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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...

Preventive heart health involves taking steps to maintain a healthy heart and reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Here are some details about preventive heart health: Risk Factors: 1. Age (45+ for men, 55+ for women) 2. Gender (men are at greater risk, but women are at risk after menopause) 3. Family history 4. Smoking 5. High blood pressure 6. High cholesterol 7. Diabetes 8. Obesity 9. Lack of exercise 10. Unhealthy diet Prevention Strategies: 1. Healthy Diet: Eat a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. 2. Regular Exercise: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, or a combination of both each week. 3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: If you're overweight or obese, losing weight can help lower your risk of heart disease. 4. Don't Smoke: Smoking is a significant risk factor fo...