The spread of the disease is expected to be greater in low- and middle-income countries; in Brazil, cases are estimated to nearly triple by 2050
The projections for the Alzheimer’s disease put Brazil in a difficult situation: the number of cases of dementia could increase dramatically over the next three decades. And not just here. The increase in the disease is expected to be greatest in low- and middle-income countries, such as the rest of the world Latin Americathan the richer nations.
This trend raises the alarm about the need for Brazil to prepare sanitary system to assist the large contingent of people who will need medical assistance – and their families, who are taking care. It also stresses the importance of prevention strategies to reduce the number of people with dementia.
Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative and progressive disease. People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementias find it difficult to carry out daily activities and stop working. With a global cost of $ 1.3 trillion, dementia is now a leading cause of disability and addiction worldwide.
In Brazil, there is still no clarity on the total number of people with the disease, but an estimated 2 million people are living with dementia – Alzheimer’s making up the largest portion. For 2050, the projection is that this number will reach around 6 million people, an increase of 200%.
The accelerated aging of the Brazilian population increases the challenges. In European countries, such as France, it took a hundred years for the old age rate to double. “In Brazil it only takes a few decades,” explains Cleusa Ferri, a professor at the Federal University of Sao Paulo (Unifesp). “Therefore, the importance of taking very quick action to take care of people at this stage of life.”
Worldwide, cases of dementia are projected to increase from 57.4 million to 152.8 million – an increase of 166% – in 2050. The growth trend is below the global average in countries such as Germany, Italy and Japan. And higher up in others, such as Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and African countries. The data is part of a global survey published this year in the magazine Public health lancet.
Population growth and aging are the main reasons for the expected growth of Alzheimer’s disease in African and Latin American countries. Problems of poor education and unhealthy lifestyle habits also contribute to the fact that the incidence of people with dementia does not fall in these regions.
In North American and European countries, for example, the data already suggests a trend towards a reduction in the incidence of dementia – which scientists attribute to rising levels of education and greater provision of treatment for cardiovascular problems, one of the main ways to prevent Alzheimer’s.
According to a report of the World Health Organization (WHO) last year. On the other hand, low- and middle-income nations, such as Brazil, are more dependent on informal care provided by family members, who often have to give up their professional activities, with impacts on the economy.
early start
In Latin American countries, the associated presence of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s is of concern. “The prevalence of dementia in Latin America is the highest in the world. And not only are there many people (with dementia), but it starts here ten years earlier,” warns Claudia Suemoto, professor of geriatrics at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of San Paolo (USP).
Among other topics, Claudia researches how to reduce risk factors in the Brazilian population, how to control diseases such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes, can help prevent cases of Alzheimer’s and other diseases. A study in this direction, published two years ago in the hand, showed that 12 risk factors are linked to 40% of dementia cases, including Alzheimer’s disease, worldwide. In Brazil, the prevention potential is estimated to be even greater.
One of the goals, according to the scientists, should be the education of the population. Claudia explains that studying early in life helps build what is called “cognitive reserve”. It’s like saving in the brain: the greater the risk that aging-related damage will compromise brain function.
“There is an incredible window of opportunity to prevent not only dementia but other mental illnesses as well,” says the researcher. In addition to formal education, he explains to the specialist, intellectual activities such as learning a new language or playing instruments help to form this “saving” of connections.
Politics
Despite the worrying scenario for dementia in Brazil, specific policies are still lacking, according to experts. Brazil has pledged to develop a plan on the issue, which does not yet exist. A bill that creates national policy to combat Alzheimer’s is under discussion in the National Congress. Some municipalities, such as São Paulo, already have local plans.
“There are countries where this is already more advanced, such as Costa Rica, Chile. In Brazil and many other countries, this is on the radar, but effective measures have not been taken,” says Paulo Caramelli, professor at the Federal University. of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and member of the advisory board of the International Society for the Advancement of Research and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease.
lack of data
One of the starting points for this is recognizing the complexity of the Brazilian situation: the exact disease incidence and mortality are not yet known. There is still a high underestimate: Researchers estimate that more than 1 million (of the 2 million cases) have not been diagnosed. This situation places patients and relatives in a limbo of protection and care.
For Cleusa it is necessary to educate the Brazilian population about Alzheimer’s. Lack of knowledge about dementia often causes memory loss to be seen as a normal sign of aging, which is not true. The researcher coordinates the first mapping in Brazil on Alzheimer’s, funded by the Ministry of Health, and which is expected to be published next year. “It is necessary to support the family and offer short and long term care services.”
or Ministry of Health stresses that dementias should be understood “as a public health priority” and highlights initiatives such as a course for health professionals and the development of guidelines with guidelines for screening for dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
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Source: Terra
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