(c) Inserm/Kalpouzos, Gregoria/Chételat Gaël

Initiated by the France Alzheimer association, the 23^rd edition of World Alzheimer’s Day will take place next Wednesday, 21 September. This year, the association wished to highlight the consequences of the disease for close caregivers who are in employment, but also for businesses, namely stress, absenteeism, loss of income, isolation and even workplace conflict.

Many events will be held to mark the day throughout France Find the events map here: http://evenements.francealzheimer.org/

Inserm researchers spend all year doing research on this neurodegenerative illness, which causes a progressive and permanent deterioration of the nerve cells, and affects about 900,000 people in France.

Launched in January 2016, the European research programme Silver Santé Study, coordinated by Gaël Chételat, Inserm Research Director, is aimed at determining the impact of meditation on well-being and mental health in seniors, with a particular focus on Alzheimer’s disease. A first clinical trial will be conducted in four countries to study the effects of this mental intervention in patients with a high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

To find out more about this project, see the item “Seniors: a study to evaluate the effects of meditation on their well-being and mental health.”