The journey that began in 2007, when I started conducting research on Alzheimer's disease, has been immensely fruitful and rewarding. Yes, there are sad stories, but there is also a great deal of hope and many life lessons. Above all, being an Alzheimer's researcher means not only being a scientist in the strict sense of the word, but also being a human being who acts with dignity, resilience, and the utmost excellence at all times.

I chose to work in a clinical setting, with little to no experience involving laboratory animals or similar techniques. Interacting with the elderly and their families requires a different set of skills—many of which I have had to learn, and continue to learn. I am proud to be Brazilian, to be a researcher, and to be following this path.