Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease attacks brain cells and neurotransmitters (chemicals that carry messages
between brain cells), affecting the way your brain functions, your memory and the way you
behave. It is also the most common form of dementia.

Dementia is a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. It affects
thinking, behaviour, and your ability to do normal tasks. About 7 in 10 people with dementia
have Alzheimer’s disease.

While the exact cause is unknown, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease may be increased
by a range of factors, including:

 age
 a family history of the condition
 previous severe head injuries
 lifestyle factors and conditions affecting heart and brain health

If you are worried that you may have Alzheimer's disease, visit your doctor to get some advice.
Your doctor may ask you about any new or worsening problems you may have noticed such as:

 forgetfulness
 speech problems such as difficulty finding the right words
 difficulty in understanding what people are saying
 personality and mood changes
 difficulty with performing everyday routine activities

There is no single test that can be used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease. If your doctor suspects
you may have Alzheimer’s disease, they may refer you to a specialist to confirm the diagnosis.

Although Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of ageing, it is more common in older people
and may affect about 3 in every 10 people over the age of 85.

Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate — a small walnut-shaped gland in
men that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. Usually prostate
cancer grows slowly and is initially confined to the prostate gland, where it may not
cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and
may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread
quickly.

Prostate cancer that's detected early — when it's still confined to the prostate gland —
has a better chance of successful treatment.
 Symptoms

Prostate cancer may cause no signs or symptoms in its early stages.

Prostate cancer that's more advanced may cause signs and symptoms such as:

 Trouble urinating

 Decreased force in the stream of urine

 Blood in semen

 Discomfort in the pelvic area

 Bone pain

 Erectile dysfunction

Causes

Prostate gland
It's not clear what causes prostate cancer.
Doctors know that prostate cancer begins when some cells in your prostate become
abnormal. Mutations in the abnormal cells' DNA cause the cells to grow and divide more
rapidly than normal cells do. The abnormal cells continue living, when other cells would
die. The accumulating abnormal cells form a tumor that can grow to invade nearby
tissue. Some abnormal cells can also break off and spread (metastasize) to other parts
of the body.

Risk factors

Factors that can increase your risk of prostate cancer include:

 Age. Your risk of prostate cancer increases as you age.

 Race. For reasons not yet determined, black men carry a greater risk of prostate cancer
than do men of other races. In black men, prostate cancer is also more likely to be
aggressive or advanced.

 Family history. If men in your family have had prostate cancer, your risk may be
increased. Also, if you have a family history of genes that increase the risk of breast
cancer (BRCA1 or BRCA2) or a very strong family history of breast cancer, your risk of
prostate cancer may be higher.

 Obesity. Obese men diagnosed with prostate cancer may be more likely to have
advanced disease that's more difficult to treat.

Complications

Complications of prostate cancer and its treatments include:

 Cancer that spreads (metastasizes). Prostate cancer can spread to nearby organs,
such as your bladder, or travel through your bloodstream or lymphatic system to your
bones or other organs. Prostate cancer that spreads to the bones can cause pain and
broken bones. Once prostate cancer has spread to other areas of the body, it may still
respond to treatment and may be controlled, but it's unlikely to be cured.

 Incontinence. Both prostate cancer and its treatment can cause urinary incontinence.
Treatment for incontinence depends on the type you have, how severe it is and the
likelihood it will improve over time. Treatment options may include medications, catheters
and surgery.
  Erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction can result from prostate cancer or its
treatment, including surgery, radiation or hormone treatments. Medications, vacuum
devices that assist in achieving erection and surgery are available to treat erectile
dysfunction.

STD: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment,

Prevention, Types of Sexually
Transmitted Disease
Reviewed By:

Pramod Kerkar, M.D., FFARCSI, DA

One of the most terrifying diseases that are existent in the present time and do not
have a complete cure in any and every stage of the disease, is the Sexually
Transmitted Disease or STD. The disease affects more than 19 million people alone in
the United States of America, destroying their immune system, says the reports of the
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A 50% of the people, who are
diagnosed with STDs, are within the age group of 15 and 24.
Associated mainly with sexual relationship, some of the STDs can be cured through
thorough and intense antibiotic courses and some cannot be cured at all. Although
STDs are not of much concern for many people while they are into a sexual
relationship, it is a fact that the risk of these diseases is as much a part of sex, as the
fun of enjoying it. The existence of this disease has been there for many years but the
most dreaded HIV or AIDS is a recent type of STD that was first reported in 1984.

What Is STD?
Sexually transmitted disease or STD and sexually transmitted infection or STI, are
acquired generally by sexual contact through the blood stream, through vaginal and
other body fluids and also through semen. However, it can also be acquired though
non-sexual process in which, shared needles are used or blood of the infected person
is transfused to another person. Even a pregnant woman with this disease may pass it
to the fetus.
Signs and Symptoms of STDs:
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There can be a range of signs and symptoms of an STD or STI. But unless they are in
severe condition or until the partner is diagnosed with the disease, they are often left
unnoticed.

o Burning sensation while urinating

o Bumps and sores in rectal area and genitals or even in mouth
o Painful sex
o Discharge from the penis
o Lower abdominal pain
o Odd and unusual smelling vaginal discharge
o Rash on hand and feet
o Swollen groin, lymph nodes
o Unusual vaginal bleeding
o Loose stool, weight loss and night sweats
o Yellowing of skin or jaundice.

What Is The Cause of STD?

The common reason or cause of the STD or STI being spread from one person to the
other is sexual relationship. Although a person may have an STD, it can only spread if
he or she has unprotected sex, without using a condom. Hence, if a person has sex
with more than one person or has intimate activities with different partners, then there
is always a higher risk of acquiring this disease. The more you have multiple sex
partners, the more you will have the risk of acquiring the disease. Recently, studies
have proven that the earlier a person starts having sex, the more is he or she at the risk
of STDs. It is needed to mention at this stage that 39% of the sexually active students
have stated that they use condoms while having sex, only ‘sometimes’ and not always.
While talking about the preventive measures, it was found that 40% of women think
that every birth control measure is a possible way of preventing STDs and STIs.

What Are The Different Types of Sexually Transmitted

Diseases (STD) and Sexually Transmitted Infections
(STI)?
There are many sexually transmitted diseases and infections. Some are easily curable
and some are not. Many men and women have had these diseases and have recovered
from them, but many haven’t due to the lack of their knowledge. Hence, knowing
about them will give a greater idea of whether you have acquired them or not.

1. Chlamydia:

Not only in the United States of America and Australia, but also in the rest
of the world, this is the most commonly reported STD. Usually and mostly,
the disease is spread by vaginal or anal sex. However, even oral sex may
lead to occurrence of this disease if your partner has it. It is caused by the
bacteria named Chlamydia and hence, its treatment is done by giving a
course of antibiotic. However, diagnosis of this disease in women through
the occurrence of its symptoms is difficult as only 25% women get
symptoms, whereas 50% men get symptoms of:

o Pain while urinating

o Swollen testicles
o Penile discharge.

1,401,906 Chlamydia infections were diagnosed and reported in the year

2013 in United States of America, reported the Center for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC).
2. Human Papillomavirus or HPV:

There are more than 150 strains of this group of viruses of which, 40 are
considered potentially harmful and others are quite harmless. Almost every
sexually active person might have had HPV at some point of time in their
lives, but the body gets rid of them on its own. In the United States of
America, there are more than 79 million people infected with HPV currently
and the CDC states that 14 million new cases of HPV are diagnosed every
year. Although oral, anal and vaginal sex, are common ways of acquiring
this disease, even skin contact may be enough for a possible occurrence.
Usually the disease does not have any strong and prominent symptoms, but
genital warts and oral warts can be seen. If left untreated, it can lead to
cervical cancer.

3. Gonorrhea:

Another common STD or STI is this disease that is caused by a bacterium by

this name and affects the anus, throat, or urethra. It can occur through anal,
oral, or vaginal sex. This is a disease that does not express its symptoms
much and those, who acquire the symptoms, are mostly men. Only 20% of
women are seen to have got the symptoms of Gonorrhea.

4. Hepatitis B:

Caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), this common STD, not only causes
the common symptoms of STD, but also causes a dangerous inflammation of
the liver. When a person comes into contact with the blood or bodily fluids
of an infected person, he/she is likely to acquire this disease. Most of the
infected people do not get any symptoms of this disease and those who do,
often confuse them with flu or cough and cold. If left untreated, they can
 continue causing damage to the liver. Some of the symptoms of Hepatitis B
are:

o Feeling lethargic
o Nausea and vomiting
o Muscle and joint pains
o Loss of appetite
o Low grade fever
o Jaundice

As soon as these symptoms are seen, they need to be catered to.

5. Herpes Simplex:

HSV-1 and HSV-2 are the two strains of Herpes virus. This is a viral
infection that can affect the mouth or the genitals. It can be acquired by the
infected person through sexual intercourse or oral sex and kissing. Within
two days to two weeks of the infection, the symptoms are seen and they are
often mistaken with normal skin diseases. However, the initial outbreak of
these symptoms can be quite severe and intense and they include:

o Blisters on genitals, buttocks and thighs

o Itching, tingling and burning sensation of the skin
o Swollen lymph nodes and groin
o Blisters on lips, gums, tongue and other upper body parts
o Loss of appetite and feeling unwell
o Fever
o Pain in the entire body

Curing it is not quite possible as it is a virus. However, through medication,

it can be managed.
6. Syphilis:

Syphilis is often considered as a “great imitator” and can occur in four

different phases namely primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Each of
these phases has its own set of symptoms and usually starts with a simple
sore that looks like a simple cut, ingrown hair or just a bump on the skin.
More than 15% of people, who are not treated of this disease at this primary
stage, are often led to the final stage. With antibiotics, you can be treated
well and the earlier you start, the earlier and faster will be the cure.

7. HIV or AIDS:

AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome caused by the Human

Immunodeficiency Virus is probably the most common name and the known
name that is most threatened of. Although HIV is the virus that can cause the
deadly disease of AIDS, unlike the other STDs, you cannot get it by skin
touch or by kissing. The disease can be acquired only by vaginal or anal
intercourse and not by saliva or kissing. However, it can be acquired from
the mother if she has had HIV. But recently, a case was reported in which a
two year old baby, who was born with HIV, was treated of the disease,
making it the first functional cure of HIV.

Muscle ache, flu, slight fever and fatigue are the common and yet vague
symptoms of this disease. Usually these symptoms are also associated with
diarrhea and weight loss. The reason why it is most dreaded about is that it
does not have any cure and as the name suggests, the virus gradually
damages the human immune system. However, in the recent times, many
string medicines have been invented that can successfully prolong the life
span of the infected person.

8. Bacterial Vaginosis:
 Bacterial Vaginosis is yet another type of STD or STI which is caused when
bad bacteria multiplies and replaces the good bacteria Lactobacilli bacteria
which is usually present in the vaginal tract. This change alters the
environment and at times, not all, produces symptoms like thin milky
discharge having a fishy odor. It happens in women and more so when she
has a multiple sexual partners or a new one or if she douches very
frequently. Having Bacterial Vaginosis increases the risk of acquiring other
sexually transmitted diseases, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease of the uterus and
fallopian tubes, and infections following an operation. It can also lead to
preterm labor and/or birth.

9. Trichomoniasis:

This STI is caused by a parasite Trichomonas vaginalis and usually affects

the sexually active young women. Though the infection occurs in men very
rarely, it can be passed on to men as well as women during sexual contact.
Trichomoniasis just like the other STDs or STIs does not produce any
symptoms and if it does it varies between genital redness and soreness and
vaginal discharge and itching in women. As it does not show any symptoms,
the chances of re-infection are higher. According to NICHD, Trichomoniasis
increases the risk of infants born with low birth weights and also premature
births. It was also found that stillbirths and death of newborns are twice in
infants born to mothers infected with Trichomoniasis compared to infants
born to mothers who are not infected with the disease.

Treating The STDs:

Usually the STDs are treated with strong antibiotics and are well managed in most of
the cases. However, there are many of the diseases that still cannot be completely
cured and the infected person has to lead a careful life to prolong the life span and
learn to live with the disease. But, when the doctor gives the antibiotics, they should
be continued to be taken even after the symptoms disappear and for as long as the
doctor prescribes. Sometimes, even the partner is given some medicines and
antibiotics that must also be taken by him or her.

Prevention of the Sexually Transmitted Diseases:

To make sure that the disease does not infect you and you do not have to lead to the
treatment of the disease, you must prevent it. Another important thing is to prevent it
from spreading. The STDs can well be prevented with these following measures and
they are:

1. Abstinence and Monogamy-Best Way to Prevent STD:

Staying away from sex is the most useful method of staying away from
sexually transmitted diseases. However, that is not a possible condition for a
social person and for long term. Hence, keeping a monogamous relationship
with one uninfected person is the best way.

2. Vaccination- To Prevent STD:

With the advancement of medical science, certain STD and STIs can be
prevented with vaccines. Getting vaccinated before sexual exposure is a very
good way to prevent the diseases. Vaccines are available for preventing
human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A and hepatitis B. CDC
recommends that girls and boys within the age of 11 and 12 are given this
HPV vaccine. However, if they are not given this vaccination by that age,
they can be given the vaccine within the age of 26. Whereas, the hepatitis
vaccines are given to new born children and those who are one year old.

3. Safe Sex Prevents STD:

 The term denotes having sexual relationship without getting in contact with
the bodily fluids and semen of the partner. Hence, the only way that can
prevent such possibilities while having sex is by using condom. No other
birth control measure or contraceptive is useful in preventing STDs. This
will also stop an STD from spreading.

4. Educate your Child:

Educating your child about the possible ways of acquiring STDs and the
way they can be harmful will make sure that they will abstain themselves
from having sexual relationship with many partners. Also, teaching them
about the possible preventive measures is a must.

STDs are quite threatening to life and can cause severe harm if left
untreated. Hence, preventing them is always useful than leading to a need of
treating them.