UK Drug Opening a New Chapter in the Fight Against Alzheimer's

In the ongoing battle against Alzheimer's disease, a new development presents a beacon of hope. A drug known as Donanemab is earning accolades in the scientific and medical communities due to its effectiveness in slowing cognitive decline, as demonstrated in a recent global trial. This drug, which operates as an antibody medication, shows promise in the early stages of Alzheimer's by effectively reducing the buildup of a protein that tends to accumulate in the brains of individuals afflicted with this type of dementia.

While Donanemab doesn't represent a cure, its significance can't be overstated, as charities and medical organizations hail its efficacy as a milestone in Alzheimer's treatment. This is particularly heartening, considering the vast scope of the disease's impact on patients, their families, and health systems across the globe. The drug, having passed the rigorous phase of clinical trials, is now under the evaluation process for potential use within the National Health Service in the United Kingdom.

Donanemab is primarily effective against Alzheimer's, and not other types of dementia, such as vascular dementia. Its mode of operation involves the deceleration of the disease's progression, helping affected individuals retain more of their daily routines, such as preparing meals and engaging in recreational activities. During the trials, donanemab slowed the disease's pace by approximately a third, which is a notable achievement in Alzheimer's research.

The development of donanemab is attributed to Eli Lilly, a prominent player in the pharmaceutical industry. Donanemab functions similarly to another drug, lecanemab, which is a joint creation by Eisai and Biogen. Lecanemab made headlines for its proven ability to slow down Alzheimer's, a feat also achieved by donanemab. However, it's important to note that while these drugs bring hope, they're not without their risks. 

 

One of the common side effects experienced in the donanemab trials was brain swelling, impacting up to a third of the participants. Although the majority of these cases resolved without producing symptoms, there were unfortunate incidents where a few volunteers suffered dangerous levels of brain swelling, leading to fatal outcomes.

During the donanemab trial, the research team conducted an in-depth examination of 1,736 individuals, aged 60 to 85, all of whom were in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The group was split in half, with one part receiving a monthly infusion of donanemab treatment, while the other half was administered a placebo over a period of 18 months. 

 

The results of this comprehensive trial have yielded several critical observations. For starters, donanemab seems to offer a tangible benefit for some patients, with those in the earlier stages of the disease and lesser brain amyloid at baseline deriving more significant advantages. Those administered the drug were able to maintain more of their day-to-day lives, such as discussing current events, answering phone calls, or pursuing hobbies. The rate at which the disease progressed, as determined by what people could still do on a daily basis, was slowed by about 20-30% overall, and by 30-40% in a set of patients who were identified as more likely to respond. 

 

While the effects of the drug could be described as modest, they do confirm the notion that removing amyloid from the brain may alter the course of Alzheimer's. This could potentially benefit people affected by this devastating disease if they're given the treatment at the right time. However, as is the case with any new treatment, patients will need to be aware of the associated risks. 

 

The availability and potential cost of donanemab in the UK market remain uncertain, but Alzheimer's experts predict that the presence of two drugs could foster competition in terms of pricing. As for the UK's drug watchdog, NICE, they have already begun assessing donanemab's potential application in treating mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia resulting from Alzheimer's disease.

Despite this promising development, it's crucial to highlight that delivering such treatments on a large scale presents a formidable challenge. According to the Alzheimer's Society, the National Health Service is currently not equipped to provide these new, promising Alzheimer's treatments at the necessary scale. Timely, accurate diagnosis is key, and only a small percentage of individuals currently receive their diagnosis through the specialist investigations needed to be eligible for these treatments. Moreover, these drugs necessitate regular infusions and monitoring, which the NHS is not yet prepared to handle at a large scale. 

 

In conclusion, while donanemab isn't a magic bullet, its potential to slow down Alzheimer's progression marks a significant stride in dementia research. The momentum in Alzheimer's treatment research is gathering pace, and the medical community is optimistic about the potential of these new drugs. However, the road ahead also calls for preparedness and capacity building within health systems to make these treatments accessible to those in need.

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15 Daily Habits That Damage Our Kidneys

It's hard to notice when we do our kidneys harm. Even if 80% damaged, kidneys can still do their job, and so we rarely realize they're struggling. Often, even common daily habits can cause your kidneys continual damage, and when you finally discover something's wrong, it's too late. 

 

Our kidneys are incredible organs that work very hard. By themselves, they absorb minerals and nutrients, produce hormones, act as a filter for toxins in our blood, produce our urine and maintain a normal acid to alkaline ratio. We cannot live without our kidneys functioning properly. The Chinese, for example, have looked at the kidneys as a site of essential life force for centuries.

If you're serious about looking after yourself, then taking care of your kidneys should be one of your primary concerns. If you want to make sure your kidneys thrive and continue to serve you in the coming years ahead, here's a helpful list of habits you should definitely avoid: 

 

1. Drinking Soda  

A study conducted on employees working at Osaka University in Japan found that drinking 2 or more soda drinks a day (either diet or regular) may well be connected to a higher risk of kidney disease. The study included 12,000 people, and those who drank larger quantities of soda were found to have protein in their urine, which is one of the first signs of kidney damage. However, early detection can reverse the disease with proper treatment. 

 

2. A Deficiency in Vitamin B6 

The healthy function of our kidneys also depends on a healthy diet, especially one that contains certain nutrients. According to a study carried out at the University of Maryland, a vitamin B6 deficiency increases the risk of the formation of kidney stones. For healthy kidney function, a person should have at least 1.3 milligrams of vitamin B6 in their food every day. The best sources for this vitamin are fish, beef liver, potatoes, starchy vegetables, chickpeas and non-citrus fruits. 

 

3. Lack of Exercise 

Another good way of protecting your kidneys is to get some exercise. A comprehensive study published in 2013 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that postmenopausal women who exercised had a striking 31% less risk of developing kidney stones.  

 

4. Smoking

Perhaps not surprisingly, smoking has been linked to atherosclerosis - the narrowing and hardening of blood vessels - which influences the blood supply going to all the major organs, including the kidneys. According to a study published in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, just smoking 2 cigarettes a day is enough to double the number of endothelial cells (the cells that line our blood vessel walls) present in your bloodstream. This is a sign of arterial damage. 

 

5. Magnesium Deficiency  

Magnesium helps our body to slow down the absorption of calcium. If we don't get enough magnesium, we get overloaded in calcium and, once again, develop kidney stones. To prevent this from happening, add some leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts or beans to your diet. Another good source of magnesium is fresh avocados. 

 

6. Not Drinking Enough Water 

One of the most important things for our kidneys is for them to get hydrated enough to perform their functions. If we don't get enough water in our system, toxins start accumulating in our blood because there isn't enough fluid to take them through the kidneys. The National Kidney Foundation recommends drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day. An easy way to check if you're drinking enough is to make sure your urine is a light color or clear. If it's dark, you're not drinking enough. You can check the color of your urine with this helpful guide. 

 

7. Not Emptying Your Bladder Fast Enough 

When you hear the call to pee, you should listen to it. Obviously, we're not always in the right situation to pee right when the need arises, but if you 'hold it in' on a regular basis, it will increase the pressure of urine on your kidneys, which can lead to renal failure or incontinence. 

 

8. Disrupted Sleep

I just love a good night's sleep and, as it turns out, so do my kidneys. According to Science Daily, a chronic disruption in our sleep can cause kidney disease. Dr. Michael Sole, Cardiologist and Professor of Medicine and Physiology at the University of Toronto, says kidney tissues get renewed during the night while we're sleeping, so when we can't sleep without constant interruptions, our kidneys suffer direct damage. 

 

9. Having Too Much Sodium in Our Diet 

Salt is an important nutrient, but it can cause a disaster when taken in excessive amounts. Over-consumption of sodium will raise your blood pressure and put a lot of strain on your kidneys. We recommend limiting yourselves to no more than 5.8 grams (0.2 ounces) of salt per day. So put down that salt shaker! 

 

10. Consuming Too Much Caffeine 

We usually drink more caffeine than we think we do. It's in coffee, tea, soft drinks and sodas - before you know it, your body is full of caffeine, which causes your blood pressure to shoot through the roof, and your kidneys to suffer damage. 

 

11. Consuming Too Much Protein  

According to a study conducted at Harvard University, an overdose of protein in our diet can cause our kidneys damage. When we digest protein, our body produces a byproduct - ammonia. Ammonia is a toxin that your already hardworking kidneys need to neutralize. This means that the more protein we consume, the harder we make our kidneys work, which can eventually lead to kidney failure. 

 

12. Abusing Pain-KillersDaily \

Many of us have a daily routine of taking medications. When we suffer from pain, our first reaction is usually to swallow a pill. They do help the pain, but you should think twice before taking too many. All pharmaceutical drugs have side effects, and many of them cause kidney or liver damage. Check out some natural painkillers you can find or make at home. That said, some drugs SHOULD be taken, which brings us to my next point... 

 

13. Not Taking Certain Drugs You Need  

If you suffer from high blood pressure and/or type 2 diabetes, two very common conditions these days, you will probably also suffer kidney damage. Don't leave these conditions untreated - take your daily meds to reduce your blood pressure and control your insulin levels. Without them, you're almost guaranteed to suffer kidney damage. 

 

14. Not Treating Common Infections 

Sometimes, we all get lazy and ignore a simple cold or a flu, which can push our body to the brink of exhaustion. Studies have shown, however, that people who do not rest or treat their infections often end up with kidney disease. 

 

15. Consuming Too Much Alcohol 

Now this is a no-brainer. The toxins in alcohol not only damage the liver, like many believe, but they are also something your kidneys simply hate to deal with. According to Kidney Health Australia and the American Kidney Fund, one good way of avoiding kidney failure is drinking alcohol in moderation.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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DO YOU KNOW THE #1 PROBLEM WITH MOST MAGNESIUM FORMULAS?

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The bioavailability of this breakthrough magnesium technology helps your body absorb the mineral so you can FEEL the difference. It provides:

 

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This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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This Popular Sweetener/ Aspartame May Be a Cancer Risk

Recent reports suggest that aspartame, a commonly used artificial sweetener in a vast array of products across the globe, is set to be identified as a potential human carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organization's (WHO) cancer research division, is all set to classify aspartame as "potentially cancer-causing to humans" in an upcoming report. The ingredient has been used for years in carbonated beverages and is also included in ice cream, sugar-free gum, low-fat yogurt, breakfast cereals, and cough drops. With a sweetness level around 200 times higher than sugar, only a small dose of the chemical goes a long way. 

 

 

So why exactly is aspartame bad?

WHO has identified a potential link between aspartame and cancer. However, this doesn't necessarily mean it directly causes the disease, but that there is a small amount of evidence linking its consumption to people who have been diagnosed. 

 

The IARC classifies substances into two additional serious groups, namely "likely to cause cancer in humans" and "known to cause cancer in humans". This classification encompasses over 1,100 diverse items, ranging from food and beverage ingredients to living conditions and hazardous activities. 

 

Aspartame's association with cancer risk has already raised concerns due to the existing evidence. According to a 2022 study published in PLOS Medicine, aspartame consumption was associated with an increased risk of breast and obesity-related cancers. Additionally, a study carried out by the Ramazzini Institute in Italy during the early 2000s found a connection between aspartame and certain cancers in mice and rats. 

 

It has been reported that the IARC gathered 7,000 research citations related to aspartame, of which 1,300 studies were included in the material package reviewed by experts. 

 

The NHS states that all sweeteners must undergo extensive testing before being approved for use in the UK food market. Aspartame has already been declared unsuitable for individuals with phenylketonuria, a rare condition, due to the presence of an ingredient that cannot be metabolized by those affected. 

 

How long has aspartame been used in food and drink?

In 1974, the Food and Drug Administration granted approval for aspartame to be used as a tabletop sweetener and dry base in various food products such as beverages, gelatins, dairy items, and pudding. In 1996, it was approved as a sweetener for general use. 

 

Commonly associated with diet sodas like Coke Zero, Pepsi Max, Sprite, and Fanta Zero, as well as diet squash and cordial drinks, aspartame is frequently present in food items as well. The substance can be found in sugar-free gum, frozen desserts, reduced-sugar ketchup, specific breakfast cereals, and Muller Corner yogurts and energy bars. The sweetener is also used in a variety of zero-sugar and low-sugar items, including sugar-free Jell-O, tabletop sweeteners such as Nutrasweet and Equal, and Trident's sugar-free gum and Crystal Light. 

 

Besides being used in food products, aspartame is also commonly used in medicines and supplements, including cough drops and vitamin gummies. 

What's the alternative?

If you're looking for a substitute for Diet Coke, the only viable alternative is switching to regular Coca-Cola, although the excessive sugar content in soft drinks has been a source of worry for dietitians and dentists for a long time. 

 

For a safe way to sweeten your beverages and food, consider using natural sweeteners like Stevia. 

 

The International Council of Beverages Associations' executive director, Kate Loatman, said public health authorities should be "deeply concerned" by the "leaked opinion", and also warned it "could needlessly mislead consumers into consuming more sugar rather than choosing safe no- and low-sugar options."

 

How much aspartame is safe? 

 

Although the review of aspartame reveals a potential association with cancer, it does not address the safe amount that can be consumed. 

 

JECFA (the Joint WHO and Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Expert Committee on Food Additives), is also currently examining the use of aspartame this year. Aspartame has been declared safe by the JECFA since 1981 when consumed within the approved daily limit. To put it into perspective, a person weighing 60 kg (132 pounds) would need to consume anywhere from 12 to 36 cans of diet soda per day, depending on the aspartame content, to be considered at risk. This viewpoint has been widely supported by regulatory bodies in various countries, such as the United States and Europe.

 

Sources close to the IARC say that the decision to classify aspartame as a potential carcinogen is aimed at encouraging more research. This research will help agencies, consumers, and manufacturers draw stronger conclusions

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.