The singer Milton Nascimento was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia (LBD), a neurodegenerative disease. The news sparked public interest in an issue that affects millions of people, not only the elderly.

The situation is more worrying in countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In Brazil, the matter still involves misinformation and stigma that hinder the pursuit of appropriate and effective follow‑up care. Many families delay seeking support and tend to believe that cognitive difficulties are normal as years go by. The consequence is that patients arrive at clinics when the problem is already advanced and the possibility of controlling it is reduced.

Information, however, is the best path. Studies indicate that people aged 50 and over who adopt preventive measures have up to 25% lower chances of developing dementia. Physical activity, healthy eating and habits such as reading can, indeed, help. To discuss the topic, “Direto na Fonte” speaks with Professor Marcio Balthazar, head of the Cognitive Neurology Group in the Department of Neurology at the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FCM) of Unicamp and a member of CEPID BRAINN.

“A cada ano que passa, recebo pacientes mais jovens. Tem pessoas na casa dos 30 anos, por exemplo. A prevenção é o melhor caminho”, alerta Balthazar.