Alzheimer's in Morocco: a disease that progresses silently
- A disease still hidden within the family
- COVID-19 vaccination and Alzheimer's: distinguishing concern from scientific evidence
- Personal testimonies that deserve to be heard
- A worrying shortage of care facilities
- Families alone in the face of the disease
- Horizon 2030: a collective responsibility
- Conclusion: personal testimony and collective call
Alzheimer's disease is now recognized as one of the greatest global health challenges. However, in Morocco, it remains largely absent from public debate. It is often considered a natural consequence of aging or hidden within families due to a lack of information or fear of social stigma. This silence does not reflect the magnitude of the problem; it simply delays addressing it.
At the same time, Morocco is undergoing a clear demographic transition. Increased life expectancy and changes in family structure are inevitably leading to an increase in age-related diseases, including cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's.
Aging: an unavoidable demographic reality
Age is the main risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. As the Moroccan population ages, an increase in the number of cases is a predictable phenomenon. This process is not unusual; it has been experienced by all societies that have undergone a similar demographic transition.
The problem lies not in this evolution, but in the lack of preparation. The actual aging of the population has not yet been sufficiently integrated into public health and social protection policies, creating a growing gap between needs and available responses.
A disease still hidden within the family
In Moroccan society, Alzheimer's remains a silent disease. Many families prefer to minimize the symptoms or attribute them to normal aging. Diagnosis is often made at a late stage, while the burden of care falls almost entirely on the family.
This silence protects neither the patient nor the caregivers. It isolates, exhausts, and hinders the development of an adequate collective and institutional response.
COVID-19 vaccination and Alzheimer's: distinguishing concern from scientific evidence
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns arose about a possible link between vaccination and cognitive impairment. An observational study conducted in South Korea identified a statistical association in a specific cohort.
However, this study does not prove a causal relationship. Its authors and various experts have pointed out significant methodological limitations. To date, the available scientific evidence does not confirm that COVID-19 vaccines cause Alzheimer's disease.
In a context of rapid population aging, the increase in diagnoses may be misinterpreted as a consequence of recent events, when the demographic factor remains central.
Personal testimonies that deserve to be heard
In Morocco, some vaccinated individuals report various symptoms, whether cognitive, skin-related, or functional. These testimonies reflect real human experiences and should be listened to with respect.
However, they do not constitute scientific proof on their own. The vaccines used in Morocco—Chinese, British, or American—are subject to continuous international monitoring, and no link to neurodegenerative diseases or heavy metal-related disorders has been scientifically proven.
A worrying shortage of care facilities
One of the most alarming aspects is the lack of facilities dedicated to Alzheimer's care. In Rabat, according to the families affected, there is only one day center, which offers limited services and has a high monthly cost in relation to the care provided.
A comparison with neighboring countries such as Spain is revealing. There, day centers are part of public policy, are open daily, and offer multidisciplinary care that includes physical therapy, neuropsychology, speech therapy, food, and transportation.
This difference reflects not only a gap in resources, but also a difference in health priorities.
Families alone in the face of the disease
In the absence of adequate facilities, families take on most of the care, with women most often on the front line. Without training or psychological or institutional support, caregiving becomes a silent burden. Alzheimer's thus becomes a double disease: that of the patient and that of the caregiver.
Horizon 2030: a collective responsibility
Looking ahead to 2030, as Morocco prepares to host a major international event, there is an opportunity to link development with social progress. The creation of day centers specializing in Alzheimer's, at least in regional capitals and cities with adequate infrastructure, would be a decisive step in addressing the challenges of aging.
Conclusion: personal testimony and collective call
I am aware that many diseases affect older people and are rightly priorities for health systems. Aging poses complex medical, social, and economic challenges.
But if I insist on talking about Alzheimer's, it is also because I myself am in the early stages of this disease. This is not to accuse or alarm, but to bear witness and draw attention to a reality that is still lived in silence.
Talking about Alzheimer's today does not mean privileging one disease over others, but recognizing the real aging of our society and calling for a responsible, proactive, and humane response.