Author: Dr Shiva Murthy N, Professor, Department of Pharmacology, CDSIMER Medical College, Ramanagara, Karnataka. Meet Anand, a 75-year-old retired teacher. He was known for his sharp memory and love for reading. But lately, he’s been forgetting small things—where he kept his keys, important dates, and even the names of his close friends. His family noticed these changes but assumed it was just a part of getting older. One day, he couldn’t remember the way home from the local market—a route he had taken for years. Concerned, his family took him to the doctor, and after a series of tests, Anand was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Like Anand, many families around the world face similar challenges. But what exactly is Alzheimer's, and how does it affect people? Let’s find out by answering some common questions. 1. What is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that causes memory loss, confusion, and changes in thinking skills. It is the most common form o
Quipu (kee-poo) noun an ancient Peruvian device used for recording events and accounts More about Quipu First recorded in 1695–1705. Borrowed from the Spanish quipu and the Quechua khipu, meaning “knot.” Examples of Quipu The Inca used the quipu, a system of knotted cords, to record agricultural data and census information. Experts believe that quipus may have also been used for storytelling, though much of their meaning remains a mystery. Coagulate (koh-ag-yuh-leyt) Verb to change from a fluid into a thickened mass; curdle; congeal More about Coagulate First recorded between 1350–1400, combining coagulum + -ate 1. From Old French; directly from the Latin coagulare, “to cause to curdle.” Examples of Coagulate The chef heated the eggs gently, ensuring they wouldn’t coagulate too quickly. As the blood began to coagulate, the wound stopped bleeding. Tardigrade (tahr-di-greyd) Adjective slow in pace or movement More about Tardigrade First recorded in 1615–25, combining tardy + -grade 2.