
An estimated 50 million people around the world currently live with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, dementia being a collective term for progressive syndromes that affect various expressions of cognitive function, such as memory and emotional expression. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for the majority of cases (50 to 70%, varying by country, based on Alzheimer’s Disease International and World Health Organization figures). For those directly affected and their loved ones, dementia can be a frightening experience, particularly as it is so poorly understood. However there remains little or no understanding of dementia in many, and the stigmatization and misinformation that surrounds dementia remains a global issue.
For 2022 World Alzheimer’s Day the theme Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s, organized annually by Alzheimer’s Disease International, focuses on diagnosis, the warning signs of dementia, with a special focus on post-diagnosis support. The aim of this international campaign is to highlight the importance of support for people living with dementia and families following a diagnosis.
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Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading neurodegenerative pathology associated with aging worldwide. It is estimated that AD prevalence will increase from 5.8 million people today to 13.8 million by 2050 in the United States alone. AD effects in the brain are well known; however, there is still a lack of knowledge about the cellular mechanisms behind the origin of AD. It is known that AD induces cellular stress affecting the energy metabolism in brain cells.