The Health January/February 2022 | Page 30

30

THE HEALTH | JANUARY-FEBRUARY , 2022

| People |

UKM researcher discovers solution for memory loss

A UNIVERSITI Kebangsaan Malaysia ( UKM ) researcher has developed a supplement using Ulam Raja ( King ’ s Salad ) to help prevent senile dementia in the elderly .
UKM , in its official Facebook page , celebrated the achievement of You Yee Xing , a 28-year-old researcher who received the ‘ Anugerah Emas Kedoktoran ’ at UKM ’ s 49th convocation ceremony .
You , a PhD graduate of UKM ’ s faculty of health sciences with a major in dietetics , has published 23 papers in reputable journals , including journal articles related to the field of study and book chapters .
The Ulam Raja supplement , which contains polyphenol , a micronutrient found in plants , and antioxidants , can help prevent senility in the elderly .
The supplement has the potential to help prevent cognitive disorders by lowering lipid peroxidation and increasing glutathione serum levels , which will help to activate the brain even more .
According to You ’ s research , the supplement can improve overall cognitive functioning and working memory in the elderly while reducing tensions and emotional disturbance .
In a YouTube video posted by ‘ UKM Tube ’, You explained that he researched the supplement ’ s effectiveness for the elderly .
“ Not only could the research ’ s findings have a positive impact on public health , but it could also be used to gain economic knowledge .
“ This knowledge or information could lead to the growth of the agro-based industry as well as the agriculture industry related to Ulam Raja , thereby increasing the nation ’ s income ,” said You .
Ulam Raja is a leaf with medicinal , antibacterial , and antifungal properties that is commonly used in many traditional local dishes such as Tempoyak and Nasi Kerabu .
Its young leaves are commonly eaten raw , and the lovely pink flowers can be used to garnish dishes .

Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan appointed World Federation for Mental Health representative to UN

TENGKU PUTERI RAJA Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan Al-Sultan Abdullah , the Yang di-Pertuan Agong ’ s eldest princess , has been appointed the World Federation for Mental Health ’ s representative to the United Nations .
The appointment of Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan will highlight Malaysia ’ s efforts to raise awareness about mental health , its treatment , and policy challenges .
Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan , the Co-Founder and President of the Green Ribbon Group , has also served as the International Patron of World Mental Health Day 2020 and has had the opportunity to work with traditional and non-traditional mental health stakeholders in Malaysia .
“ I have seen how the cause has received such tremendous support with fresh ideas and insights on how to break barriers and push the agenda forward in our country . I cannot wait to relay Malaysia ’ s story at the United Nations ," said Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan .
“ Being an International Patron of World Mental Health Day 2020
RHNULL BLOOD TYPE , also known as “ golden blood ”, can only be found in 43 people worldwide , one of whom is a Malaysian woman from Terengganu .
According to a Terengganu blood bank post on Facebook , the woman is the only person in Malaysia who has a rare blood type .
The post reads : “ This donor ’ s blood group is Rhnull , the world ’ s rarest blood type .” during the Covid-19 pandemic has been such a pleasure . My conversations on mental health have already changed for the better .
“ Mental health cannot be championed in a silo , it requires the input of all , and I look forward to a deeply rewarding 2022 .” Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj , President of the Malaysian Mental Health Association , said Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan ’ s appointment was an achievement for Malaysia and a recognition of her role as an international advocate for mental health .
“ We are confident that the Princess will effectively represent the interest of the federation and be the voice of mental health advocacy in the United Nations ,” he said .
Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan will be accredited to the Economic and Social Council ( ECOSOC ) of the United Nations in New York .
She will be supported by the Federation ’ s President , Secretary- General , President-Elect and the Regional Vice President for North America and the Caribbean .

Terengganu woman among 43 in the world with rarest blood type

According to the blood bank , the blood will be sent to the national blood bank in Kuala Lumpur , where it will be stored in a nitrogen-filled container at -80 degrees for 10 years .
“ If a patient requires this type of blood , it will be diluted before being used .”
According to the Australian Academy of Science , people who have this blood type have no Rh antigens
I have seen how the cause has received such tremendous support with fresh ideas and insights on how to break barriers and push the agenda forward in our country . I cannot wait to relay Malaysia ’ s story at the United Nations .”
( proteins ) on their red blood cells at all .
It was reported that the rare blood group was first discovered in an Aboriginal Australian woman in 1961 .
Because of its rarity , Rhnull blood donations are extremely scarce and difficult to come by when people with the blood type require a transfusion , as there are currently only nine active donors .