The Professor of Neurology at the University of São Paulo (USP), Ricardo Nitrini, awarded by the Alzheimer’s Association for his scientific contributions, spoke during the participation in the CNN Vital Signs About how Alzheimer’s affects the brain and what are the initial symptoms of the disease.
According to Nitrini, the first manifestation of the disease occurs in brain synapses that suffer a reduction. He explains that synapses are essential for the connections that form memories and information. Subsequently, there is a loss of the number of neurons, which significantly aggravates the picture.
“Normally, Alzheimer’s, in most cases, begins with the difficulty of retaining new information, a difficulty in memorizing,” said the expert.
As the disease progresses, it affects other cognitive functions, such as the ability to program and perform tasks and language, punctuates Nitrini.
“For now, the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease is the prevention of other diseases that can affect our brain,” explains the USP professor.
He recommends maintaining good physical health to better prepare the brain if Alzheimer’s disease develops. This includes exercise regularly, taking care of clinical problems such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and blood glucose and also maintaining intellectually active.
“It is very little yet what we can do, but we hope that in the coming years things are walking quickly. New medications, new paths can allow us to prevent Alzheimer’s disease to speak,” concludes the neurologist.
