The number of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease in China is estimated to surge to 40 million by 2050 from the current 10 million, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Tuesday was World Alzheimer's Day. 

Experts say the chance of getting the disease doubles every five years. However, diagnosis and prevention in the early stages of the disease can make a significant difference for patients by slowing down its progression. The chance of getting the disease can even be cut down by half.

Younger people in China have been found to have Alzheimer's lately, but less than 40 such patients are undergoing clinical treatment, according to Wang Jun, director of the China Association for Alzheimer's Disease.

Low public awareness and lack of early-stage diagnosis hinder the country's efforts to help patients, she said. While awareness of the disease is rising in cities, people in suburban areas or villages still lack knowledge.

"We don't have a standard for early-stage diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease so far," Wang said.

"Caring for patients is not just about providing food and doing laundry," she said. "It includes training for their brain functions."