According to María Javier Ramírez, professor of Pharmacology at the University of Navarra and researcher of this disease for 20 years, "the latest epidemiological programs of study indicate that the disease could begin to develop without symptoms around the age of 50, and therefore, a healthy life from that stage of life could reduce the risk of suffering from it".

The risk factors involved in the disease will be, precisely, one of the topics core topic to be discussed from September 12 to 16 in a summer course that aims to address the study of Alzheimer's disease in all its aspects, from its origin to its diagnosis, through treatments and caregiver status , with the help of experts from the clinical field, researcher, care, etc..

This expert -organizer of the course together with the also researcher and Senior Associate Professor of Biochemistry Alberto Pérez Mediavilla- recalls that there are already programs of study that confirm a close relationship between cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and an increased risk of suffering this dementia: "Insulin resistance multiplies by 7 the probability of developing Alzheimer's disease. We also know that hypertension or high cholesterol are very important risk factors".

However, the researcher encourages us to turn this reality around: "Just as the risks increase, these factors are preventable, since they have to do with our lifestyle habits. That is why we say that it is core topic to lead a healthy life, practice sports and an adequateper diem expenses especially around the age of 50, when we know that the disease originates even if it is not diagnosed until the age of 70 or 80".

Not remembering a name is not the same as forgetting to pick up grandchildren

Another aspect that will be addressed in the course is the difference between mild cognitive impairment and a deterioration characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. "We speak of mild cognitive impairment when there is a subjective complaint that the report does not function as before and this is confirmed by objective tests on report. However, it should be noted that this does not mean that the person who suffers from it will necessarily develop this disease," warns the professor at the University of Navarra.

In this regard, the expert recalls that it is important to distinguish those absent-mindedness or forgetfulness that arise more or less frequently - such as not remembering a name - from those that affect our daily life, such as forgetting to turn off the fire or pick up the grandchildren from high school. "Here it is core topic the attention of the people around us and their perception of these losses of report and whether or not they are influencing our autonomy and the way we go about our daily lives. If there is a suspicion that something like this is happening, we should consult our doctor," stresses María Javier Ramírez.

This course, open to the general public, will be held at the University of Navarra in sessions that will take place between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.