China has highest rate of Alzheimer's patients in the world, new report reveals

Alzheimer's has severely gripped China's aging population, so much to the point that the country now has the largest number of patients with the cognitive disease in the world. According to state-run Global Times, the disease, which usually affects people in old age, has begun impacting younger age groups.

A report titled 'Alzheimer's Patients Demand Insight Report' found that about 15.07 million people above the age of 60 in China suffer from dementia, out of which 9.83 million have Alzheimer's disease. The report, released in the Chinese capital of Beijing at a meeting, revealed that the highest number of patients with Alzheimer's in China belong to the age group of 60 to 79 years.

The particular demographic makes up 62.1% of China's total population. But the elderly aren't the only ones under the grasp of the brain disorder. People below the age of 60 with Alzheimer's constitute 21.3% of the Chinese population, a figure that is significantly higher than the ones reported internationally. 

Experts suggest regular screenings, lifestyle changes for Alzheimer's prevention

Around the world, between 5 to 10% of people younger than 60 suffer from the debilitating disease. Following the release of the report, experts have warned the younger population to go for regular screenings, a preventative measure majorly overlooked. As per the report, more than 60% Alzheimer's patients are yet to be screened, with 12.8% of them being completely unaware that they require it in the first place.

Lu Lin, an academician from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and president of the Sixth Hospital of Peking University, warned that the disease is emerging rapidly in China, impacting 5-6% of people over the age of 65, 10% over the age of 70, and a whopping 48% over the age of 90. 

Furthermore, the disease poses an increased threat due to a lack of specific treatment. At present, no specific drug can be used to cure the disease. However, prevention can help. Lu stressed that those at risk must lead a healthy lifestyle and incorporate daily exercise, sleep, and a nutritious diet to prevent it.  

With the disease highly prevalent, September 21 is observed as World Alzheimer's Day to spread awareness and destigmatize it. Alzheimer's usually begins with mild loss of memory and the ability to react to situations or carry on a simple conversation. It impacts parts of the brain that are responsible for memory, thought, and language.