DEMENTIA AND ETHNIC MINORITY COMMUNITIES

By Saida Egeh

Dementia is a disease that affects not only the individual but also their loved ones. According to the World Health Organization, around 50 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, and this number is expected to triple by 2050. Dementia can have a profound impact on the lives of those who care for people with the disease, and research has been conducted to slow its progression.

In 2018 Race Equality Foundation found that there are currently over 25,000 people from minority communities living with dementia in the UK. The findings suggest that it’s becoming evident that it’s even increasing in the black communities in the UK, as they are at higher risk of vascular dementia than white population. Whereas the number of blacks with dementia is increasing faster than the whites. The ever-widening inequality between communities is a major drive, the report adds. The charity explains that inequality impacts black and other ethnic minority communities and their families throughout all stages of the dementia pathway, that from diagnosis, the care they receive and end of their life. Research has been conducted to find ways to slow the progression of dementia. Although there is currently no cure for the disease, there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine have been shown to improve cognitive function in some patients. Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, have been associated with a reduced risk of developing dementia.

Dementia can cause significant changes in an individual’s behaviour and personality, which can be challenging for family members to cope with. Loved ones often struggle to provide the necessary care and support as the disease progresses, which can lead to carers stress and burnout. Carers may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and emotionally drained, leading to depression and anxiety.

In recent years, there has been an increase in research on non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive training and social engagement, to slow the progression of dementia. These interventions aim to stimulate the brain and improve cognitive function, and initial results are promising. Studies have also shown that engaging in meaningful activities and socialising with others can improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their carers.

The economic and social burden of dementia is enormous, and it is vital that governments take action to provide adequate care and support for those affected. However, despite the growing number of people with dementia, governments are falling short in their treatment of the disease.

One of the main areas where governments are failing is in the provision of adequate funding for dementia research. Although there have been significant advances in understanding the disease, there is still much that we do not know about the causes and mechanisms of dementia. Furthermore, there is a lack of investment in research into treatments and potential cures. Governments must invest more in dementia research to improve our understanding of the disease and develop effective treatments. Another area where governments are falling short is in the provision of adequate care for people with dementia. Many people with the disease require long-term care, which can be expensive and difficult for families to provide. However, many governments are not providing enough funding for dementia care services, leaving families to bear the burden.

Furthermore, there is a lack of support for people with dementia and their families in the community. Many people with dementia and their families feel isolated and unsupported, which can have a negative impact on their quality of life. Governments must invest in community-based dementia support services to provide people with dementia and their families with the care and support they need.

Kidney disease is a common and often chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While the traditional treatments for kidney disease, such as dialysis and kidney transplant, have helped many people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life, there is a growing need for more effective and innovative treatments. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease, offering hope for those living with this condition. In this article, we will explore the latest research and innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease.

Kidney Research Uk says that kidney failure is up to five times more likely in ethnic minority communities. citing 2018 figures, the organisation claims that 35 percent of those on the waiting list for a kidney all over the UK are from ethnic minority groups. The charity adds that social deprivation, ethnic background, gender, mental health, age and geography are all factors that affect the risk of developing kidney disease, how the disease progresses, treatments and outcomes. These factors often interact with each other and it can be difficult to untangle the association between them.

Diagnosis of Kidney Disease

Early detection of kidney disease is crucial for preventing the progression of the disease and minimizing the risk of complications. Advances in diagnostic technology have made it easier to diagnose kidney disease in its early stages. For example, the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans can help doctors detect and diagnose kidney disease in its early stages.

Innovative Treatments for Kidney Disease

Several innovative treatments are currently being developed for kidney disease. These treatments aim to slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for those living with kidney disease. Some of the most promising treatments include:

KIDNEY FAILURES: WHY IS IT PREVALENT IN ETHNIC MINORITY GROUPS?

By Lynette Wairegi

Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cell therapy is a promising treatment for kidney disease that involves using stem cells to repair damaged tissue and improve kidney function. This treatment has shown promising results in clinical trials and may offer a potential cure for kidney disease in the future.

Gene Therapy: Gene therapy involves altering the genes responsible for the development of kidney disease. This treatment aims to slow the progression of the disease and prevent further damage to the kidneys. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy involves using drugs to boost the immune system and help the body fight off kidney disease. This treatment has shown promising results in clinical trials and may offer a new option for those living with kidney disease. Precision Medicine: Precision medicine involves using a personalized approach to diagnose and treat kidney disease. This approach takes into account a person’s genetics, lifestyle, and other factors to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs.

Improving Dialysis Treatment

Dialysis is a common treatment for kidney disease, but it can be challenging for patients to manage. Innovations in dialysis treatment have made it easier for patients to receive treatment and improve their quality of life. For example, home-based dialysis treatments, such as peritoneal dialysis, allow patients to receive treatment in the comfort of their own homes.

Advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease are offering hope for those living with this condition. Innovations in diagnostic technology, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, and precision medicine are all promising treatments that could potentially offer a cure for kidney disease in the future. Additionally, improvements in dialysis treatment are making it easier for patients to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. As research continues to advance, there is hope for improved outcomes and a better quality of life for those living with kidney disease.

NHS STRUGGLES WITH STRIKES: IMPACT, RESPONSE, AND FUTURE CHALLENGES IN 2023

By Saida Egeh

In 2023, the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom continued to grapple with strikes by nurses and junior doctors, raising questions about the sustainability and priorities of the healthcare system. The ongoing strikes reflect a long-standing tension between healthcare workers’ demands for fair pay, reasonable working conditions, and adequate resources, and the NHS’s pressure to maintain financial sustainability and efficient service delivery. In this article, we will examine how the NHS has dealt with the strikes, who had the impact, and why it had to come to this in 2023.

The NHS’s response to the strikes has been mixed, reflecting the complex and competing demands facing the system. While the NHS acknowledges the legitimate grievances of nurses and junior doctors, it also emphasises the need to balance workforce costs with the broader financial and strategic priorities of the NHS. The NHS argues that it has made significant investments in workforce planning, training, and recruitment, but that it faces constant pressure to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and adapt to changing patient needs and demographics.

The impact of the strikes on patient care and healthcare workers has been significant, with mixed consequences for different stakeholders.

On the one hand, the strikes have disrupted the normal operations of many hospitals, leading to the cancellation of surgeries, appointments, and routine procedures. The strikes have also put extra pressure on healthcare workers who have had to cover for absent colleagues, work longer hours, and cope with heightened stress and uncertainty. The prolonged strikes have also eroded the trust and morale of some healthcare workers, leading to concerns about burnout, retention, and recruitment.

On the other hand, the strikes have also raised public awareness of the challenges facing the NHS, prompting debates about the funding, governance, and direction of the healthcare system. The strikes have galvanised many nurses and junior doctors to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and advocate for change. The strikes have also helped to expose the growing gaps in healthcare access and quality, particularly for marginalised communities and vulnerable populations.

Who had the impact in the strikes remains a contested issue, with different stakeholders claiming credit or blame for the outcomes. The unions representing nurses and junior doctors argue that the strikes have forced the NHS to listen to their demands, negotiate better contracts, and recognize the value of their contributions. The government and NHS managers, however, maintain that the strikes have only worsened the financial strain on the NHS, alienated some patients and communities, and undermined the credibility of healthcare professionals.

Why it had to come to this in 2023 reflects a combination of structural, political, and cultural factors that have shaped the NHS’s history and future. Some argue that the NHS is facing an unprecedented crisis of underfunding, understaffing, and inequality, exacerbated by Brexit, austerity, and demographic shifts. Others suggest that the NHS needs to embrace new technologies, models of care, and workforce innovations to adapt to changing demands and expectations. Still, others call for a fundamental rethinking of the NHS’s governance, financing, and relationship with patients, communities, and other stakeholders.

In conclusion, the ongoing strikes by nurses and junior doctors in the UK’s NHS reflect deep-rooted and complex challenges facing the healthcare system. While the strikes have had significant impacts on patient care, healthcare workers, and public discourse, they also underscore the urgent need for a sustainable and equitable healthcare system that recognizes the value and dignity of all its workers and users. The future of the NHS depends on how well it can address these challenges, embrace innovation, and engage in honest and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders.