On Friday 18 September 2026, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception and Ministry of Health and Social Security (M3S) announced that, together with Info-Zenter Demenz (IZD), Association Luxembourg Alzheimer (ALA) and the Dementia Prevention Programme, they were reaffirming their joint commitment to dementia prevention, early detection, support and inclusion ahead of World Alzheimer’s Day on Monday 21 September.
According to the ministries, more than 55 million people worldwide are currently living with dementia, with this figure potentially reaching 139 million by 2050. In Luxembourg, approximately 9,200 people are estimated to be living with dementia, representing nearly 3.5% of the resident population aged over 60, according to Alzheimer Europe’s 2025 report. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for approximately two-thirds of dementia cases among older people.
Due to demographic ageing, the number of people living with dementia could increase significantly over the coming decades. The ministries noted that these figures underline the importance of strengthening prevention, early diagnosis and support for those affected and their relatives.
According to the 2024 Lancet Commission report and recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and social isolation.
The ministries added that prevention and the adoption of behaviours that promote brain health could play an important role throughout life. Recommended habits include engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining social contact, stimulating cognitive abilities, following a balanced diet, monitoring blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, preserving visual and hearing health, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Early detection can enable those affected and their relatives to receive appropriate support more quickly, access available resources and better anticipate the progression of dementia. Repeated memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, disorientation in time or space, changes in mood or behaviour and gradual withdrawal from social or professional activities may justify seeking medical advice.
“Memory loss that is disproportionate to a person’s age is not part of normal ageing and should not be dismissed,” the ministries stressed.
They also highlighted several initiatives intended to raise awareness of diseases that cause dementia and improve the quality of life of those affected. These include the Memory Walk, a national awareness-raising event organised by ALA to mark World Alzheimer’s Day.
IZD also runs several campaigns and projects, including Mäi Liewe mat Demenz, which highlights the daily lives of people living with dementia and promotes their participation in social life; VergiessMechNet, which informs the public and combats prejudices associated with dementia; and Demenz mat Häerz, a project for primary schools focusing on respect and intergenerational understanding.
IZD serves as the national free information and consultation centre for people living with dementia, their relatives and professionals.
The Dementia Prevention Programme, run by the Ministry of Health and Social Security, offers individualised support to people experiencing subjective or mild cognitive decline. It also provides the free pdp Braincoach application, which offers advice and exercises intended to promote brain health.
The ministries and partner organisations added that strengthening the skills of healthcare and care professionals was also important for supporting people living with dementia. This work includes continuing training, conferences and awareness-raising activities for professionals, carers and the general public.
Further information is available via the Info-Zenter Demenz website, the Dementia Prevention Programme website and the pdp Braincoach website.
