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China Focus: Fighting Alzheimer's disease in China

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E-mail Xinhua, September 21, 2020

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by Xinhua writers Zhong Qun, Xia Ke and Lu Yifan

BEIJING, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Hu Shaozeng's life took a U-turn after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease more than nine years ago.

"His memory is failing, and he cannot remember our wedding anniversary," said Hu's wife Weng Shiyin, 70. "These days, he has difficulties recognizing even family members, and he has grown increasingly confused, suspicious, gloomy and upset."

Hu, 71, has gotten lost several times over the past few years, Weng added.

"His symptoms are getting more severe day by day, and he can barely understand what we say," Weng said. "He has also developed mental issues such as auditory hallucinations, and he has even hit people."

To help treat Hu, the family, who live in the county of Xianghe, north China's Hebei Province, frequently commute between the county and Beijing, which they say boasts better medical resources. Despite some reimbursement, their drug fees amount to about 30,000 yuan (4,434 U.S. dollars) a year, in addition to transportation and medical treatment expenses.

"It's just sad," she said.

Alzheimer's is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thought capability, and the ability to carry out simple tasks. Medical experts say that at present, there is no effective drug that can cure Alzheimer's.

China observes World Alzheimer's Day on Monday. The country has about 10 million patients suffering from the disease, the highest number of any country in the world, in addition to 31 million people struggling with mild cognitive impairment. According to the Chinese Geriatrics Society, the number of Alzheimer's patients in China will exceed 40 million by 2050. It is estimated that the economic burden from Alzheimer's will reach 17 trillion yuan by 2030.

Jia Longfei, a seasoned doctor of the neurology department at Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, said that the majority of Alzheimer's patients are above the age of 65, but some are aged 60 and below.

"Alzheimer's is a main cause of dementia, and symptoms include memory loss, difficulties in expression, thought, judgment and decision-making, and changes in personality," Jia said. "Early signs include emotional problems such as anxiety, depression and irritation, and they are easily neglected."

Zhang Guoping, a doctor of neurology at Beijing Shijitan Hospital under the Capital Medical University, said that Alzheimer's is currently incurable and that drugs can only slow down its progression.

Alzheimer's is also a global health concern. According to the World Health Organization, by 2050, the number of people suffering from dementia will reach 152 million internationally, and about 60 percent to 70 percent of that number will be Alzheimer's patients.

In China, the disease has left many families experiencing worry, frustration and hopelessness.

From mild memory loss to death, Alzheimer's patients endure a long and irreversible process that worsens as time goes by, no matter how hard doctors and family members fight. Long-term caregivers can suffer from huge emotional and economic stress.

Jia said that two years ago, he treated an Alzheimer's patient who was only in his 40s.

"He had two children at school and two aging parents to take care of, and his wife had no job," Jia recalled. "As he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it was just a really sad situation."

Fortunately, some progress has been made in the fight against the disease.

Chinese medical experts announced they have identified a biomarker that can facilitate the early detection and intervention of Alzheimer's about five to seven years in advance of noticeable symptoms.

Experts from Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University found that blood neuro-exosomal synaptic proteins can be a promising biomarker for Alzheimer's.

"The effective diagnosis of early or asymptomatic Alzheimer's can gain time for early intervention, increasing the effectiveness of treatment and reducing the incidence of the disease," said Jia Jianping, leader of the research team and a professor at Xuanwu Hospital.

A study has revealed the genetic rules of familial Alzheimer's disease in China, providing a theoretical basis for genetic intervention and gene therapy, according to researchers.

Jia Longfei suggested the country should enhance training for medics specializing in the treatment of dementia, nurture more professional caregivers, dig into traditional Chinese medicine for possible treatments for dementia, and raise public awareness of Alzheimer's.

China is taking steps in that direction.

Chinese health authorities will screen elderly communities for Alzheimer's and provide intervention that may prevent or slow the progression of the disease.

Community-level healthcare institutions will conduct cognitive-function assessments among the elderly within their jurisdictions, and nursing homes will carry out assessments on residents, according to a plan issued by the National Health Commission.

Those suspected to have Alzheimer's will be advised to seek medical attention at higher-level hospitals, according to the plan, with screening due to cover 80 percent of people aged 65 and above in every residential community and village.

The plan also requires treatment for Alzheimer's patients at community-level healthcare institutions with the help of medical consortiums. Enditem