Dementia: a serious public health problem that affects millions in Mexico.

Dementia presents itself as a hidden ailment affecting millions of Mexicans, becoming a serious public health issue. According to neurology and internal medicine specialist Jorge Bernal Zamora, for every diagnosed case of dementia, there are between 25 and 30 undetected cases, suggesting that the country could have between 32.5 million and 39 million people with some form of dementia. This alarming scenario highlights the urgent need to improve diagnoses and care for this condition, which is often overlooked. Currently, it is estimated that there are around 1.3 million patients with Alzheimer’s in Mexico, making it the most common form of dementia. However, the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, which accounts for approximately 70% of all dementia cases, is not entirely accurate, and further studies are required to gain a clearer understanding of the situation. As the population ages, projections indicate that by 2050, the country could face between 3.5 and 3.8 million cases of Alzheimer’s, not accounting for other types of dementia. The lack of records and studies on the mental health of the population is one of the main barriers to addressing this problem. The difficulty in diagnosing dementia is further complicated by variability in definitions and concepts of the disease among specialists. This has led to an underestimation of the problem, leaving many patients without the care they need. Caring for these patients is not only necessary but urgent. According to Bernal, the lack of resources and capacity within the health system to manage a dementia crisis could result in a collapse of services. The reality is that if the Ministry of Health were forced to adequately care for this population, it could jeopardize the functioning of the health system as a whole. One of the most concerning aspects of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s, is that symptoms often develop over years without the patient or their family realizing it. Anosognosia, a phenomenon in which the patient does not recognize they have the disease, complicates diagnosis even further. Often, the first manifestation of the disease is forgetfulness regarding objects and dates, which can be mistaken for normal aging. Cognitive decline associated with dementias is devastating. Symptoms range from simple forgetfulness to complex alterations in judgment and reasoning. This not only affects the patient but also transforms family and social dynamics, as the sick individual begins to depersonalize and lose their identity. In this context, it is vital to have a holistic approach that considers not only medical treatment but also emotional and social support. Among the identified risk factors for developing dementia are age, health issues such as obesity and diabetes, as well as environmental and social factors. One of the lesser-known types of dementia, Hakim-Adams syndrome, can be effectively treated if detected in a timely manner, underscoring the importance of timely and quality diagnostic care. The treatment of dementias, particularly Alzheimer’s, is a costly and challenging process. Currently, available medications only manage to slow cognitive decline for a limited period. Some families are forced to spend large sums of money on treatments that do not always guarantee significant improvements in the patient’s quality of life. Despite the promise of research seeking new treatments, costs are prohibitive and the public health system lacks the necessary resources to implement adequate diagnostic testing. This leaves many people without access to care and increases the risk of dementia progressing unchecked. Finally, it is essential to alert the public about the false promises of miraculous cures for dementia. The medical community agrees that, to date, there are no treatments that cure the disease, and prevention and physical exercise present the best alternatives for slowing its progression. Raising awareness about dementia and promoting accurate diagnoses are crucial steps in tackling this public health challenge that affects millions of Mexicans.