Domestic Production Share of Alzheimer's Drugs Exceeds 90%

Alzheimer, a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive deterioration of brain cells over time, leading to decline in memory and cognitive abilities, typically affects the elderly population. Emphasizing that this disease has become a major public health issue globally due to the increasing elderly population, İEİS General Secretary Savaş Malkoç noted that 90% of medicines used in Alzheimer treatment in the country are produced domestically.

COMMONLY known as forgetfulness but extending far beyond that, even causing death, World Alzheimer's Day is recognized every year on 21 September to draw attention to Alzheimer's disease and raise awareness.

İEİS General Secretary Savaş Malkoç made a statement regarding this special day, emphasizing the importance of domestic production in pharmaceuticals. Noting that domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers are rapidly continuing their work to find more effective solutions in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Savaş Malkoç stated: "The share of our pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, which are members of the Pharmaceutical Industry Employers' Association, in the production of these medicines is very high. With our R&D competence increasing every year, our substantial investments in biotechnology and our manufacturing capacity meeting international standards, the domestic production share of medicines used in Alzheimer's treatment exceeds 90%. Like all other medicines, we will minimize dependence on imports in medicines used in Alzheimer's treatment in the coming years."

Alzheimer damages brain functions

Although Alzheimer's disease is generally seen in people over 65 years of age, it can also appear in people in their 50s or even 40s. The observation of initial symptoms and diagnosis of this disease can take 2-3 years. Other symptoms of the disease, which initially manifests itself with forgetfulness, include reduced problem-solving ability and difficulty with daily tasks. The disease, which is increasingly ranking high among causes of death in the elderly population worldwide, ranks 5th in Turkey. According to Turkish Statistical Institute data, it is estimated that the proportion of the population over 65 years of age in the country will exceed 10% in 2023 and the frequency of Alzheimer's will continue to increase at a rapid rate. 

Genetic factors are important

Although there is no definitive cure for Alzheimer's disease, due to its progressive nature, the average life expectancy of patients after diagnosis ranges from 8 to 10 years. However, depending on genetic factors, this period can reach 20 years in some patients. The greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's is aging. Having an Alzheimer's patient in the family can increase the likelihood of a person developing the disease, and severe head trauma experienced in the past is another factor that increases Alzheimer's risk. Cardiovascular health problems are also among the risk factors. Lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, and mental inactivity are also among the triggering factors for Alzheimer's.