
US FDA approves world's first blood test for Alzheimer's, and what it means
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When her mother began forgetting names and losing her way home, Maria Torres feared the worst, but had no easy path to answers. Now, a simple blood test could finally offer families like hers the clarity they've long needed.The US Food and Drug Administration FDA ), in a landmark diagnosis for dementia, has approved the world's first blood test designed to detect dementia disease in its early stages.The Lumipulse Plasma Ratio test, developed by Fujirebio Diagnostics, offers a less invasive and more accessible alternative to traditional diagnostic methods. Alzheimer 's disease, a progressive neurological disorder, affects over 6 million people in the United States, with numbers expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for managing the disease and exploring treatment options.The Lumipulse test works by measuring specific proteins in the blood that are associated with the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.Previously, detecting these plaques required costly and invasive procedures like PET scans or spinal taps. With this new blood test, a simple blood draw can provide valuable diagnostic information.Clinical studies have demonstrated the test's efficacy, with results showing high accuracy in identifying amyloid plaques. In a study involving 499 cognitively impaired individuals, the blood test's findings closely matched those obtained from PET scans and spinal fluid tests.The FDA emphasized that the test should be used in conjunction with other clinical evaluations to determine the appropriate course of action.FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary said,"Alzheimer's disease impacts too many people, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Knowing that 10 percent of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's, and that by 2050 that number is expected to double."The approval of the Lumipulse test also has implications for treatment accessibility. Two FDA-approved drugs, Leqembi and Kisunla, have shown promise in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's by targeting amyloid plaques. However, their use requires confirmation of plaque presence, which the new blood test can facilitate more efficiently.Dr. Michelle Tarver, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, remarked, "Today's clearance is an important step for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, making it easier and potentially more accessible for US patients earlier in the disease."While the test represents a significant advancement, experts caution that it is not intended for individuals without symptoms and should be administered under medical supervision.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Salmonella egg recall alert: 1.7M eggs yanked off shelves as outbreak sickens dozens in multistate health crisis
Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs sickens dozens across seven U.S. states- A salmonella outbreak linked to eggs has made at least 79 people sick across seven states, triggering a massive recall of 1.7 million eggs sold under multiple brands. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the outbreak is tied to brown organic and brown cage-free eggs distributed by August Egg Company, based in Hilmar, California. The affected eggs were sold between February 3 and May 15, 2025, at major grocery stores like Walmart, Ralphs, Safeway, Save Mart, FoodMaxx, and Raley's across several states. With 21 hospitalizations and a large number of cases concentrated in California, federal officials are urging consumers to check their egg cartons immediately. Where were the eggs sold? The recalled eggs were distributed to stores in at least nine states , including: California Nevada Arizona Illinois Indiana Washington Wyoming New Mexico Nebraska Retailers affected include Walmart, Safeway, Raley's, Food 4 Less, Lucky, Save Mart , and others. Distribution occurred between February 3 and May 15, 2025 , depending on the region. How many people have gotten sick and where are the cases concentrated? According to the CDC, at least 79 people have become ill, and 21 of them were hospitalized due to salmonella infections linked to the recalled eggs. The majority of cases—63—were reported in California, followed by Nevada and Washington State with 4 cases each. Additional cases were found in Arizona, Kentucky, Nebraska, and New Jersey. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported so far. Live Events Scope of the outbreak 79 confirmed illnesses across seven states (AZ, CA, IL, IN, NE, NV, WA, WY, NM)—with symptom onset between Feb 24 and May 17, 2025, 21 hospitalizations , though no deaths reported . Cases span age 1 to 90 , median age 48; 59% female , 41% male ; majority (94%) are White. Around 90% of interviewed patients reported eating eggs before falling ill. Which egg brands are affected by the salmonella outbreak? The recall involves multiple brown organic and cage-free egg brands distributed by August Egg Company. These eggs have sell-by dates ranging from March 4 to June 19, 2025, and were sold in both local grocery stores and Walmart locations across California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, New Mexico, Wyoming, Illinois, Indiana, and Nebraska. Customers are encouraged to check the plant number codes and brand names listed on the FDA and CDC websites to confirm if their eggs are part of the recall. Quick data snapshot Metric Value Confirmed cases 79 Hospitalizations 21 Deaths 0 Recall size 1.7 million dozen eggs Affected brands Over 20 (Clover, Raleys, Sunnyside…) States (illness) AZ, CA, IL, IN, NE, NV, WA, WY, NM Distribution period Feb 3 – May 15 (varied by region) Egg codes P-6562 or CA‑5330; Julian dates 032–126 What should consumers do if they have recalled eggs at home? The CDC strongly advises against eating any of the recalled eggs. Instead, they recommend throwing them away or returning them to the store where they were bought. People should also wash all surfaces and items that may have come into contact with the recalled eggs using hot, soapy water or clean them in a dishwasher to prevent further spread of bacteria. What you should do now Check your egg cartons —look for plant codes P‑6562 or CA‑5330 , and sell-by dates matching March 4–June 19 . Discard or return any matching eggs immediately. Clean and disinfect all surfaces and utensils that touched the eggs. 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Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
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Pickleball isn't just a trending sport. It is becoming a favourite low-impact workout for fitness lovers. It combines the elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong to offer a full-body cardio session without putting stress on your joints. Moreover, it offers a great way to improve your cardiovascular health, agility and coordination. Using the right pickleball paddle set can enhance your performance, comfort and motivation on the court. A well-designed set can also improve grip, swing, accuracy and overall experience. If you are planning to add a pair of pickleball paddles to your fitness routine, this article is just for you. We have handpicked some of the best pickleball rackets that support your health and fitness journey. Pickleball can help improve heart health with an increase in heart rate and longer-lasting heartbeats because of the increased cardiovascular activity (A study published in the Taylor & Francis Online: Peer-reviewed journals). Here are some of the best pickle paddle sets that you can try: Level up your fitness game with Vinsguir's ultra-light pickleball paddles featuring a polypropylene honeycomb core and artistic design. Ideal for beginners and elders alike, it reduces wrist strain while improving swing control. The cushion grip of these pickleball rackets offers comfort during long matches. Approved by USA Pickleball, this complete set includes 2 paddles, 4 balls and a carry bag. Vinsguir Pickleball Paddle - 2 Premium Graphite Rackets Honeycomb Composite Core with Cushion Comfort Grip & 4 Balls & Portable Racquet Bag (Hand Drawn Doodles + 3 Outdoor Balls +1 Indoor Ball+ Bag) Train smarter and play longer with this lightweight, beginner-friendly pickleball paddle set. Built with a fiberglass face and honeycomb core, these pickleball paddles ensure durability, control, and reduced fatigue on the wrist and elbow. The anti-slip grip boosts comfort, letting you focus on power and precision. Perfect for all skill levels, the set includes 2 USAPA-approved paddles, 4 outdoor balls, and a handy carrying case. USAPA Approved Pickleball Paddles Set of 2 Fiberglass Pickleball Rackets with 1 Carrying Case, 4 Outdoor Pickleballs Designed to enhance performance and joint comfort, this USAPA-approved pickleball paddle set features 2 fiberglass paddles with honeycomb polymer cores for balance and pop. A ventilated anti-slip grip ensures fatigue-free play, while edge guards prevent paddle damage. The complete set includes 2 indoor and 2 outdoor balls, a carry bag, and vibrant paddle colours, which makes it a fun, health-boosting gift for families and fitness-focused friends. ALSO READ: Cross trainer for home: Top 8 picks for weight loss and cardio fitness Pickleball Paddles Set of 2, USAPA Approved Pickleball Set, Fiberglass Lightweight Rackets 2 Pack, 2 Outdoor, 2 Indoor Pickleball Balls, 1 Bag for Women Men, (Orange 1Pc) Get the whole crew moving with this 4-paddle USAPA-approved pickleball set. Lightweight and vibration-reducing, the fiberglass pickleball paddles are designed with a polymer honeycomb core for power, control, and wrist-friendly play. The anti-slip grip keeps hands steady during intense rallies. It includes 6 balls (3 indoor, 3 outdoor), 4 overgrips, and a carry bag, which makes this set perfect for promoting fitness and friendly competition at family events or group workouts. Pickleball Paddles Set of 4 – 2025 USAPA Approved Pickle Ball Rackets, Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle Set with 3 Outdoor & 3 Indoor Pickle Ball Balls, 4 Overgrips & Carry Bag Meet your go-to pickleball paddle for fitness and finesse. Approved by USA Pickleball in 2023, this fiberglass set includes two lightweight paddles and two balls, which are ideal for joint-friendly movement and control. The textured face and honeycomb core of these pickleball paddles for beginners offer better precision and reduced vibration. Moreover, it comes with a sleek carry bag for easy transport to your next game or workout. VINSGUIR Pickleball Paddle Set, USAPA Approved Fiberglass Pickleball Set of 2, 2 Paddles & 2 Pickleballs, Lightweight Carrying Bag, Pickle Ball Paddle Gifts for Beginners & Pros, Aurora Blue Enjoy low-impact cardio and full-body coordination with Lifelong's durable fiberglass paddles. Engineered for performance and comfort, this best pickleball paddle for intermediate players features cushioned comfort grips to reduce wrist fatigue and maintain control during long sessions. Ideal for all ages, it can help you stay active and agile in a fun, engaging way. ALSO READ: Foldable treadmill for home: Strengthen your joints and muscles with these 8 picks Lifelong Pickleball Paddle Set| Fiberglass Surface| 16 mm Thickness| 4 Pickle Ball Balls| Paddle Cover Bag| Cushion Comfort Handle Grip| Durable Pickleball Paddle|Outdoor Game Kit for Kids & Adults Step up your active lifestyle with JOJOLEMON's balanced glassfibre pickleball paddles, which are designed for consistency and joint safety. The ergonomic grip and large sweet spot allow for smoother wrist movement and cleaner shots. This fitness-forward set includes 2 paddles, 3 outdoor balls, 2 cooling towels, and a case, which are perfect for tournament play or regular court sessions. Durable and lightweight, it may be a great investment in your health and game. JOJOLEMON Pickleball Paddle Set – 2 Premium Glassfibre Rackets with Honeycomb Composite Core, Cushion Comfort Grip, and Accessories | Includes 3 Outdoor Balls, 2 Cooling Towels and 1 Case (Blue) Built for serious fitness and control, this 16mm fiberglass pickleball paddle set combines a dense 8mm honeycomb core with a moisture-wicking grip to minimise vibration and fatigue. This AIPA-approved and USAPA-standard pickleball paddle is ideal for competitive play. Designed with a larger sweet spot, this best pickleball paddle for advanced players may enhance accuracy and power, which makes it a great tool for cardio, agility training, and long rallies. YAIT Sports Proflx Pickleball Paddle | 16 mm Fiberglass Surface | Highly Dense 8 mm PP Honeycomb Core | Highly Durable Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle | AIPA Approved Racket of USAPA Standards Pickleball paddles Core & surface material Weight & grip USAPA/AIPA approval 1. Weight: Before choosing the best pickleball paddle set, make sure to consider the weight. Lighter paddles are easier to move and are ideal for beginners. On the other hand, heavier paddles provide more power to advanced players. 2. Core material: Pay attention to the core material of the paddles. Polymer cores provide more control, while Nomex and aluminum cores give more durability and power. 3. Player level: If you are a new pickleball player, opt for lightweight paddles with larger sweet spots. Heavier ones are good for intermediate and advanced players. 4. Paddle surface: When picking up the best pickleball paddles, it is essential to check the surface. Fiberglass is good for control and graphite is lightweight. 5. Grip: Opt for a grip size that fits comfortably in your hand. This ensures better control and prevents hand fatigue. Yes, pickleball is good for fitness as it combines cardio, agility and coordination in a fun way. This game can improve cardiovascular health, balance and flexibility along with burning calories and building muscle endurance. With its low-impact nature, it helps reduce the risk of injury in comparison to high-impact sports. Playing regularly can enhance mental well-being and sharpen reflexes. Whey protein under ₹1000: 7 budget-friendly picks for muscle gain Best treadmill brands for fitness in 2025: 10 options to stay active and fit without leaving home 10 kg dumbbell set: Top-rated picks of 2025 to support your strength training Composite paddles offer a more balance of power and control. On the other hand, graphite paddles are lightweight and responsive. Wood paddles are heavier and budget-friendly. Beginners should begin with mid-weight paddles i.e., 7.3-8.4 oz for better control and comfort without straining the arm during extended play. Yes, wider paddles offer better control. Elongated ones provide extended reach and power, which helps different play styles. With regular use, a quality paddle typically lasts 1-2 years. Durability of the paddle depends on material, frequency of use and storage conditions. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.


India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
Dementia, Alzheimer's or just brain fog? Here's how to tell the difference
For years, conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease were often brushed aside in India as issues of "old age" or even mistaken for personality with rising awareness and better healthcare access, families and doctors are starting to recognise these as medical concerns reported closer to home that deserve timely to the Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI), more than 5.3 million Indians are currently living with dementia, and this number is expected to triple by 2050 due to the country's ageing DEMENTIA VS ALZHEIMER'S: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?While people often use the terms interchangeably, dementia and Alzheimer's disease are not the same is an umbrella term, used to describe a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. It happens when cells in the brain slowly begin to die. In dementia, symptoms can include forgetfulness, confusion, having trouble speaking, having difficulty in comprehending conversations, pulling away, and change in is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60% to 70% of all dementia cases in the of dementia as the disease and Alzheimer's as one of the main are other forms of dementia too, like vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Each has different causes and Alzheimer's disease, the brain undergoes physical changes, including the build-up of abnormal proteins that slowly damage and kill brain leads to progressive memory loss, confusion, and changes in personality and dementia can strike in the 60s and above, symptoms are now striking as young as the 40s, known as young-onset DOES BRAIN FOG FIT IN?Unlike dementia and Alzheimer's, brain fog is not a medical diagnosis, but a term people use to describe a temporary state of mental cloudiness. Think of dementia as the disease and Alzheimer's as one of the main causes. () It can feel like difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or struggling to find words. Brain fog can be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, or illness, including the after Covid-19 effects or long fog is usually reversible but dementia is not since it is a brain-shrinking disease. Brain fog can mimic some symptoms of dementia, like confusion, forgetting instructions of something you're can also happen because of an illness or a side effect of medication or a symptom of an underlying condition, according to Cleveland fog feels like difficulty concentrating, confusion, fatigue, forgetfulness, losing your train of thought, mental exhaustion, not having the right words, slow thought process and reaction time and trouble paying attention. Brain fog is usually reversible but dementia is not since it is a brain-shrinking disease. () In some cases, many lifestyle factors can trigger brain fog, signalling brain tumors, which may initially manifest with subtle cognitive DIAGNOSIS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCEWhile there is no cure for dementia or Alzheimer's, early diagnosis can help slow progression and improve quality of sooner it is detected, the better it can be managed, whether through medication, lifestyle changes, or caregiver signs like frequently forgetting appointments, misplacing objects, repeating questions, or withdrawing from social activities should not be ignored, especially if they worsen over brain fog, though milder, can still be disruptive. Treating it often means improving sleep, managing stress, and correcting nutritional deficiencies (vitamin D or B12). If it persists, a medical evaluation can rule out more serious Watch