February goes beyond Carnival and establishes itself as a strategic month for raising awareness about chronic and serious illnesses, symbolized by the colors purple and orange. The campaign draws attention to Alzheimer's, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and Leukemia, conditions that impact millions of people and, when identified early, allow for more effective treatments, better symptom control, and improved quality of life.

Reference institutions, such as the Clinical Hospital (HC) of Unicamp, promote educational activities throughout the month aimed at patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, emphasizing the importance of information, continuous medical monitoring, and treatment adherence.

In addition to traditional protocols, there is a growing scientific debate about the use of medical cannabis as a complementary therapy, especially in managing chronic pain, inflammation, sleep disorders, anxiety, and neurological symptoms common to these diseases.

Alzheimer's: progressive neurodegeneration and new therapeutic pathways

Alzheimer's is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, spatial disorientation, and language difficulties. Currently, the condition is part of an alarming global public health scenario: every three seconds, someone in the world develops some form of dementia. In 2020, over 55 million people were living with dementia, a number that is expected to reach 78 million by 2030 and reach 139 million by 2050, mainly driven by the aging population in low- and middle-income countries.

In addition to directly affecting the patient, Alzheimer's imposes profound impacts on family members and caregivers, requiring continuous monitoring, multidisciplinary support, and strategies that go beyond traditional pharmacological treatment.

In this context, scientific research is investigating the role of cannabinoids, especially CBD, as a complementary therapy. Studies indicate potential action in controlling agitation, anxiety, sleep disorders, and behavioral symptoms, as well as neuroprotective effects that may help slow the progression of some symptoms. Although there is no cure for the disease, medical cannabis emerges as an additional tool to promote comfort, well-being, and quality of life, always under specialized medical supervision.

Lupus: autoimmune disease, systemic inflammation, and quality of life

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body produces antibodies in excess, leading to the attack of healthy tissues and organs. Skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, and the nervous system are among the main targets of inflammation.

According to the Ministry of Health, SLE accounts for about 70% of lupus cases, predominantly affecting women of childbearing age. The diagnosis involves detailed clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, such as the identification of the antinuclear antibody (ANA).

HC Unicamp experts highlight significant advances in treatment, using hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, and immunobiologics, according to the severity of the condition. In this scenario, medical cannabis, due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, may help in controlling pain, fatigue, and persistent inflammations. The topic is further explored in the article Lupus, oral cavity, and medical cannabis.

Fibromyalgia: chronic pain and functional impact

Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread pain throughout the body, especially in muscles and tendons, as well as intense fatigue, non-restorative sleep, anxiety, and depression. In Brazil, the condition affects about 3% of the population, according to the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology, with a higher prevalence among women.

According to HC Unicamp specialists, fibromyalgia is considered a pain modulation disorder, related to changes in the central nervous system and the regulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. The diagnosis is clinical and made by exclusion.

Medical cannabis is gaining ground as a complementary option in treatment, especially in relieving chronic pain, improving sleep, and reducing anxiety, factors directly linked to the quality of life of patients.

Leukemia: oncological treatment and integrative care

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells, leading to the uncontrolled multiplication of abnormal cells in the bone marrow. Symptoms include anemia, fatigue, fever, skin spots, and bone pain.

During treatment, patients often face side effects such as nausea, loss of appetite, pain, insomnia, and anxiety. In this context, medical cannabis has been used as an adjuvant therapy, helping in symptom control, appetite stimulation, and improving comfort during oncological treatment, always under medical prescription.