In Brazil there are approximately between 1.2 - 1.6 million people with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The number of people with the disease can vary, since, on average (international parameter), only 3 out of 10 individuals are diagnosed with dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease is the most common cause among the different types of dementia.

According to projections made by Alzheimerebook, the estimate is about 6 million people with Alzheimer's in the next 40 years, which would correspond to predict a number, in 2060, in Brazil, equivalent to the population of Rio de Janeiro in 2019.

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The world number of people living with dementia exceeds 55 million people (8.1% of women and 5.4% of men over 65 years old). It is estimated (WHO Source) that this number will increase to 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050.

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Some statistics point to age as the main risk factor for the development of AD

The disease affects 1% of the elderly between 65 and 70 years, and the incidence increases with age, being 6% at 70, 30% at 80 years and more than 60% after 90 years. That is, after the age of 70, the risk of developing the disease practically doubles in the interval of 5 to 10 years.

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Associating data on longevity between men and women, because they lived longer than men, women seem to be at increased risk for the development of the disease, since advanced age is the main risk factor for the development of AD.

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Other factors are also considered as risk, such as: smoking, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, sedentary lifestyle, which are related to the lifestyle and habits of each person. Which means we can change our behaviors to get a better quality of life.

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The option for a lifestyle with more quality and healthy habits, associated with frequent and diversified cognitive stimulation throughout life, seems to delay the onset of the disease.

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To learn more about the disease,  the possible causes and risk factors, symptoms, treatments, diagnosis and prevention, as well as access to medicines,  Alzheimerebook suggests accessing, in Brazil, the specific page of the Ministry of Health .

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There is no specific test to diagnose Alzheimer's disease or most other forms of dementia. Doctors use a variety of tests and assessments to determine whether symptoms meet certain criteria and to exclude other possible causes for these symptoms. The earlier and more accurate this assessment is, the better the chances of benefiting from the treatments available. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR!

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Alzheimer's disease: new guidelines for diagnosis

Medical Journal of Minas Gerais - external link

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Source: Institution: Faculty of Medicine, UFMG Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil

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How to seek help?

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If you are already living or living with Alzheimer's or other dementia, the tip that helps a lot is to find a support group   or an Alzheimer's association in your municipality or even join online groups with which you identify useful links

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A good suggestion is to watch some videos about it:

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Useful links - Fiocruz's external videos "Ligado em Saúde"  

Caregivers of Seniors with Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's: changes in communication and behavior

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Another help tool is this great guide:

Useful links - Novartis

Caregiver's Guide

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Perhaps you might be interested in learning about a course:

Free Senior Caregiver Course

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So what is the Alzheimerebook for?

Alzheimerebook is an online tool to expand actions to combat fear and stigma around people living with AD and other dementias. In this sense, being an online meeting point to bring together people, existing groups and like-minded communities to stimulate social (re)inclusion through love, compassion and universal fraternity, of those who little by little move away from social life because of the illness.

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There are many problems that must be faced and the Alzheimerebook aims to help through awareness.

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A common characteristic for family members (and) caregivers is to show signs of anguish, irritation and depression as a consequence of social helplessness and emotional and financial overload. The fear and stigma surrounding AD and other dementias makes people feel intimidated and withdrawn from social life. This causes a lot of anguish for those who have the disease and for their caregivers.

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This finding motivated the development of the Alzheimerebook Project.

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