The number of patients with Alzheimer's disease will rise to 4 per cent by 2050

Minister of Health and Social Security Martine Deprez has responded to a parliamentary enquiry by MP Ricardo Marques on the extent of Alzheimer's disease in Luxembourg, diagnostic methods and treatment options.

There are no official statistics on the number of new cases of Alzheimer's disease in Luxembourg, but there are estimates based on Alzheimer Europe's mathematical models. In 2018, there were 7,539 people living with dementia in the country, with women suffering from the disease more often than men.

The greatest number of patients with dementia is among people over 80 years of age. For example, in the 85-89 age group, the disease was diagnosed in 1,742 people, and among those who are 90 years old and older - in 1,536 people. However, the first symptoms can appear as early as 60 years of age and even earlier.

Experts expect the prevalence of dementia to reach 4 per cent among Europeans by 2050 due to an ageing population. This means that in Luxembourg the number of patients may increase significantly in the coming decades.

Early diagnosis remains a challenge as symptoms vary and can take years to develop. Diagnosis is based on many factors, including cognitive tests (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), blood tests to rule out other diseases, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or PET scans.

New diagnostic methods include the analysis of blood biomarkers (NfL, GFAP, Ptau217), which can help detect the disease at earlier stages. However, rapid tests for Alzheimer's do not yet exist, and diagnosis takes different times depending on the patient.

In Luxembourg, there are no regular campaigns aimed specifically at early detection of Alzheimer's disease, but there are educational initiatives. The Info-Zenter Demenz and the Association Luxembourg Alzheimer's provide information on symptoms, and new technologies, such as the Braincoach app, help people monitor their cognitive health.

In November 2024, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved Lecanemab for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Luxembourg supported this decision, and if the European Commission finally approves the drug, it will become available in all EU countries.

The implementation process in Luxembourg involves registration in the Pharm database, price agreement with the Department of Social Protection, and then a decision by the National Health Insurance Fund (CNS) to be included in the reimbursement system.

In addition, the drug will only be available in a controlled programme to avoid misuse. Physicians and patients will receive special educational materials with information about the treatment and potential risks.

Although Luxembourg does not yet keep accurate records of new cases of Alzheimer's disease, statistics show an increasing number of patients, especially among the elderly. The authorities are banking on new diagnostic technologies, digital applications and the potential approval of Lecanemab, which could be a breakthrough in the treatment of dementia. However, the lack of active campaigns for early detection remains a problem that needs attention in the future.