Alzheimer’s disease is a significant public health crisis in India, one which afflicts millions. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common forms of dementia, “a syndrome in which there is deterioration in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities” as explained by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO notes that […]
dementia
Dementia in India: An interview with Dr Amit Dias
Dr Amit Dias, one of the authors of the recent Lancet study entitled “40% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by targeting 12 risk factors throughout life” has provided Health Issues India with a greater insight into the situation in India regarding dementia and neurodegenerative conditions. We spoke to Dr Dias to elaborate […]
Dementia can be prevented: Lancet Study 2020
A recent Lancet study has suggested that, through a number of changes to both government policy and to individual behaviour, approximately forty percent of dementia cases can be prevented. “Our report shows that it is within the power of policy-makers and individuals to prevent and delay a significant proportion of dementia, with opportunities to make […]
‘No conclusive evidence’ – Government on pollution, disease and deaths
Air pollution is virtually universally acknowledged as a public health emergency in India, with swathes of the country choking beneath blankets of toxic air. However, a Government minister has informed lawmakers that there is a dearth of evidence to prove a link between pollution, disease, and deaths. “There is no conclusive data available in the […]
Air pollution contributing to dementia in the elderly?
Air pollution has been implicated as a major contributing factor to a number of health conditions. Among these are lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study has delved deeper into the potentials for the link between air pollution and dementia, implicating pollution exposure as a factor of considerable harm to […]
Alzheimer’s disease in an aging population
In just a decade, India’s elderly population increased from seventy million to 104 million. This change occurred across the 2001-11 period, with the elderly population reaching ever greater numbers since then. With such a sharp rise in elderly individuals, India needs to brace itself for a future where Alzheimer’s disease is a regular occurrence. Estimates […]
Thousands of Alzheimer’s cases misdiagnosed?
Hundreds of thousands of Alzheimer’s cases worldwide may not be responding to treatment simply because they are not Alzheimer’s disease, according to recent data. Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the numerous other kinds of dementia are becoming a global health issue. Increases in life expectancy the globe over have placed millions of people into the […]
Air pollution is India’s apocalypse that won’t go away
More than two years ago, Greenpeace warned that India was facing an “apocalypse” because of air pollution. This week, we are given yet another warning about the public health catastrophe brewing in the air and festering in Indians’ lungs. This is thanks to the 2019 State of Global Air Report. In 2017, India lost 1.2 million […]
Could treating diabetes prevent Alzheimer’s?
India faces sharply rising numbers of diabetes cases. For many people the disease is poorly managed due to a lack of knowledge – with wide-reaching health implications. One of these could be increased Alzheimer’s rates, as suggested by a new study. The study, carried out by the University of Southern California (USC), found that Alzheimer’s […]
Disease profile: Dementia
Worldwide numbers of dementia cases are estimated to hit 131.5 million by 2050. India is unlikely to be exempt from this trend as conditions in the country indicate numbers are set to rise rapidly. India has an aging population, and with increased life expectancy in recent years the number of individuals living to the age […]