The global challenge of HIV/AIDS remains one of the most pressing public health issues today. According to the latest data from UNAIDS, around 38.4 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS, underlining the need for not only medical intervention but also comprehensive awareness, education, and social change. Despite the significant strides made in treatment and prevention, the confusion surrounding the relationship between HIV and AIDS still persists.

Young people have become influential advocates in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Research from UNICEF shows that youth-led initiatives can lower HIV transmission rates by as much as 45% in targeted communities. These young activists utilize digital platforms and peer-to-peer education to dispel myths, promote safe practices, and foster supportive environments for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Dr Gowri Kulkarni, an expert in Internal Medicine, explains that while the terms HIV and AIDS are often used interchangeably, they are distinctly different. "HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, whereas AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a condition that occurs when HIV severely damages the immune system," she clarifies. To understand the implications of these differences, it's important to explore the fundamental distinctions between the two.

1. HIV is a Virus; AIDS is a Syndrome

HIV is the virus responsible for attacking the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, which are crucial for the body’s defense against infections. As HIV progresses, it destroys these cells, weakening the immune system over time. If left untreated, this continuous damage can lead to AIDS.

AIDS, on the other hand, is a syndrome, not a virus. Dr Kulkarni further elaborates that AIDS is a collection of symptoms and illnesses that emerge when the immune system is severely compromised due to prolonged HIV infection. It represents the most advanced stage of HIV, and is characterized by very low CD4 counts or the onset of opportunistic infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, or certain cancers.

2. Not Everyone with HIV Develops AIDS

A key distinction to remember is that not everyone with HIV will progress to AIDS. Thanks to advancements in medicine, particularly antiretroviral therapy (ART), individuals living with HIV can manage the virus and maintain a healthy immune system for many years, or even decades, without ever developing AIDS. ART works by suppressing the virus to undetectable levels, effectively preventing the damage HIV would otherwise cause to the immune system.

Without treatment, however, HIV progresses through three stages:

- Acute HIV Infection: This stage occurs shortly after transmission and may include symptoms like fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

- Chronic HIV Infection: Often asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, the virus continues to damage the immune system but at a slower rate.

- AIDS: This is the final stage, marked by severe immune damage and the presence of infections that take advantage of the compromised immune defenses.

3. HIV is Transmissible; AIDS is Not

Another key distinction between HIV and AIDS is the way in which they are transmitted. HIV is highly contagious and can be transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It is primarily spread through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

AIDS, however, is not transmissible. It is not a disease that can be passed from one person to another. Rather, AIDS is the result of untreated, advanced HIV infection and is a direct consequence of the virus’s damage to the immune system.

4. Diagnosis Methods Differ

HIV and AIDS are diagnosed through different methods. HIV is diagnosed through blood tests or oral swabs that detect the presence of the virus or antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the virus. Early detection of HIV is crucial, as it allows for timely intervention and treatment, which can prevent the virus from progressing to AIDS.

AIDS, on the other hand, is diagnosed using more specific criteria. Dr Kulkarni notes that the diagnosis of AIDS is made when the individual’s CD4 cell count falls below 200 cells/mm³, or when opportunistic infections or certain cancers (such as Kaposi's sarcoma or lymphoma) are detected. Diagnosing AIDS involves a more thorough assessment of the individual’s immune function and overall health, as opposed to just the detection of HIV.

5. Treatment Goals Are Different

The treatment goals for HIV and AIDS differ significantly, although both involve antiretroviral therapy (ART). For HIV, the primary treatment goal is to suppress the virus to undetectable levels, thus maintaining a strong immune system and preventing further transmission of the virus. People living with HIV can often live long, healthy lives if they adhere to ART.

For individuals diagnosed with AIDS, the treatment plan becomes more complex. While ART remains an essential part of managing the virus, treatment for AIDS also focuses on addressing the opportunistic infections and secondary health complications associated with severe immune suppression. The goal of treatment for AIDS is not only to manage the HIV virus but also to improve the quality of life and extend survival by treating these secondary health issues.

Role of Community Engagement in Combatting HIV/AIDS

While the medical community has made great strides in managing HIV, the battle to curb its transmission is also a social and cultural issue. Dr Daman Ahuja, a public health expert, highlights that HIV/AIDS awareness and education are vital to reducing transmission rates and supporting those affected by the virus. "Young people, especially, have become key advocates in the fight against HIV/AIDS," says Dr Ahuja. "Research from UNICEF shows that youth-led initiatives can lower HIV transmission rates by as much as 45% in targeted communities."

Additionally, grassroots activism plays a significant role in raising awareness and addressing stigma. As the World Health Organization reports, community-based interventions have been proven to increase HIV testing rates and improve treatment adherence, which are crucial in the fight against the pandemic.

The ultimate goal of organizations like UNAIDS is to eliminate the HIV/AIDS pandemic by 2030. Achieving this requires global collaboration, from medical treatment advancements to public health strategies, education, and advocacy. Dr Kulkarni’s insight underscores the importance of early detection, treatment adherence, and community support in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Dr Gowri Kulkarni is Head of Medical Operations at MediBuddy and Dr Daman Ahuja, a public health expert and has been associated with Red Ribbon Express Project of NACO between 2007-12.

Health concerns around President Donald Trump has again sparked as many noticed him sleeping during the Thursday Press Conference in the Oval Office. The press conference was held to announce a deal with drugmakers on lowering cost of obesity drugs.

While the meeting had to be cut short after a man collapsed, videos from before the very incident showed president Trump sitting with his eyes closed. He seemed to have slumped on his chair. Many on X observed his actions, sparking health concerns. One X user wrote: "Trump was literally slumped over asleep during this conference. No wonder they keeping on doing 6 month brain scans." While another user wrote: "Trump just sleeping slumped over in his chair..." Another user wrote: "Dr Oz linking obesity to dementia while Trump's slumped over at his desk is absolutely a choice..."

Many users also joked about looking at his brain scans, as one of the users wrote: "What I would give to see that MRI report!" Another noted: "Trump looks seriously unwell. There are definitely medical issues being hidden from the public."

Trump Dozing Off At Official Announcements

This is not the first time President Trump has dozed off during an official announcement. Donald Trump appeared to momentarily doze off during a press conference which was held with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Media outlets have reported that the president struggled with his words and when it was Netanyahu's turn to speak, Trump looked completely disassociated, and even appeared to doze off momentarily. Trump was seen "jolting as he woke himself up".

The video from the press conference shows the president standing at the podium with his eyes closed, and within a few seconds, he was startled, blinking his eye, while he tapped his fingers on the podium in a manner to keep himself awake.

Then a few seconds later again, Trump appeared to have been sleeping again, but this time he moved his body to wake himself back again.

These clips from the past and the recent press conference have again sparked concerns around the president's health. However, no official statement on Trump's health has been released. In fact, his physician had pronounced him in "excellent overall health".

However, his past behaviors have raised concerned about his cognitive decline.

After two psychologists raised questions about the US President Donald Trump's mental health, saying that he showed signs of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), questions about his cognitive health is again intensified after Dr Narinder Kapur, a consultant neuropsychologist and visiting professor at the University College London said that president's behavior over the last six months has been "quite odd and strange," as reported by Express, UK.

Kapur said that Trump's suggestion that Canada should become the 51st US state. and his desire to "take over Greenland", and his controversial comments linking autism with paracetamol are really "bizarre". “Even though he’s probably been led a bit by [Robert F.] Kennedy [Jr.] on that, still for Trump to say the things he did was really quite odd and bizarre,” he said.

While Kapur did not diagnose Trump with dementia, he did suggest the possibility of frontotemporal dementia. “If one was thinking about the various possible dementias he’s got, certainly frontotemporal dementia is one of them, because some of his behavior has been really quite bizarre,” he said, adding that an Alzheimer’s test would help clarify concerns.

Scientists have found that a type of morning-after pill may help protect young women from developing breast cancer. The drug, which is already available for free on the NHS, blocks the hormone progesterone and has been shown to trigger changes in breast tissue that make it less likely for cancer to form. One woman who chose to undergo a double mastectomy as a preventive measure says the discovery “offers hope” to others at high genetic risk of the disease.

A team from Manchester University studied 24 women between 2016 and 2019 who were at high genetic risk of breast cancer due to family history. These women, aged between 34 and 44, took ulipristal acetate, and researchers observed that their breast tissue became less dense and less stiff, conditions that make it harder for cancers to grow.

What Is Ulipristal Acetate?

Ulipristal acetate is commonly prescribed as emergency contraception and to treat moderate to severe uterine fibroids. It works by blocking progesterone receptors, delaying ovulation, and altering the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy, as per 1mg.

Earlier research has also shown that triple-negative breast cancer tends to return or spread more quickly than other breast cancer types, especially within the first few years after diagnosis.

Is Ulipristal Acetate A Promising Step Toward Prevention?

Dr Sacha Howell, lead author of the study and Consultant Oncologist at The Christie Hospital in Manchester, said, “Our research shows that progesterone has a vital role in the development of breast cancer among high-risk women. By blocking its effects, ulipristal acetate and similar drugs could serve as effective preventive treatments,” he explained.

The findings suggest that using ulipristal acetate to prevent breast cancer may one day help women at higher risk before menopause.

Currently, these women face only two preventive options: long-term hormone therapy, which can cause side effects like higher blood clot risk and reduced bone density, or preventive surgery to remove part or all of the breasts.

The Need for Better Options

Dr Simon Vincent, chief scientific officer at Breast Cancer Now, which funded the study, said, “We urgently need better preventive treatments that protect both health and quality of life for women at high risk of breast cancer. Repurposing existing medications, like ulipristal acetate, could be a major step forward. Right now, the available options—preventive surgery or hormone therapy can have a serious impact on both the body and emotional wellbeing.”

The study, published in Nature, found that ulipristal acetate reduced the growth of certain breast cells known as luminal progenitors. These cells can develop into triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease that often affects younger and Black women.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment.

New research suggests there is a strong connection: if your heart health isn't great when you are in your 40s or 50s, you have a higher chance of being diagnosed with dementia much later in life. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, of 6,000 people found those who developed dementia had high levels of a protein called troponin. This protein signals heart muscle damage and showed up in their blood up to 25 years before they were diagnosed with the brain condition. People with high troponin levels were 38% more likely to get dementia.

How Can a Heart Test Reveal Dementia Risk?

Troponin is a chemical that doctors usually look for when they think someone has had a heart attack. However, even if you haven't had a heart attack, high levels of troponin can still mean your heart muscle is being damaged bit by bit over time or isn't working as well as it should.

This damage can hurt the body's blood vessels, which in turn can reduce the amount of vital blood flowing to your brain. The researchers checked health data from a long-running study that followed people for an average of 25 years after they had their heart protein levels tested.

How is Heart and Brain Health Connected?

According to the American Brain Foundation, poor heart health significantly raises your risk for a stroke because arteries supplying the brain can become narrowed by plaque buildup or instantly blocked by blood clots. This damage, called an ischemic stroke, is accelerated by issues like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking. Taking care of your heart ensures your brain receives the necessary healthy blood flow.

Keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy also significantly lowers your risk of developing dementia later on. Heart disease is closely linked to memory decline; coronary heart disease alone increases dementia risk by 40%. Managing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and especially cholesterol is key to protecting your long-term brain health.

Thinking about your brain's blood flow may not be a daily habit, but adopting healthy habits consistently over the long term can make a huge difference. No matter your age, it is never too late to start focusing on improving and protecting your circulatory and brain health.

Can Testing for Heart Diseases Prevent Dementia?

The researchers points out that the damage leading to dementia happens very slowly, over many years. They emphasize that if you manage common problems like high blood pressure in your middle years, you might be able to slow down or even stop the development of dementia, just as you protect yourself from heart problems. The scientists think testing for troponin could eventually become a key part of a doctor's check-up to predict someone's future risk of developing dementia.

Heart Health is Brain Health

Health experts agree that these findings are a strong reminder that the health of your heart and your brain are inseparable. The best ways to protect your brain are the same ways you protect your heart: keep your blood pressure and cholesterol down, exercise regularly, manage your weight, and avoid smoking. Medical foundations are now putting more money into research focused on understanding and preventing this connection, particularly vascular dementia.