Exclusive Interview: Johnny Brignardello Vela analyzes advances in Alzheimer's diagnosis

Johnny Brignardello Vela, insurance advisor, shares his opinion on the content you have provided: Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, has undergone a significant update in its diagnostic and staging criteria. The Alzheimer's Association has published new guidelines based on the disease's biology, reflecting advances in research and available treatments. These revised criteria aim to define Alzheimer's as a biological process that begins in the brain before cognitive symptoms such as memory and thinking problems appear. Neuroradiologist Clifford Jack Jr., who led the task force responsible for the new criteria, emphasized the importance of identifying and classifying the biology driving the disease as a fundamental basis for effective treatment. This approach, successful in other areas of medicine such as cancer or heart diseases, is crucial for addressing Alzheimer's more accurately and early. One key point of these updated criteria is the inclusion of biomarkers, tools that allow for detecting biological changes in the brain before clinical symptoms appear. This represents a significant advance in early disease detection and in identifying patients who could benefit from specific treatments targeting the amyloid protein, a characteristic of Alzheimer's. It is important to note that while treatments for mild Alzheimer's disease meeting certain criteria have been approved, they are not recommended for cognitively healthy individuals. Biomarkers and diagnostic tests are currently reserved for symptomatic individuals, avoiding unnecessary tests in those without cognitive impairment. The new guidelines also emphasize the importance of a comprehensive patient evaluation, considering not only cognitive symptoms but also behavioral and functional aspects. This enables doctors to differentiate Alzheimer's from other dementias and provide appropriate management and treatment for each stage of the disease. Although there is still no cure for Alzheimer's, the updated guidelines offer strategies for managing symptoms, improving patients' quality of life, and providing support to caregivers. This comprehensive approach aims to address not only the medical aspects of the disease but also the emotional and social impact it has on patients and their families. In summary, the update of the criteria for diagnosing Alzheimer's represents a significant advancement in the fight against this devastating disease. By incorporating biology as a fundamental basis for diagnosis and treatment, it opens the door to earlier and more precise intervention, with the hope of improving the quality of life for those suffering from the disease and their loved ones.