Get Well Soon: Early diagnosis will reverse Congenital Hypothyroidism

Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) is a condition of thyroid hormone deficiency present at birth. It is a preventable cause of mental retardation and can be reversed when detected early. The medication is affordable. In a study conducted in the city, it was found that at least 14 per cent of babies were born without the thyroid gland. A heel test can detect. It costs Rs 1,500 in private hospitals while in government hospitals it could be much cheaper. With early diagnosis and treatment, the child can have normal growth and intelligence.  - Dr S Suresh, Director Mediscan Systems

Alzheimer’s accounts for 60 to 80 per cent of the total cases of dementia, which stands at a whopping 4.1 million cases in India alone. Memory loss, one of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, is often mistaken as a natural part of ageing and overlooked. But that alone is not a symptom of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. You may want to get it investigated. It is good to diagnose it in the early stages.  - Dr R Sathianathan, vicechairperson, Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI)