Around 36,000 citizens in Albania are estimated to suffer from dementia, while experts are expressing concern that the condition is increasingly being diagnosed in younger individuals. These concerns were at the center of discussions at the “Ethics and Dementia” conference in Elbasan, attended by 50 researchers and specialists from 20 different countries, who shared the latest scientific findings.
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Sigurd Lauridsen, a representative of the University of Denmark, explained that certain habits and health conditions contribute to the early onset of the disease. “Smoking, alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle and type 2 diabetes are factors that increase the risk. However, the rise in cases is also explained by the aging population and demographic changes. In European Union countries, there have been promising developments in treatment, but there is still no definitive cure. The term dementia encompasses around 200 diseases, each with specific therapeutic needs,” he stressed.
However, the burden of this disease does not fall solely on the patient after diagnosis. Family members are the ones forced to reshape their entire lives to meet the needs of the affected person.
Elona Gaxhja, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Elbasan, emphasized the need for a unified approach. “It would be ideal if all institutional bodies coordinated their efforts. A national strategy is needed to support those affected and their families. We organized this conference precisely to raise public awareness,” she said.
The consequences of dementia penetrate deeply into the emotional fabric and family relationships. Mental health specialists point out that the changes brought about by the disease affect behavior and the ability to communicate with relatives.
Psychologist Ilma Toçi describes the isolation experienced by the patient: “His entire world turns into unfamiliar territory. Excessive irritability becomes apparent, and these individuals often display emotional aggression. They lose the ability to express the love they once showed to their loved ones, including their children.”
The true scale of the phenomenon in Albania is difficult to measure precisely because there is no national registry for people with dementia. Data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study suggested that around 36,000 people with this diagnosis were living in the country.
Projections from the same source show an alarming increase: by 2050, the number of Albanians with dementia could reach 87,000. These statistics highlight the urgent need to increase support for patients, family members and specialized care centers.
