An experimental treatment happens to be the solution to delay Alzheimer's symptoms in some people. These people are the ones who are genetically destined to get the disease in their 40s or 50s. These new findings form ongoing research has now been caught up in Trump administration funding delas. The early results of the study has been published on Wednesday and the participants too are worried that politics could cut their access to a possible lifeline.

One of the participants had said, "It is still a study but it has given me an extension to my life that I never banked on having." The participant is named Jake Henrichs, form New York City, who is 50 years old. He is one of them to be treated in that study for more than a decade now and has remained symptom-free despite inheriting an Alzheimer's-causing gene that had killed his father and brother around the same age.

Slowing Down The Symptoms

Two drugs which can modestly slow down early-stage Alzheimer's are sold in the United States. These drugs clear the brain of one of its hallmarks, a sticky gunk-like part called the amyloid. However, there have not been any hints that removing amyloid far earlier, way many years before the first symptoms appear, may postpone the disease.

How Was The Research Conducted?

The research is led by Washington University in St Louis, which involved families that passed down rare gene mutation as participants. This meant it was almost guaranteed that they will develop symptoms at the same age their affected relatives did.

The new findings is based on a subset of 22 participants who received amyloid-removing drugs the longest, on average eight years. Long-term amyloid removal cut in half their risk of symptom onset. The study is published in the journal Lancet Neurology.

Washington University's Dr Randall Bateman, who directs the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Network of studies involving families with these rare genes says, "What we want to determine over the next five years is how strong is the protection. Will they ever get the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease if we keep treating them?”

The researchers before though did not know what exactly caused Alzheimer's which affects nearly 7 million Americans, most of them in their later life. However, it is clear that these silent changes occur in the brain at least two decades before the first symptom shows up. The big contributor. At some point amyloid buildup can trigger a protein named tau that then starts to kill neurons, which can lead to cognitive decline.

Researchers are now thus studying the Tau-fighting drugs and are looking into other factors, like inflammation, brain's immune cells and certain virus.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) has expanded its focus as researchers have found more reasons for Alzheimer's. In 2013, the NIH's National Institute on Aging funded 14 trials of possible Alzheimer's drugs over a third targeting amyloid. By last fall, there were 68 drugs and 18% of them target amyloid. However, there are scientists too who think that amyloid is not everything and their is way more in the brain tissue, immune cells, and more which can be studied.

Hypertension is the “number one killer” in India, with nearly 1.6 million people dying from the condition every year, said Dr. Ambuj Roy, Professor of Cardiology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, today.

Speaking to media persons on hypertension, Dr. Roy said the deaths “linked to high blood pressure are five times higher than tuberculosis fatalities and exceed the combined toll of communicable diseases such as TB, malaria, dengue, and HIV”.

Calling hypertension a “silent but deadly disease,” he said most people remain unaware they have high blood pressure because symptoms are often absent.

“Ninety per cent of the time, hypertension does not cause symptoms. The only way to detect it is through regular screening,” he said.

Dr. Roy also cited the ICMR and NFHS-5 data showing that nearly 30 crore Indians are living with hypertension.

According to him, one in four adults in rural India and one in three adults in urban areas have the condition. However, “only one in three people know they are hypertensive, one in five receive treatment, and just one in twelve achieve proper blood pressure control below 140/90 mmHg”.

Lifestyle Changes Surging Hypertension Risk

Dr Roy said lifestyle changes are driving the growing burden of hypertension in India. Poor diet, obesity, physical inactivity, air pollution, stress, and poor sleep habits are major contributors, particularly among younger people.

He highlighted excessive salt intake as a key concern. While the recommended salt intake is less than 5 grams per day, average consumption in India is around 12 grams daily. He also stressed the importance of potassium-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, noting that most Indians fail to consume the recommended 400 grams of fruits and vegetables per day.

Pollution: An Emerging Concern

Further, the Cardiologist linked pollution exposure to rising hypertension rates. Referring to studies conducted by AIIMS in collaboration with IIT Delhi, Dr. Roy said areas exposed to crop burning showed a 15 per cent higher prevalence of hypertension.

Another study found that every 10 microgram increase in PM2.5 levels was associated with a 5 per cent higher risk of hypertension.

How To Reduce Hypertension

Dr. Roy said reducing blood pressure by just 10 mmHg can significantly lower the risk of

• cardiovascular mortality by 20 per cent,
• stroke 28 per cent,
• heart failure by 28 per cent,
• coronary artery disease by 17 per cent,
• mortality by 13 per cent.

He also referred to the “TOPSPIN trial,” a large Indian hypertension study, which found that a single-pill combination therapy using two medicines reduced blood pressure by 30–40 mmHg and helped nearly 70 per cent of patients achieve blood pressure control.

The expert stated that around 70 per cent of patients may require long-term treatment or may need it lifelong. However, for nearly 30 per cent of people, hypertension can be reduced by stopping medication through:

• sustained lifestyle changes
• weight loss,
• low-sodium diets,
• exercise,
• better sleep.

‘Do Not Stop BP Medicines Abruptly’

Importantly, Dr Roy cautioned people against stopping blood pressure medicines abruptly once readings improve.

“Blood pressure is controlled because of the medicine. If you stop it suddenly, BP can rise sharply and may trigger a brain stroke or hemorrhage,” he said.

Dr. Roy also dismissed fears around side effects of antihypertensive medicines, calling them among the safest long-term drugs available. “The only side effect they have is benefits,” he remarked, adding that these medicines reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

To reduce blood pressure naturally, the expert advised people to

• remain physically active for at least 150 minutes per week,
• reduce processed and salty foods,
• maintain hydration during heatwaves,
• adopt DASH-style diets rich in fruits and vegetables.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has updated its colorectal cancer testing guidelines, which bring new screening options for colorectal cancer. This will give the Americans two new options of stool-based tests and blood-based screening tests.

The ACS recommended colorectal cancer screening for citizens as the risk of the disease starts at the age of 45 and continues through age 75 for those with a life expectancy of 10 more years. Thus, to make colorectal cancer tests more accessible to the masses, the new guideline gives nod to blood-based screening tests and FDA-approved new stool sample kits.

Blood-based screening tests must be done in a doctor's office, while one can use stool sample kits for testing at home. Notably, colonoscopy is still the most accurate option for detecting colorectal cancer.

The new guidelines acknowledged the fact that people are likely to choose the most effective colorectal cancer screening test. But still about 20 million eligible Americans remained untested, according to the ACS.

ACS mentions that 1 in 5 colorectal cancer cases is seen in young adults; the new guidelines were a direct result of this huge problem. Though the one who will choose colonoscopy would only have to go through screening every 10 years, on the other hand, the gap between screenings will be every one, three, or five years, depending on the specific method of testing selected.

Early Symptoms Of Colorectal Cancer

Some of the most commonly missed early signs include:

• Persistent changes in bowel habits, especially if they last more than a few days, must be taken seriously. Narrow or ribbon-shaped stools may indicate a tumor partially blocking the colon.
• Blood in the stool is one of the most common and concerning signs. While it might be due to hemorrhoids or fissures, it’s important not to assume. A proper evaluation is critical.
• Unexplained weight loss: Especially when unintentional.
• Abdominal cramps or bloating: Misinterpreted as common digestive issues.

Ignoring such a red flag delays diagnosis and drastically reduces treatment success rates. A timely visit to a healthcare provider can change outcomes.

How To Prevent Colorectal Cancer?

• Diet: More fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; less processed food and red meat.
• Physical activity: “Even 30 minutes of daily walking helps.”
• Screenings: Especially vital for those over 45 or with a family history.

Sri Lanka is facing a meningitis outbreak, and according to the Health Promotion Bureau of Sri Lanka, 200 people have been infected by this virus. As of now, about 50 people are getting treatment at the hospitals across four districts.

The disease was first found among a group of school goers in the Deniyaya area before spreading to other areas, including Diyatalawa, Welimada, and Rikillagaskada. The health authorities of the island nation have already issued special guidelines to stop the spread of the disease.

The authorities there said the disease mainly spreads through contaminated food and water, and it can also be transmitted through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as through close contact. The citizens were also asked to drink boiled water and avoid crowded places.

The Health Ministry of Sri Lanka has appointed a special team consisting of virologists and epidemiologists to conduct observations on the viral meningitis condition reported from the Central and Southern provinces and to identify its viral transmission pattern.

“Though the cases show signs of meningitis, they have rarely progressed to encephalitis, a potentially life‑threatening inflammation of brain tissue, as the virus itself is self-limiting, allowing the immune system to overcome the ailment,” the deputy minister, Dr. Wijeyamuni, said.

What Is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes around the spinal cord and the brain. It can become very serious if not treated or diagnosed in time. It is a consequence of bacterial or viral infection. Despite being a rare occurrence, the infection can spread through coughs, sneezes, a cold, or physical contact in the form of kissing.

Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is important for early diagnosis and timely medical care.

Also Read: Does Meningitis Always Cause Fever?

Symptoms Of Meningitis

Health officials urged the public to remain alert to the warning signs of meningococcal meningitis. Common symptoms include:

• Rash
• Headache
• Neck stiffness
• Fever
• Drowsiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light

How is Meningitis Diagnosed?

Physicians diagnose meningitis using a combination of clinical presentation, laboratory examinations, and imaging tests. Important diagnostic tests are Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap), Blood Cultures, and Imaging (CT or MRI Scans).