Photos: Luiz Mendes (Vugulu)
It is estimated that 50 million people worldwide suffer from dementia (a group of brain disorders that cause the loss of intellectual and social abilities), making discussions about Alzheimer's disease a public health issue.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Alzheimer's accounts for nearly 70% of dementia cases. In Brazil, the situation is particularly challenging, as the number of people living with dementia is expected to triple by 2050, according to a report by the organization.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Cesar Cimonari, a specialist in the treatment of brain, pain, and spinal disorders, states that Alzheimer's is a complex condition affecting millions of people worldwide.
"Understanding how it affects the brain can aid in the search for more effective treatments. In the brain of a person with Alzheimer's, there is an abnormal buildup of proteins called beta-amyloid plaques. These plaques accumulate between neurons, interfering with their communication and eventually leading to neuronal death."
The neurosurgeon explains that another hallmark of Alzheimer's is the presence of neurofibrillary tangles, which are clusters of a protein called tau.
"These tangles form inside neurons and disrupt their normal functioning, contributing to the loss of neural connections. As plaques and tangles accumulate, synapses—the connections between neurons—begin to deteriorate. This interferes with the brain's ability to transmit electrical signals and process information, resulting in symptoms like memory loss and difficulty in thinking."
Cerebral Atrophy:
Dr. Cesar notes that while Alzheimer's is a devastating disease, understanding how it affects the brain can help in the search for more effective treatments.
"As the disease progresses, the brain of a person with Alzheimer's may begin to shrink or atrophy. This is caused by the progressive loss of brain cells and neural connections, affecting various regions of the brain responsible for memory, language, reasoning, and other cognitive functions."
The doctor adds that as the disease progresses, the brain of a person with Alzheimer's may begin to shrink or atrophy.
"This is caused by the progressive loss of brain cells and neural connections, affecting various regions of the brain responsible for memory, language, reasoning, and other cognitive functions."
It is important to emphasize that while Alzheimer's may not have a cure, the earlier it is diagnosed, the better the treatment can be to slow the progression of the condition and alleviate symptoms, providing the patient with a better quality of life, which also brings relief to families and caregivers.
By Jairo Rodrigues / Journalist
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