2023-06 (Issue No. 39)

 

This summer, we in HK are now face to face with global climate change. It has crept up on us so slowly the last year or so that we never noticed it. We had the odd days of 30C + in the summer, from just two or three days to a few more. This year it has become weeks of 30C +, going up to 33C…34C for seemingly months. Please be careful when you go out of the air- conditioned home to walk in the outdoors. Drink lots of liquid, be hydrated and avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. Heat stroke can come suddenly.

Here is a cooling drink we can all easily make and store in the ‘fridge to drink over a few days, before making another fresh batch.

Ginger/Lemon/Honey drink 
1). Peel off the skin of 3-4 lemons. Discard peel as it makes the drink bitter. Roughly chop up lemon.
2). Take large piece of fresh ginger, the amount roughly half of amount the chopped lemon flesh, peel off ginger skin and roughly chop up.
3). Put chopped lemon and ginger into a large pot. Add about a cup or so of cold water, add ½ teaspoon salt. Add amount of water depending on if you want a concentrated drink to dilute to taste later or whether you want a large flask of ready to drink ginger/ lemon. Bring to boil and simmer for ½ hour. Cool and filter out the dredge stuff.
4). Stir in spoonful of honey to taste and store in fridge.
5). When you have made this recipe once, thereafter you can adjust amount of ginger and lemon to use for your taste better.
6). Add ice and it will be a refreshing drink this hot summer. Drink it hot in winter and it will clear your sinuses. The benefits of Vit C in lemons, the known goodness of ginger for the Asian bodies and the happiness of sharing this drink together with your ALZ patient makes for smiles for all. ENJOY!

On another note, there have been exciting developments in the field of treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease. Two new therapies intervening in the basic biological processes of the disease have been approved, both through the accelerated mechanism – the first in nearly 20 years!
(Editor’s notes: Lecanemab has just been converted from an accelerated approval to traditional approval by the FDA on 6th July).

Adulhelm (Aducanumab) and Leqembi (Lecanemab) are both anti-amyloid, antibody intravenous infusion therapies for people with early Alzheimer’s. Of these, Lecanemab is particularly promising, in its ability to bind and thus reduce the type of amyloid protein thought to be most toxic to brain cells. In a Phase III trial (Clarity AD Trial) that involved 1,795 participants with early Alzheimer’s Disease, the drug was shown to slow patients’ clinical decline by 27% after 18 months of treatment.

However, side effects remain of concern : the risks of symptomatic Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA) are real, in particular cerebral oedema (brain swelling) and intra cerebral micro-hemorrhages (bleeding) noted in association with these treatments. Both drugs’ high cost is another notable burden.

Hence, for many, and for now, we return to the basics – EARLY DIAGNOSIS and PREVENTION! (as discussed in this issue’s “Hot Topic” and “All about Alzheimer’s”). On this front the Foundation has been collaborating with the Division of Neurology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, in a new project to address and revisit this important angle. More details for this important new Project will be announced soon – so watch this space!

 

Early assessment and screening for potential dementia patients is crucial, as it helps to detect issues early, establish diagnoses, devise treatment plans, and provide appropriate support. Here are some important aspects of early assessment and screening: 

 

1. Early diagnosis:
    Early detection of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, can allow patients to receive   treatment before the condition significantly impacts their quality of life. This can help slow down the deterioration of the disease and allow patients to maintain a higher level of functioning during their remaining healthy time.

2. Identifying the cause:
    Early assessment can help determine the cause of cognitive impairment, such as cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, etc. Identifying the cause is essential for devising an effective treatment plan. 

 

3. Appropriate treatment:
    For some types of dementia, early treatment may help slow down the progression of the disease or improve symptoms. Starting treatment early can also make it easier for patients to adapt to changes and improve their quality of life. 

4. Planning:
    Early assessment and screening help patients and their families fully understand the condition, allowing them to plan for life, finances, and medical care in advance. This can alleviate the stress and confusion experienced by patients and families when the condition worsens. 

 

5. Social support:
    Early assessment and screening for hidden patients helps them and their families access social resources and support. These supports may include psychotherapy, rehabilitation training, support groups, etc., which help patients and families cope with the challenges posed by the disease.

 

6. Participation in research:
    Patients identified with dementia early may have the opportunity to participate in related clinical trials and access the latest treatment methods. This is of great significance for advancing dementia research and the development of treatment methods.

 

In summary, finding hidden dementia patients and providing them with early preliminary assessment and screening is crucial. It helps to ensure that patients and their families receive appropriate support and make full use of available treatments and resources to cope with the challenges posed by the disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a complex disorder, for which there is currently no known prevention or cure. Although there is preliminary data to support the benefit of some interventions, nothing at this time has definitively been shown to prevent Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. There are healthy actions people can take to improve and maintain health, no matter what conditions they may be facing.

 

Healthy Lifestyle Actions You Can Take Right Now:

 

•  Eat a varied, nutritious, and low-glycaemic diet.

   Researchers suggest that production of higher levels of insulin and blood sugar may harm the brain and contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s.

•  Get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight. 

    This will improve not only your immune system and blood pressure, but your brain and eye health.

•  Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol at normal levels.
    Having a cardiovascular disease could contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

•  Don’t smoke.
    Toxins found in first-, second-, and third-hand smoke have been linked to an increased risk for developing a number of diseases.

•  Get enough good quality sleep, as recommended for your age group.
    Researchers have shown some association between poor sleep and an increased risk for mild cognitive/memory issues.

•  Reduce stress.

•  Maintain regular check-ups with healthcare practitioners.
    Take all medications, as prescribed.

•  Keep your mind active.

(Reference: https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/article/alzheimers-prevention-nutrition-lifestyle)