Health

National Amyloidosis Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a rare disease induced by the accumulation of an abnormal protein known as 'amyloid.' Amyloid, which is produced in the bone marrow, can be deposited in other tissues and organs of the body.

National Amyloidosis Day is observed annually in Australia on May 8. Mrs Trisha Gardiner-Wilson of the “Adam Gardiner Fund Incorporated (A.G.F)” registered the holiday in conjunction with the Westmead Amyloidosis Centre to raise awareness and funds for further research into the disease. Amyloidosis is a rare condition induced by the accumulation of amyloid in specific body parts. Amyloidosis claimed one in a thousand lives annually.

The Background of National Amyloidosis Day

Amyloidosis is a rare disease induced by the accumulation of an abnormal protein known as ‘amyloid.’ Amyloid, which is produced in the bone marrow, can be deposited in other tissues and organs of the body. The disease can potentially affect the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, nervous system, and digestive tract.

Mrs. Trisha Gardiner-Wilson of the Adam Gardiner Fund Incorporated (AGF) and the Westmead Amyloidosis Centre registered the day as Australian National Amyloidosis Day in 2016. The Amyloidosis Gene Foundation is a non-profit organisation that provides support and raises awareness about amyloidosis. Additionally, they raise funds for the Westmead Amyloidosis Clinic.

Mrs. Gardiner-Wilson devised the holiday in memory of her amyloidosis-deceased husband. Jade Vincent, the daughter of Garry Paxton, who had recently been diagnosed with A.L. amyloidosis, also contributed to the establishment of the holiday. She suggested adopting a crimson ribbon with the words ‘Amyloidosis Day, May 8’ as the holiday’s symbol. In 2018, Vincent tragically lost her father to the disease. Thankfully, the ribbon was soon adopted by patients and family members affected by amyloidosis, one of whom made a box of red ribbons and sold them for a gold coin to raise funds for the research programme at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (P.A.H.) Amyloidosis Centre.

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5 essential facts about amyloidosis

Light chain (A.L.), inflammation (A.A.), dialysis-related (D.R.A.), and hereditary and age-related amyloidosis (A.T.T.R. and familial amyloid polyneuropathy) are the four most common forms of amyloidosis.

Unfortunately, no cure for amyloidosis has been discovered.

Although there is no known cure for the disease, there are available treatments that can delay its progression.

Typically, the advent of amyloidosis occurs between the ages of 55 and 60.

Amyloidosis affects 15% of patients suffering from multiple myeloma malignancy.