The Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease in 2025 – Challenges of a Biological Paradigm in Brazil

Resumo

In recent years, the definition of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) has evolved from a clinical paradigm to a biological one. This opinion article discusses the challenges of AD diagnosis in Brazil in light of the new guidelines proposed by the Alzheimer's Association, non-profit organization of United States, in 2024. The implementation of these new guidelines faces significant obstacles, including limited access to biomarkers, particularly within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Furthermore, the lack of representativeness in studies that support the diagnostic criteria, which predominantly focus on highly educated, white populations, raises concerns about their applicability in a population as diverse as Brazil’s. Another factor to consider is the stigma associated with AD diagnosis, which can have a substantial psychological and social impact on asymptomatic individuals. The literature review was conducted as an open review, based on articles that address topics related to the impact of AD diagnosis and the implications of using biomarkers in medical practice, as well as research on Brazilian population data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística – IBGE) platform. This opinion article highlights the challenges of applying Alzheimer's Association criteria in Brazil, with the potential to exacerbate inequalities in the healthcare system.