On the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day, which will be celebrated on Saturday 21 September, the Veneto healthcare system has launched a new approach to managing the disease, focusing on the needs and experiences of patients and their families. Today, a meeting entitled “The Involvement of People with Cognitive Impairment in Change Management” took place at the Rama pavilion of the Ospedale dell’Angelo, which saw the participation of numerous professionals in the sector and patients.
The event was attended by the Regional Councilor for Health and Social Affairs, Manuela Lanzarin, the General Director of Sanità Veneta, Massimo Annicchiarico, the General Director of Ulss 3 Serenissima, Edgardo Contato, and the Head of the Regional Coordination of Neurodegenerative Pathology Network, Cristina Basso. Lanzarin emphasized that “Veneto is at the forefront, paving the way for a new paradigm: for the first time we have given voice and consideration to the suggestions of those who live daily with neurocognitive disorders and their families.”
The Region has embarked on an innovative path, as demonstrated by the projects of the Three-Year Plan of the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Fund 2024-2026. “This approach not only represents an advancement in care, but is also a recognition of the dignity and value of each individual,” added Lanzarin. “Together we can build a more empathetic, inclusive and effective healthcare system, capable of responding to the real needs of people.”
This year, the regional conference focused on Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), an emerging topic in the field of neurocognitive disorders. The data are worrying: in 2023, over 78,000 cases of MCI were recorded in Veneto. The prevalence of MCI in the over-65 population varies between 4 and 6%, and increases with age, reaching 7-10% in those over 80.
Statistics show that approximately 10-15% of MCI patients progress to dementia each year, with 30-50% developing dementia within 3-5 years, mostly Alzheimer’s disease. Risk factors for progression to dementia include older age, low education, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, and social isolation. Additionally, women are at higher risk of progression, and rates are higher in Western countries than in developing countries.