Francisco Lopera, a pioneer in Alzheimer's research in Colombia, has passed away.

Francisco Lopera, a Colombian doctor and researcher who dedicated his life to the fight against Alzheimer's, passed away this Tuesday at the age of 73 due to cancer. His death has left a void in the scientific community and in the lives of those who benefited from his tireless work. Lopera was known for his contribution to Alzheimer's research, becoming an international reference in the search for answers and treatments for this devastating disease.

Born in 1951 in Santa Rosa de Osos, Antioquia, Lopera dedicated more than four decades to studying Alzheimer's, a commitment he undertook despite the doubts of his colleagues. In an interview, he recalled how at the beginning of his career he was warned that he was getting involved in a "lost cause." However, his passion and determination led him to delve into this complex disease, which affects millions of people worldwide. "It's where they need you the most, where you can make the most difference," Lopera stated, emphasizing his desire to make a difference in the lives of affected individuals.

Lopera led the Neuroscience Group at the University of Antioquia, where his work focused on a particular population in the municipality of Yarumal, where genetic Alzheimer's has been identified in 25 families. This research group managed to gather over 6,000 people with the so-called "paisa mutation," making Colombia the country with the largest population of genetic Alzheimer's in the world. This unique approach allowed Lopera and his team to discover patterns and potential treatments that could benefit the fight against the sporadic variants of the disease.

One of the cases that impacted Lopera the most was that of Aliria Rosa Piedrahíta, the only woman in the world with the genetic mutation for Alzheimer's without having developed symptoms. This case was considered a "natural experiment" that attracted the attention of the scientific community. Lopera and his team realized that Aliria's brain was protected by a mutation that prevented the onset of the disease, opening new avenues for research into the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's.

Lopera's career did not go unnoticed; in 2020 he received the Bengt Winblad Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the only Latin American to receive this recognition. In 2023, he was awarded the Potamkin Prize, considered the Nobel Prize in Alzheimer's research. These awards not only celebrate his contribution to science but also highlight the importance of research in regions where orphan diseases require urgent attention.

In his later years, Lopera remained committed to research, seeking pathways that mimicked the mechanism of the protective gene he had found in Aliria's case. His admiration for nature and his tireless scientific curiosity led him to discover connections between genetic Alzheimer's and the sporadic form of the disease. For Lopera, every step in research, even those that resulted in failures, was a valuable learning experience that brought him closer to a solution.

Lopera's impact extends beyond his scientific achievements. His legacy will live on through the generations of students he had the opportunity to train at the University of Antioquia. The institution is committed to honoring his memory and continuing his work in the fight against Alzheimer's, reflecting the deep respect and admiration that his colleagues and students feel for him.

Lopera wanted to be remembered as someone who "did his job," a professional who dedicated his life to science and the search for answers to a disease that affects more than 40 million people worldwide. His vision was clear: he wanted to be seen not only as a researcher but as a pioneer who, despite difficulties, persevered in his quest for a cure and prevention of Alzheimer's.

The news of his passing has moved the scientific community and the families of those affected by Alzheimer's, who found in Lopera a defender and a leader in their struggle. His departure leaves a legacy of hope and determination that inspires others to continue working in research and the development of effective treatments. The fight against Alzheimer's continues, and the name of Francisco Lopera will remain a beacon of light on this journey.