Alzheimer's disease usually manifests in old age and its onset is insidious - but its impact on the individuals affected and their environment is considerable. The two Allianz experts Michela Grimm, senior economist at Allianz Group Economic Research and Corporate Development and Dr. Max Link, head of Medical Consultants, answer the main questions about the condition.
Why is World Alzheimer's Day so important?
Link: Alzheimer's is the most significant form of dementia and is, without a doubt, one of the greatest medical, but also socioeconomic challenges facing our society today. Considerable human suffering hides behind the figures. Our society has to rise to this challenge.
The motto of this year's World Alzheimer's Day is "Dementia: Living together". The day is designed to raise people's awareness of the plight of people suffering from dementia and their relatives.
How can society adapt to take account of the condition?
Grimm: Due to demographic developments, it is important to create a broad understanding of the disease and also how to deal with the individuals affected among members of society at large. After all, one of the effects of the disease is, for example, a gradual loss of spatial and temporal orientation. It is also about finding solutions to allow the individuals affected to lead independent lives for as long as possible. This also means providing support to relatives and helpers who are responsible for providing care. One possible option in this respect is, for example, the expansion of day-care institutions.