We can be considered to be suffering from a Alzheimer's epidemic. Its frequency increases with age: it affects 5% of the population aged 60-69, 20% of those aged 80-89 and 30% of those aged 90-99. Traditionally, this disease has been associated with ageing, so we can only hope that we are lucky not to suffer from it when we grow older. it is not an inherent or connatural disease of age.. Today we know that the pathogenic processes in the brain - the accumulation of amyloid protein - start years ago, even decades before cognitive symptoms appear. The conclusion is obvious: you have to act at 50 to be healthy at 70.

In most cases, the causes of the disease are unknown. It is estimated that only 1-5% are hereditary in origin - when the disease has an early onset, before the age of 65. In the remaining cases, it occurs sporadically, suggesting that it may arise through interactions between various genetic and environmental factors.

Understanding the role of risk factors in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease can help to identify those that can be modified. In essence, a risk factor is any circumstance or status that increases a person's likelihood of developing a disease and at the same time reduces the issue and density of neurons or increases brain neuronal vulnerability, so that it has the potential to accelerate the onset and progression of clinical manifestations of the disease.

Thus, the scientific research has confirmed that there is a link between the onset of cognitive impairment and lifestyle-related risk factors. These factors can therefore, in principle, be modified by the individual. These factors include stress, physical inactivity, obesity, high-fat diets, smoking and harmful alcohol consumption, diabetes or hypertension. Does this finding mean that we have the power to prevent the disease? What we know for now is that a balanced per diem expenses , with regular physical activity, as well as mentally stimulating activities, could help people stay healthy as they age.

The celebration, every 21 September, of World Alzheimer's Day reminds us, firstly, of the need to guarantee the necessary resources for comprehensive care for the patient, family and carers. Furthermore, the slogan chosen this year by CEAFA (Spanish Alzheimer's Confederation), "Alzheimer's with Social Science", supports the science-society binomial: science that serves society and society that supports science.

Unfortunately, research in Spain has been weighed down by years of cutbacks. It is essential to make a firm commitment to greater investment in research. Without disdaining the laudable popular initiatives to support science, we cannot leave this issue to solidarity alone. We must demand policies that unequivocally support research.

Urgent investment in science. There is an urgent need for investment in training by the healthcare professionals responsible for the integral care of the patient. Let us not forget that knowledge on the mechanisms by which risk factors are associated with the disease could prevent up to a third (if not more) of Alzheimer's cases.