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Chairman
Dr. B. C. Mahanti, Neurosurgeon
Some Observed phenomena of old age Disease
Parkinsonism and Alzheimerism
Pabitra SenGupta, Formerly Reader, Department of Economics Jogomaya Devi College, Kolkata
Old people are often forgotten of their contribution to the family and society. To redress their sufferings due to two killer diseases, namely, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s with no definite cause of occurrence, requires sympathetic attention and round the clock nursing by the members of the family and trained nurses respectively. This paper deals with three samples each of the diseases and explains the behavior, social status and sufferings due to the illness. The nature of attention to be given is also highlighted. It is also pointed out that establishment of professional institutes will help people to get training and awareness to combat with the diseases.
Life cycle, Brain Tremor, Parkinsonism and Alzheimerism, Forgetfulness, Neurodegeneration, Dimentia, Depression, Antioxidants
Introduction
Old age is the most crucial period of life of human being. For the sake of simplicity the entire life-cycle is divided into four periods, namely, (i) childhood; (ii) adolescence; (iii) youth; and (iv) old age. The first three phases of life-cycle are engrossed with ups and downs in mind and actions of human being. Life expectancy increases and the urge to reach the zenith of power ignore all obstructions. Zeal to achieve success in life remains the only motto in life. The activities are numerous concerning the improvement of health, education, career building and rearing up of the children of the family. Barring a few years of life, human being is busy for his/her establishment in the society. The fourth phase is, however, full of agony precipitate by prolonged illness – life becomes sterile.
During the first half of the 20th century we saw an epidemic of enteric diseases, measles, small pox, dysentery and cholera, malaria, tuberculosis, asthma and even juvenile diabetes causing high mortality rate in the first two phases of life-cycle. Death due to high blood pressure, cancer and gastroenteritis used to occur in the third and fourth phases. Today’s killer disease like Thalassamia, AIDS and Bird’s Flu are spread over the entire globe. We are also not immune to such disease. On the contrary these killer diseases are fast spreading from the West to Asian countries. As these are contaminated through blood and environmental pollution, any body can be attacked and the illness can occur in any phase of the life – cycle.
The present study gives stress on the nature and consequences of two specific diseases, namely, Parkinsonism and Alzheimerism which are causing serious impediments in the old age of our fourth phase of the life-cycle. The paper highlights the nature, causes, features and nature of possible treatment that can be provided for the patients. We have made a brief study of these diseases from three samples of each and observed the phenomena in each case.
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