Non-Communicable Diseases

Alzheimers, a disease of the brain, is the most common cause of [blank_start]dementia[blank_end]. It leads to problems with [blank_start]cognition[blank_end], memory etc... Alzheimers is caused by [blank_start]plaques[blank_end] building up in the brain, stopping [blank_start]neurons[blank_end] from functioning correctly.

Which of these are risk factors for Alzheimers?

COPD are a group of [blank_start]lung[blank_end] diseases, affecting 1.2 million people in Britain. 90% of COPD sufferers are [blank_start]smokers[blank_end] or ex-smokers. COPD is caused by damage to the [blank_start]cilia[blank_end], leading to [blank_start]mucus[blank_end] build up and inflammation.

Symptoms of COPD include, coughing [blank_start]phlegm[blank_end], wheezing, tightening in the chest and tiredness. Risk factors include inhaling [blank_start]pollutants[blank_end], second-hand smoke and [blank_start]organic cooking oils[blank_end]. Antibiotics can be used to treat COPD but [blank_start]steroids[blank_end] and even oxygen masks are also sometimes issued.

Anaemia happens when [blank_start]red blood cells[blank_end] are destroyed. Symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and paleness. To treat anaemia, [blank_start]iron[blank_end] and vitamins need to be reintroduced into the diet. [blank_start]Sickle[blank_end]-Cell anaemia, however, is genetic and requires [blank_start]blood transfusions[blank_end] to treat.

Rickets are a bone disease caused by a [blank_start]Vitamin D[blank_end] deficiency. They affect mainly [blank_start]children[blank_end] and lead to many bone problems.

[blank_start]Cardiovascular[blank_end] diseases affect the blood and the heart. They are causes by a substance called [blank_start]plaque[blank_end] blocking arteries.

Match the Cardiovascular Disease medicines to their effects: [blank_start]Antihypertensitives[blank_end]: Lower blood pressure, which stops damage to blood vessels. [blank_start]Diuretics[blank_end]: Increase fluid output of the body to help someone lose weight. [blank_start]Statins[blank_end]: Reduce fatty deposits and cholesterol in the blood vessels. [blank_start]Beta Blockers[blank_end]: Reduce heart rates.

Another medicine that helps with Cardiovascular Disease is the [blank_start]ACE-Inhibitor[blank_end]. These prevent the constriction of blood vessels (a process known as [blank_start]Vasoconstriction[blank_end]) by preventing [blank_start]Angiotensin 1[blank_end] from being turned into [blank_start]Angiotensin 2[blank_end].

Warfarin is an antihypertensive drug that stops the blood from clotting.

Surgery can also be used to help with Cardiovascular diseases. [blank_start]Stents[blank_end] are tube or balloon like structures made of wire mesh that keep arteries open. [blank_start]Coronary Bypass[blank_end] Surgery involves extracting a healthy blood vessel from one part of the body and replacing an unhealthy blood vessel with it. As a last resort, a heart transplant can be performed.

Cirrhosis, a disease of the [blank_start]liver[blank_end], is caused by heavy [blank_start]alcohol[blank_end] consumption. It can also be caused by [blank_start]Hepatitis[blank_end]. A symptom of Cirrhosis is differently coloured bodily fluids, and it is the 5th largest killer in the UK.

Diabetes comes in two types: Type 1: Chronic, The body can't produce enough insulin. Type 2: Developed later in life, The body can't utilize insulin correctly.

What is the role of insulin in the body?

Kwashiorkor is a disease caused by a lack of [blank_start]protein[blank_end] in the diet. Scurvy is a disease caused by a lack of [blank_start]Vitamin C[blank_end] in the diet.