Italian neurologists call for early Alzheimer diagnosis and new treatment pathways
The Italian Society of Neurology highlighted the growing burden of dementia and urged earlier detection and access to emerging therapies.
According to the Istituto superiore di sanità, millions of Italians aged 65 and older are affected by dementia, with Alzheimer’s accounting for the majority of cases. The Società italiana di neurologia noted that recent breakthroughs have produced drugs that target the disease’s biological mechanisms, offering the possibility of slowing its advance. While these therapies are not curative, experts argue that early diagnosis is essential to maximise their benefit.
They propose expanding networks of cognitive disorder centers, improving access to diagnostic biomarkers, and ensuring consistent care pathways nationwide. Prevention was also stressed, with lifestyle factors such as education, hearing health, blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, smoking, physical activity, diabetes management, alcohol use, head injury avoidance, air quality, social connections, vision care, and sleep quality identified as modifiable risks.
