The names of some medical conditions are far from self-explanatory as we track down their namesakes.
The names of some medical conditions are far from self-explanatory as we track down their namesakes.
Have you ever wondered why some illnesses have such strangesounding names, like Alzheimers’s, Crohn’s or Ménière’s? They are the names of the doctors who discovered them! Here, we explain what you need to know about these diseases.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Named after: German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer, who first described the disease. In 1906, one of Alzheimer’s patients had chronic symptoms of the disease, including memory loss and bizarre behaviour. After she died, Alzheimer examined her brain closely under a microscope, found her cortex had shrunk and saw the “tangles and plaques” in her brain which are now regarded as the classic post-mortem signs of the disease.
What is it? Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease which leads to mental deterioration. It can occur in middle or old age. According to Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation, it will affect 53,000 Singaporeans by 2020.
Signs to watch out for: Problems with memory, usually around recent events.
Could I be at risk? There is a slightly increased risk if you have a close relative with Alzheimer’s. Obesity, depression and high blood pressure are other risk factors.“People with good cardiac health are less likely to have Alzheimer’s symptoms,” says Dr Ron McCoy from The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
“Having high blood pressure checks, stopping smoking and a good Mediterranean-like diet can all help to make sure you don’t get the disease.” Health researchers from the University of L’Aquila in Italy say dark chocolate can help tackle dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in older people.
Parkinson’s Disease
Named after: Surgeon James Parkinson, also an apothecary and geologist. In an essay in 1817, he first described “paralysis agitans” or “shaking palsy”. The condition would later be renamed Parkinson’s disease.
What is it? Parkinson’s is a progressive debilitating neurological condition where a sufferer’s brain gradually stops producing a neurotransmitter known as dopamine. The average age of diagnosis is 65, but younger people can also get young-onset Parkinson’s.
Signs to watch out for: Early warning signs include tremors or shaking, loss of smell, trouble moving, constipation, dizziness or fainting, and stooping or leaning forward when you walk.
Could I be at risk? Research indicates a combination of genetic and environmental factors may cause Parkinson’s. Evidence shows that certain toxins in the environment as well as oxidative stress may cause it. However, the greatest risk is advancing age, with men slightly more likely to get it than women.
Crohn’s Disease
Named after: A US gastroenterologist, Dr Burrill Bernard Crohn, who first described the disease in 1932.
What is it? Crohn’s disease is an inflammation of the intestinal walls that periodically flares up. Symptoms may vary, but the most common are diarrhoea, tummy pain and feeling off-colour.
Signs to watch out for: Diarrhoea, fever, tiredness, stomach pain and cramps, mouth sores, reduced appetite and weight loss as well as blood in your stool or bright red blood in the toilet.
Could I be at risk? Crohn’s disease can generally strike anyone by the age of 40, with many sufferers having their first attack in their teens. Having a relative with the disease also increases your risk.
Hashimoto’s Disease
Named after: Japanese doctor and medical scientist Hakaru Hashimoto, who first described the disease in 1912.
What is it? An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks a healthy thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism. The thyroid creates hormones which regulate energy levels.
Signs to watch out for: Fatigue, weight gain, joint and muscle aches, constipation and dry thinning hair.
Women may experience heavy and irregular periods while men may have erectile dysfunction.
Could I be at risk? Women are seven times more likely than men to develop Hashimoto’s. Pregnancy also appears to trigger thyroid symptoms and problems.
THE NAME GAME
Sjögren’s Syndrome Named after Henrik Sjögren, a Swedish opthalmologist who first described the condition in 1933. Sjögren’s is a chronic immune disorder that causes deficient production of moisture in some glands, primarily the tear ducts and salivary glands. The main symptoms are dry eyes. Women over 40 are most at risk, particularly if they have had lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Ménière’s Disease Named after French doctor Prosper Ménière, who discovered that vertigo – a type of dizziness – was caused by inner ear disorders in 1861. Ménière’s, can alter a sufferer’s hearing and sense of balance.The cause is not known, but risk factors include family history, stress, allergies, ear infections and hormone imbalances.
TEXT: bauersyndication.com.au / PHOTO: 123rf.com.
