Tuesday, 11 November 2014

12, November 2014

Mild anxiety can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s by 33%

Research carried out at University of Toronto in Canada  says that people with mild cognitive impairment that exhibit anxiety symptoms  are at the risk of a speedier decline in cognitive functions – independent of depression. The study shows that Alzheimer’s risk increased by 33 % in mild , 78 % in moderate  and 135% in severe anxiety. The study was published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 

Who was the study carried out on?
The research was carried out over a period of three years. 376 adults, aged 55-91 were analysed for anxiety, depression, cognitive and brain structural changes. Changes  in patients were monitored every 6 months. All of the adults had a clinical diagnosis of MCI and a low score on the depression rating scale, indicating that anxiety symptoms were not part of clinical depression

What should one watch out for?
People with anxiety issues and those suffering from MCI should get themselves monitored regularly for any deteriorating signs. Anxiety in patients with MCI is a signal that these patients are at a greater risk  of developing Alzheimer’s. The study concludes that anxiety can predict if  MCI may develop into Alzheimer’s.


12.11.2014






Surgeons at AIIMS perform jaw reconstruction, first of its kind surgery in India

New Delhi, Nov 10:   A team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), performed a Total Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) replacement in a 19-year-old boy. Shivam, who suffered from TMJ Ankylosis after he fell flat on his face while flying kite, had his jaw joint fused to his skull, because of which he could never open his mouth. After successfully TMJ replacement surgery at AIIMS, he could open his mouth for the first time after eight years.
Shivam was barely surviving on liquids and was unable to speak since his injury and his condition was deteriorating day-by-day. After a surgery at government hospital in Lucknow failed to cure Shivam, he had to turn up at the Centre for Dental Education and Research, at AIIMS. He underwent TMJ replacement, the first case in India, on October 4.

What is the total Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Ankylosis?
‘TMJ is the point of attachment of the lower jaw to the skull and it is the most complex joint of the human body,’says  Ajoy Roychoudhury, professor and head of the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery at AIIMS. According to medical experts, the causes of TMJ ankylosis are trauma or fall, ear infection and inflammation. Ongkila Bhutia, another senior dental surgeon who was part of the surgery team, said the TMJ replacement allows reproduction of the natural anatomy, avoids donor site morbidity, reduces surgery time and lessens the risk of re-ankylosis.
‘He said there are various treatment options for ankylosis like gap arthroplasty, and interpositional arthroplasty with autogenous bone graft such as ribs and sternoclavicular joint. However, the chances of recurrence are high due to poor patient compliance for postoperative oral physiotherapy or due to excessive hetrotrophic bone formation around the operated site,’ says Roychoudhury.

What is TMJ replacement surgery?
‘Main goal of the total jaw joint reconstruction is to re-establish function and aesthetic, said Dr Roychoudhury. During the surgical procedure, the doctors removed the neurovascular structure of joint, including the nerves and muscular structures. FDA-approved imported implants were then used to surgically introduce in the jaw.
‘Though this joint replacement has been introduced in India now, in the west it is being done since 1995 and over 400 such surgeries have been done. ‘Currently the cost of the surgery is over Rs.3 lakh for both side jaw replacement. However, the cost will definitely come down with increase in the number of cases,’ he said. After the replacement, the patient has improved his quality of life very much and he is enjoying food every day now,’ he concluded.

Source: www.thehealthsite.com             12.11.2014







Knowing yourself is the Beginning of all Wisdom…

 Aristotle


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