Technology and neurology: a new vision of care 🧠#189
The podcast episode from the "Deixa Eu" series features an engaging discussion about Alzheimer's disease and technology's role in diagnosing and managing neurodegenerative conditions. The hosts, Camila and Laura, welcome Dr. Lucas Schilling, a neurologist and professor at PUC in Rio Grande do Sul, who shares insights on the challenges of early diagnosis for dementia. He explains how the profile of diseases has shifted over the years, with an increasing number of older adults facing conditions like Alzheimer's, which currently affects approximately 1.7 million people in Brazil. Dr. Schilling describes how understanding biological processes and advancements in technology, such as biomarkers related to amyloid and tau proteins, are transforming diagnosis methods. Traditionally, confirming Alzheimer's required post-mortem examination of the brain, but advancements now allow for diagnosis through analysis of cerebrospinal fluid or PET scans. Furthermore, blood tests for biomarkers are emerging as less invasive alternatives, though they are not yet approved for use in Brazil. The discussion emphasizes that validated biomarkers are currently used in Brazil, particularly cerebrospinal fluid analysis and PET scans, while blood-based diagnostics are expected to become available in the near future. Additionally, Dr. Schilling highlights the importance of using biomarkers not just for diagnosis but also for guiding treatment decisions, noting that some therapies targeting amyloid proteins are already available in other countries. While there’s potential for using biomarkers during early, asymptomatic stages of dementia, this remains an area of research. The episode underscores the significance of these advancements in providing better care for patients and navigating the complexities of neurodegenerative diseases.