Experiencing daytime sleepiness is something that is usually perceived as a minor inconvenience, but for older adults, it could be an early warning sign of Dementia. This neurodegenerative disease leads to the progressive decline of brain cells. This eventually

affects memory, cognition, and personality, making everyday tasks more difficult. As one of the fastest-growing neurological disorders across the world, dementia poses a significant health threat to ageing populations.

Is Dementia Linked To Poor Sleep?

For this study, researchers followed 445 older adults (average age 76) over three years, aiming to determine whether poor sleep could increase the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which often leads to dementia. At the start, none of the participants had MCI, but by the end of the study, 36 individuals had developed the condition.

The researchers discovered that participants with poor sleep were more likely to develop MCI compared to those who slept well. However, when depression symptoms were taken into account, the link between poor sleep and MCI became less pronounced, suggesting that while sleep issues are a concern, mental health also plays a key role in dementia risk.

To assess sleep quality, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used, evaluating factors such as sleep duration, disturbances, and daytime alertness. Among these, "daytime dysfunction"—defined as excessive sleepiness and low energy during the day—was most strongly associated with an increased risk of MCI. Those experiencing daytime dysfunction were more than three times as likely to develop MCI as those who didn’t report such symptoms.

There are many types of dementia:

Dementia is not a specific disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is an overall term that describes a decline in mental ability that interferes with daily life. People with dementia often have symptoms like trouble remembering, thinking, or making everyday decisions. These symptoms tend to get worse over time.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, and it mostly affects the elderly. Each form of dementia has a different cause. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal ageing. An estimated 6.7 million older adults have Alzheimer's disease in the United States. That number is expected to double by 2060, as per data from the CDC.

In 2022, 3.8% of men and 4.2% women in US were diagnosed with dementia. The percentage of people increase with age from 1.7% for those aged 65-74 to 13.1% for those aged 85 and older. Alzheimer's accounts for 60 to 80% of all dementia cases and it is most prevalent in California, Florida, and Texas, as these states have the highest number of people.

The number of children who have died from a mysterious illness in the northern state of Rajasthan has risen to 13, as health officials continue efforts to determine the cause.

According to media reports, a six-year-old girl from Bhugabhatt village of Gram Panchayat Bharkundi was the latest victim on Sunday (April 12) morning. There was another death from this mysterious illness on Saturday, Udaipur Times reported.

So far, seven children have reportedly died from the Lasadiya of Salumbar district six succumbed from Parsola village in the state's Pratapgarh district.

Notably, two children died in Dholi Magri and two in Mahudi Kheda, as per administrators Narayanlal Meena of Ambav and Shankarlal Meena of Lohagarh from the Dhariyawad subdivision of Pratapgarh district. However, the authorities are yet to find a link between the two.

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

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

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

The Health Department has also started a door-to-door survey in the sub-division.

Junaid noted that the survey was conducted across 120,961 houses in the Udaipur division, during which over 940 children were found with similar symptoms.

The local MLA has written a letter to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma demanding an investigation into the matter.

Earlier, mosquito-borne viral encephalitis (brain infection) or a Chandipura virus variant was suspected to be the reason behind the illness and deaths. However, lab confirmation is still pending. Samples have been collected and sent for testing.

"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.

What Is The Chandipura Virus Disease?

Chandipura virus is a type of arbovirus that is a member of the vesicular virus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family. It is transmitted primarily through phlebotomine sandflies and sometimes through ticks and mosquitoes.

First identified in India in 1965, the virus is named after the Chandipura village in Maharashtra where it was initially isolated.

Its symptoms include:

• sudden onset of high-grade fever,
• diarrhea,
• vomiting,
• seizures,
• altered sensorium which can ultimately lead to death within 24 to 72 hours.

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.

Vector control measures such as the use of insecticides, bed nets, wearing full-sleeved clothes, and improving sanitation can also help prevent the disease.

Some feel anxious because of work pressure, but there are others who feel agitated and stressed when they are not engaged. Legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan falls into the latter group. The 83-year-old has never really retired and has continued to entertain his fans and rule their hearts through his work. Over the years, there have been several interviews about his routine, discipline, and how the actor likes to stay busy. In a recent blog, he opened up about feeling anxious and uneasy when he does not work every day.

In his blog, Mr Bachchan wrote, “You wonder why the day is not behaving the way you normally wish it to be. So, if there is some understanding of this element within us, then ‘may there be peace and calm around us’, but for some, it never happens, and that is an added anxiety. Living in anxiety, they say, is harmful for the mind and body, and leading an anxious day on the weakness of this phenomenon is unnecessary (sic).”

Through his post, the 'Piku' actor revealed that a day spent lazing around seems 'disturbing.' He continued to say that when one does not work every day as per a schedule, the day becomes a 'mystery of deeds', which hints at the importance of structure and how a strong routine can shape one's mental health. But what contributes to the anxiety of not being occupied?

Why do some people feel anxious when not working?

According to experts, many people underestimate the importance of a routine for mental health. Humans are wired to depend on structure for stability, and when that is eliminated, the mind has to reorganise internally. This does not come easily. However, from a psychological perspective, this can lead to an excessive cognitive load, triggering a stress response. This stress response can manifest as anxiety, uneasiness, irritability, or restlessness.

How to cope with the stress on a lazy day?

Experts say that unproductiveness need not be associated with work itself—one can also engage in household chores or a hobby to feel productive and engaged. On a free day with no schedule, creativity can offer an escape. One can try going for a walk, cooking, taking breaks from screens every few minutes, and even playing sports. This helps regulate the nervous system. It can support not just physical but also emotional recovery. This way, when the brain takes a break, it does not feel empty and recovers faster.

How to feel productive on your day off?

When not at work, there are some simple ways to avoid falling into a slump. You can take a break and still be productive, and here are some simple ways to do so:

1. Organise: If you spot clutter in any part of the house, work towards organising it better. This activity is not exhausting and is also a good way to feel productive.
2. Prepare meals: On your day off, prepare yourself a fancy meal. Not only does this engage the creative side of your mind, but it also releases happy hormones.
3. Sightseeing: If you are willing to go out on your day off, pick a spot in the city that you have never visited and go sightseeing. Even getting dressed for a day out can help you feel rejuvenated.
4. Engage in sports: Engaging in sports is a good way to take a break from busy workdays. Go swimming or play a sport such as tennis or badminton, and the activity will help release happy hormones.

India is already known as the 'Pharmacy of the world', supplying 60 percent of the world’s vaccines and 20 percent of generic medicines. The country is soon transforming into a global bio-pharma hub, said the government today.

To achieve this, the focus must be on biosimilars and specialty medicines, said J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers.

He said this while making a virtual address at the 9th edition of India Pharma 2026, the flagship event of the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, today in New Delhi.

Shift Towards Biologics and Biosimilars

Nadda emphasized that India has long been recognized as the “pharmacy of the world” due to its leadership in affordable generic medicines. However, the global landscape is now rapidly shifting towards biologics, biosimilars, and specialty medicines.

“In this evolving environment, India is well positioned not only to adapt but to emerge as a global leader,” he stated.

Nadda reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and boosting research capabilities with schemes such as:

• Biopharma Shakti Initiative, with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore, aimed at advancing capabilities in biopharmaceutical innovation.
• The PRIP scheme for promoting research in
• pharmaceuticals and medical technology.
• The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aims to boost domestic manufacturing
• The development of bulk drug parks aims to enhance self-reliance and resilient supply chains.

Rising Global Demand For Biologics And Biosimilars

Further, Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Anupriya Patel highlighted that India is undergoing a significant transition from being a global generics leader to an emerging biopharma innovation hub.

"India currently contributes nearly 20 percent of global generic medicines and meets around 70 percent of global vaccine demand, underscoring the country’s robust manufacturing capabilities,” Patel said.

Emphasizing future opportunities, she stated that the global demand for biologics and biosimilars is expanding rapidly, with the biosimilars market projected to reach USD 75 billion by 2030.

She further pointed out that innovative drugs account for nearly 87 percent of the global pharmaceutical market value, underlining the need for India to intensify its focus on innovation-driven segments.

Patel also outlined the integration of artificial intelligence in drug discovery and development.

She emphasized the importance of strengthening human capital through premier institutions such as NIPERs and IITs to support advanced research and innovation.

The two-day conference was organized in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA).

To transform India into an “innovator for the world”, other government officials stressed the need to:

• accelerate innovation timelines
• strengthen startup ecosystems
• build a robust infrastructure for clinical trials
• advanced research
• enhanced funding mechanisms
• closer industry-government collaboration
• development of skilled talent.