Mysuru: Already 47 million people are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease across the world. It is expected to double in another 20 years’ time, said Balu Chakravarti, Senior Scientist, National Research Commission Toronto, Canada.
Delivering a talk on ‘Recent trends in management of Alzheimer’s Disease – an Over View’, conducted by Saradva Villas College of Pharmacy at its seminar hall on Friday he said, “There is no not permanent cure for the disease till date which is usually found in those who cross 50 years of age. Just five percent of the cases are due to genetic problem. Alzheimer’s can come in 50 years of age while more than 90 percent of the cases are found after 65 years of age called ‘Sporadic’. It is a neglected area in the country. There is no permanent cure for the disease and only through awareness and proper health care, one can avoid such diseases. There is also no particular cause for the disease. People those who are having cardiac, BP and sugar related problem are more risk prone. Earlier, the disease was seen more in western countries, but now it has spread more in developing countries including China and India as well. In India, more than 5 million people are suffering from this disease. There are only few drugs which are available to treat it, but many of them have side effects. It’s not only in Alzheimer related disease, but it’s the same in cancer, many patients who take tablets to these diseases die due to lot of side effects rather than main effects. There are many researches going on to come out with better drugs which have fewer side effects to the patients”.
Every year nearly 10 million new cases of dementia are reported. For every 3.2 seconds, there is a case of dementia, said Balu. He also mentioned that those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease will have memory loss, unpredictable behavior, shrinking brains and other abnormalities in behavior. The disease can be avoided if one keeps brain active by involving in more physical and mental activities like including getting involved in physical activities for at least 15 to 20 minutes, doing yoga, listening to music and also healthy life style including healthy eating habit. In rural areas these diseases are comparatively less when compare to urban areas, informed Balu.
Prinicipal of the college Hanumanthachar Joshi was also present. Students, teaching faculties and general public took part and actively participated in the event by clarifying their doubts about the disease. In Mysuru district alone there are more than 2000 people suffering from this disease.
