The name of the actress who died in 2013 at the age of 65 became trending after the film telling her story was released in theaters in November.
Summary
Actress Malu Rocha died in 2013, at the age of 65, due to complications from a neurodegenerative prion disease, also called “mad cow disease”.
The film “Malu”, directed by Pedro Freire, premiered in November, bringing to the screen a touching tribute to the director’s mother, actress Malu Rocha. More than a tribute, the film explores the ups and downs of family relationships, showing how different views of life intertwine and influence generations.
Actress Malu Rocha died in 2013, at the age of 65, due to complications from a neurodegenerative prion disease. In the film, the condition is called “prion disease” and “mad cow disease”.
What are prion diseases?
Prion diseases are rare and serious neurodegenerative conditions such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). They arise from abnormal proteins, known as prions, that interfere with the functioning of normal proteins in the brain. This imbalance leads to the accumulation of toxins and the progressive degeneration of brain tissue, causing atrophy and serious neurological damage.
In an interview with Earth you, Neurologist Ítalo Pena, from the Felício Rocho Hospital, explains that “these diseases are deadly and progress rapidly, which makes them particularly devastating for both patients and families.”
Symptoms and diagnosis
Initially, symptoms may include cognitive changes, slowed thinking, behavioral changes, and disorientation. As the disease progresses, signs become more severe, including accelerated dementia, ataxia (difficulty with motor coordination), myoclonus (involuntary muscle movements), and vision disturbances. Within a few months, the patient can enter a vegetative state.
The doctor says that the diagnosis of prion diseases is challenging and depends on a combination of clinical signs and complementary tests.
“MRI can reveal specific changes in the brain, while EEG can show characteristic patterns of brain activity,” Pena points out.
Additionally, biomarker testing in cerebrospinal fluid aids identification, although definitive diagnosis requires a brain biopsy, a procedure rarely performed due to risks.
Is there a treatment or cure?
“There is currently no cure for prion diseases, nor therapies that significantly delay their progression,” complains the neurologist. Management focuses on symptom relief and patient comfort. Although experimental studies are ongoing, there are no proven effective treatments yet.
What are the risk factors and prevention possibilities?
Risk factors vary depending on the type of prion disease. The sporadic form occurs without a known cause and is the most common. There is also the genetic form, associated with mutations of the PRNP gene, and the acquired form, linked to exposure to infectious prions, as in the case of meat contaminated with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (known as “mad cow disease”).
“Unfortunately, there are no definitive forms of prevention, but avoiding risky products and following rigorous protocols in medical procedures can reduce exposure,” advises Ítalo Pena.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
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