With no apparent cause, but with highly disabling consequences, neurodegenerative diseases, which affect the functioning of the brain, affect more than 3 billion people around the world, according to the most recent data published in the scientific journal The Lancet.
In the list of more than 600 conditions that affect human neurons, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease are the most common. These diseases are direct causes of increased mortality and reduced years of healthy life, as explained by Leonor Beleza, president of the Champalimaud Foundation, who adds that in these cases “patients die earlier (…) and can also live for years , sometimes for many years, in a situation of great dependence”.
The most recent data from the World Health Organization shows that in the last decade neurological diseases have increased premature deaths and physical and psychological disabilities by 18%. Although the causes are still unknown, healthy habits are, for experts, the biggest key to combating neurodegeneration. “We know that nowadays physical activity, more than reducing vascular risk factors, probably even in the case of Parkinson’s disease can be neuroprotective, that is, the speed of progression of the disease decreases”, explains neurologist, Marcelo Mendonça.
The progression of these diseases is often slow and highly conditioning, and can represent costs that exceed 1600 euros per family. Despite the high number of cases, huge expenses on treatment and research, there is still no cure, just a “spark of hope”, as Leonor Beleza points out, when analyzing progress in research in this field. Still, Marcelo Mendonça agrees that research in this area is “a hot field”, but pharmacological discoveries have many side effects and, therefore, argues that “brain stimulation, physical activity interventions, probably have a greater effect and are safer.”
Along with the increase in average life expectancy, the number of diagnoses of neurodegenerative diseases has also increased. In Portugal alone there are more than 150 thousand people affected by some type of dementia, with Alzheimer’s representing between 60 and 70% of diagnoses.
This project is supported by sponsors, with all content created, edited and produced by Expresso (see code of Conduct), without external interference.
