Overview

• Italy counts about 1.2 million people with dementia and roughly 4 million individuals involved when family members are included, according to ISS and Istat data.
• The overall annual cost is estimated at €23 billion, with 63% of the burden falling on households rather than public services.
• SIGOT cites studies indicating around 40% of informal carers develop anxiety or depression, implying more than 1.2 million Italians at risk of mental health problems linked to caregiving.
• Minister for Disabilities Alessandra Locatelli urges concrete support, adequate services and community networks, while geriatricians press for early diagnosis, local cognitive centers, dementia‑friendly initiatives and structured home assistance.
• Research reports modest slowing of decline from some anti‑amyloid antibodies in selected patients and explores emerging leads such as stress granules, microglial activation and a possible cytomegalovirus link, alongside evidence for prevention through MIND‑style diet and midlife physical activity.