INTRODUCTION
The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. Comprised of 30 billions neurons, it is the most perfect computer known to date.
Conventional medical checkups are of limited usefulness in the prediction of risks of the major health problems in advanced societies.
CURENT SITUATION
The latest breakthroughs in the understanding of the genetic basis of many diseases, founded on molecular biology and on recombinant DNA technology, have permitted the development of PREDICTIVE MEDICINE.
Predictive medicine is founded on the principle of identifying the risk of suffering a particular disease.
Nowadays, approximately 80% of the most severe chronic pathologies may be foreseen by means of the identification of risk factors or genetic susceptibility factors.
It is now possible to carry out predictive assessments with molecular genetic techniques in order to identify the risk many years before the first symptoms of the disease make their appearance.
Early identification of the risk of suffering a disease provides significant benefits for the person and allows prevention strategies to be put into effect; strategies which will prevent or delay significantly the clinical appearance of the disease.
COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL ASSESSMENT
Conventional medical checkups are of limited usefulness; for this reason, nowadays it is recommended to carry out comprehensive checkups which increase diagnostic accuracy for predictive purposes.
These comprehensive checkups must include analytic procedures which guarantee:
Diagnostic accuracy.
Prediction of specific risks.
The possibility of personal and family protection.
A short- medium- and long-term reduction in risk costs..
Comprehensive checkups include the following analytic procedures:
A general and specialized multidisciplinary medical examination.
A general and risk-specific radiological examination.
Biochemistry, hemogram and specific analytic tests.
Risk-specific genetic markers:
Neuropsychological examination of cognitive and behavioral functions.
Examination by structural and functional neuroimaging.
Supplementary tests, adapted to specific risks:
SCREENING
GENÉTICO
In accordance with the Committee on Assessing Genetic Risks of the United States Institute of Medicine, the most notable recommendations for the application of genetic tests are as follows:
Genetic tests shall be carried out and interpreted by specialized, qualified teams.
Genetic tests shall not be carried out indiscriminately and shall be designed for each individual case for predictive, preventive, diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Genetic tests shall be carried out independently, voluntarily, confidentially and after informed consent, under a strict ethical code.
Genetic tests shall not give rise to social discrimination or discrimination in the workplace.
The execution of genetic tests shall always be accompanied by Genetic Counseling by experts.
Both physicians and the public in general shall be educated regarding the use of genetic tests.
Other pathologies.
Genital-Urinary System.
Neuromuscular and Muscular-skeletal System.
Endocrine System.
Other systems, according to risk.