A growing health challenge in Italy
Dementia represents an increasing public health challenge in Italy, particularly as the population ages. The condition is not a single disease but a group of disorders that progressively affect memory, thinking, communication and the ability to carry out everyday activities.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 57 million people worldwide are living with dementia, with almost 10 million new cases occurring each year. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, accounting for an estimated 60–70% of dementia cases.
The situation described in the Italian region of Piedmont illustrates the scale of the challenge. Local health data cited in the source material indicate that more than 92,000 people aged over 65 are living with dementia in the region, while approximately 61,000 are estimated to have Alzheimer’s disease. These figures should be understood as regional estimates rather than a measure of the prevalence of dementia across Italy as a whole.
When cognitive changes deserve medical attention
Occasional forgetfulness does not necessarily indicate dementia. People can forget names, appointments or information from time to time without having an underlying neurological disease.
Greater attention is warranted when cognitive difficulties become persistent, progressively worsen or begin to interfere with independence.
Examples can include repeatedly forgetting recently learned information, struggling to complete familiar activities, becoming disoriented in places that were previously well known, experiencing increasing difficulty finding everyday words or showing sustained changes in behaviour and mood.
The WHO identifies similar changes among possible early manifestations of dementia, including difficulties with memory, problem-solving, communication, decision-making and familiar daily tasks.
A medical assessment is therefore particularly important when changes represent a noticeable departure from a person's previous level of functioning.
Dementia is not an inevitable consequence of ageing
Age remains the strongest known risk factor for dementia, but the WHO stresses that dementia should not be considered an unavoidable part of growing older. Younger people can also develop dementia, with young-onset dementia referring to cases in which symptoms begin before the age of 65.
The distinction is important because normal ageing and disease-related cognitive impairment are not synonymous. Some slowing of cognitive processes can occur with age, whereas dementia involves cognitive changes that interfere with everyday functioning.
Health conditions can influence future risk
Research increasingly points to the importance of cardiovascular and metabolic health in brain health. High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol are among the conditions associated with increased dementia risk.
In July 2026, the WHO published updated evidence-based recommendations stating that up to 45% of dementia risk could potentially be prevented or delayed through addressing modifiable factors across the life course. The organisation specifically highlights physical inactivity, tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, social isolation, air pollution and conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
This does not mean that lifestyle changes can prevent every case of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Dementia has multiple causes, including biological and genetic factors that cannot simply be eliminated through lifestyle interventions.
Physical and social activity are part of brain health
Regular physical activity is among the measures recommended by the WHO as part of dementia risk reduction. Maintaining an active lifestyle can also contribute to cardiovascular health, weight management and control of metabolic conditions.
Social engagement is another component of brain health. Maintaining relationships, participating in community activities and remaining cognitively engaged can support overall wellbeing and may form part of broader strategies for reducing cognitive decline.
For people already living with dementia, physical activity and social engagement can also contribute to quality of life and daily functioning, although individual needs should be assessed by healthcare professionals.
Supporting patients and those who care for them
The impact of dementia extends beyond the individual diagnosed with the condition. Families and unpaid carers may face substantial emotional, practical and financial pressures as cognitive impairment progresses.
The WHO notes that dementia can affect independence, dignity and safety, while also placing significant demands on families and health and social-care systems. Appropriate support therefore requires more than medical treatment alone.
Early recognition can help families seek professional assessment, understand available support and plan for changing care needs. It can also provide an opportunity to identify medical conditions that may be contributing to cognitive symptoms.
Prevention requires a long-term approach
There is currently no universal cure for dementia, but evidence-based measures can help reduce risk and support people living with the condition. The WHO's updated 2026 guidance recommends attention to physical activity, healthy eating, tobacco cessation, alcohol reduction, management of blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, social and cognitive engagement, hearing health and exposure to air pollution.
The growing body of evidence reinforces a broader principle: protecting brain health begins well before dementia symptoms appear. For individuals experiencing persistent or progressive cognitive changes, however, lifestyle measures should not replace medical evaluation. Early professional assessment remains important for establishing the underlying cause and determining appropriate care.