The Age of Alzheimer's Onset in Iran Has Reached 45 Years

The head of the Alzheimer Association of Iran states that Alzheimer's disease, which is typically associated with the elderly, is now affecting middle-aged and young Iranians, with the age of onset reaching 45 years. Masoumeh Salehi said in an interview with ILNA news agency on Thursday, January 20, that this disease is usually seen in individuals over 65, but the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease in the age of 'dementia' (cognitive decline) in the country. She further mentioned that besides COVID-19, stress, anxiety, mental pressure, and air pollution in Iran contribute to the incidence of cognitive disorders and dementia in middle-aged and young individuals. Currently, approximately 1.5 million people in Iran are suffering from Alzheimer's. This statistic comes as the Alzheimer Association of Iran estimated the number of patients two years ago to be around one million, indicating a 50% increase in cases in just two years. At that time, the association reported the monthly cost for an Alzheimer's patient to be 12 million tomans, which has significantly increased due to inflation and rising healthcare costs in Iran. Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive impairments are among the most concerning health issues today, and researchers still do not have a complete understanding of the causes and mechanisms of this disease. According to global statistics, over 50 million people were diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2020, with more than 10 million new cases reported each year. Given the lack of diagnostic and recording capabilities worldwide, especially in developing countries, the actual number is likely higher. Research has shown that over 60% of new cases occur in economically weak countries, and it is predicted that this figure will exceed 70% in the coming years.