Bones, Brains and Bright Eyes: Read to Believe!
Certain days this year have been truly unique — celebrating awareness and growing knowledge of critical conditions affecting the human population. The list includes World Mental Health Day, World Arthritis Day, and World Sight Day.
Research Trail
Arthritis is known to exist since the discovery of bones — fossil studies report ankle arthritis in dinosaurs. Derived from the Greek words ‘arthro’ (joint) and ‘itis’ (inflammation), it is a condition involving inflammation of the joints. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a disease by itself, rather a symptom of conditions such as gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Many people associate this condition with the elderly, but almost 30% of the affected population are much younger — like teenagers and children.
Mental health issues are even more challenging — an individual could almost forget their identity when affected by certain conditions. According to current statistics, 1 in 4 people experience some kind of mental health issue during their lifetime. The taboo associated with these conditions makes it even more difficult for patients to get the required help, guidance, counselling, or medication.
According to WHO, an estimated 19 million children are visually impaired. Of these, 12 million are visually impaired due to refractive errors — a condition that could be diagnosed and corrected. 1.4 million are irreversibly blind and require visual rehabilitation interventions.
Is There Hope?
For certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, there is no cure, though there are treatments that can help reduce the severity of the symptoms. The same goes for a large number of neurological disorders and blindness. Prevention is better than cure.
Genetic sequencing has provided access to certain markers for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, neurological conditions, and several vision-related disorders (Retinitis Pigmentosa, for example). Affected individuals and their families can find out their genetic predisposition and further prepare their future generations. Regular screening and monitoring, changes in diet and exercise, and more knowledge on disease mechanisms could potentially delay the onset of these conditions.
Know Your Risk for Arthritis, Neurological Conditions & Vision Disorders
Genomepatri by MapmyGenome covers 100+ health conditions — including bone mineral density, osteoarthritis, depression, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Includes certified genetic counselling.
