June 30, 2024

Can AI Help Combat Dementia and Cognitive Decline?

by Gataca Admin in News

A word that can send shivers down your spine and make you hold on to dear life is - Dementia.

Anyone who has had a dear one affected by it will know how debilitating it really is!

And my guess is that you or someone you know probably have it too!

In fact, a recent study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimated that 7.4% of adults aged 60 and above, roughly 8.8 million Indians, are living with dementia.

This figure is significantly higher than previous estimates, meaning we need to find innovative solutions to tackle this crippling challenge in the country.

India's population is aging rapidly, and the number of people aged 60 and above projected to reach 319 million by 2050. This only means the number of dementia cases in the country is expected to rise significantly.

Despite huge investments and efforts in drug research, progress has been incredibly slow, with no breakthrough treatments on the horizon.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions have the potential to make a significant impact by leveraging capabilities in data analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modeling.

The Brain Bio-Digital Twin

NTT Data, a strategic consulting firm that specializes in leading-edge technology has collaborated with the National Center for Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP) to work on a new technology called the Brain Bio-Digital Twin.

This technology gathers significant amounts of data on brain-related diseases and converts it into digital data. It then maps it virtually as a digital model of the brain.

With the data collected and digitized, AI and ML can then be used to study the brain and its functions.

Goals and Benefits

The primary goal of this research program is to create a digital version of a person's brain that can be studied instead of the actual patient.

The hope is that this will lead to fewer invasive tests for patients. This kind of technology could also prove to be cheaper, simpler, and better.

The prototype model is scheduled to come out this year.

This technology may also help with better prediction of medication side effects, and detect & prevent disease earlier.

Collaboration with NCNP

National Center for Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), a Tokyo-based organization that offers treatments and research on prevention and therapy for various disorders, is contributing important data to the Brain Bio Digital Twin.

This includes PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans, bio-samples (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, tissue samples, genetic information), and medical interpretation of the results obtained through AI and ML processing.

Digital Avatars for Dementia Patients

NTT DATA work is also advancing research into combating dementia by using AI and deepfake technology to build digital avatars to communicate with dementia patients and stimulate them through dialogue.

AI for Detecting Cognitive Decline in Elderly Drivers

NTT DATA new AI system could prove to be invaluable in detecting cognitive decline among elderly drivers. The company has started working with Kokusai Motorcars on this project, scheduled to run until the end of June.

The system will analyze driving speed, acceleration and deceleration, among other driving data to assess whether drivers are experiencing a decline in cognitive brain activity, such as the ability to make quick judgments and pay attention.

Kokusai Motorcars will collect a large amount of driving data from several taxis whose drivers are 65 years old or older, which will be fed to NTT DATA to develop AI algorithms and verify the accuracy of driver judgments.

Future Applications

NTT DATA aims to launch the system as a cloud-based service within the next couple of years, targeting the taxi and logistics industries in particular, where the average age of drivers is steadily increasing. The system will also be made available to general drivers in the future, and NTT DATA is considering building a specific version for insurance companies to incorporate as a function of their insurance products.

With the prevalence of dementia in India significantly higher than previous estimates, and the country's rapidly aging population, AI solutions like those developed by NTT DATA have the potential to transform the detection, prevention, and management of dementia and cognitive decline in the country.

From the Brain Bio-Digital Twin to digital avatars and AI-powered driving analysis, these innovative approaches show us the powerful role AI can play in addressing one of India's most pressing healthcare challenges.

So, what do you think? Can AI really help combat cognitive decline and a scary demon like dementia?

Does this give you hope? Let us know.

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December 19, 2024

Coffee, Kaapi or The Humble Joe- You Do You To Live Longer!

Introduction Coffee was first introduced to us Indians a few centuries ago- by Baba Budan- who as the lore goes managed to smuggle 7 beans when he was on a pilgrimage to Mecca. He had to hide them in his beard to get them here safely. Fast forward to now, and we have hundreds of coffee estates and plantations growing these jewel red beans for its prized muddy brown decoction that we all call ‘coffee’ or ‘kaapi’. Some of us drink coffee in the morning- strong, black, with milk, espresso, latte, decaf, with or without dairy, etc. - however our preference- for innumerable reasons- to wake up, to socialise, to poop, to fill a void, to stave off an existential crisis or genuinely just enjoy a nice, strong cup of coffee. What if we told you that you could add one more reason to the list- i.e. you could live longer because of the blessed cuppa? Research Says Coffee Is Good For You We can do this by looking at 4 large-population based studies based in different parts of the world. They are all observational in nature- which means scientists looked at lots of data that was already collected, to come to some important conclusions. They did not add, manipulate or try to induce any condition in any of these instances. They tend to collect all information over a fixed period of time - like a few decades for example. 4 Observational Studies From 3 Continents Let us look at what some esteemed scientists from Harvard and other universities all over the world have to say about coffee being linked to longevity. The latest and first study from the University of Coimbra in Portugal looked at 85 previously done studies to check if there was any link between regular consumption of coffee and its associated health benefits, along with longevity. They found that if you had about 3 cups of coffee everyday, you lived 1.84 years longer than the average non-coffee drinker. The second study was done in the UK - where over 500,000 Britons gave permission for their data to be used by the UK Biobank, the results of which were published in JAMA Internal Medicine. These individuals were followed over a 10 year period from 2006-2016. They asked participants to fill in highly detailed questionnaires- like how many cups of coffee they consumed daily (from 0-8 or above) and which kind they preferred (ground, instant, decaf, caffeinated, espresso, and so on). A detailed medical history was taken- like age (38-73 years range), weight, height, heart disease risk, diseases they already suffered from and specific parameters for people who smoked or drank alcohol.They wanted to see if the caffeine present was conferring all the positive effects attributed to coffee. Then they tried to check if people who were not able to digest caffeine properly were also able to derive the same benefits as normal folk. Their findings were rather surprising- people who drank decaf were still able to derive all the benefits that a cup of coffee could give! These remained even when the coffee was processed in a specific manner- instant, ground, filter, etc. When these results were compared to people who were not coffee drinkers, they found an inverse relationship between mortality and daily coffee consumption. One important thing to remember is - this study looked at all probable causes for mortality. The third one we will focus on was done at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia. The results were published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. They looked at over 450000 individuals who did not have any cardiac issues like atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), heart disease, heart failure when the study began. They were followed for a 12 year period, after which results were looked at. About 27800 died during the course of the study. For the rest, it was seen that people who drank coffee in some form had a lower risk of suffering from heart issues when compared to people who did not. The last study (and one of the oldest) we will look at is a Harvard study conducted by Dr. Frank Hu, who headed a 20 year old study. They looked at data from 1976-1996, and had over 210000 people in the study. In it, they tried to see if disease incidence or prevalence was lower with regular coffee consumption or not. The results were very encouraging- you had a lower risk of suffering from Type 2 Diabetes, liver and endometrial cancers, neurodegenerative disorders and depression. Another point of interest was this- people who did NOT smoke seemed to derive the maximum benefits from a cuppa, as opposed to people who smoked. Plus, everyone reacts to caffeine in a different way. Conclusion Why do you think coffee is such a versatile and healthy drink? This same question has puzzled scientists for millenia and the one answer they all seem to agree on is- the caffeine present has very little to do with all the health benefits that coffee has to offer. Coffee has thousands of chemicals present- many of which are good antioxidants. It also contains minerals and compounds that all work together in a synergistic manner. The main point of focus for all of these studies was hinging on coffee’s purported effects on longevity. The answer was a resounding yes! People tended to fall ill a lot less and hence lived much longer! This totally means that coffee was and is a drink for the ages!

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November 21, 2024

Virat Kohli and the Daily Routine Behind His Success

The journey from being a chubby boy to being called a once-in-a-generation player required more than skills for Virat Kohli. Behind the flamboyant cover drives, swift running between the wickets, and stellar athleticism, lies a meticulous daily routine. This article delves into the intricate details of Kohli's daily habits. Let’s explore the pillars that support his success: fitness, nutrition, mental resilience, and holistic well-being. Mental Resilience: The year 2012 gave him a poor IPL season, which he admits was his breaking point. He had to fight his indiscipline eating and fitness habits to build an unshakable mental fortitude. He clearly understood that it all starts in the mind and committed to self-care. He incorporates meditation and mindfulness practices. He prioritizes quality time with loved ones and shares crucial emotional support. This significantly spikes Kohli's mental strength on and off the field. Dietary Discipline: Kohli champions clean eating. He collaborates with nutritionists and tailors his diet for his specific needs and activity levels. Mostly a low-carb, high-protein plan along with precise nutrition intake. And he also is super mindful of what he consumes. For example, he opts for healthier alternatives like wheat crackers over processed snacks. In 2018, Kohli made a huge shift. He transitioned to a vegetarian diet, motivated by health concerns, and his wife Anushka Sharma's advocacy. Virat Kohli's switch to a plant-based diet serves as an inspiration for athletes and individuals alike. Nutritional Essentials: Kohli prefers small and frequent meals throughout the day. This ensures a consistent supply of energy and prevents energy crashes. He incorporates seasonal fruits and vegetables into his diet. This provides his body with a diverse range of essential micronutrients. Additionally, his choice of nut butter with gluten-free bread serves as a convenient source of protein and fats, fueling his demanding training sessions. Hydration Practices: He recognizes the importance of optimal hydration. For athletic performance, he prefers the purity and natural sourcing of Evian Natural Spring water to make sure he replenishes his body with the best. Kohli is an ardent green tea and black coffee lover. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, promoting metabolism and aiding in weight management, while black coffee offers a caffeine boost that can enhance alertness and focus. He drinks several cups of either every day for their potential health benefits. Building Strength and Endurance: Kohli's dedication to fitness is truly remarkable. “He is a fitness freak”, remarks his coach Basu Shankar. Basu Shankar also mentions, “He asked me to train him like an Olympic athlete. I’ve never seen someone like him who can do the simple, most boring things every day” He incorporates a variety of exercises. Strength Training: ● Focus on core development. ● Emphasis on lower body strength. Agility Drills: ● Geared towards enhancing movement efficiency. ● Designed to improve overall agility. Endurance Training: ● Aimed at building stamina. ● It likely involves cardiovascular exercises to enhance endurance. This comprehensive approach ensures that he is physically strong, agile, and has the stamina necessary to dominate for a longer time on the field. Rest and Recovery: Kohli rates his rest and recovery highly in maintaining peak performance. He makes sure to get adequate sleep for optimal physical and mental recovery Additionally, he incorporates active recovery measures like yoga and stretching into his routine. This promotes his flexibility and further accelerates his recovery process. Supplement Usage: Kohli reportedly utilizes protein powders and creatine supplements in his regimen. Protein powders support his high-protein diet, promoting muscle growth and repair. Whereas, creatine aids in quick energy production during high-intensity workouts. These supplements make it slightly easier to achieve his nutritional goals. Here’s a link to the top creatine supplements in the market in case you’re looking for one: However, it is important to note that individual needs and responses to supplements vary. It is always better to get professional guidance before incorporating them into your routine. To Conclude, Everybody and every body is different. This is Virat Kohli's daily routine which is specifically tailored for him. One can incorporate one or a few key aspects of his routine but not the entire. “Not everyone can follow Virat Kohli’s fitness routine or diet”, said Yuvraj Singh, a former cricketer. This mentions that one does not need to follow such an intense routine unless they have a specific goal in front of them. So, train smart, train adequate.

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November 8, 2024

How Does Mandira Bedi Stay Fit in Her Fifties?

Mandira Bedi, the multi-faceted actress, host, and fitness icon, continues to impress us with her timeless allure and boundless energy well into her fifties. This naturally provokes a question in everyone's mind - “How does she maintain such a remarkable level of fitness?” Well, this blog is about to answer that question for you and take you on a detailed exploration into the factors that contribute to Mandira Bedi's fitness success. A Passion for Movement At the core of Mandira's fitness journey is an authentic love and genuine passion for movement. Exercise, for her, is not merely a chore but a lifestyle embraced with joy and enthusiasm. Whether engaging in a vigorous High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session, peaceful yoga, or swimming, Mandira lives every moment of physical activity with authenticity. High-Intensity Workouts Mandira stands as a staunch advocate for High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). She rates the efficiency and effectiveness of HIIT highly. HIIT involves short sets of highly intense exercise followed by brief periods of rest. This effectively burns calories and boosts metabolism. Her routine features a mix of squats, lunges, burpees, and plyometric exercises, ensuring that her workouts remain both challenging and engaging. This commitment to high-intensity workouts contributes significantly to her toned physique and overall fitness. If a toned physique is your goal, we highly recommend High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Yoga and Mindfulness Beyond the physical aspects, Mandira highly prioritizes inner well-being through the practice of yoga and meditation. Yoga, renowned for increasing flexibility and strength, also serves as a conduit for mental clarity and stress reduction. Mindfulness enables her to stay present in the moment, facilitating conscious decisions regarding her health and lifestyle. A holistic fitness journey should be a harmonious blend of physical and mental well-being. Mandira Bedi nails it for that matter. A Balanced Diet A meticulously balanced diet, featuring whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein stands as a base in Mandira’s quest for well-being. She advocates for home-cooked meals, steering away from processed foods and sugary beverages. Her daily meals include items such as black coffee, veg sandwiches, seasonal fruits with chia seeds, and grilled chicken or fish with roasted vegetables or dals for lunch and dinner. She incorporates mindful eating habits so that she doesn’t over-consume. Mandira's Supplement Use: Mandira Bedi uses Max Protein Plant Protein in her daily routine. This plant-based supplement, cherished for its 22g of protein, 2X absorption, and probiotics, aligns with her commitment to a balanced and nourishing diet. The flavours including Swiss Chocolate, Cold Coffee, and Banana Caramel, make it a delightful addition to her day. If you’re looking for a quality protein bar, check out the top protein bars in the market down below: Healthify Me’s Help: Mandira Bedi uses the HealthifyMe app as her ultimate wellness ally. This personalized app and her Personal Trainer play a vital role in planning her workout routines, tracking nutrition, and providing expert guidance. With real-time monitoring, HealthifyMe supports her to make informed decisions, that align with her fitness and health objectives. This tech-savvy inclusion makes sure that she has the tools and support needed for precision and efficiency. Hydration is Key Staying hydrated is a non-negotiable for Mandira. She carries a reusable water bottle as a constant companion throughout her day. This ensures that she meets her daily water intake requirements. Beyond sustaining energy levels, proper hydration plays a pivotal role in supporting her digestive health and the radiant glow of her skin. This simple yet crucial aspect underscores the interconnectedness of hydration and overall well-being. Drink at least 3 to 4 litres of water every day for optimal hydration. Prioritizing Sleep Recognizing the restorative power of quality sleep, Mandira prioritizes 7-8 hours of nightly rest. Adequate sleep allows her body to recover, rejuvenate, and prepare for the demands of the upcoming day. The significance of quality sleep extends beyond physical recovery. It encompasses the regulation of hormones, boosting immunity, and enhancement of mood. To conclude By incorporating elements of Mandira Bedi’s approach into your life, you can embrace a healthier, more active, and happier lifestyle. Remember, it is crucial to recognize that Mandira's routine is tailored to her unique needs and preferences. What works for her may not be universally applicable. Before making substantial changes to your diet or exercise routine, always seek guidance from healthcare professionals.

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