“Knowing at the right time means giving yourself the means to act.” The theme of World Alzheimer’s Month emphasizes the importance of knowing a patient’s status early enough to manage the disease as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is at the heart of the awareness campaign conducted throughout September by the association Madagascar Alzheimer Masoandro Mody.
The association particularly stresses the importance of not waiting for symptoms to worsen before seeking medical advice. It aims to encourage families and caregivers to recognize the early signs of the disease to facilitate faster care. It estimates that nearly 160,000 people could be affected by Alzheimer’s disease in Madagascar by 2050.
During the official launch of World Alzheimer’s Month on Tuesday at the association’s headquarters in Mahazoarivo, Madagascar Alzheimer Masoandro Mody reiterated that diagnosis is a crucial step in care. “It allows access to various treatment, care, and support options, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological,” the association noted.
The process begins with a better understanding of the disease’s signs. For the association, knowing how to identify unusual changes in a person can help reduce the delay before a consultation and, consequently, allow for earlier intervention.
This issue still faces persistent misconceptions. According to data cited by the association, 80% of the public and 65% of healthcare professionals still consider Alzheimer’s and related diseases to be a normal part of the aging process. Fear of diagnosis is also a barrier: 46% of people living with Alzheimer’s report being afraid of the diagnosis, according to statistics presented at the launch.
The association plans several information and awareness activities throughout September. These will focus on recognizing warning signs, risk factors, diagnosis, and support for those affected and their families.
Alzheimer’s is an incurable neurodegenerative disease, but its progression can be slowed when care is provided early enough, indicates Madagascar Alzheimer Masoandro Mody. Rehabilitation exercises can help preserve certain automatic behaviors and functional capacities of patients.
The association also encourages maintaining regular intellectual activity to stimulate cognitive abilities. Globally, more than 55 million people are currently living with Alzheimer’s or a related disease.
In Madagascar, the projection of nearly 160,000 people potentially affected by 2050 reinforces, according to the association, the need to improve information about the disease. Its campaign aims to make early diagnosis a more integrated reflex in the management of initial symptoms.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-04 11:53:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.2424.mg/sante-publique-madagascar-alzheimer-masoandro-mody-met-laccent-sur-le-diagnostic-precoce/