Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Alzheimer’s

 GS-2 Mains Exam : Health

Question : Analyze the significance of early diagnosis in the management of Alzheimer’s disease. What are the possible benefits and challenges associated with the implementation of the AIIMS blood test on a large scale in India?

Alzheimer’s disease, named after German scientist Alois Alzheimer, has puzzled researchers for over a century. This progressive neurological disorder causes brain cells to degenerate, leading to dementia – a decline in thinking, memory, and social skills that significantly impacts daily life.

A Growing Concern:

While life expectancy was less than 35 years when Alzheimer’s was discovered, today the average lifespan is over 70. This translates to a much larger population vulnerable to the disease. Globally, over 55 million people above 60 experience cognitive decline, with a significant portion progressing to dementia.

Diagnosis Dilemma:

Despite research advancements in understanding Alzheimer’s characteristics and drug development, a definitive cure remains elusive. Traditionally, diagnosis relies on symptom presence, often missing the crucial early stages. However, there’s growing consensus that the disease’s precursors accumulate in the brain at least 10 years before symptoms appear.

A Turning Point: AIIMS Blood Test

Researchers at AIIMS, Delhi, have made a significant breakthrough with a blood test for early Alzheimer’s detection. This test analyzes six blood markers that can indicate the disease’s onset. The ability to detect biomarkers 10-15 years before symptoms is a game-changer. Alzheimer’s progression typically takes 15-20 years, and early diagnosis allows for better symptom management. While medications for a complete cure haven’t entered widespread use, earlier intervention can significantly improve the quality of life for patients.

Hope for India:

This development is particularly relevant for India, where cognitive decline is often misconstrued as a natural part of aging. Dementia remains poorly understood, even among some medical professionals, leading to undiagnosed cases and difficulties for patients and caregivers. A successful larger-scale trial of the AIIMS blood test could be a major step forward.

A Crucial Step:

A 2023 study by AIIMS Delhi, in collaboration with other institutions, estimated that 7.4% of senior citizens in India suffer from dementia. This number is projected to rise to nearly 1.7 crore by 2035, highlighting the urgency of addressing this growing challenge. The AIIMS blood test, if proven effective, could become a cornerstone of India’s healthcare strategy for the elderly, enabling early detection, improved management, and a better quality of life for those affected by Alzheimer’s.

 

 

Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Note to Krishi Bhawan

 GS-3 Mains Exam : Economy

Introduction:

• New Agriculture Minister faces policy paralysis and regaining farmer trust.
• Scrapping the MSP committee formed after farm law repeal is a first step.

India’s Quest for an Agriculture Policy:

• India lacks a long-term agricultural policy unlike developed countries.
• A new policy should focus on “strategic autonomy” instead of mere “self-sufficiency.”
• Diverse agro-climatic regions and federal structure add complexity.

Challenges for the New Minister:

• Limited central control: Agriculture, land under states, budget by Finance Ministry.
• Uncertain weather: No major droughts in 10 years, but future unpredictable.
• RBI’s inflation targeting hurts farmers:
  • Food prices heavily influence inflation in India (unlike developed countries).
  • RBI’s actions to control inflation (like stockholding limits) suppress farmgate prices.
  • Example: Artificially low onion prices lead to huge losses for farmers.

Government Intervention Needed:

• Farmers shouldn’t solely bear the burden of providing cheap food.
• Government should compensate farmers for losses due to its policies.
• DBT (Direct Benefit Transfers) or similar schemes can help consumers during price hikes.

Conclusion:

• Policymakers must learn from past mistakes.
• The key question: How much “imperfection” is acceptable in the new agricultural policy?