Crisis of dementia in Mexico: millions without diagnosis or adequate treatment.

Dementia, a public health problem that remains a hidden ailment in Mexico, affects an alarming number of people. According to Jorge Bernal Zamora, a specialist in Neurology and Internal Medicine, for every diagnosed case of dementia, there are between 25 and 30 more that remain unidentified. This situation suggests that there could be between 32.5 million and 39 million patients in the country suffering from some type of dementia, a figure that represents a true health crisis. Currently, it is estimated that there are approximately 1.3 million diagnosed patients with Alzheimer's in Mexico. However, 70% of dementia diagnoses are classified as Alzheimer's, which indicates a lack of precision in diagnosis and an urgent need to conduct more studies and statistics that effectively address this issue. Without this data, it is difficult to have a clear picture of the magnitude of the problem. The projection for the year 2050 is even more concerning, as it is estimated that Mexico could have between 3.5 and 3.8 million patients with Alzheimer's, not including other types of dementia. This alarming trend is exacerbated by the lack of adequate diagnostic tests and the absence of a precise definition of Alzheimer's, leaving many patients without the timely and necessary treatment. Bernal Zamora points out that the diagnosis of this disease is complicated, as in many cases, by the time it is identified, the patient has been dealing with the problem for more than a decade. One of the main obstacles is anosognosia, a condition in which the patient is unaware of their illness, further complicating early detection. This means that both family members and caregivers must be alert to the early signs of cognitive decline. The symptoms of dementia, which include forgetting names and dates, losing objects, and alterations in judgment and reasoning, are devastating not only for the patient but also for their surroundings. The loss of identity and the progressive inability to participate in daily life make this disease particularly painful. The depersonalization that accompanies Alzheimer's is a heartbreaking experience for both the patient and their loved ones. The associated risk factors are numerous and include not only age but also conditions such as obesity, hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes, and hearing problems, among others. This indicates that Alzheimer's is not just a medical issue but also a reflection of public health as a whole, driven by lifestyle choices and socioeconomic conditions. Among the various forms of dementia, Hakim-Adams syndrome stands out, as it can mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer's but is treatable. This condition highlights the need for adequate and timely diagnosis, as appropriate treatment can lead to the complete recovery of the patient. The treatment of dementias is expensive, and unfortunately, there are no medications that can stop or cure the disease. Current treatments only manage to slow cognitive decline, posing a significant challenge for affected families. Some may spend up to 2 million pesos in search of improvement without obtaining the expected results. Bernal Zamora warns about the proliferation of charlatans who promise quick cures for dementia. This misinformation can cause patients and their families to waste valuable time looking for fictitious solutions while time continues to pass and the disease progresses. The recommendation is to adopt a preventive approach, such as regular exercise, to mitigate the risk of developing dementia. Finally, the specialist emphasizes that, although there is ongoing research into new treatments, the reality is that the public and private health systems are not prepared to address this crisis. The most advanced medications are prohibitively expensive and do not guarantee significant improvement. Without the necessary attention and resources, dementia will remain a hidden problem affecting millions of Mexicans, highlighting the urgent need for a national strategy that prioritizes mental health.