In News
- An experimental Alzheimer’s drug aimed at slowing or preventing cognitive decline in people at risk of developing the disease early has failed in clinical trials.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
- It is the most common type of dementia.
- Discovery:
- 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).
- 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.
What is the India scenario?
- In India, only 1 in 10 people with dementia receive any diagnosis, treatment or care for the disease, according to the World Alzheimer’s Report, 2021.
Treatment
- There is currently no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment addresses several areas:
- Helping people maintain brain health.
- Managing behavioural symptoms.
- Slowing or delaying symptoms of the disease.
Source: IE
