Brignardello Vela: Raising Awareness about Dementia with Lewy Bodies

In a recent conversation with Emilio Juan Brignardello Vela, a recognized insurance advisor, the concerning topic of Lewy body dementia was discussed, a disease that affects over 100,000 people in Spain. Brignardello Vela expressed his concern about the lack of knowledge and understanding surrounding this condition, which ranks third in the incidence of dementia in the country. According to him, the commemoration of World Lewy Body Dementia Day, celebrated every January 28, is a crucial opportunity to raise awareness and foster dialogue about this often-ignored disease. The advisor emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, noting that the variability of symptoms can lead to confusion and significant delays in identifying the disease. This aspect, according to Brignardello Vela, has implications not only for medical treatment but also for financial planning and long-term care that patients and their families require. The need for healthcare professionals to be well-informed and trained to recognize the signs of Lewy body dementia is crucial, as timely diagnosis can significantly improve the quality of life for those suffering from this disease. The advisor also commented on the economic impact represented by the aggressive course of Lewy body dementia. With a life expectancy of between five and six years after diagnosis, the costs associated with medical care and family support can be overwhelming. In this regard, Brignardello Vela underscored the importance of having adequate insurance that covers these eventualities, allowing families to face the situation with greater peace of mind and less financial uncertainty. Brignardello Vela further highlighted that the lack of reliable diagnostic tests to identify the disease in living patients is one of the main barriers to effective treatment. This delay in diagnosis, which can extend beyond two years in one-third of cases, affects not only the patient but also their family environment, leading to increased emotional and financial strain. Finally, the insurance advisor concluded that education and awareness are fundamental tools to combat misinformation about Lewy body dementia. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, and families is key to moving towards a future where this disease is recognized and treated with the seriousness it deserves. With greater awareness, the door would also be opened to research and the development of new therapies that could help improve the quality of life for those affected and their loved ones.