Casa da Esclerose Múltipla holds first visit to Rio de Janeiro

The Casa da Esclerose Múltipla (Multiple Sclerosis House) held its first visit to Rio de Janeiro at Shopping Tijuca to promote neurological health awareness and demystify the disease. Organized by Merck in partnership with the Associação de Pacientes de Esclerose Múltipla do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (APEMERJ), the initiative provides a free sensory immersion experience for the public.

Visitors navigate four interactive environments designed to simulate the daily challenges faced by the approximately 40,000 Brazilians living with multiple sclerosis. These simulations include a bedroom to replicate loss of sensitivity and visual distortions, a kitchen to test dexterity under visual and tactile confusion, a street/transportation setting to demonstrate balance and strength issues, and a workplace simulation to mimic cognitive fatigue and loss of precision.

According to João Victor Cabral, Merck’s Medical Manager of Neurology and Immunology, the condition impacts patients physically, emotionally, and socially. Luzia Lopes Trindade, president of APEMERJ, noted that such experiences can educate the population and potentially lead to faster diagnoses, addressing the current average five-year gap between symptom onset and diagnosis.