BestClinic.co.uk provides information on Alzheimer’s treatment in Turkey and helps you book an operation with qualified Turkish surgeons. This content is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.
- How much does it cost to treat Alzheimer’s disease in Turkey?
- Introduction
- What is Alzheimer’s disease?
- What are the signs of early Alzheimer’s?
- What are the 3 stages of Alzheimer’s disease?
- How can Alzheimer’s disease be detected in Turkey?
- Alzheimer’s treatment in Turkey
- Which are the best hospitals in Istanbul for treating Alzheimer’s disease?
- Why choose Istanbul for Alzheimer’s treatment?
- Frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s disease in Turkey
How much does it cost to treat Alzheimer’s disease in Turkey?
The average cost of diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease is around €6,800 in Istanbul. The price varies from one establishment to another. For an Alzheimer’s patient, the price of a neurology consultation varies between €120 and €150 in Istanbul.
| Specialist consultation | 120 € |
| Brain MRI | 650 € |
| Computed tomography | 500 € |
| Electroencephalography | 250 € |
| Stem cell therapy | 5500 € |
| Deep brain stimulation | 25000 € |
Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, making daily life increasingly difficult for patients and their families.
Early treatment is crucial to slowing the progression of this type of dementia and improving the quality of life of sufferers.
With its cutting-edge medical infrastructure, competitive costs and internationally recognised expertise, Turkey is emerging as a destination of choice for Alzheimer’s treatment.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degeneration of neurons. This neurodegenerative disease primarily affects the neurons in the hippocampus, a brain structure located in the temporal lobe that is essential for memory and learning.
The degeneration attributed to Alzheimer’s disease is attributed to changes in two brain molecules:
- Amyloid beta peptide: by accumulating abnormally, it creates amyloid plaques, which are toxic to nerve cells.
- Tau protein : modified, it disorganises and invades neurons with deleterious filaments.
According to the Institut Pasteur, Alzheimer’s disease alone accounts for 70% of dementia patients.
The disease mainly affects the elderly (aged 65 and over), with women being significantly more affected than men. However, it is not uncommon for patients to be diagnosed at a younger age.
Short-term memory is the first to be affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
At an advanced stage, however, the disease has spread throughout the brain, affecting other cognitive functions linked to language, learning and reasoning.
Physical decline leading to disability and dependence, and significant psychiatric symptoms require comprehensive medical care.
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What are the signs of early Alzheimer’s?
The first signs of Alzheimer’s disease are often subtle and can be attributed to normal ageing.
Nevertheless, the following signs are suggestive:
- Memory problems, such as forgetting recent information or important events, or looking up simple words;
- Difficulty planning or managing certain familiar tasks, or solving problems;
- Loss of reference points (space and/or time), such as getting lost in familiar places;
- Changes in mood or behaviour (irritability, anxiety, depression).
If you experience any of these symptoms, which can lead to all kinds of everyday problems, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment.
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What are the 3 stages of Alzheimer’s disease?
Because Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease, the symptoms change and multiply over time as the condition worsens.
The progression of this form of dementia, classified into three stages, is characterised by various symptoms:
- Mild impairment : only the area of the brain responsible for short-term memory is affected. This early stage is characterised by increasingly frequent forgetfulness;
- Moderate damage : various areas of the brain are affected. This intermediate phase is marked by a loss of autonomy and difficulty in recognising people close to the patient;
- Severe disease : multiple and extensive brain lesions. This terminal phase is characterised by language disorders, a total loss of autonomy and memory, and the appearance of hallucinations.
Obviously, the symptoms vary from one sufferer to another, with manifestations that may overlap or be more pronounced in some people.
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How can Alzheimer’s disease be detected in Turkey?
Unfortunately, there is no reliable test for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
During a neurological consultation, which includes a physical and mental examination, the specialist will question the patient and those around him. This enables the specialist to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms presented. At the same time, the patient’s medical history (personal and family) is taken.
Screening for Alzheimer’s disease then involves a number of tests:
- Neuropsychological tests : these assess certain neurological functions (memory, performance of simple tasks, reflexes, etc.) and detect cognitive disorders;
- Biological analyses : blood tests and lumbar punctures are used to measure markers (beta-amyloid and tau proteins);
- EEG (electroencephalogram) to diagnose Alzheimer’s-type dementia;
- Medical imaging : CT-scan (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): used to locate senile plaques (amyloid plaques) and diagnose or assess Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s treatment in Turkey
Treatment methods are determined by the neurologist on the basis of various criteria : the patient’s age, other pathologies and the stage of the disease.
At present, no treatment or surgery can cure Alzheimer’s disease. However, a number of therapeutic measures can be taken to halt the process:
- Medical treatment : the aim is to reduce or even eliminate symptoms, but also to slow the progression of the disease.
The doctor can prescribe one of 4 drugs currently on the market: donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) and memantine.
- Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS): relieves symptoms, improves cognitive ability and slows the progression of the disease in patients with mild to moderate impairment.
- Psychiatric therapy : aims to reduce behavioural problems while taking into account the psychological impact of the disease;
- Rehabilitation therapy : aimed at preserving functional capacity for as long as possible.
- The introduction of physical and mentalactivities to improve the quality of life of patients and those around them.
Care for Alzheimer’s disease requires regular monitoring by the medical profession. This makes it possible toadapt treatment in the event of side effects, while monitoring the patient’s progress and the evolution of the disease.
Which are the best hospitals in Istanbul for treating Alzheimer’s disease?
The Istanbul metropolitan area, which straddles the emblematic Bosphorus strait, is home to many renowned establishments for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Some are world-renowned for their high-quality care and cutting-edge technology.
These include, among others:
- Şişli Memorial Hospital ;
- NPISTANBUL Brain Hospital;
- Hisar Intercontinental Hospital;
- Medipol Mega University Hospital;
- Florence Nightingale Hospitals.
Why choose Istanbul for Alzheimer’s treatment?
Istanbul’s location between Europe and Asia makes it a popular destination for medical tourism.
Choosing a renowned hospital in Istanbul for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease allows you to benefit from cutting-edge medical care at a more affordable rate than in many other countries.
Most care facilities in Istanbul are internationally certified by the JCI (Joint Commission International) or accredited to ISO standards. This guarantees high-quality care and patient safety.
These hospitals and clinics concentrate specialised skills and state-of-the-art equipment, while offering personalised, efficient care.
What’s more, to reduce the need for international patients to travel, some neurologists even offer video consultations.
The ancient city of Constantinople also offers medical travellers and their carers a rich and varied experience. In this metropolis, where history and modernity meet, getting around is made easy by a wide range of urban transport services.
With its temperate climate and proximity to the sea, Istanbul offers a soothing and revitalising environment for people with Alzheimer’s and their carers seeking quality medical care.
This coastal city offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to affordable flats, allowing everyone to find a place to suit their needs and budget when travelling for medical treatment.
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Frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s disease in Turkey
How can Alzheimer’s disease be prevented?
Adopting as healthy a lifestyle as possible (balanced, high-quality diet, regular sporting and cognitive activities) and getting involved socially are the main tips given for reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
What are the new treatments for Alzheimer’s?
Lecanemab© (already sold in the United States) and Donanemab© are the first treatments designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Their marketing authorisation by the European Medicines Agency should be approved in 2024.
How long does a person with Alzheimer’s live?
Like any serious disease, Alzheimer’s reduces the life expectancy of sufferers. On average, it is estimated at between 8 and 20 years, but this depends above all on the patient’s overall state of health and the way he or she is cared for.
Does Alzheimer’s disease progress rapidly?
The course of Alzheimer’s disease varies from person to person. However, the age at which the first symptoms appear has an influence. Alzheimer’s disease contracted at the age of 65 generally develops 2 times more slowly than at the age of 70.
How can we slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease?
While medication can delay the progression of the disease, the people around the patient also play a crucial role. This practical and emotional support, combined with regular stimulating activities, helps to slow the progression of the disease and preserve the patient’s autonomy.
Is there a cure for Alzheimer’s disease?
At present, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Existing drugs aim to reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the disease, or even reverse it. Research is working hard to find more effective treatments.