Stockholm mobilizes for global life expectancy increase

Photo: Anna Hugosson, mediabank.visitstockholm.com

Improved health of people in later life is a global success but it also represents a societal challenge as more people need support to live dignified and meaningful lives. A new report from Invest Stockholm examines how industry, government and universities are collaborating to take on the challenges presented by a rapid increase in incidences of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

It is estimated that the number of people with dementia will increase from 50 million today to 150 million in 2050. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and is a major cause of disability and dependency among old people worldwide. Parkinson’s disease is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder and can also have a devastating impact on quality of life.

Universities and research institutes in the greater Stockholm region are carrying out vital research into these diseases, which will help to achieve early diagnosis and reduce the impact of neurodegenerative conditions on people’s lives.

“Universities and institutions devoted to healthy ageing are working closely with healthtech companies to develop new technologies which can support people in old age. Stockholm is a global leader in the field of neurodegenerative diseases and our scientists and business community are keen to transfer their knowledge and experience to the rest of the world, and to welcome new companies to the region”, says Ylva Hultman, Head of Life Science Investment Promotion at Invest Stockholm and continues;

“Widespread digitization in Sweden promotes innovation, and recent advances are resulting in the implementation of new technologies that couldn’t have been imagined a decade ago. The development of new technologies represents a huge market that will be further expanded as the number of older people increases and more scientific breakthroughs are realized.”

Stockholm researchers and healthtech companies that lead the way
Find out more about the Stockholm-Uppsala life science cluster’s leading research base, diverse talent pool and readily accessible testing environment in the new report from Invest Stockholm:
Improving Quality of Life for People with Neurodegenerative Diseases

For updated investment cases and business opportunities in the Stockholm region, please contact:
Ylva Hultman, Head of Life Science Investment Promotion, Invest Stockholm
+46 (0)70-472 80 65, ylva.hultman@stockholm.se