Spain’s Minister of Health, Mónica García, inaugurated a national conference on neurodegenerative diseases, presenting the new strategic frameworks for Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington’s Disease, two major health and social challenges.
In her opening remarks, García stressed the need to provide “effective, coordinated and dignified responses” to those affected by these conditions, noting their profound physical, cognitive and emotional impact on patients and families.
The event, organised by the Ministry of Health, brought together health professionals, researchers, managers and patient associations to promote collaboration and advance toward a more human-centred, equitable and integrated model of care.
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Strategy for Multiple Sclerosis
The new national strategy on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) sets a comprehensive framework to improve coordination and quality of care across Spain. It is estimated that 58,510 people live with MS in the country, with a prevalence of 123 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and around 1,900 new diagnoses each year.
Spain’s Ministry of Health unveils new national strategies to tackle Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington’s Disease
Most patients (68%) are women, and the average age of onset is 32 years. Spain is considered a medium-to-high risk region for MS, with the rise in incidence linked not only to improved diagnostics but also to environmental (low sunlight exposure, vitamin D deficiency, viral infections) and lifestyle factors (smoking, obesity, sedentary behaviour).
Strategy for Huntington’s Disease
The second part of the session presented Spain’s first national framework for Huntington’s Disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects about 2,400 people, with more than 10,000 at genetic risk.
Typically appearing between the ages of 30 and 50, the disease causes progressive motor, cognitive and emotional decline, with an average life expectancy of 15 to 20 years after symptom onset. García highlighted that this new strategy “focuses on comprehensive care and family support,” recognising the deep personal and social impact of the condition.
Advances in Alzheimer’s Treatments
The final section addressed emerging Alzheimer’s therapies, including the introduction of new monoclonal antibody treatments. The Minister noted that these breakthroughs “mark a new era, requiring us to rethink healthcare organisation, evaluation and equitable access to innovation.”
She concluded by emphasising that every scientific and clinical advance “means time gained and renewed hope for thousands of patients and their loved ones.”