New Research Suggests That Parkinson's Disease Cases May Increase By 112%

Parkinson's Disease

A new study published in the journal BMJ, titled Projections for prevalence of Parkinson’s disease and its driving factors in 195 countries and territories to 2050: modelling study of Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, estimated that by 2050, 25.2 million people will be living with Parkinson’s disease worldwide, marking a staggering 112 percent increase from 2021. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 8.5 million people worldwide were living with <span>Parkinson's disease</span> in 2019. This rise has called in for urgent need for better research for its treatment options and public health strategies to manage the disease's growing impact. 

The reasons are based on their findings on the data from 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study. This has been analyzed from 195 countries and territories. It found that aging and population growth were identified as the primary reasons to be projected in the rise of Parkinson's disease. There are of course other regional and national variations in the growth rates. 

“By 2050, Parkinson’s disease will have become a greater public health challenge for patients, their families, caregivers, communities, and society,” the study states.

<h4>What Are The Regional Differences?</h4>

The study projects that East Asia will have the highest number of Parkinson’s disease cases in 2050, with an estimated 10.9 million people affected. South Asia follows closely with 6.8 million projected cases. Meanwhile, Western sub-Saharan Africa is expected to experience the largest percentage increase in cases—rising by an astonishing 292 percent from 2021. In contrast, Central and Eastern Europe will see the smallest increase, at 28 percent.

The authors also noted that Parkinson’s disease prevalence is rising more sharply in men and in moderately developed countries, particularly in East Asia. The exact reasons for this disparity are still being explored, but potential factors include environmental exposures, lifestyle changes, and genetic predisposition.

<strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/common-parkinsons-drug-tied-to-risky-sexual-behavior-say-patients-article-151261599" data-type="tilCustomLink">Common Parkinson's Drug Tied to Risky Sexual Behavior, Say Patients</a></strong>

It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movements and causes symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slow movements, and balance difficulties. This happens when nerve cells in the brain stop producing dopamine, which is a chemical important for coordinating movement. 

While the exact cause of Parkinson’s remains unknown, researchers have identified several risk factors, including genetic mutations, exposure to toxins, and head injuries. Age remains the most significant risk factor, with most cases occurring in individuals over 60.

Parkinson's Disease affects various brain regions but the primary symptoms arise from the degeneration of neurons in the substantia nigra, a region near the brain's base. This area is crucial for producing dopamine, a chemical messenger essential for smooth and purposeful movement. Research indicates that by the time Parkinson's symptoms become evident, patients have typically lost 60 to 80% or more of these dopamine-producing neurons.

Additionally, individuals with Parkinson’s disease experience a reduction in nerve endings that produce norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating many involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure. This loss may account for some non-movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as fatigue and fluctuations in blood pressure.

Parkinson’s disease also involves the presence of Lewy bodies—abnormal deposits of the protein alpha-synuclein within affected brain cells. While the exact role of Lewy bodies in Parkinson’s is still unclear, some research suggests that disruptions in the cell’s protein disposal system may lead to the accumulation of harmful protein levels, eventually causing cell death. Other studies propose that these protein clumps could contribute to the degeneration of neurons in the disease.

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A new study published in the journal BMJ, titled Projections for prevalence of Parkinson’s disease and its driving factors in 195 countries and territories to 2050: modelling study of Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, estimated that by 2050, 25.2 million people will be living with Parkinson’s disease worldwide, marking a staggering 112 percent increase from 2021. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 8.5 million people worldwide were living with Parkinson's disease in 2019. This rise has called in for urgent need for better research for its treatment options and public health strategies to manage the disease's growing impact. Why Is There An Increase?The reasons are based on their findings on the data from 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study. This has been analyzed from 195 countries and territories. It found that aging and population growth were identified as the primary reasons to be projected in the rise of Parkinson's disease. There are of course other regional and national variations in the growth rates. “By 2050, Parkinson’s disease will have become a greater public health challenge for patients, their families, caregivers, communities, and society,” the study states.What Are The Regional Differences?The study projects that East Asia will have the highest number of Parkinson’s disease cases in 2050, with an estimated 10.9 million people affected. South Asia follows closely with 6.8 million projected cases. Meanwhile, Western sub-Saharan Africa is expected to experience the largest percentage increase in cases—rising by an astonishing 292 percent from 2021. In contrast, Central and Eastern Europe will see the smallest increase, at 28 percent.The authors also noted that Parkinson’s disease prevalence is rising more sharply in men and in moderately developed countries, particularly in East Asia. The exact reasons for this disparity are still being explored, but potential factors include environmental exposures, lifestyle changes, and genetic predisposition.ALSO READ: Common Parkinson's Drug Tied to Risky Sexual Behavior, Say PatientsWhat Is Parkinson's Disease?It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movements and causes symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slow movements, and balance difficulties. This happens when nerve cells in the brain stop producing dopamine, which is a chemical important for coordinating movement. While the exact cause of Parkinson’s remains unknown, researchers have identified several risk factors, including genetic mutations, exposure to toxins, and head injuries. Age remains the most significant risk factor, with most cases occurring in individuals over 60.Parkinson's Disease affects various brain regions but the primary symptoms arise from the degeneration of neurons in the substantia nigra, a region near the brain's base. This area is crucial for producing dopamine, a chemical messenger essential for smooth and purposeful movement. Research indicates that by the time Parkinson's symptoms become evident, patients have typically lost 60 to 80% or more of these dopamine-producing neurons.Additionally, individuals with Parkinson’s disease experience a reduction in nerve endings that produce norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating many involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure. This loss may account for some non-movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as fatigue and fluctuations in blood pressure.Parkinson’s disease also involves the presence of Lewy bodies—abnormal deposits of the protein alpha-synuclein within affected brain cells. While the exact role of Lewy bodies in Parkinson’s is still unclear, some research suggests that disruptions in the cell’s protein disposal system may lead to the accumulation of harmful protein levels, eventually causing cell death. Other studies propose that these protein clumps could contribute to the degeneration of neurons in the disease.

new research suggests that parkinson's disease cases may increase by 112%

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Human papillomavirus (<span>HPV</span>) is a virus that affects every sexually active person at some point of their life, even if there are no symptoms. The <span>World Health Organization</span> explains that it can affect the skin, genital area, and throat. While preventative measures do help, they cannot totally protect themselves from transmission. Despite the contagious nature of the virus, these infections go away without treatment. However, there are some likely scenarios where they can cause abnormal cells to develop, which later on become cancer. 

What deters many people from getting themselves checked out is the general stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections or diseases. So, when at home tests became available, the rates screenings improved a lot! 

A new study suggests that women are much more likely to get screened for HPV (human papillomavirus) if they can do the test themselves at home in private. This is a big deal because almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Researchers found that when women were offered a mail-in test kit, the number of women getting screened more than doubled. 

<h2>Why <span rel="noindex">At-Home Testing is a Game-Changer</span> </h2>

Around 11,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the U.S. Sadly, more than half of these women have either rarely or never been screened for HPV. Traditional screening often involves a pelvic exam at a clinic, which can be uncomfortable or distressing for some women. It also requires them to take time off and travel to the clinic. 

The good news is that the first at-home screening test for cervical cancer recently got approved for use in the U.S. and should be available very soon. This new option could make a huge difference in how many women get screened. 

To see how at-home testing would work in real life, researchers studied nearly 2,500 women aged 30 to 65. They divided the women into three groups: 

<ul><li>One group received a phone call reminding them to go to a clinic for screening.</li><li>Another group was mailed an at-home self-collection test kit.</li><li>The third group received an at-home kit and also got a follow-up call if they didn't return their kit quickly.</li></ul>

The results were clear: women who were offered an at-home test kit were more than twice as likely to get screened. About 41% of those who received a kit participated, compared to only 17% who just got a phone reminder to go to a clinic. When women who received a kit also got follow-up reminders, participation jumped even higher, to 47%. Interestingly, over 80% of the women in the test kit groups who participated chose to mail in their kit for analysis, rather than going to a clinic. 

<h2>Making At-Home Tests Accessible </h2>

The study also found that about 13% of the women who returned a kit tested positive for a high-risk type of HPV. As these self-collection tests become more widely available, it's crucial to ensure they are offered in clinics and health centers, especially for people who face bigger challenges in accessing healthcare. By removing these hurdles, experts hope to increase screening rates and significantly reduce the burden of preventable cervical cancer. 

Researchers now plan to investigate how to best use these HPV self-collection tests in different healthcare settings. While at-home HPV testing offers great promise, the next challenge is to make sure it's adopted safely and effectively into regular medical practice. This includes figuring out how healthcare providers can best follow up with women who have abnormal test results. 

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At-Home HPV Testing Improves Cancer Screenings

Cancer Screenings

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At-Home Testing is a Game-Changer

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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that affects every sexually active person at some point of their life, even if there are no symptoms. The World Health Organization explains that it can affect the skin, genital area, and throat. While preventative measures do help, they cannot totally protect themselves from transmission. Despite the contagious nature of the virus, these infections go away without treatment. However, there are some likely scenarios where they can cause abnormal cells to develop, which later on become cancer. What deters many people from getting themselves checked out is the general stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections or diseases. So, when at home tests became available, the rates screenings improved a lot! A new study suggests that women are much more likely to get screened for HPV (human papillomavirus) if they can do the test themselves at home in private. This is a big deal because almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Researchers found that when women were offered a mail-in test kit, the number of women getting screened more than doubled. Why At-Home Testing is a Game-Changer Around 11,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the U.S. Sadly, more than half of these women have either rarely or never been screened for HPV. Traditional screening often involves a pelvic exam at a clinic, which can be uncomfortable or distressing for some women. It also requires them to take time off and travel to the clinic. The good news is that the first at-home screening test for cervical cancer recently got approved for use in the U.S. and should be available very soon. This new option could make a huge difference in how many women get screened. How the Study Proved Its Point To see how at-home testing would work in real life, researchers studied nearly 2,500 women aged 30 to 65. They divided the women into three groups: One group received a phone call reminding them to go to a clinic for screening.Another group was mailed an at-home self-collection test kit.The third group received an at-home kit and also got a follow-up call if they didn't return their kit quickly.The results were clear: women who were offered an at-home test kit were more than twice as likely to get screened. About 41% of those who received a kit participated, compared to only 17% who just got a phone reminder to go to a clinic. When women who received a kit also got follow-up reminders, participation jumped even higher, to 47%. Interestingly, over 80% of the women in the test kit groups who participated chose to mail in their kit for analysis, rather than going to a clinic. Making At-Home Tests Accessible The study also found that about 13% of the women who returned a kit tested positive for a high-risk type of HPV. As these self-collection tests become more widely available, it's crucial to ensure they are offered in clinics and health centers, especially for people who face bigger challenges in accessing healthcare. By removing these hurdles, experts hope to increase screening rates and significantly reduce the burden of preventable cervical cancer. Researchers now plan to investigate how to best use these HPV self-collection tests in different healthcare settings. While at-home HPV testing offers great promise, the next challenge is to make sure it's adopted safely and effectively into regular medical practice. This includes figuring out how healthcare providers can best follow up with women who have abnormal test results. 

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As per the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, June is the <span>cataract awareness month</span>. This has been designated as a month to spread awareness around cataract and educate the public about it. This is also the leading cause of <span>vision loss</span> worldwide. This month-long observance also highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of cataracts, and emphasizes that prompt intervention can significantly preserve vision. 

<h4>Why Is It Declared As The <span rel="noindex">Cataract Month</span>?</h4>

As per the International Agency for the Prevention of <span>Blindness</span> (IAPB), this has been done to provide patients and professionals with free educational resources on cataract, which is the clouding of eye's lens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. An estimated 20.5 million Americans aged 40 year and older have cataract in one or both eyes. 

It is the clouding of eye's natural lens, which sits just behind the iris. In a healthy eye, this lens focuses light onto the retina, allowing us to see clearly. Over time, due to aging or other factors, this lens may become cloudy, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. 

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts account for nearly 51% of world blindness and affects over 65 million people. 

<h4>History Of Cataract Awareness Month </h4>

Prevent Blindness declared the month of June as Cataract Awareness Month and it has been joined by other organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and UNC Ophthalmology. This month spotlights an ocular disease. 

The earliest documented case of cataract was reported to be in a museum in Cairo that houses a small statue from the 5th dynasty. The wooden statue is of a priest reader who has a white patch carved into the pupil of the left eye. It is thought to represent a cataract. 

The earliest procedure of cataract removal is couching. Several illustrations too have been found inside Egyptian temples and tombs depict surgical instruments that indicate the use of couching, a procedure that involved dislodging the eye lens to clear the cataract. 

<h4>How Does Cataract Affect Vision?</h4>

<ul><li>Blurred or foggy vision</li><li>Increased sensitivity to light or glare</li><li>Difficulty seeing at night</li><li>Colors appear faded or yellow</li><li>Frequent changes in glasses prescription</li><li>Seeing halos around lights</li></ul>

Cataract are caused by various factors, some of which include diabetes, prolonged exposure to UV rays, smoking and alcohol consumption, long-term use of corticosteroids, and eye injuries. 

The best way to prevent them is to wear UV-protective sunglasses, manage systemic conditions like diabetes and also go for regular eye exams, especially after the age of 40. It is also important to focus on your diet and other lifestyle habits, and consume more green leafy vegetables, and fruits.

june cataract month

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cataract awareness month

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As per the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, June is the cataract awareness month. This has been designated as a month to spread awareness around cataract and educate the public about it. This is also the leading cause of vision loss worldwide. This month-long observance also highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of cataracts, and emphasizes that prompt intervention can significantly preserve vision. Why Is It Declared As The Cataract Month?As per the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), this has been done to provide patients and professionals with free educational resources on cataract, which is the clouding of eye's lens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. An estimated 20.5 million Americans aged 40 year and older have cataract in one or both eyes. What Is Cataract?It is the clouding of eye's natural lens, which sits just behind the iris. In a healthy eye, this lens focuses light onto the retina, allowing us to see clearly. Over time, due to aging or other factors, this lens may become cloudy, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts account for nearly 51% of world blindness and affects over 65 million people. History Of Cataract Awareness Month Prevent Blindness declared the month of June as Cataract Awareness Month and it has been joined by other organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and UNC Ophthalmology. This month spotlights an ocular disease. The earliest documented case of cataract was reported to be in a museum in Cairo that houses a small statue from the 5th dynasty. The wooden statue is of a priest reader who has a white patch carved into the pupil of the left eye. It is thought to represent a cataract. The earliest procedure of cataract removal is couching. Several illustrations too have been found inside Egyptian temples and tombs depict surgical instruments that indicate the use of couching, a procedure that involved dislodging the eye lens to clear the cataract. How Does Cataract Affect Vision?The following symptoms are:Blurred or foggy visionIncreased sensitivity to light or glareDifficulty seeing at nightColors appear faded or yellowFrequent changes in glasses prescriptionSeeing halos around lightsWhat Causes Cataract?Cataract are caused by various factors, some of which include diabetes, prolonged exposure to UV rays, smoking and alcohol consumption, long-term use of corticosteroids, and eye injuries. The best way to prevent them is to wear UV-protective sunglasses, manage systemic conditions like diabetes and also go for regular eye exams, especially after the age of 40. It is also important to focus on your diet and other lifestyle habits, and consume more green leafy vegetables, and fruits.

cataract awareness month: importance, significance, and history

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Nature is filled with amazing flora and fauna, all with different sets of abilities and unique features. While considered impossible for humans, there are many animals that can <span>regenerate</span> part of their bodies. Sea creatures like starfish and octopuses can regenerate their limbs in case they get hurt or have to decapitate themselves to escape from a difficult situation. Living in the wild, these creatures evolved to adapt to the harsh nature of their surroundings. 

This is not the case for humans. Many people have to live without their limbs or organs, whether it is due to being born that way or being hurt/experiencing an accident. However, taking inspiration from one such animal, researchers are looking into human limb regeneration. 

Axolotls, with their unique smiles and frilly gills, have become very popular. But these friendly salamanders are more than just cute faces. Scientists are studying them because they might help us solve a big medical mystery: Can people someday grow back lost body parts, like an arm or a leg? 

<h2>Why Did Researchers Pick Axolotls? </h2>

In a groundbreaking <span>study</span> published on June 10 in Nature Communications, Monaghan's team utilized genetically engineered axolotls that glow in the dark to better understand this astonishing process. What makes axolotls so special? They have an incredible ability to regrow any part of their body, no matter how old they are. If they lose a leg, they can grow it right back. 

Even if their heart, lungs, or brain gets hurt, they can fix themselves! This amazing ability makes them champions among animals for their extreme healing powers. One of the long-standing questions in limb regrowth has been how cells "know" precisely which part of the limb to rebuild. For instance, if an axolotl loses its upper arm, it regenerates the entire arm. However, if the injury occurs further down the limb, only the lower arm and hand regrow. 

The key to this mystery appears to be a small molecule called retinoic acid, a compound related to vitamin A and commonly found in skincare products under the name retinol. This molecule acts like a GPS, providing cells with crucial positional information, guiding them on where they are on the body and what specific part needs to be rebuilt. 

<h2>How Retinoic Acid Directs Regrowth </h2>

The study's findings were compelling. When axolotls were given a drug that prevented the breakdown of retinoic acid, their limbs regenerated incorrectly, with an upper arm forming where a lower arm should have been. In contrast, axolotls not given the drug regrew their limbs normally. This strongly suggests that retinoic acid precisely instructs cells about their location and what structure to grow. 

While we are still a long way from growing human limbs, this study is a big step in that direction. The scientists believe this research could eventually help people. We all have the same basic genetic instructions for building limbs that we used when we were developing as babies. The challenge now is to figure out how to turn those same instructions back on later in life, which axolotls can do but humans can't yet. This is one of the oldest and most exciting questions in biology. Thanks to the growing interest in axolotls, especially among kids, these unique animals are helping to advance amazing scientific discoveries. It's quite surprising how popular axolotls have become, showing up everywhere from airports to toy stores. 

Regrowing Human Limbs

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Nature is filled with amazing flora and fauna, all with different sets of abilities and unique features. While considered impossible for humans, there are many animals that can regenerate part of their bodies. Sea creatures like starfish and octopuses can regenerate their limbs in case they get hurt or have to decapitate themselves to escape from a difficult situation. Living in the wild, these creatures evolved to adapt to the harsh nature of their surroundings. This is not the case for humans. Many people have to live without their limbs or organs, whether it is due to being born that way or being hurt/experiencing an accident. However, taking inspiration from one such animal, researchers are looking into human limb regeneration. Axolotls, with their unique smiles and frilly gills, have become very popular. But these friendly salamanders are more than just cute faces. Scientists are studying them because they might help us solve a big medical mystery: Can people someday grow back lost body parts, like an arm or a leg? Why Did Researchers Pick Axolotls? In a groundbreaking study published on June 10 in Nature Communications, Monaghan's team utilized genetically engineered axolotls that glow in the dark to better understand this astonishing process. What makes axolotls so special? They have an incredible ability to regrow any part of their body, no matter how old they are. If they lose a leg, they can grow it right back. Even if their heart, lungs, or brain gets hurt, they can fix themselves! This amazing ability makes them champions among animals for their extreme healing powers. One of the long-standing questions in limb regrowth has been how cells "know" precisely which part of the limb to rebuild. For instance, if an axolotl loses its upper arm, it regenerates the entire arm. However, if the injury occurs further down the limb, only the lower arm and hand regrow. Body's Internal GPS The key to this mystery appears to be a small molecule called retinoic acid, a compound related to vitamin A and commonly found in skincare products under the name retinol. This molecule acts like a GPS, providing cells with crucial positional information, guiding them on where they are on the body and what specific part needs to be rebuilt. How Retinoic Acid Directs Regrowth The study's findings were compelling. When axolotls were given a drug that prevented the breakdown of retinoic acid, their limbs regenerated incorrectly, with an upper arm forming where a lower arm should have been. In contrast, axolotls not given the drug regrew their limbs normally. This strongly suggests that retinoic acid precisely instructs cells about their location and what structure to grow. Hope for Human Healing While we are still a long way from growing human limbs, this study is a big step in that direction. The scientists believe this research could eventually help people. We all have the same basic genetic instructions for building limbs that we used when we were developing as babies. The challenge now is to figure out how to turn those same instructions back on later in life, which axolotls can do but humans can't yet. This is one of the oldest and most exciting questions in biology. Thanks to the growing interest in axolotls, especially among kids, these unique animals are helping to advance amazing scientific discoveries. It's quite surprising how popular axolotls have become, showing up everywhere from airports to toy stores. 

is regrowing human limbs a possibility now? sea salamanders study could be the medical future

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New Research Suggests That Parkinson's Disease Cases May Increase By 112%

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At-Home HPV Testing Improves Cancer Screenings: Study

Cataract Awareness Month: Importance, Significance, and History

Is Regrowing Human Limbs A Possibility Now? Sea Salamanders Study Could Be The Medical Future

Health Conditions A-Z

At-Home HPV Testing Improves Cancer Screenings: Study

Cataract Awareness Month: Importance, Significance, and History

Is Regrowing Human Limbs A Possibility Now? Sea Salamanders Study Could Be The Medical Future