Latest news with #disease
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Health study appeals for ethnic minority volunteers
Researchers are looking for British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani people for a study into the link between genes and health. It aims to understand and tackle the higher rates of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. The study, supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is looking for participants in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. Dr Nadeem Ahmed, study principal investigator at Melrose Surgery in Reading, said it was "a great opportunity" for residents "to help make a difference to health outcomes of their future generations". British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani people aged 16 and over are asked to provide a small saliva sample at participating GP practices and hospitals, complete a short questionnaire about their health and agree for Genes & Health to securely link to their NHS health data. They can also sign up online and be sent a saliva kit to complete at home. Volunteers will be asked to give their consent to be contacted again and some may be invited to take part in further studies based on information from their samples and NHS data. The study will contribute to analysing genetic differences and towards the development of new drug treatments that are safe and effective. It has already made important discoveries, including the identification of genetic factors specific to South Asian people that leads to earlier type 2 diabetes onset. Participants can withdraw at any time and samples and information are kept separate from personal details. Researchers said the study was working with people from Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities as "they are significantly underrepresented in genetic research, meaning that they may not benefit from research discoveries and new treatment". Dr Ahmed said she would request everyone from the two ethnic groups to participate, "just like some 65,000 people, who have already participated in the other parts of the country". The study is supported by the government-funded Medical Research Council and medial charity Wellcome Trust. Selected sites are open in towns and cities including Oxford, Reading and Aylesbury. The study aims to recruit 100,000 people living in England by the end of 2028. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Similar stories Why are ethnic minority groups falling behind on vaccines? No wi-fi is 'health barrier' for ethnic minorities Black communities asked to join health research Related Links Genes & Health National Institute for Health and Care Research
BBC News
13 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Health study seeks British Bangladeshi and Pakistani volunteers
Researchers are looking for British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani people for a study into the link between genes and aims to understand and tackle the higher rates of heart disease, diabetes and study, supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is looking for participants in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Nadeem Ahmed, study principal investigator at Melrose Surgery in Reading, said it was "a great opportunity" for residents "to help make a difference to health outcomes of their future generations". British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani people aged 16 and over are asked to provide a small saliva sample at participating GP practices and hospitals, complete a short questionnaire about their health and agree for Genes & Health to securely link to their NHS health can also sign up online and be sent a saliva kit to complete at will be asked to give their consent to be contacted again and some may be invited to take part in further studies based on information from their samples and NHS data. The study will contribute to analysing genetic differences and towards the development of new drug treatments that are safe and has already made important discoveries, including the identification of genetic factors specific to South Asian people that leads to earlier type 2 diabetes can withdraw at any time and samples and information are kept separate from personal said the study was working with people from Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities as "they are significantly underrepresented in genetic research, meaning that they may not benefit from research discoveries and new treatment".Dr Ahmed said she would request everyone from the two ethnic groups to participate, "just like some 65,000 people, who have already participated in the other parts of the country".The study is supported by the government-funded Medical Research Council and medial charity Wellcome sites are open in towns and cities including Oxford, Reading and study aims to recruit 100,000 people living in England by the end of 2028. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
The Hindu
15 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Beyond memory loss: The lesser-known dementias that deserve attention
When people hear the word dementia, they are very likely to immediately think of Alzheimer's disease. And while Alzheimer's is the most common form, accounting for 60 to 80 % of cases worldwide, it is far from the only type of dementia. A range of other, lesser-known dementias can be equally devastating, and recognising them early can lead to better care and improved quality of life. So, what are these lesser-known types of dementia? Vascular Dementia Vascular dementia is the second-most common type of dementia, and is estimated to be about 40 % of all dementia cases in India. It is triggered by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after strokes or due to chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Its sudden onset, rapid decline or step-by-step decline after 'mini strokes', and link to future strokes, makes this type very dangerous. However, unlike Alzheimer's, it's often preventable. Early diagnosis, blood pressure and sugar control, and a healthy lifestyle can delay its progression. Frontotemporal Dementia Sometimes misdiagnosed as a psychiatric illness, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is an umbrella term for brain disorders that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These sites are associated with personality, behaviour and language, and thus some people undergo personality changes or become more impulsive or emotionally indifferent when suffering from this condition. About 60 % of people diagnosed with FTD fall within the age bracket of 45 to 64. Currently, there is no cure for FTD. In addition to this, because it affects a younger age group than Alzheimer's usually does, it becomes extremely distressing for families and often leads to early dependency and care needs. Lewy Body Dementia Lewy body dementia (LBD) is marked by abnormal protein deposits in the brain that disrupt both cognitive functions and physical abilities. It causes problems with coordination and balance, vivid visual hallucinations, muscle stiffness, difficulties with concentration, memory issues and severe sensitivity to certain medications. Due to the symptoms intersecting with other kinds of dementia, it is tricky for doctors to lock down on the diagnosis. Multiple tests are required to diagnose LBD. While there is no cure for this kind of dementia, medical and non-medical treatments such as physical and occupational therapies are recommended to keep symptoms in control as much as possible. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare but devastating brain disorder caused when a type of protein, prions, undergo a change. While the symptoms of CJD are very similar to those of Alzheimer's, this disease usually gets worse faster and leads to death. Though only one or two cases of CJD are diagnosed per million people around the world, its aggressive progression and lack of a cure make it especially alarming. Mixed dementia Mixed dementia is a blend, most often Alzheimer's disease combined with vascular dementia, and sometimes Lewy body dementia and other types of dementia. This mix leads to overlapping symptoms, and hence, no definitive symptoms are associated with it. A report states that at least one in 10 people with dementia is diagnosed as having mixed dementia. This diagnosis is confirmed only when the doctor finds clear signs of at least two different types of dementia. Why awareness matters Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease each have unique causes, symptoms, progression, and treatment responses. Identifying the correct type helps doctors tailor care to individual cases, whether it is medication, lifestyle changes, or managing stroke risk. It also helps families understand what to expect – memory loss vs. personality changes, gradual vs. sudden decline. Without an accurate diagnosis, people may miss out on treatments that could ease symptoms or slow progression. Awareness is the first step towards better outcomes and quality of life. Memory loss is just one piece of the dementia puzzle. If you or a loved one is experiencing unexplained behavioural changes, sleep disturbances, or movement issues, talk to a healthcare provider. Dementia isn't one-size-fits-all, and knowing the differences could change the course of care. (Dr. Usha Humbi is a consultant neurologist at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Malaria ‘back with a vengeance' in Zimbabwe as number of deaths from the disease triple
Zimbabwe's efforts to control malaria have been dealt a huge blow as experts say the disease has returned 'with a vengeance' after US aid cuts, with 115 outbreaks recorded in 2025 compared with only one last year. The sharp rise in cases comes six months after Donald Trump halted critical funding for US research and national response programmes. The cuts in January, which included funding for tuberculosis, HIV/Aids and malaria programmes, crippled the Zimbabwe Entomological Support Programme in Malaria (Zento) at Africa University in Mutare, which provides the country's National Malaria Control Programme with scientific research to combat the disease. Cumulative malaria cases increased by 180% in the first four months of 2025, according to the health ministry, while the number of malaria-related deaths increased by 218%, from 45 in the same period in 2024 to 143 in 2025. As of 26 June, the number of malaria cases had risen to 119,648, with 334 deaths, according to the Zimbabwean health ministry. The distribution of essential control methods, such as mosquito nets, was also disrupted, leaving hundreds of thousands of people exposed to mosquito bites across the country. The health ministry said in May that 1,615,000 insecticide-treated nets were being distributed but that there was a shortfall of 600,000 due to the withdrawal of US funding. Itai Rusike, director of Zimbabwe's Community Working Group on Health, said funding shortfalls were jeopardising the country's significant gains against malaria over the past 20 years. 'Sustained domestic funding is critical to keep prevention and treatment efforts on track,' he said. 'If mosquito nets and preventive medicines for pregnant women are unavailable, lives will be lost. When the supply of test kits and first-line treatments is disrupted, malaria cases and deaths will spiral.' Children under the age of five account for 14% of total malaria cases. Zimbabwe has set out to eliminate malaria by 2030, in line with the ambitious goal set by the African Union, using various strategies such as raising community awareness, preventing mosquito bites with insecticide-treated nets and spraying, as well as improving surveillance systems. Dr Henry Madzorera, a former health minister, said Zimbabwe should mobilise its own resources to bridge the funding gap. 'We have a lot of taxes earmarked for the health sector – let us use them wisely for health promotion and disease prevention,' he said. 'People must be treated early for malaria. 'The country should not rely on donors to do malaria-elimination activities,' Madzorera added. In 2024, USAID disbursed $270m for health and agriculture programmes in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe's deputy health minister, Sleiman Kwidini, admitted the funding gap left by the US cuts had disrupted the provision of mosquito nets. 'We are now taking over the procurement of those nets after the US withdrew funding. We have just been disturbed, but our vision is to eliminate malaria by 2030,' he said. Prof Sungano Mharakurwa, director of Africa University's Malaria Institute, said it would take time to recover lost ground but added: 'If we get funding, we can hit the ground running and promptly return to scoring successes again, until we beat this deadly scourge that is malaria.' He said that since the Zento mosquito surveillance programme began in Manicaland province, there had been a marked reduction in malaria cases and it was about to be extended when the US cuts came. 'Working with the National Malaria Control Programme, it had just been expanded,' Mharakurwa said. 'It was poised to run for five years with national coverage when it was abruptly terminated.' Africa University data shows that Manicaland recorded 145,775 malaria cases in 2020 but just 28,387 after Zento was introduced in 2021. Malaria cases in the province had been further reduced to 8,035 by 2024 before more than trebling to 27,212 the following year, when US funding was cut. Mharakurwa said: 'The malaria was back with a vengeance straight after, and [numbers of] cases that were waning rebounded in 2025, surpassing levels that had ever been seen since the beginning of the project.' Above-normal rains this year, which aided malaria transmission, had worsened the situation, he added.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Malaria ‘back with a vengeance' in Zimbabwe as number of deaths from the disease triple
Zimbabwe's efforts to control malaria have been dealt a huge blow as experts say the disease has returned 'with a vengeance' after US aid cuts, with 115 outbreaks recorded in 2025 compared with only one last year. The sharp rise in cases comes six months after Donald Trump halted critical funding for US research and national response programmes. The cuts in January, which included funding for tuberculosis, HIV/Aids and malaria programmes, crippled the Zimbabwe Entomological Support Programme in Malaria (Zento) at Africa University in Mutare, which provides the country's National Malaria Control Programme with scientific research to combat the disease. Cumulative malaria cases increased by 180% in the first four months of 2025, according to the health ministry, while the number of malaria-related deaths increased by 218%, from 45 in the same period in 2024 to 143 in 2025. As of 26 June, the number of malaria cases had risen to 119,648, with 334 deaths, according to the Zimbabwean health ministry. The distribution of essential control methods, such as mosquito nets, was also disrupted, leaving hundreds of thousands of people exposed to mosquito bites across the country. The health ministry said in May that 1,615,000 insecticide-treated nets were being distributed but that there was a shortfall of 600,000 due to the withdrawal of US funding. Itai Rusike, director of Zimbabwe's Community Working Group on Health, said funding shortfalls were jeopardising the country's significant gains against malaria over the past 20 years. 'Sustained domestic funding is critical to keep prevention and treatment efforts on track,' he said. 'If mosquito nets and preventive medicines for pregnant women are unavailable, lives will be lost. When the supply of test kits and first-line treatments is disrupted, malaria cases and deaths will spiral.' Children under the age of five account for 14% of total malaria cases. Zimbabwe has set out to eliminate malaria by 2030, in line with the ambitious goal set by the African Union, using various strategies such as raising community awareness, preventing mosquito bites with insecticide-treated nets and spraying, as well as improving surveillance systems. Dr Henry Madzorera, a former health minister, said Zimbabwe should mobilise its own resources to bridge the funding gap. 'We have a lot of taxes earmarked for the health sector – let us use them wisely for health promotion and disease prevention,' he said. 'People must be treated early for malaria. 'The country should not rely on donors to do malaria-elimination activities,' Madzorera added. In 2024, USAID disbursed $270m for health and agriculture programmes in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe's deputy health minister, Sleiman Kwidini, admitted the funding gap left by the US cuts had disrupted the provision of mosquito nets. 'We are now taking over the procurement of those nets after the US withdrew funding. We have just been disturbed, but our vision is to eliminate malaria by 2030,' he said. Prof Sungano Mharakurwa, director of Africa University's Malaria Institute, said it would take time to recover lost ground but added: 'If we get funding, we can hit the ground running and promptly return to scoring successes again, until we beat this deadly scourge that is malaria.' He said that since the Zento mosquito surveillance programme began in Manicaland province, there had been a marked reduction in malaria cases and it was about to be extended when the US cuts came. 'Working with the National Malaria Control Programme, it had just been expanded,' Mharakurwa said. 'It was poised to run for five years with national coverage when it was abruptly terminated.' Africa University data shows that Manicaland recorded 145,775 malaria cases in 2020 but just 28,387 after Zento was introduced in 2021. Malaria cases in the province had been further reduced to 8,035 by 2024 before more than trebling to 27,212 the following year, when US funding was cut. Mharakurwa said: 'The malaria was back with a vengeance straight after, and [numbers of] cases that were waning rebounded in 2025, surpassing levels that had ever been seen since the beginning of the project.' Above-normal rains this year, which aided malaria transmission, had worsened the situation, he added.
