M A Jabbar :
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form dementia, a group of disorders that impairs mental functioning. Dementia literally means loss of mutation or thinking. Abnormal changes in the brain worsen over time, eventually interfering with many aspects of brain function. Memory loss is one of the earliest symptoms, along with a gradual decline of other intellectual and thinking abilities, called cognitive functions, and changes in personality or behavior. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines dementia is a word for a group of symptoms caused by disorders that affect the brain. It is not a specific disease. People with dementia may not be able to think well enough to do normal activities such as getting dressed or eating. They may lose their ability to solve problems or control their emotions. Their personalities may change. They may become agitated or see things that are not related to them. The disease is named after a German neurologist, Alois Alzheimer, who first described the disease in 1906. The disease destroys large areas of brain over time leaving its victims with little comprehension or awareness.
Research indicates that the disease is associated with abnormal accumulations of proteins in the brain called plaques and tangles. A majority of scientists involved in Alzheimer’s research believe that abnormal accumulation of beta-amyloid is the main factor responsible for the degenerative changes that occur in the brain as the disease runs its course. Thus, drugs that lower beta-amyloid levels in the brain are expected to offer the most promising treatments. A team is working in this respect under the direction of Nobel laureate Dr Paul Greengard. The Greengard lab team believes that they can decode the mystery of Alzheimer’s by identifying a protein that can stop the unnatural buildup of beta-amyloid. Their plan is to isolate those cells that are resistant to beta-amyloid plaque and bring them into the lab, where they can find out why they are resistant and look for more effective treatments for people with Alzheimer. Reports reveal that the scientists at Geengard lab developed a new tool called TRAP (Translating Ribosome Affinity Purification) which allows them to see the nature of many cells at once. Using TRAP, they are now able to analyze the subtle differences between cells that they could not detect before to see which cells are more resistant to beta-amyloid plaque, and how they work in groups. This new information should point scientists in the direction of a protein that can help cells resist beta-amyloid plaques. Once that is located and they are close to finding it now they will be able to provide the fundamental information needed for drug companies to produce and develop effective Alzheimer’s treatment.
Factors contributing Alzheimer’s disease: The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not yet fully understood. However, scientists are trying to find out the factors contributing for the disease. Scientists generally agree that there is unlikely to be a single clear cause of Alzheimer’s disease. It is more likely the result of combination of inter-related factors, including genetic factors, which are passed along family lines of inheritance, and environmental influences, which range from previous head trauma to educational level to one’s experiences early in life. Each of these risk factors is currently the subject of great deal of research. A growing body of research is also helping to identify various lifestyle factors such as dietary habits, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which may influence one’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease. People with high blood pressure in middle age are more likely to suffer from thinking and memory problems in old age, raising their risk of dementia. Low levels of vitamin D, specifically, the form of vitamin D known as D3 may double the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Veterans who have survived traumatic brain injuries are 60 per cent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other form of dementia later in life.
Facts about Alzheimer’s
disease: Data reveals that 35 million people worldwide have Alzheimer’s disease ii.Alzheimer is the fifth leading cause of death in people 65 and older iii. Death from Alzheimer rose to 46.1 percent in 2000 to 54 percent in 2006. Alzheimer is not only a social burden, but an economic burden also. The cost of caring for someone with Alzheimer disease can be overwhelming.
Every year since 1994 Alzheimer organisations observe World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September and the day plays an important role in creating awareness and the policy makers and governments of the countries worldwide can adopt plan and programme to combat Alzheimer’s disease.
Activities on the day include educational seminars, workshops and social events for people with dementia and their attendants. Many hospitals and clinics can do many works to make their wards and departments more dementia-friendly including changing colour schemes to make areas that patients do not need to access, for example cleaning cupboards blend in the walls etc. Whereas toilets and bathrooms have bright signs and are easily visible in ward areas. Houses and habitants may be dementia-friendly so that patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease can enjoy life and feel comfort.
Bangladesh perspective: The ageing population is a growing concern in the world with increasing social and cost challenges due to the Dementia epidemic. Bangladesh, the world’s eighth-largest population with more than 160 million people, the number of people over 60 years of age is expected to be projected to increase to 9 percent by 2025 while 21 percent by 2050. The number of people with dementia is presumed to be enhanced dramatically. At this context, World Alzheimer’s day was observed on 21 September in Bangladesh like else where in the globe. Help Age International, Bangladesh chapter of an international organisation working with dementia reports that in 2010 there were as many as 30 lac people suffering from dementia in Bangladesh. The report further says that the number will rise to 40 lac by 2020. If dementia is not checked and managed before turning to its chronic nature, it is difficult to overcome the disease. Reports from National Mental Health Institute reveals that treatment facilities are available in all hospital of the country. However, the problem is that people take ‘forgetting’ is a normal syndrome with the ratio of increase of age. As a result, people do not give adequate attention to the disease problem. As such, awareness is necessary.
Moreover, many drugs are available for the treatment of the disease and lifestyle change, food habit and various other anti-dementia measures can prevent the disease. Abuse of drug and smoking are contributory factors for the Alzheimer’s disease. This problem is not limited to a particular country or boundary. Regional and international cooperation is much more important. Along with government efforts, health personnel, public representatives, social workers, NGOs, religious leaders, schoolteachers, and individuals may work to prevent and raise awareness about the Alzheimer’s disease.
Let us work together to combat Alzheimer’s disease through care and awareness. n
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form dementia, a group of disorders that impairs mental functioning. Dementia literally means loss of mutation or thinking. Abnormal changes in the brain worsen over time, eventually interfering with many aspects of brain function. Memory loss is one of the earliest symptoms, along with a gradual decline of other intellectual and thinking abilities, called cognitive functions, and changes in personality or behavior. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines dementia is a word for a group of symptoms caused by disorders that affect the brain. It is not a specific disease. People with dementia may not be able to think well enough to do normal activities such as getting dressed or eating. They may lose their ability to solve problems or control their emotions. Their personalities may change. They may become agitated or see things that are not related to them. The disease is named after a German neurologist, Alois Alzheimer, who first described the disease in 1906. The disease destroys large areas of brain over time leaving its victims with little comprehension or awareness.
Research indicates that the disease is associated with abnormal accumulations of proteins in the brain called plaques and tangles. A majority of scientists involved in Alzheimer’s research believe that abnormal accumulation of beta-amyloid is the main factor responsible for the degenerative changes that occur in the brain as the disease runs its course. Thus, drugs that lower beta-amyloid levels in the brain are expected to offer the most promising treatments. A team is working in this respect under the direction of Nobel laureate Dr Paul Greengard. The Greengard lab team believes that they can decode the mystery of Alzheimer’s by identifying a protein that can stop the unnatural buildup of beta-amyloid. Their plan is to isolate those cells that are resistant to beta-amyloid plaque and bring them into the lab, where they can find out why they are resistant and look for more effective treatments for people with Alzheimer. Reports reveal that the scientists at Geengard lab developed a new tool called TRAP (Translating Ribosome Affinity Purification) which allows them to see the nature of many cells at once. Using TRAP, they are now able to analyze the subtle differences between cells that they could not detect before to see which cells are more resistant to beta-amyloid plaque, and how they work in groups. This new information should point scientists in the direction of a protein that can help cells resist beta-amyloid plaques. Once that is located and they are close to finding it now they will be able to provide the fundamental information needed for drug companies to produce and develop effective Alzheimer’s treatment.
Factors contributing Alzheimer’s disease: The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not yet fully understood. However, scientists are trying to find out the factors contributing for the disease. Scientists generally agree that there is unlikely to be a single clear cause of Alzheimer’s disease. It is more likely the result of combination of inter-related factors, including genetic factors, which are passed along family lines of inheritance, and environmental influences, which range from previous head trauma to educational level to one’s experiences early in life. Each of these risk factors is currently the subject of great deal of research. A growing body of research is also helping to identify various lifestyle factors such as dietary habits, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which may influence one’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease. People with high blood pressure in middle age are more likely to suffer from thinking and memory problems in old age, raising their risk of dementia. Low levels of vitamin D, specifically, the form of vitamin D known as D3 may double the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Veterans who have survived traumatic brain injuries are 60 per cent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other form of dementia later in life.
Facts about Alzheimer’s
disease: Data reveals that 35 million people worldwide have Alzheimer’s disease ii.Alzheimer is the fifth leading cause of death in people 65 and older iii. Death from Alzheimer rose to 46.1 percent in 2000 to 54 percent in 2006. Alzheimer is not only a social burden, but an economic burden also. The cost of caring for someone with Alzheimer disease can be overwhelming.
Every year since 1994 Alzheimer organisations observe World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September and the day plays an important role in creating awareness and the policy makers and governments of the countries worldwide can adopt plan and programme to combat Alzheimer’s disease.
Activities on the day include educational seminars, workshops and social events for people with dementia and their attendants. Many hospitals and clinics can do many works to make their wards and departments more dementia-friendly including changing colour schemes to make areas that patients do not need to access, for example cleaning cupboards blend in the walls etc. Whereas toilets and bathrooms have bright signs and are easily visible in ward areas. Houses and habitants may be dementia-friendly so that patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease can enjoy life and feel comfort.
Bangladesh perspective: The ageing population is a growing concern in the world with increasing social and cost challenges due to the Dementia epidemic. Bangladesh, the world’s eighth-largest population with more than 160 million people, the number of people over 60 years of age is expected to be projected to increase to 9 percent by 2025 while 21 percent by 2050. The number of people with dementia is presumed to be enhanced dramatically. At this context, World Alzheimer’s day was observed on 21 September in Bangladesh like else where in the globe. Help Age International, Bangladesh chapter of an international organisation working with dementia reports that in 2010 there were as many as 30 lac people suffering from dementia in Bangladesh. The report further says that the number will rise to 40 lac by 2020. If dementia is not checked and managed before turning to its chronic nature, it is difficult to overcome the disease. Reports from National Mental Health Institute reveals that treatment facilities are available in all hospital of the country. However, the problem is that people take ‘forgetting’ is a normal syndrome with the ratio of increase of age. As a result, people do not give adequate attention to the disease problem. As such, awareness is necessary.
Moreover, many drugs are available for the treatment of the disease and lifestyle change, food habit and various other anti-dementia measures can prevent the disease. Abuse of drug and smoking are contributory factors for the Alzheimer’s disease. This problem is not limited to a particular country or boundary. Regional and international cooperation is much more important. Along with government efforts, health personnel, public representatives, social workers, NGOs, religious leaders, schoolteachers, and individuals may work to prevent and raise awareness about the Alzheimer’s disease.
Let us work together to combat Alzheimer’s disease through care and awareness. n
(M A Jabbar writes on health and environment issues and is
executive secretary of ADHUNIK)
