Yeusvi Flores: Alzheimer's disease, beyond forgetting

Alzheimer's is a disease that goes beyond forgetting; it affects the memory, identity, family ties, and independence of those who suffer from it.

Alzheimer's is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and is the most common cause of dementia worldwide, accounting for between 60 and 70% of all cases. Although it usually appears after the age of 65, it can also begin early and progress slowly until the person is unable to care for themselves.

In Mexico, it is estimated that more than 900,000 people live with some form of dementia, and the vast majority of these cases are Alzheimer's. Most worrying is that only one in five people has been diagnosed, meaning many older adults and their families face this condition without adequate support or treatment.

If prevention and early detection strategies are not implemented, it is estimated that by 2050 we could have up to three million people with dementia in our country, which represents an enormous challenge for our healthcare system and for Mexican families.

The first signs can be subtle and easily confused with normal aging changes, so it's important to be alert to signs such as frequent forgetfulness, difficulty finding words, disorientation in familiar places, changes in judgment or mood, and loss of interest in everyday activities. Detecting these symptoms early allows for early treatment, family planning, and, above all, preserving the patient's dignity for as long as possible.

While there is no definitive cure, we now know that a significant portion of cases could be prevented or delayed with healthy habits. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 40% of dementia cases are related to modifiable factors, so staying physically and mentally active, eating a balanced diet, managing conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and fostering a social life and continuous learning can make a difference. Taking care of our heart, our body, and our environment also means taking care of our mind.

We cannot forget that Alzheimer's also transforms the lives of those who care for them. In Mexico, most primary caregivers are women, usually daughters or wives, who face the emotional and physical burden of accompanying a loved one every day as they slowly lose sight of their world. More than half of these caregivers experience symptoms of anxiety or depression, and they often do so silently, without asking for help. That is why it is essential to create support networks, share responsibilities, and provide respite for those who care for them with love and dedication.

As a society, we have a responsibility to educate ourselves, break stigmas, and be empathetic. It's also an invitation to recognize the value of our seniors, to accompany them with tenderness, and to not let oblivion erase them from our collective memory.

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