An X-ray of the brain: The power of neurology and pharmacogenetics

The brain , an organ that barely represents 2% of our body weight, is actually the conductor of a complex orchestra that controls our perceptions, emotions, thoughts, movements, and vital functions. However, despite its crucial role, neurological diseases affect millions of people, being the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years and the second leading cause of death globally, according to the World Federation of Neurology (WFN).

In this context, neurology and pharmacogenetics emerge as fundamental pillars for more precise and personalized medicine. Therefore, Dr. Adriana Jardón, a specialist in precision medicine, highlights the growing importance of understanding the interaction between our brain and our genetics to address neurological challenges.

The rise of precision medicine

Neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's, epilepsy, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia, have historically presented a significant challenge in their treatment. The approach was often a matter of trial and error, as what worked for one patient might be ineffective or even harmful for another. Today we know that factors such as genetics, age, lifestyle, and comorbidities influence individual response to treatments.

This is where precision (or personalized) medicine comes into play. According to the specialist, this approach seeks to understand each person's genetic, environmental, and lifestyle variability to design more effective and safer treatments. Its goal is to transform patients into active collaborators in their health journey, offering therapies tailored to their specific needs.

The role of pharmacogenetics

Dr. Jardón shares that pharmacogenetics is the discipline that has revealed how our genes directly influence individual response to medications. By studying each person's genetic variations, it is possible to predict how they will metabolize a drug, its potential efficacy, and the risks of side effects. This is crucial in the development of new medications, allowing manufacturers to design treatments that are more targeted to the specific causes of diseases.

In the field of neurological diseases and brain disorders, the application of pharmacogenetics is fundamental. Understanding a patient's genetic profile not only sheds light on their behavior but is also key to determining the optimal response to prescribed medications. He reiterates: "Two people with the same diagnosis, such as epilepsy or depression, can react completely differently to the same drug: one improves, while the other does not or suffers adverse effects."

Genetic information becomes vital for personalizing doses, anticipating potential adverse reactions, and, most importantly, significantly increasing the likelihood of therapeutic success from the start of treatment. In an organ as complex and sensitive as the brain, any medication error can have a profound impact on emotions, memory, and behavior.

The brain, a tireless but careful organ

Beyond its complexity in treatment, the brain is an amazing organ that works 24/7, consuming 20% of our body's energy and generating enough power to light a 20-watt light bulb. It is composed of 73% water, and even the slightest dehydration can impair its function. Furthermore, since it is 60% fat, a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids is essential to prevent premature deterioration.

The intuition that heredity influences health is not new; ancient records such as the Ebers Papyrus in ancient Egypt or Greek theories of pangenesis, although lacking modern scientific rigor, already explored this connection. Today, this intuition has evolved into genetics and pharmacogenetics, sciences that allow modern medicine to study how genes affect response to medications, making truly personalized medical treatment possible.

The specialist concludes that raising awareness about mental health and the importance of brain care is paramount. Although neurological diseases are not always completely curable, precision medicine, supported by advances in pharmacogenetics, offers tools to better anticipate and control these conditions, enabling a higher quality of life for millions of people. The brain is much more than an organ; it is the center of our existence, and its care deserves our full attention.