> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Alzheimer Strategy Urged as Cases Rise in Catalonia - URL: https://barna.news/alzheimer-strategy-urged-as-cases-rise/ - Published: 2026-10-26T14:30:33.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-26T15:07:04.000Z - Description: A new report warns of rising dementia cases and calls for urgent political and health system action. - Author: Barna.News - Tags: health Video: @fpmaragall / IG ## 150,000+ Living with Dementia in Catalonia More than 150,000 people in Catalonia are currently living with dementia, and cases of Alzheimer's disease are projected to increase in the coming decades due to an ageing population. On Monday 26th October 2026, the Alzheimer's and Dementia Observatory, promoted by the Pasqual Maragall Foundation, published a report outlining how Catalonia should prepare for this growing public health challenge. The central conclusion is that Alzheimer's must become a national priority, supported by a comprehensive strategy with sufficient funding and integrated planning across health, social care, and research sectors. --- ## Five Key Recommendations for Action The report sets out five main recommendations to address the rising burden of dementia: - Promote, plan, and fund a comprehensive strategy for Alzheimer's and other dementias, making it a political priority. - Prepare the Catalan Health System to incorporate scientific innovation, including early diagnostic tests and new treatments for cognitive decline. - Move towards an integrated model of health and social care to eliminate fragmentation and ensure continuous support from diagnosis onward. - Guarantee equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, and care regardless of residence, income, or family support. - Provide ongoing support for people with dementia and their families, including training, respite care, and measures to reduce economic and work impacts on caregivers. > This strategy must connect scientific research with health, social, and community planning, strengthen existing instruments, establish interdepartmental governance, and have sufficient funding, defined objectives, execution deadlines, and indicators to evaluate its deployment and impact throughout the territory. ## Health Innovation Blocked by Funding Refusal The report highlights that the Spanish Ministry of Health has refused to fund the first medications targeting cognitive decline, despite their potential. It calls for strengthening primary care in early detection, reorganising care pathways, and planning professional, diagnostic, and technological resources to ensure safe and equitable access to innovations. The current system's fragmentation between health and social services risks care gaps, the report warns. A continuous care pathway is needed to match support with evolving individual needs. ## Supporting Caregivers and Specialised Organisations Family caregivers require emotional support, respite care, and social guidance, the report stresses. It also recognises the essential role of specialised associations, calling for better coordination between these entities and public services. While Catalonia has strong research foundations in neuroscience, the report warns that without urgent political commitment and investment, the region risks falling behind in translating science into care. --- *Sources:* [*El Nacional*](https://www.elnacional.cat/ca/societat/casos-alzheimer-augmentaran-catalunya-com-preparar-pais%5F1715296%5F102.html?ref=barna.news)*.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Consensus to Improve Epilepsy Care in Catalonia](https://barna.news/consensus-to-improve-epilepsy-care-in/) - [IDIBAPS Tops Catalan Biomedical Research Funding](https://barna.news/idibaps-tops-catalan-biomedical/) - [First Catalan Stroke Congress Set for 27 Oct](https://barna.news/first-catalan-stroke-congress-set-for/) - [HM Nens Hospital Launches Neurodivergent Care Plan](https://barna.news/hm-nens-hospital-launches/)