Know Your Medicines
Chronic Diseases

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Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. It destroys brain cells and nerves and disrupts neurochemicals, which carry messages in the brain, particularly those which are responsible for storing memories. Dementia affects a person’s ability to think, reason, remember, learn new information and skills, solve problems and make judgment. While there is no cure for dementia, treatments are available to manage the symptoms.

 
To find out more, please refer to 
  1. Singapore Silver Pages - Dementia
  2. Medications for Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Information Leaflet (Courtesy of NHGP)
 
Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease. An asthma attack occurs when the airways (breathing tubes) in the lungs become inflamed, narrowed and obstructed, causing breathing difficulty.
Asthma is not contagious but can be inherited. Untreated asthma may cause permanent damage to the lungs and can be fatal. It is important to identify the possible triggers of an asthma attack and take preventive steps to avoid them.

 
To find out more, please refer to 
 
 
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a generalized term to include people with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. Chronic bronchitis is the persistent inflammation of the bronchi (the airways of the lungs). Emphysema is damage to the smaller airways and air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. With COPD the airflow to the lungs is restricted (obstructed). Smoking is a major risk factor for COPD.

 
To find out more, please refer to 
  1. Health Promotion Board - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease/ Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
  2. Asthma and COPD Patient Information Leaflet (Courtesy of KTPH)
 
 
Diabetes

Diabetes is a disorder in which the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood is abnormally high because the body does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that controls the amount of sugar in the blood) to move the glucose into the cells. The resulting high levels of glucose in the blood and the inadequate amount of glucose in the cells together produce the symptoms and complications of diabetes. 

 
To find out more, please refer to 
  1. Unity Wellness Guide - Managing Diabetes
  2. Patient Information Leaflets from National Healthcare Group Pharmacy  
  3. Patient Information Leaflets from Ministry of Health
 
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure is when one’s blood pressure stays persistently above 140 / 90 mmHg. High blood pressure often causes no symptoms or immediate problems but it should be treated seriously as untreated high blood pressure may lead to other medical problems.

 
To find out more, please refer to 
  1. Unity Wellness Guide - Managing Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
  2. Patient Information Leaflets from National Healthcare Group Pharmacy
  3. Patient Information Leaflets from Ministry of Health

 

High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)

High cholesterol refers to the increased levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. It can significantly increase your risk of developing coronary heart disease. High cholesterol levels can be due to a variety of factors including a family history of the condition, diet and lifestyle.   

 
To find out more, please refer to 
  1. Unity Wellness Guide - Managing Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol)
  2. Patient Information Leaflets from Ministry of Health
 
Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition where a person’s bones become weak, brittle and more easily fractured. It occurs when bone is lost at a faster rate than bone production. 

 
To find out more, please refer to 
  1. Singapore Silver Pages - Osteoporosis
  2. Osteoporosis Patient Information Leaflet (Courtesy of KTPH)