diseases is profound, not only on those who suffer from them, but also on their families and caregivers," he said.
The minister called for prioritizing this problem as a global urgency, highlighting the need for a community approach. "We are all vulnerable, and joining forces is essential to face this great challenge," he said.
National Strategy and Primary Care Plan
The Ministry of Health is moving in this direction through the Neurodegenerative Diseases Strategy, implemented since 2022, which includes a specific program to address Alzheimer's and other dementias. This plan, aligned with the autonomous communities, includes specific actions such as:
- Comprehensive care plans.
- Resource maps.
- Training of healthcare professionals.
Likewise, the Primary Care Plan 2025-2027, in its final phase of development, will strengthen the coordination between levels of care and will ensure better training for professionals, ensuring quality care.
Research and multidisciplinary approach
The minister insisted on the need to prioritize research, supported by sustained investment, to advance innovative treatments and guarantee access to effective medicines based on scientific evidence. In addition, she advocated for a multidisciplinary social-health model, which integrates disciplines such as psychology, nursing and physiotherapy, to offer comprehensive, quality care.
