THE Alzheimer’s It is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the world, according to information from the Ministry of Health. In Brazil, about two million people live with some form of dementia. On a global scale, the condition affects more than 55 million individuals, according to the world report on Alzheimer’s 2024.
The risk of developing the disease increases in old age. The neurologist Jerusa Smid from the Cognitive Neurology and Behavior Group of the Hospital das Clínicas de São Paulo, says this happens after the age of 65.
“After 65, we are increasing the chance of having Alzheimer’s and bending the prevalence of this disease every five age. So, for example, from 65 to 70, I have a chance. This chance doubles from 71 to 75 years and so on,” explained the neurologist.
She is one of the guests of Dr. Roberto Kalil next to the neurologist SONIA BRUCKI which coordinates the same group of which Jerusa is part, for the “CNN Vital Signs – Dr. Kalil Interview” this Saturday (3).
Kalil also argued with neurologists as the vaccine for herpes zoster, known as Zostavax, decreases the chances of developing Alzheimer’s . Immunization is suitable for all people over 50, except immunosuppressed, pregnant women, people with severe allergy to any of the vaccine components and people with untreated active tuberculosis.
“A few years ago, studies have shown that those who vaccine for herpes zoster would have a less chance of having Alzheimer’s disease. And several studies have seen that, really, the prevalence in those who were accompanied over the years, who had the vaccine had almost 50% risk reduction,” explained Brucki.
He added, “So it’s something that adds more to all these well-being factors for dementia prevention.”
What are the risk factors?
You risk factors to develop Alzheimer’s There are several, and only 3% of cases are associated with genetics, considered very rare, said Smid. “These are family cases that usually happen well before the age of 60,” he added.
Some of the most important risk factors, according to Brucki, include “hypertension, diabetes, vascular risk factors, sleep apnea, depression – especially depression that begins in the oldest adult -, physical inactivity, alcoholism, smoking, social isolation”. Therefore, prevent Alzheimer’s passes through a Healthy lifestyle said the doctor.
Neurologists also discussed how the Social factor can increase the chances of developing Alzheimer’s . “A major risk factor is education. So in an illiterate population, the prevalence is higher and the disease arrives earlier,” Smid explained.
She also said that “the individual who has no primary care, does not take care of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart, does not do physical activity, does not feed properly, has the diet with ultra -processed, which is also associated with dementia” is more likely to develop Alzheimer.
For Brucki, the union of these factors “leads to a not -so -adequate formation of our cognitive reserve”, responsible for increasing the number of synapses. “The neurons are increasing their sprouts and all this will check out a much stronger network for you to fight the disease,” he added.
According to her, there is evidence that show that the illiteracy can double the risk of dementia in relation to people with at least one year of school .
“In Latin America, some studies have seen that individuals or more education have around 10% of dementia; illiterate is 20%,” he said.
New Alzheimer’s Medication
The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) approved the drug Kisunla (Donanemabe), by the pharmacist Eli Lilly do Brasil, for the treatment of Alzheimer’s in initial symptoms. This is the first sanctioned medication that promises to slow the progression of the disease in symptomatic adults.
“It is used for a few cases, very at first, a light dementia, or what we call light cognitive impairment, which is an internship before the individual loses autonomy,” said Smid.
Brucki stated that not all patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can use medication due to the possible serious side effects that the medicine can cause.
“Individuals with uncontrolled hypertension cannot use, with anticoagulation, individuals who had stroke in the last year, for example,” concluded Brucki about who cannot take the medication.
The “CNN Vital Signs – Dr. Kalil Interview” airs on Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 pm, at CNN Brazil.
Anvisa approves 1st treatment that promises to retard Alzheimer’s
This content was originally published in CNN Vital Signs: a chance of having Alzheimer’s growing after 65 years, says a doctor on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
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