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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Nari Shakti Vandan program at Vigyan Bhawan today, highlighted how his government has created schemes for every stage of women's life cycle since 2014.

From free medicines to better education and healthcare, the Prime Minister noted that the government has been mindful of women's needs, beginning from their childhood.

This included the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign, Matru Vandan Yojana, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, a savings scheme.

"We launched the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign to prevent female foeticide, provided Rs 5,000 financial assistance under Matru Vandan Yojana for proper nutrition during pregnancy, and started the high-interest Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana to support daughters' education," PM Modi said.

Government Schemes For Women

Further, the Prime Minister also mentioned other schemes launched by the government that provided a comprehensive support system for women. This included:

• The Mission Indradhanush for timely vaccination,
• Toilets under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,
• Nearly free sanitary napkins,
• Financial support under the Khel India scheme,
• Opening the doors to Sainik Schools and National Defence Academy
• The Ujjwala Yojana provided gas connections and ensured smoke-free kitchens,
• Har Ghar Nal Se Jal campaign brought water to homes,
• The free ration scheme ensured food security,
• Ayushman Yojana offered health insurance up to Rs 5 lakh.

"All these initiatives, including Jan Aushadhi Kendras offering up to 80 percent discount on medicines, have primarily benefited our sisters and daughters," said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also celebrated the educational achievements of women, especially in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

He noted that enrollment of daughters for the Doctor of Philosophy has doubled compared to 2014, with nearly half of the participation in higher education and research being women.

In mathematics and science education, the number of daughters has reached approximately 43 percent.

"These achievements reflect the changing landscape of opportunities for our daughters," affirmed the Prime Minister.

Other welfare programs that supported women and their health at different stages of life include:

• National Sex Ratio improved to 1020 for the first time
• Paid maternity leave increased to 26 weeks
• Over 4.73 Crore pregnant women examined under PM Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan
• MMR to 97/lakh live births in 2018-20 from 130/lakh live births in 2014-16

Nari Shakti Vandan Act

PM Modi said that the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act will become a great opportunity in the lives of all women.

The Nari Shakti Vandan Act was passed in the new Parliament building in 2023, unanimously with all parties agreeing that it should be implemented by 2029 in any case.

"India is about to take one of the biggest decisions of the 21st century, a decision dedicated to Nari Shakti," PM Modi said.

PM Modi remarked that the Nari Shakti Vandan Act must be implemented on time so that women’s participation strengthens our democracy, for which a special session of Parliament’s Budget Session will begin from April 16.

"Our effort and priority is that this work should be accomplished through dialogue, cooperation, and participation, which will enhance the dignity of Parliament," said PM Modi.

The southern Indian state of Karnataka, currently reeling under intense summer heat, has been experiencing an outbreak of viral gastroenteritis over the past few weeks, according to media reports.

Due to the scorching heat, doctors in Mysuru flagged a 15-20 per cent rise in patients with gastrointestinal complaints, Deccan Herald reported.

According to Dr A. K. Satheesh Rao, senior consultant in medical gastroenterology and hepatology, the early arrival of summer with higher intensity across Mysuru and surrounding regions is driving the cases.

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“The prolonged spells of heat and rising temperatures are impacting stomach and digestive health. Over the past few weeks, we have seen about a 15-20 per cent increase in patients with gastrointestinal complaints like frequent episodes of vomiting, abdominal discomfort, rapid dehydration, and diarrhea. Another major concern is a rise in dehydration,” he said.

“Although such seasonal spikes are expected, this year the intensity and frequency of symptoms are concerning, as a majority of the cases are being diagnosed as viral gastroenteritis. Just like any other viral infection, viral gastroenteritis is transmissible through contaminated food and water,” Dr. Rao added.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of rising heat and humidity across Coastal Karnataka until April 12.

Districts like Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada are expected to experience hot weather with high atmospheric moisture. Such weather can lead to fatigue and discomfort, particularly among the elderly, children, and those with existing health conditions.

The IMD has advised people to stay well hydrated and take precautions while stepping outdoors. Residents are also urged to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours.

What Is Gastroenteritis?

Commonly referred to as the stomach flu, gastroenteritis is another illness that tends to spike in the fall.

Caused by viruses like norovirus, this condition leads to inflammation of the stomach and intestines. While gastroenteritis is typically short-lived, it can be particularly uncomfortable and disruptive.

Common symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting – More common in children than adults.
• Watery diarrhea – May cause dehydration if not well taken care of.
• Stomach cramps and pain – Usually intense and sudden.
• Mild fever and body aches – May be confused with flu.
• Sudden development of illness – Symptoms develop 24-48 hours after exposure and persist 1-3 days.

Gastroenteritis can affect children more intensely. Dehydration is the most immediate threat posed by stomach flu, particularly among infants and young children. As children quickly lose fluids from diarrhea and vomiting, parents must observe warning symptoms of severe dehydration, such as:

• Dry mouth and tongue
• Decreased urine output (fewer wet diapers in an infant)
• Not crying tears
• Sunken soft spot on the top of a baby's head (fontanelle)
• Irritability, drowsiness, or lethargy.

How To Prevent

Hydrating oneself with portable water, eating healthy food, and maintaining hand hygiene are important.

“Simple practices like proper water storage, drinking filtered or boiled and cooled water, opting for home-cooked and freshly prepared meals, and basic hand hygiene serve as powerful safeguards,” Dr Rao said.

Further, one should also follow essential hygiene practices, including:

1. Practice frequent handwashing

2. Clean high-touch surfaces

3. Safe food handling

4. Keep sick children at home.

Two more children from Rajasthan's Salumbar district have fallen victim to the mysterious illness that officials now suspect to be viral encephalitis.

Since April 1, six children have died, including Deepak Meena (4), Seema (4), a one-year-old unidentified girl from Simor village, Laxman Meena (4), Kajal Meena (2), and Rahul Meena (4), within one or two hours of showing similar symptoms.

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According to health department officials, Raunak Ved (4) and Divyansh (2) were taken to a hospital on Wednesday evening after they developed high fever and vomiting.

“Soon after reaching the hospital, the doctor declared both of them dead. Although their symptoms were quite similar to those of the previous six cases, there were some differences in the pattern. It could be some different health issue, but we have yet to ascertain that. We have collected their samples and sent them for testing,” Salumber’s Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO), Mahendra Parmar, said.

With the additional cases, the death toll has gone up to 7 toddlers in Ghata and Lalpura villages.

Speaking to the media, Salumber’s district collector, Muhammed Junaid, said that two teams from the health department have been monitoring the situation constantly for the last few days.

“They have collected blood, stool, and saliva samples from children with suspected symptoms. Their samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune. We suspect it could be a kind of viral encephalitis, but we are yet to get the test report from NIV,” Junaid said.

All children reportedly experienced a sudden onset of fever that worsens rapidly, and claimed the lives of children within 24 hours.

The Health officials noted that at least 85 children were hospitalized with similar symptoms.

“The survey was conducted in 120,961 houses across the Udaipur division, during which over 940 children were found with similar symptoms. At least 75 of them were taken to a hospital. Anti-larval activity has also been carried out in 5,532 places after medical teams suspected viral encephalitis,” Junaid said.

What Is Encephalitis?

Encephalitis is the inflammation of the brain, caused by viral or bacterial infections, or by immune cells mistakenly attacking the brain.

People with encephalitis often show mild flu-like symptoms such as

• fever,
• fatigue,
• headache,
• body aches,
• confusion,
• seizures,
• changes in behavior or personality.

Types of Encephalitis

• Viral or Infectious Encephalitis: It is the most common type of encephalitis that is caused by various viruses, including the West Nile virus, herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus, or varicella zoster virus. An individual may experience symptoms ranging from mild flu-like illness to severe neurological problems.

• Autoimmune Encephalitis: This is a rare condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the brain cells due to a tumour or infection. While symptoms can vary widely, signs may include cognitive impairment, behavioural changes, and seizures.

• Bacterial or Fungal Encephalitis: While this type of encephalitis is less common, it can be life-threatening, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems. It may occur due to a complication caused by some other infections, such as meningitis. Symptoms can include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, and seizures.

How To Prevent?

The risk of getting encephalitis can be reduced by protecting oneself from mosquito bites and staying up-to-date with vaccinations.

One must ensure getting vaccinated against mumps, chickenpox, measles, and rubella. The one-and-done vaccination, MMR vaccinations are given to people early in their childhood.