ALZHEIMER
DISEASE - SCI & TECH
News: Kerala University to create
awareness on Alzheimer’s disease among youngsters
What's
in the news?
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Kerala University has embarked on a drive
to create awareness among school students on the increasing prevalence of
dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in the State.
Key
takeaways:
●
It also aims to shed light on the
neurobiology research that is under way into the contributing factors of neurodegenerative disorders including the
role of the gut-brain axis and incompatible food choices.
●
The disease was discovered after Dr Alios
Alzheimer examined a memory-loss patient’s brain after her death in 1906 and
found abnormal clumps (beta-amyloid plaque) and bundles of fibres
(neurofibrillary tangles).
Alzheimer
Disease:
●
It is a progressive disease beginning with
mild memory loss and possibly
leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the
environment.
●
It involves parts of the brain that
control thought, memory, and language.
●
It can seriously affect a person’s ability
to carry out daily activities
World
Alzheimer Day:
●
World Alzheimer Day is observed across the
world on September 21.
Prevalence
of Dementia in India:
●
The estimated dementia prevalence for adults ages 60+ in India is 7.4%.
●
About 8.8 million Indians older than 60
years live with dementia.
Causes:
●
Alzheimer’s disease is believed to be
caused by the abnormal build-up of amyloid
proteins in and around brain cells, hampering their functions.
Effects:
●
The most striking effect of Alzheimer’s
disease is dementia, which causes
continuous decline in thinking, behavioural and social skills that affects a
person’s ability to function independently.
Preventive
measures:
●
Avoiding risk factors such as
hypertension, smoking, diabetes, and obesity in order to maintain brain health
across the lifespan.
Treatment:
●
There is currently no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease.