ADHD has continued to emerge as a condition that really affects not only children but also adults. Awareness has changed significantly because of this, mainly due to the blowing up of voices and experiences through social media from people diagnosed with the disorder. It has been helpful in reducing stigma and opening up to treatment, but it has raised issues about the lack of fact-checking, and self-diagnosis may cause more problems than benefits when considering the roles that online platforms play in healthcare narratives.

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media:

TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter have all become hotspots for content about ADHD, ranging from personal stories to symptom checklists. Most of the content shared is about people's struggles with focus, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. On the other hand, the thin line between awareness and misinformation is drawn at some point. In general, research has found that most ADHD-related videos overcomplicate symptoms or represent them wrongly.

The Complexity of ADHD
 

ADHD is classified into three subtypes:

1. Inattentive Type: Unable to concentrate, forgetfulness, disorganization
 

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Restlessness, inability to sit for long periods, talking excessively, and impulsivity.
 

3. Combined Type: A combination of attention and hyperactivity symptoms.

Diagnosis should be undertaken after careful assessment by a qualified practitioner; it involves a very comprehensive history of symptoms, both in and out of school, and at home before age 12, including how they have impacted their lives. However, late diagnosis occurs frequently in adults, often as a result of their child's ADHD diagnosis or problems with job performance.

According to Ms . Mehezabin Dordi, Clinical Psychologist at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital: "Social media has made information about ADHD more accessible, helping individuals recognize potential symptoms. However, relying on anecdotal or generalized content can lead to inaccuracies, as overlapping symptoms like difficulty concentrating or impulsivity might be misattributed to ADHD, delaying proper diagnosis and care”

Dangers associated with self-diagnosis:

Recent surveys show that only 13% of adults who are diagnosed with ADHD visit a health professional. Such a gap leads to a form of unfortunate self-medication using unverified, non-medical online resources, which may worsen symptoms and lead to side effects.                                               

The trend, therefore, calls for a sense of urgency regarding digital literacy and credible medical guidance.

Responsible Awareness in Action

Healthcare professionals can play a great role in reducing misinformation risk. Providers can produce accurate and informative material to engage their target populations. Schools, the work environment, and local groups should also teach mental health literacy, allowing them to tell the difference between valid and misleading information.
 

According to Ms . Mehezabin Dordi .“Misinformation risks overdiagnosis, underdiagnosis, inappropriate self-treatment, and stigmatization, often trivializing the condition and reducing trust in professionals. Healthcare experts and educators play a crucial role in bridging this gap by enhancing digital literacy, collaborating with influencers, and sharing evidence-based resources. By actively engaging in online discussions and promoting accurate awareness campaigns, they can ensure better understanding while minimizing harm."

The Future

Social media has undeniably played a role in helping to normalize discussions about ADHD and empowering many people in search of help. Equally important, though, is balancing that awareness with proper, professional guidance in place of self-diagnosis. It requires an effort on all these levels to ensure those dealing with ADHD receive proper help and care.

In a significant achievement, the enrollment for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card has reached an impressive milestone of 25 lakh in less than 2 months of its launch by the Prime Minister on 29 October, 2024.

Treatments worth more than Rs 40 crore have been availed since the launch of Ayushman Vay Vandana card benefitting more than 22000 senior citizens aged 70 years and above. Senior citizens have taken treatment for various conditions such as Coronary Angioplasty, Hip fracture/replacement, Gall bladder removal, Cataract Surgery, prostate resection, Stroke, hemodialysis, enteric fever and other febrile illness etc.

On October 29, 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced expansion of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to include all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. Under the expansion, all senior citizen aged 70 years and above are receiving “Ayushman Vay Vandana Card” which will help them avail healthcare benefits.

Ayushman Vay Vandana Card provides Rs 5 lakh free health cover to all senior citizens of the age 70 years and above irrespective of their socio-economic status. The senior citizens of the age 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY get an additional top-up cover up to ₹5 lahks per year for themselves. Senior citizens who are already availing benefits of various government schemes including Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have to choose between their existing scheme or can opt for AB PM-JAY. Additionally, persons covered by private health insurance coverage or Employees' State Insurance scheme members can benefit from AB PM-JAY.

The card offers treatment for around 2000 medical procedures and covers all pre-existing diseases from the first day itself without any waiting period.

Senior citizens aged 70 or above eligible for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card can register through multiple channels. They can visit nearest empanelled hospital for registration. For self-registration eligible citizens can download Ayushman app (from Google Play store) or visit www.beneficiary.nha.gov.in. Citizens can also call on the toll-free number 14555 or give a missed call on 1800110770 to know more about Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.

DCDC Health Services Pvt Ltd, a leading operator of dialysis clinics, announced on Monday that it has received ₹82 crore in funding from British International Investment (BII), the UK's development finance institution and impact investor. The investment is aimed at delivering life-saving dialysis treatments to low-income patients suffering from End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

This funding will enable DCDC to expand its network by deploying over 900 dialysis machines across more than 100 centers in the next three years. The initiative is expected to benefit over 15,000 unique patients, primarily from low-income groups, while also creating approximately 1,000 direct jobs.

"Through this investment, we will continue to expand our centers in South India, particularly in Karnataka and Telangana," said Aseem Garg, Founder and CEO of DCDC Health Services.

Currently, DCDC operates over 190 clinics nationwide, including Public-Private Partnership (PPP) clinics, standalone clinics, and facilities within private hospitals.

BII Managing Director and Head of Asia, Srini Nagarajan, highlighted the impact of the partnership, stating, "Our debt facility will empower DCDC to broaden its network of centers in collaboration with the government, providing life-saving treatments to low-income individuals in remote towns."

The expansion underscores DCDC's commitment to making critical healthcare accessible to underserved communities across India.

A study by the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) has identified a gene mutation as a likely cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a developmental condition marked by functional abnormalities in brain development. The research highlights that ASD, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, often manifests symptoms as early as two years of age.

The study, led by Dr. Jackson James and his team at BRIC-RGCB, and published in the journal Science, identified a novel mutation in the Tlx3 gene. This gene is critical for cerebellum development, a key brain region responsible for motor coordination, balance, and other complex functions. The mutation is linked to abnormal cerebellum development and autism, according to an RGCB release.

The researchers demonstrated that deleting the Tlx3 gene in the cerebellum of genetically modified mouse embryos disrupted cerebellar function. These mice, upon reaching adulthood, exhibited hallmark autistic traits, including deficits in social skills, repetitive behaviors, and motor function abnormalities.

In collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, the team investigated the prevalence of this mutation in humans. They identified TLX3 mutation variants linked to nine ASD cases and associated neurodevelopmental conditions.

Dr. James emphasized the importance of conducting genome-wide analyses across global populations to determine the frequency of the TLX3 mutation, particularly in specific demographic groups such as Indians.

"Autism is a serious global childhood issue and a significant challenge in India due to its social and medical implications. This study provides new insights into the genetic underpinnings of this behavioral disorder," said RGCB Director Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana.

ASD often leads to deficits in social cognition, communication challenges, and restricted or repetitive behaviors. The RGCB findings underscore the role of embryonic gene dysregulation in contributing to ASD during early childhood, offering a promising direction for future research and interventions.

AbbVie’s experimental drug tavapadon has demonstrated significant improvements in patient mobility and daily task performance, such as eating and walking, in a late-stage clinical trial for early Parkinson’s disease. The findings come months after the drug showed similar success in a prior study, bolstering its potential as a new treatment option for the neurological disorder.

The Phase 3 trial evaluated flexible doses of tavapadon (5–15 mg), administered once daily as a monotherapy. AbbVie acquired the drug through its $8.7 billion acquisition of Cerevel Therapeutics last year, a strategic move to diversify its portfolio as revenues from its blockbuster rheumatoid arthritis drug, Humira, decline due to competition from biosimilars.

“This demonstrates at least some payoff from the Cerevel transaction, despite previous challenges,” noted Christopher Raymond, an analyst at Piper Sandler. Last month, AbbVie faced setbacks when a schizophrenia drug from the Cerevel acquisition failed in two studies, resulting in a significant market valuation drop.

The latest trial enrolled 304 adults aged 40 to 80 who had been diagnosed with 

Parkinson’s for less than three years. Patients reported mild to moderate side effects, including nausea, headache, and dry mouth. Tavapadon belongs to a class of drugs called dopamine agonists, which activate dopamine receptors to help regulate movement and mood, distinguishing it from the current standard of care, levodopa, which acts as a dopamine replacement.

AbbVie plans to submit a marketing application for tavapadon to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) next year.

Parkinson’s disease affects an estimated 1 million people in the U.S. It is a progressive neurological disorder that disrupts the brain’s nerve cells, reducing dopamine production and leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and impaired balance. While there is no cure, treatments aim to alleviate symptoms, and tavapadon shows promise in enhancing patients' quality of life.

Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism through which physical exercise stimulates energy production in muscles, even in individuals with genetic defects. This breakthrough, published in Nature Communications, offers hope for treating a wide range of muscle-related disorders, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

The study, led by Associate Professor Lykke Sylow at the University of Copenhagen, identified a protein called SLIRP as a key player in this energy-production process. This protein operates within the mitochondria, the cell's energy powerhouse. Remarkably, the researchers found that aerobic exercise could bypass the role of SLIRP, compensating for genetic defects in muscle energy production.

“Our research shows that exercise activates alternative pathways, recreating the muscle’s energy capacity and overcoming genetic errors,” said Dr. Tang Cam Phung Pham, the study’s first author and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Copenhagen.

The findings highlight the potential of exercise in addressing over 200 disorders linked to muscle energy production defects, including rare mitochondrial diseases and common conditions such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders.

In addition to emphasizing the importance of fitness, the study paves the way for developing drugs that mimic the effects of physical training, offering a lifeline to individuals unable to exercise due to medical conditions.

“This discovery could revolutionize treatment approaches, enabling therapies that replicate the benefits of exercise and improve muscle function,” Sylow added.

The study reinforces the significance of exercise as a therapeutic tool and opens new avenues for addressing muscle-related health challenges globally.

Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, India’s second-largest pathology lab chain, announced on Monday the acquisition of a 100% stake in Core Diagnostics, a Delhi-NCR-based specialized diagnostics company, for ₹246.8 crore. This move will bolster Metropolis’ capabilities in advanced cancer testing while enhancing its presence in northern and eastern India.

“Cancer is among the fastest-growing diseases globally, and with this acquisition, we solidify our position as the leading cancer testing lab chain in India,” said Ameera Shah, Executive Chairperson of Metropolis Healthcare.

The acquisition will be executed through a mix of cash (55%) and equity shares (45%), subject to shareholder approval. The transaction is expected to be completed within 60 days, and Core Diagnostics will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metropolis.

Strategic Boost to Oncology Expertise

Core Diagnostics, founded in 2012, specializes in high-end cancer diagnostics and operates in over 200 cities across India. It offers 1,300 advanced tests and collaborates with more than 6,000 specialty prescribers, including 1,600 oncologists. Metropolis’ revenue from cancer testing is expected to rise from 4% to 10% post-acquisition, with its specialized testing revenue increasing to 41%.

The acquisition aligns with Metropolis’ strategy to leverage synergies by offering Core’s advanced oncology tests to its extensive customer base in western and southern India. Core’s customers, in turn, will gain access to Metropolis’ 4,000 diagnostic tests across northern and eastern India.

Expanding Regional Reach

With a dominant presence in southern and western India, Metropolis views this acquisition as an opportunity to expand in the north and east, regions where Core generates most of its revenue. “This acquisition allows us to strengthen connections with leading hospitals in northern and eastern India,” said CEO Surendran Chemmenkotil.

Positioned for Growth

Core Diagnostics has demonstrated a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22% over the past three years, driven by the growing oncology market and its leadership in advanced diagnostics. The average revenue per patient for Core is ₹2,300, compared to ₹1,000 for Metropolis, reflecting its focus on high-value specialized testing.

Metropolis plans to continue pursuing strategic acquisitions in specialized diagnostics to maintain its leadership in advanced scientific capabilities.

“This combination of Metropolis’ breadth and Core’s expertise elevates us to the next level,” said Avadhut Joshi, Chief Business Development Officer at Metropolis.

The deal underscores Metropolis’ ambition to solidify its position as a leader in India’s rapidly evolving diagnostics landscape.

Sixteen European Union (EU) countries have called on the European Commission to revise the bloc’s tobacco taxation law to include electronic cigarettes and other new tobacco products. The existing legislation, last updated in 2011, does not cover these modern products, creating inconsistent regulations across member states.

In a joint initiative led by the Netherlands, countries including Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Slovakia, Spain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Ireland, Slovenia, and Portugal urged the Commission to propose a comprehensive update in the coming months.

The letter, signed by the finance ministers of these nations, highlighted the need for harmonized regulations to prevent market distortions. “Based on the current directive, most of these products cannot be taxed like traditional tobacco products. This has led to fragmentation, an uneven playing field, and ultimately, the distortion of our internal market,” the ministers noted in their appeal, seen by Reuters.

The absence of EU-wide rules on vaping has prompted individual member states to implement their own taxation and regulations, exacerbating disparities. For example, while France restricts the sale of vapes to individuals under 18 and bans their use in certain public spaces, Italy lifted similar public-use restrictions in 2013, except near schools. Meanwhile, disposable vapes have sparked concern due to their environmental and health impact, with France already moving to ban them outright and Germany considering a similar approach.

Although the European Commission has set baseline regulatory standards, such as nicotine limits and labeling requirements for e-cigarettes, member states apply varied excise tax rates, undermining the bloc’s single market principles.

An update to the law was initially expected by the end of 2022 but has faced delays. With the new European Commission now in office, the governments are urging swift action to modernize regulations and address the evolving challenges posed by the tobacco industry.
 

Researchers at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center and the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine have identified a potential breakthrough in cancer treatment using a simple dietary supplement. Their study, presented at the 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, suggests that a ketogenic diet metabolite, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), could enhance the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy—a cutting-edge approach to treating blood cancers.

CAR T cell therapy involves reprogramming a patient’s immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells. While it has proven life-saving for many patients, it does not succeed universally. The study’s co-lead author, Dr. Shan Liu, explained the novel strategy: “We explored a dietary approach to boost CAR T cells rather than relying on further genetic engineering.”

Key Findings:
The research team compared various diets, including ketogenic, high-protein, and high-fiber diets, in a mouse model of diffuse-large B-cell lymphoma. Mice on a ketogenic diet showed improved tumor control and survival compared to other groups. Elevated levels of BHB—a metabolite produced during ketosis—were identified as a key factor driving this enhanced response.

Building on this, the researchers tested BHB supplements alongside CAR T therapy in lab models of human cancer. Results were striking: most mice experienced complete tumor eradication, with increased CAR T cell activation and expansion. Human blood samples and healthy volunteers given BHB supplements showed similar metabolic changes, indicating the potential for clinical application.

Mechanism and Implications:
According to co-lead author Dr. Puneeth Guruprasad, “CAR T cells appear to prefer BHB as a fuel source over glucose, which gives them more power to eliminate cancer cells.” Unlike previous studies on high-fiber diets that focused on gut microbiome interactions, this research highlights direct metabolic changes in the blood as the driving mechanism.

The promising findings have inspired a Phase I clinical trial at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. The trial, led by Dr. Elise Chong, will investigate the impact of BHB supplementation in patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma undergoing CAR T cell therapy.

Caution and Future Prospects:
Co-senior author Dr. Marco Ruella emphasized the preliminary nature of the findings, urging caution: “While the results are exciting, we are not making dietary or supplement recommendations until clinical evidence confirms their safety and efficacy.”

If successful, this low-cost, low-toxicity intervention could be integrated with other cancer therapies to improve outcomes. As Dr. Maayan Levy noted, “A simple, accessible approach like this could significantly enhance the anti-cancer effect when combined with traditional or innovative treatments.”

The clinical trial aims to pave the way for translating this groundbreaking research into actionable cancer care strategies.
 

In a milestone for African healthcare, Moroccan startup Moldiag has begun producing and distributing mpox testing kits across the continent, marking Africa's first locally manufactured mpox diagnostic solution. This development aligns with the continent's efforts to reduce dependence on imported medical supplies, a gap starkly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moldiag initiated work on mpox tests after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a global emergency in August. With over 59,000 mpox cases and 1,164 deaths reported across 20 African countries this year, the need for accessible and affordable testing is urgent, according to Africa’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Mpox spreads through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials, presenting symptoms like visible lesions. Accurate diagnosis often requires laboratory testing, but many areas, such as Congo’s South Kivu province, lack the necessary facilities. Doctors in these regions rely on symptomatic diagnosis, complicating efforts to track and control the virus's spread.

“The main issue remains the laboratory, which is not adequately equipped,” said Dr. Musole Robert, medical director at Kavumu Referral Hospital in eastern Congo.

Moldiag’s tests, priced at $5 each, are designed to address such shortages. The company has already received orders from countries including Burundi, Uganda, Senegal, and Nigeria. Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Abdeladim Moumen highlighted the benefits of intra-African supply: “It’s easier to send tests from one African nation to another than to wait for shipments from Europe or China.”

Operating under Morocco’s Foundation for Advanced Science, Innovation, and Research, Moldiag previously developed genetic tests for COVID-19 and tuberculosis. Approved by the Africa CDC in November, the company’s mpox tests align with WHO’s affordability targets, which advocate a $5 price point for diagnostic tools.

While the WHO has approved three mpox tests from manufacturers in North America, Europe, and Asia, Moldiag has not yet sought expedited WHO approval. Recognizing the delays in international approval processes, the Africa CDC has introduced mechanisms to fast-track approvals for local manufacturers.

The African Union has prioritized developing local solutions for public health challenges following the disparities revealed during the pandemic. These disparities left the continent, with its population of over 1.4 billion, grappling with limited access to vaccines, tests, and treatments.

Dr. Moumen emphasized the importance of regionally tailored solutions: “They want African tests for Africa. Producing locally ensures that diagnostics are better suited to the challenges we face here.”

Efforts to develop rapid mpox tests, which do not require lab processing, are also underway. Such advancements could further revolutionize disease control in remote areas, making Africa’s strides in healthcare innovation a model for self-reliance in global public health.