Latest news with #Alzheimer
Time of India
2 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ozzy Osbourne's death sparks euthanasia conspiracy theories: Was his tribute concert actually a planned Funeral?
Ozzy Osbourne's death has left fans heartbroken, but also asking questions. The Black Sabbath legend passed away at 76, just weeks after performing what now feels like a final goodbye. The cause of death hasn't been confirmed. But given his long-standing health issues and earlier statements, many fans believe this was a planned, peaceful exit. Social media platforms like X, Reddit, and Facebook are filled with people saying the Prince of Darkness went out on his own terms. And once you read their posts, it doesn't feel like a wild theory. It feels like the internet has already made peace with the truth. The internet runs wild with conspiracy theories behind Ozzy Osbourne's death Theories began swirling right after his final performance. 'Streets are saying Ozzy went ahead with his euthanasia plan and the Farewell show was his own funeral. It doesn't get any more metal than that' one user said. Streets are saying Ozzy went ahead with his euthanasia plan and the Farewell show was his own funeral. It doesn't get any more metal than that While another user on X said, 'This was 100% medical aid in dying. He was rich and had the means to do it quietly and with his family. Sharon discussed it openly in an interview with the Mirror in 2023.' 'He was too sick, nothing else could kill him. That concert was the most metal goodbye ever.' Another tweet read, 'Absolutely mad news to hear, heard he had himself euthanized in Switzerland because absolutely nothing else could kill that absolute legend'. Could Ozzy Osbourne have been euthanised?Both he and wife Sharon have been documented talking about said: 'We believe 100% in euthanasia so have drawn up plans to go to the assisted suicide flat in Switzerland if we ever have an illness that affects our brains. If… Fans believe Ozzy went to Switzerland, where euthanasia is legal, and passed away peacefully. While nothing is confirmed, the tone online is less about rumours and more about closure. Ozzy had Parkinson's, constant pain, and multiple cancelled shows and looked physically worn in his last appearances. Ozzy Osbourne's wife Sharon had once said they would consider euthanasia in Switzerland This theory has weight because of what Ozzy and Sharon have said in the past. Back in 2020, Sharon told The Sun, 'If I can't take care of myself and have no quality of life, I don't want to be here.' She had also said to The Mirror that 'We believe 100% in euthanasia so have drawn up plans to go to the assisted suicide flat in Switzerland if we ever have an illness that affects our brains. If Ozzy or I ever got Alzheimer's, that's it—we'd be off.' This was 100% medical aid in dying. He was rich and had the means to do it quietly and with his family. Sharon discussed it openly in a interview with the Mirror on She even confirmed they would consider assisted dying in Switzerland if it came to that. Ozzy, too, had said he never wanted to live 'like a vegetable.' These weren't random thoughts. They were plans. And now, fans think those plans may have just been carried out, quietly and with dignity.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Health
- Yahoo
7 Superfoods That Boost Brain Health, According to RDs
These everyday foods are nutritionists' favorites for boosting memory, focus, and long-term brain health. What we eat can directly impact how our brain functions. Whether related to cognition and memory, mood, or mental clarity, all can be affected by diet throughout our lifespans. So which foods make the most positive impact on the brain? While nearly all plant foods have their benefits, there are some key types that research shows really boost brain health. And certain seafoods have anti-inflammatory benefits. Bonus: Foods that benefit your brain also benefit other body systems like your heart, digestive function, and blood sugar. Read on to learn about my top food picks with additional insights from brain health nutrition expert and Los Angeles-based registered dietitian Maggie Moon, MS, RD, author of a new book, The MIND Diet: 2nd Edition. Cruciferous Vegetables Cruciferous vegetables, including cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, and more, contain a phytochemical called sulforaphane which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can be particularly protective of the brain. Sulforophane has been researched for its role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease, ischemic stroke, and Parkinson's disease. Leafy Green Vegetables Leafy green vegetables are one of the easiest and beneficial foods you can eat for your brain. According to Moon, 'Leafy green vegetables are rich in lutein, an antioxidant that likes to make a beeline for the eye and brain where it protects both from oxidative stress.' Moon also shared that research from the Univesity of Georgia College of Public Health suggests lutein may improve mental flexibility, essential for problem solving. How can you incorporate more leafy greens into your diet? Short-cuts are okay! 'The simplest way I've gotten people to eat more leafy greens is to encourage them to get pre-washed baby greens—they're mild in flavor and always ready. I recommend trying them in soups, salads, smoothies, grains and greens bowls, and omelets,' says Moon. Berries Berries—such as raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, mulberries, and more—pack a lot of good nutrients for the brain in a small package. They can help fight inflammation, protect cells from damage, and improve communication between neurons. While all berries are concentrated sources of polyphenols, Moon points out that blueberries (and more specifically wild blueberries) are one of the best choices, adding, 'The main type of polyphenol in blueberries are anthocyanins, which are associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline, lower oxidative stress, and improved brain cell survival.' Wild blueberries have significantly more anthocyanins per serving than regular blueberries, though Moon suggests eating a mix of berries as a snack to benefit from the variety of different brain-healthy nutrients. Look for fresh berries when they are in season near you, or head to the freezer aisle where they can be found year-round. Related: The 7 Healthiest Frozen Foods You Can Find at the Supermarket, According to Registered Dietitians Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extra-virgin olive oil, thanks to its healthy fats and plant compounds, can improve brain health (along with heart and gut health) by boosting good gut bacteria and reducing inflammation. In addition to being a source of healthy monounsaturated fats, extra virgin olive oil is packed with polyphenols which can help combat free radicals associated with cognitive impairment. A systematic review found that the consumption of olive oil may enhance cognitive functioning and reduce cognitive decline. Another large study found that people who regularly consumed more than half a tablespoon of olive oil per day had a 28% lower risk of dying from dementia over 28 years, compared with those who never or rarely consume olive oil, suggesting that olive oil may really be a superfood for the brain. Nuts and Seeds According to Moon, 'Nuts and seeds high in plant-based omega-3 ALA like walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are key for brain health because they support brain cell integrity and help fight neuroinflammation.' These are great to have on hand as a staple. Moon is an especially big fan of walnuts because 'in addition to omega-3s, walnuts also offer anti-inflammatory polyphenols, fiber to regulate serotonin, and melatonin to help clear proteins that can clump together and cause brain cell dysfunction.' For optimal storage, keep nuts and seeds in your refrigerator or freezer to avoid the risk of them turning rancid. To up your intake, include them in a smoothie, top off your yogurt or a salad, use them in a snack mix, or blend them into a sauce or dressing. Fatty Fish You've likely heard fatty fish being recommended for heart health, but they are also a key food for brain health. Because the brain and nervous system tissues are made up of fat, some research shows that these tissues benefit a lot from the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fatty acid found in fatty fish. Several studies have linked lower levels of DHA with increased risk of Alzheimer's Disease and other cognitive problems. Aim for at least 8 ounces of seafood per week and prioritize oily fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, trout, and sardines because of their high DHA content. Related: 8 Foods High in Omega-3s That Are Good for Your Heart, Brain, and Gut Green Tea and Coffee Need another excuse to enjoy your morning brew? Coffee contains more than a thousand bioactive compounds including phytochemicals that have protect your brain. Preliminary research suggests that the polyphenols in coffee, along with the caffeine itself, may improve motor and cognitive performance in aging and protective effects against Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Similarly, green tea (Camellia sinensis) has its own set of polyphenols with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective qualities to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Aim for moderate consumption of coffee and tea (around 2 to 3 cups per day) to reap the most benefits. Read the original article on Real Simple Solve the daily Crossword
The Hill
3 hours ago
- Health
- The Hill
Eating eggs weekly may lower Alzheimer's risk by nearly 50 percent: Study
A new study suggests diets including eggs, especially the yolk, may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Published in The Journal of Nutrition, the study followed more than 1,000 U.S. adults and found that those who consumed more than one egg weekly had a 47 percent reduced risk of Alzheimer's. Over an average follow-up of 6.7 years, 280 participants, or 27.3 percent, were diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia. Researchers found that 39 percent of the 'total effect of egg intake' was linked to choline, a nutrient found in egg yolks known to support memory and brain function. Egg yolks also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have neuroprotective benefits, further supporting brain health. This research builds on an earlier study that found that even limited egg consumption, around one per week, was associated with slower memory decline compared to little or no egg intake. While the findings are promising, researchers emphasize that the study shows an association, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Economic Times
4 hours ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Saiyaara portrays Alzheimer's in Aneet Padda's 22-year-old character: What the disease is, its risk factors, and key symptoms
The Bollywood film 'Saiyaara' is being lauded for its emotional depth, but its depiction of a 22-year-old with early-onset Alzheimer's has drawn criticism from medical experts. Neurologists highlight that such early manifestation is highly improbable, typically occurring after age 40. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Understanding Alzheimer's disease What causes Alzheimer's? Key risk factors explained Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Age remains the primary risk factor — the National Institute on Aging notes that 'the risk of Alzheimer's doubles every five years after age 65.' This is linked to the accumulation of abnormal brain proteins like beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Genetics also plays a significant role. Individuals with a family history of Alzheimer's, especially those carrying the APOE ε4 gene variant, are more vulnerable. However, carrying the gene doesn't guarantee a diagnosis. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — particularly repeated or severe ones — can raise long-term risk by altering brain function. Cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can reduce brain blood flow and contribute to cognitive decline. Mental health and lifestyle also matter. Chronic stress, depression, smoking, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle are all risk factors. Social isolation and low levels of education further elevate the risk. Recognising Alzheimer's: Symptoms to watch for Memory loss that disrupts daily routines, such as forgetting recent conversations or appointments. Difficulty completing familiar tasks, like using appliances or managing bills. Problem-solving challenges, including trouble planning or following steps. Language issues, such as struggling to find the right words or follow conversations. Disorientation, with confusion about time or location. Poor judgment, including neglecting hygiene or falling for scams. Mood and personality changes, such as irritability, anxiety, or social withdrawal. Managing early-onset Alzheimer's: What's the approach? While Saiyaara, the latest romantic drama from Bollywood, is winning hearts for its emotional storytelling, the film's portrayal of Alzheimer's disease in a young woman has raised eyebrows among medical professionals. The plot revolves around a 22-year-old journalist diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's — a scenario that, according to neurologists, is highly argue that while the film tugs at the heartstrings, its medical accuracy falls short. Neurologists emphasize that early-onset Alzheimer's 'generally doesn't happen before 40,' and that 'definitive symptoms hardly manifest in a patient in their 20s and 30s.'Alzheimer's is a progressive neurological disorder and the most common type of dementia. It gradually destroys memory, thinking ability, and daily functioning skills. The condition not only affects individuals but also significantly burdens their families and caregivers with emotional, financial, and logistical the early stages, Alzheimer's may be mistaken for simple forgetfulness, but as it progresses, it can impair even basic abilities like recognising loved ones or managing personal no single cause of Alzheimer's disease. Instead, it develops through a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle influences that slowly damage the these factors doesn't mean a person will develop Alzheimer's, but it does increase the likelihood. Fortunately, many lifestyle-related risks are modifiable with early occasional memory lapses are normal with age, Alzheimer's causes a progressive cognitive and behavioral decline that interferes with everyday life. As per the Alzheimer's Association and the National Institute on Aging, early warning signs include:These signs can also stem from other conditions like depression or medication side effects. A professional medical diagnosis is more advanced stages, individuals may lose their ability to communicate, move independently, or care for themselves. Research supports that early detection and timely intervention can improve quality of life and delay the disease's progression. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial when symptoms currently no cure for Alzheimer's. However, when diagnosed early, neurologists can recommend medications that help slow progression. Lifestyle changes — such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, cognitive exercises, and managing cardiovascular risks — form a critical part of supportive the average life expectancy after an early-onset diagnosis is eight to ten years, outcomes can vary based on individual health and how quickly the disease advances.
Los Angeles Times
5 hours ago
- General
- Los Angeles Times
How do you know when it's the right time to say goodbye to a beloved dog?
Mazie was my sweet girl, a jaunty caramel-colored spaniel with bulgy brown eyes that radiated love, even in her final days when she fell almost every time she tried to stand. At least, that's the version I want to believe. But since Mazie died on April 29, I've talked to veterinarians who say our dog and cat companions don't show pain the way humans do. So was it really love in her eyes at the end, or was it desperation? We never knew Mazie's origin story. My sister, a former animal control officer, spotted her running in heavy traffic in 2012 and managed to coax her into her car. We spent a couple months searching for her owner — she was such a beautiful dog we figured somebody must be missing her — but Mazie wasn't chipped and no one claimed her, so she joined our family, first in my sister's home and finally mine, where she became a doting companion to my late husband, who had Alzheimer's. She was definitely a looker, prancing like a show dog after she was groomed, and was always cheerful and loving — except with lizards, whom she hunted and devoured with relish. In her glory years, she'd dart out of open doors or find the tiniest opening in a fence, and run down the street, looking back at her pursuers with laughing eyes. We couldn't stop her on foot, but she wasn't hard to catch. The chase ended with someone driving by her side. She'd jump in the car happily, give her captor a toothy grin and then curl into a contented nap, probably dreaming of her next escape. We guessed her age at about 15 when her decline began. Over the next year and a half, she slowly deteriorated from a nimble, mischievous little mutt who adored our daily jaunts to a deaf and shrunken trooper who staggered with a drunken lilt but still insisted on 'walkies' even though her pace was glacial and she couldn't manage more than a couple blocks. I agonized about what to do but never made concrete plans. Instead, I fretted — how do you know when it's time to say goodbye? I'd always told myself, 'When she stops eating, that's when I'll know,' but Mazie ate heartily up until her last few days. She slept more and more, but anytime I changed rooms she would slowly rouse herself and follow on unsteady, spindly legs. Our kind veterinarian shook her head at Mazie's tenacity and said, 'She'll let you know when she's ready to go,' but my sweet girl seemed stubbornly intent on staying alive and I had neither the heart nor the will to intervene. Instead I did what apparently many people do. I froze in my grief and my guilt, and watched her waste away. I didn't want her to die in a sterile exam room. And when I called a mobile vet, just randomly chosen from online, I recoiled when they quoted a fee of $750. So I stalled. I think I was hoping for some kind of Hollywood death, where she would give me one last affectionate lick, then close her eyes and quietly die. And that's kind of what happened until her final hours when her breathing became so labored she was writhing and wrenching herself upright trying to get air. That memory haunts me. I sat beside her that whole day, the way I attended the deaths of five people I loved, but they had hospice drugs to ease their passing. Why couldn't I do better for my little dog? 'These are not easy decisions; who wants to play God?' said veterinarian Lorraine Watson of DR 4 PETS, a home euthanasia service for dogs and cats. 'But you have to set some guidelines, and think about their quality of life. Our animals don't complain, they just live in the moment, and if you provide them with the basic necessities to keep going they can keep going for a long time, but are they happy? Because that's just as important as whether they're still eating.' There isn't really a magic formula for knowing when it's time, said veterinarian Robin Holmes, who worked in general practice for 20 years until 2013, when she founded Gifts of Peace, an in-home pet euthanasia service serving the San Gabriel Valley. Even with all her experience, Holmes said she struggled with the decision about when to euthanize her ailing elderly dog Gemios 'a 20-pound fluff ball' who had been in her family for years. 'You would think with all my knowledge I would just look at things medically, but every time I'd think, 'Oh it's time,' he'd have a couple of good days.' Ultimately, it was her ex-husband who helped her decide. He kept Gemios for a weekend when she had to travel and when she returned, he said, ''You do know it's time to make this decision?' And yes, I knew it in my heart, but it was still hard for me to make that decision. And three months later, I'm still grieving.' Oftentimes, Holmes said, veterinarians will just tell people, ''She'll let you know' and 'As long as she's still eating, she's fine,' but I'd like that last phrase to get lost because our patients will eat because their body says they need to eat; it's not an indication of good quality of life. I always tell people to just trust your instincts because you know them best.' All things considered, I was lucky that Mazie's death was relatively peaceful until the end, Watson said, but if she'd had cancer or muscular/skeletal problems like painful arthritis, her suffering could have been much worse,' and that crosses the line. That's why you need to be in tune with your pet to see the signs of pain.' For example, Watson said, a big dog might pace or circle for a while to lie down because it hurts so much to get down. They might stumble or fall often or get trapped behind furniture because their legs aren't working well. They might be panting or breathing rapidly even at rest because they're hurting, and their facial expressions will change. 'Their ears aren't up or their eyes aren't fully open or bright or you get a grimace expression on a cat, or they're withdrawing and hiding under the bed. Withdrawing is what wild animals do in nature. They get left behind by the pack or they'll hide under a bush because they know something's not right. And it's the same with our pets, they'll withdraw and oftentimes not interact as much with their people because they don't feel well.' Pain can also lead to appetite suppression, she said, so the animals start losing weight along with muscle mass, making them weaker and more skeletal. In the wild, weak animals don't last long, Watson said. In our homes, we can nurse them along with medications and carry them outside to pee, but at a certain point we have to consider their quality of life. She recommends using a calendar to note whether your pet had a good day or bad day and soon a picture will emerge. 'Is your dog happy being alive?' she said. 'Is it able to do at least some of the things that made it happy in the past? If they're just getting up to poop and eat during the day and then go back to bed, who wants to live like that?' Ultimately, it helps to reframe the way people think about pet euthanasia, said veterinarian Shea Cox co-founder of Honor Pet, a new 'end-of-life-care' facility in downtown L.A. that provides comfort rooms where families can be with their pets during euthanasia in an unrushed, home-like setting. 'In cases of terminal illness or natural decline, death isn't something we're initiating — it's already in motion,' Cox wrote in an email. 'The decision isn't between life and death but between a longer or shorter journey to the inevitable.' There's a lot of gray area in making these decisions, but all three say it's vital for pet owners to start investigating their options well before they're in the throes of grief. 'Lots of times people say, 'This must be such a hard job for you,' but it's not really,' Holmes said. 'I find the person losing their pet is doing the hardest work, having to make very emotional decisions sometimes in the dark and sometimes without a lot of information. Really, nothing in life prepares us for making these decisions [about euthanasia] because inevitably when you start to consider it, and think maybe it's time, suddenly they perk up and then you feel guilty — 'How can I be thinking this?'' So while there are no magic answers, preparation can help. Our pets' lifespans are so short, you don't need to wait until they're sick to start investigating your options, and what you're able to spend. For instance, if I'd made more calls when I was less emotional, I would have discovered there are many in-home euthanasia services in the Greater Los Angeles area but most ask people to call for pricing. Only a few, like DR 4 PETS, list their prices online, starting as low as $450 for euthanasia for dogs 20 pounds and under, and as high as $850 for euthanasia and individual cremation for dogs between 51 and 78 pounds. Be sure to ask what the pricing includes because the fees often include the cost of cremation; so when I called in anguish and got my $750 quote over the phone, if I'd known to ask, I might have also discovered that the fee was less if I only wanted euthanasia. I have a large yard, and Mazie was a relatively small dog, so after she died, I dug a deep hole, wrapped her in a cotton shawl and buried her, but that's not an easy option for people who don't have yards or have very large dogs. Most, Watson said, opt for some kind of cremation. Most veterinary clinics and in-home euthanasia services offer a choice of communal cremation, where the animal's remains are scattered in the ocean or a private reserve, or the more expensive option of individual cremation, where their ashes are returned in a special container. Cox's business, Honor Pet, provides water cremation, a.k.a aquamation, on-site so if people use their facility to euthanize their pet, they can have aquamation done in the same facility. The process uses hot water mixed with an alkaline lye solution, so it's more environmentally friendly than standard cremation, and usually more expensive. Honor Pet offers four large 'comfort rooms' with rugs, couches and homey decor, where families can spend all the time they need to say goodbye. Price is the big advantage here, Cox said, since euthanasia at Honor Pet is $275, well below the cost of most in-home visits. It's also designed to be more comfortable and welcoming than typical veterinary clinic exam rooms, with extras such as making bouquets and creating cards for your pet. But if cost is an issue, euthanasia will likely be the least expensive in veterinary clinics and Watson said some clinics offer special euthanasia spaces to give their patients and their people more time and privacy, so it's worth inquiring what kind of accommodations your vet may have. Another consideration is the size of your pet, especially if they are suffering from mobility issues, a common problem for large dogs. Can you carry your dog from home to a clinic without adding to their pain? If home euthanasia is more than you can afford, ask your veterinarian about sedatives you can give your dog to ease their suffering when you transport them to the clinic. But leaving home can be a real hardship for many ailing pets, no matter their size. Some dogs and cats panic in a clinic setting, or any new situation, so letting them die at home is a real kindness. This is where calling around ahead of time can help you know what to expect in terms of prices, procedures and availability when it comes time to make the call. Note that many of these in-home vets work alone, so you may have to wait a day or two for an appointment. Most will sedate your pet before administering the euthanasia drug to minimize their discomfort, but it's a good idea to call and ask questions beforehand, or at least browse their websites which usually have extensive blog posts covering all kinds of issues, from preparing children for a pet's death to helping your other animals cope with the loss of a companion. Some, like Honor Pet, and the national chain Lap of Love, also offer grief counseling and support groups. And you don't have to make these decisions alone. Mobile vets do offer home consults, usually for a fee, and your regular veterinarian can help you discover if there are treatments that can restore your pet's quality of life. Holmes warns that these home consults can sometimes be misleading — a dog who hasn't moved much may perk up momentarily with a new visitor who has interesting smells, she said, but that doesn't change the reality of his day-to-day life. Still, there are treatments that can turn things around, Watson said. Small dogs, like her 17-year-old shih tzu, Miss Coco Chanel, tend to live longer than large breeds but they're also more susceptible to suffer dementia. Coco developed sundowner's syndrome, she said, panting and digging in the carpet 'like clockwork when the sun went down. We could not comfort her,' Watson said, and she was so arthritic that she could barely walk. But Watson tried a prescription diet for brain health that lifted the sundowner's effect. 'She's happy now and doesn't need her antianxiety meds. She loves to go on her little walks — yes, I'm one of the those crazy parents who have a stroller for their dog — and I let her walk as long as she wants to and when she gets tired I push her along until she gets a chance to sniff at all her favorite spots. And she looks forward to her food. We put it in different places around the house every day so she has to hunt for it, and she absolutely loves it,' Watson said. 'We try to keep her mentally fit, and I'm lucky because she responded, but we have to keep reminding ourselves: When those things change, when she's not happy to see us every day or doesn't want to go for her little walk, then we'll know it's time to say goodbye.'
