“Research and early diagnosis are the keys to treating Alzheimer’s”, says Dr Mercè Boada
Neurologist Mercè Boada recently delivered a lecture entitled “Alzheimer’s: Present and Future” to 3rd-year students from the Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine. During the event, she was also named Distinguished Visiting Professor by Dr Albert Balaguer, dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Dr Xavier Corbella, director of the Hestia Chair in Integrated Health and Social Care.
Though Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia in our society, its causes remain unclear. As a result, “research, early diagnosis, which makes it possible to treat the disease in the initial stages, and help for both patients and their families are fundamental”, stresses Dr Mercè Boada, medical director of the ACE Foundation - Barcelona Alzheimer Treatment & Research Center, and recipient of the 2016 St George Cross.
The acclaimed neurologist, who has spent decades researching and treating Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, helped attendees, through her sympathy and compassion, understand the importance of investing resources in researching this disease and finding effective treatments. The number of affected individuals will increase notably in the coming years, and it is important to educate and sensitise both professionals and society in order to detect cases in time and provide the required care.