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Time of India
15-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Tired all the time? Doctors say the culprit could be a silent 'mini-stroke'
Some strokes may go unnoticed but leave you drained for at least a year. Known as mini-strokes or , they may cause brief blockage of blood flow to the brain and can last for up to a day. If you have been feeling perpetually tired for many months now, this lingering fatigue may be due to that you never knew you had. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Mini strokes can go unnoticed by many as they show subtle signs like a slurred speech, or arm weakness, and the physical symptoms disappear within a day. More than 240,000 Americans and about 45,000 Brits experience them one every year but only one in 30 realize they have had one. The most debilitating side effect of the mini-stroke is the fatigue that linger. The tiredness that never gets better with rest. It's especially common in people with anxiety and depression issues. What is a transient ischemic attack? A transient ischemic attack (TIA) causes symptoms similar to stroke but they happen for a very brief period of time. The blood flow to the brain is obstructed for a very short period. This is the reason it is also known as a mini stroke. It may last for a few minutes and doesn't cause long-term damage. However, a mini stroke could be a precursor to a bigger stroke. About 1 in 3 people who have a TIA will eventually have a stroke, with about half occurring within a year after the TIA. It is important to pay attention to your health and take all measures to prevent future strokes. What the new study is saying The new study published in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, and done by Danish researchers says the mini strokes may leave the people suffering from it fatigued for up to a year. One of the reasons TIA may cause fatigue could be due to the brain's need to compensate for the temporary disruption in blood flow. The brain has to work extra hard to complete tasks after a TIA and this effort can lead to increased energy consumption and . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The study reveals a strong link between mini-stroke and persistent fatigue. 'People with a transient ischemic attack can have symptoms such as face drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech, and these resolve within a day,' said study author Boris Modrau, MD, PhD, of Aalborg University Hospital in Denmark. 'However, some have reported continued challenges including reduced quality of life, thinking problems, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Our study found that for some people, fatigue was a common symptom that lasted up to one year after the transient ischemic attack. ' Researchers tracked 354 people (average age 70) for a year after a mini-stroke, monitoring fatigue through questionnaires at multiple intervals. Initially, 61% reported significant fatigue. Even after a year, 54% still experienced it. Fatigue scores dropped only slightly over time, showing that tiredness often lingers long after physical symptoms fade. As per the study, the brain scans of the participants who had long term fatigue were the same as those who didn't have it. However, researchers found that people with prior anxiety or depression issues were twice more likely to report lasting fatigue. A mini stroke can cause a certain degree of brain damage when it occurs, though the damage is not as severe as a classic stroke. This small damage could lead to muscle weakness, difficulty with coordination and a general sense of weariness - all signs of fatigue. Most ignored signs of cancer!
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This Condition May Raise Your Early-Onset Dementia Risk by 24%, New Study Says
Reviewed by Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A., RD"Key Takeaways" A new study suggests metabolic syndrome increases the risk of dementia diagnosis before age 65. In some cases, you can reverse metabolic syndrome through healthy habit changes. Diet, exercise, stress, sleep and socialization all influence metabolic syndrome and dementia syndrome is a cluster of several conditions, and it's diagnosed in people who exhibit three of five conditions, including high waist circumference, low HDL (beneficial) cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high blood triglycerides. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome tends to increase as we get older. One study cites the rate at nearly 20% for those 20 to 39 years old but nearly 50% of those aged 60 and over. Metabolic syndrome increases your risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes—it also increases your risk of dementia. While we often think of dementia and metabolic syndrome as being diseases of 'old age,' there is evidence that these conditions may be on the increase in younger people. This connection and prevalence is an area researchers in Korea wanted to hone in on and learn more about. The research team published their findings in the American Academy of Neurology's journal Neurology. Let's break down what they found. Related: 5 Sneaky Signs You May Have Metabolic Syndrome, According to Experts The goal of this study was to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome in midlife (ages 40 to 60) and the incidence of young-onset dementia. Young-onset dementia, also called early-onset dementia, is dementia diagnosed before age 65. The researchers also examined which components of metabolic syndrome are most strongly associated with an increased risk of young-onset dementia. Researchers drew their data from the Korean National Insurance Service, a government-run health insurance system in South Korea that covers more than 99% of its population. The services include regular biennial health checkups that gather clinical and lifestyle data, income levels and medical diagnoses. After initially extracting data for more than 4 million people, researchers ultimately included around 2 million participants between the ages of 40 and 60 for this study who had undergone a general health screening in 2009. Participants were followed for an average of eight years. Just over half of the participants were men. Of the participants, just over 25% met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. This included having at least three of the following: Elevated waist circumference: ≥90 cm in men, ≥80 cm in women High blood pressure: systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg, or diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mm Hg; or use of medication for high blood pressure High blood sugar levels: elevated fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL or use of oral medication for high blood sugar High blood triglycerides: ≥150 mg/dL or use of medication for high triglycerides Low HDL (beneficial) cholesterol: <40 mg/dL in men, <50 mg/dL in women; or use of medication for low HDL-C About 60% of the metabolic syndrome group were participants in their 50s, and 40% in their 40s. Men made up over 62% of this group. Researchers gathered demographic and lifestyle data that were adjusted for during statistical analyses. These included age, BMI, smoking status, alcohol consumption, regular exercise and income level. In addition, they also gathered medical diagnoses of the participants that occurred during the study period, focusing on dementia, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Related: 5 Supplements You Shouldn't Take If You Have Metabolic Syndrome, According to Dietitians After running several statistical analyses, results suggested that metabolic syndrome in people ages 40 to 60 was associated with a: 24% higher risk of all-cause young-onset dementia—all-cause meaning all types of dementia. 12% increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. 21% increased risk of vascular dementia—a type of dementia caused by damage to the brain's blood vessels, thus reducing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Researchers also broke findings down for men and women. They found that men with metabolic syndrome had a 15% higher risk of young-onset dementia, and women with metabolic syndrome had a 34% higher risk of young-onset dementia. Related: This Underrated Drink Could Help Slow the Progression of Alzheimer's, New Study Says In addition, being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome in the 40s increased the risk of young-onset dementia more than being diagnosed in the 50s. And while all the components (risk factors) of metabolic syndrome were associated with an increased risk of young-onset dementia, the risk progressively increased with the number of components present. Researchers pointed out several limitations of their study. First, they cannot say whether their results extend to people outside of South Korea. They also did not include other variables that influence young-onset dementia risk, like the presence of certain genes, family history of YOD, history of traumatic brain injury, hearing loss and education level. Researchers note that they also lacked detailed behavioral (i.e. mental health) and environmental data, which can also influence dementia risk. Related: The #1 Spice for Metabolic Syndrome, According to Dietitians Dementia is more than just forgetting someone's name or where you put your keys. It interferes with one's ability to think, remember, understand, communicate and reason. Over time, it diminishes physical abilities, too, as the brain forgets how to do simple activities that used to be second nature. While influenced by genetics, the components of metabolic syndrome may be a result of lifestyle choices. And they're the same lifestyle choices that also influence your risk of other diseases, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and dementia. And many of these diseases and conditions are linked. For example, type 2 diabetes has been associated with an increased risk of dementia. And healthy cholesterol levels reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as dementia. Considering how all of these conditions are intertwined, it makes sense that there might be a common denominator. Scientists believe one of them is chronic inflammation, which can have several causes, including chronic stress, poor sleep quality, poor diet quality, microbiome imbalances and lack of physical activity. Related: The #1 High-Protein, Anti-Inflammatory Snack, According to a Dietitian That means certain lifestyle changes can help on that front, that said, nothing is perfect, and no one habit—or combination of habits—will guarantee you will be free of inflammation or disease. But evidence does lean toward people with healthier habits being at lower risk. Not sure where to begin? What habit are you most likely to see the quickest success in? For example, do you enjoy a walk or a trip to the gym occasionally? Maybe start there, gradually building a regular habit. Or if you've been wanting to branch out and try some new recipes, now could be a good time to add some tasty, healthy options to your arsenal. For inspiration, we have meal plans for just about any goal or condition. To get going, check out this beginner-friendly anti-inflammatory plan or this 30-day MIND diet plan, designed specifically for brain health. If you've tried everything to get a good night's sleep but are still struggling, consider a visit with your healthcare practitioner. You might have a sleep disorder, like insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea, and they may be able to help you with specific strategies to help sleep come easily. Related: The #1 Nutrient to Improve Metabolic Syndrome, According to Experts Overall, this study suggests that individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome in midlife have a higher likelihood of developing young-onset dementia compared with those without metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle choices and habits play a huge role in disease risk. Start today by doing one beneficial thing for your health and then repeat it each day. Over time, small changes can become big improvements. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Forbes
29-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Beyond The Bottle: Networking And Alcohol
With Alcohol Awareness Month coming to a close it's even more important to discuss how alcohol plays a role in networking. In corporate America there is immense pressure to drink with colleagues and professional contacts as a means of bonding. You may want to consider networking without alcohol for several reasons, one of them being that people who work together often binge drink together. And recent research from Neurology, the journal for the American Academy of Neurology, revealed that binge drinking can affect your brain. The study, which was published earlier this month, concluded that drinking eight or more drinks a week can increase the risk of having brain lesions. I reached out to Dr. Alberto Fernando Oliveira Justo, a postdoctoral researcher, member of the medical faculty at the University of Heidelberg, and the author of the study. He told me that even moderate drinking can negatively impact the brain. 'Research, including our own, shows that even moderate alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects not just on the blood vessels in the brain, but also on overall health,' he said. 'We found that even moderate drinking, up to seven drinks per week, is associated with damage in the brain's blood vessels that transport blood to the brain,' the Germany based researcher told me in an email. I also spoke with Dr. John D. Clapp, an internationally recognized researcher, University of Southern California professor, and expert on alcohol problem prevention. He had a few things to say about Dr. Justo's study. 'Beyond the brain damage discussed in the study, long-term, heavy alcohol use can lead to clinical depression and alcohol dependence,' Dr. Clapp told me. 'Limiting one's binge drinking or cutting down to light drinking levels can improve one's mental and physical health,' he said. But health risks aren't the only reason many Americans are choosing mocktails over cocktails. Some people who don't have issues with alcohol have stopped drinking or at least avoid drinking in professional settings. Dodging hangovers, avoiding the risk of embarrassing yourself— these are just a few reasons for professionals to consider networking without alcohol. You might feel as if being liked at work depends on your willingness to go out and drink with your colleagues. However, the more studies that are published the more one thing is clear– drinking alcohol provides short-term euphoria and long-term consequences. In January former U.S. surgeon general Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory about alcohol and increased risk of cancer. Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States but does not come with a warning about its potentially harmful effects. Drinking heavily has become so normalized– on college campuses, during conferences, in the workplace– that we often ignore how harmful it can be. Dr. Shané P. Teran, an executive wellness coach and organizational development strategist with ten years of experience, couldn't agree more. 'Drinking alcohol has become a dangerous social norm, despite its once less harmful cultural and historical roots. While initially preserved for health benefits of a glass of wine with dinner amongst family, religious ceremonies, and celebratory festivities, drinking has become a method of coping for those dealing with stress and anxiety-related conditions,' she told me. 'It would be helpful for non-alcohol based events and activities to increase and be reinforced across the workforce. We don't always know the struggles of our talent, but overt and covert pressure to drink with colleagues after work should be phased out as a norm,' she said. Alcohol can unify people just as easily as it can divide us. Drinking heavily with coworkers has become the norm, but it can lead to conflict and inappropriate behavior. I have heard horror stories about people getting heavily intoxicated and harassing colleagues. I have been told about being afraid to drink with coworkers out of fear of being harmed. I have watched people drink with their colleagues, only to embarrass themselves and drown in feelings of shame and remorse the next day. Even if you don't plan on putting down the bottle for good, you can always avoid drinking while networking. Many people don't have a problem with alcohol and still don't drink in professional settings. That's likely because, according to Dr. Teran, 'stopping or reducing alcohol consumption will greatly improve one's performance and overall success.' Not drinking in professional settings also lowers the risk of ruining relationships or behaving inappropriately. Your job matters more than fitting in with your colleagues and potential partners. One of the best ways to ensure a smooth outing with people from work is to avoid binge drinking. Yes, it's absolutely okay to enjoy some cocktails with coworkers but make sure that you are drinking mindfully. It is always awkward when someone gets too drunk at a professional holiday party or networking event. Not because it looks bad— because there's a higher risk of conflict taking place when people lose their inhibitions. Cutting out alcohol while networking ensures that you are more likely to be on your A-game. Plus, choosing not to drink can save you serious amounts of money. People often go out for drinks at bars or high-end restaurants after work. Working in the corporate sector can come with pressure to wine and dine potential partners. Just because you are buying drinks for those you're networking with doesn't mean you have to drink. Save yourself the hangover and hefty bill. Rather than focusing on getting buzzed, listen to and learn more about your colleagues. Ask questions about them that you don't necessarily have time to ask at work but without crossing any boundaries or getting too personal. You might find that you enjoy being around colleagues and professional contacts more without consuming alcohol. Genuine professional relationships aren't dependent on reliving your college days together by binge drinking at an upscale restaurant with a bar. One of the best parts of choosing not to drink when networking is that you will remember what you did and said. You might acquire a list of phone numbers and emails without struggling to recall people's names or what they talked about. If you are new to a job, limiting or removing alcohol from interactions with coworkers can be even more impactful because first impressions matter. You don't want to give your colleagues the impression that you are out of control or unprofessional when you drink. Consider spending less on booze when networking and more on small bites and NA beverages. You might just find that you enjoy socializing even more without alcohol.
NDTV
28-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Lil Nas X Suffers From Partial Face Paralysis: All You Need To Know
In April 2025,, global music sensation Lil Nas X surprised fans by sharing that he was battling partial face paralysis. In a candid video, he mentioned struggling to move parts of his face, raising concerns about conditions like Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Both are linked to nerve inflammation but differ in causes, symptoms, and recovery timelines. While the rapper has not disclosed an official diagnosis, medical experts suggest that conditions such as Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome could be responsible. Both conditions affect the facial nerves and can lead to temporary paralysis, but they differ in causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. According to the Mayo Clinic, prompt diagnosis and treatment can make a critical difference. Understanding the difference between these two conditions is essential to grasp what Lil Nas X, and others with similar symptoms, may be experiencing. Understanding facial paralysis: Is it Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome? Facial paralysis occurs when there is inflammation or damage to the facial nerve. Bell's palsy is often associated with viral infections, while Ramsay Hunt syndrome is linked to the varicella-zoster virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for both conditions. Here's what you need to know about each possibility. What is Bell's palsy? Bell's palsy is a sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, usually on one side. It is believed to occur when a facial nerve becomes swollen, often due to a viral infection like herpes simplex. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms typically improve within weeks, but some cases may take months to fully recover. Symptoms of Bell's palsy Common symptoms include drooping of the mouth, inability to close the eye, loss of taste, drooling, and increased sensitivity to sound in one ear. The condition typically peaks within 48 hours and may be accompanied by pain behind the ear or jaw. What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome? Ramsay Hunt syndrome occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates in the facial nerve. Besides facial paralysis, it often causes a painful rash in or around the ear, and may lead to hearing loss or vertigo. The American Academy of Neurology states that early treatment with antiviral drugs improves recovery rates and prevents long-term nerve damage. Symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome Patients often experience facial drooping along with a painful red rash with blisters in and around the ear, mouth, or tongue. Other symptoms include tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, vertigo, and difficulty closing one eye. Some individuals might also feel weakness on one side of the body. Diagnosis and medical attention Diagnosis involves a physical examination and sometimes imaging tests like MRI to rule out stroke or tumour. Blood tests may be done if Ramsay Hunt syndrome is suspected. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses that immediate medical consultation is crucial when facial paralysis develops. Treatment options Both Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome are treated using corticosteroids to reduce nerve swelling. Ramsay Hunt cases typically require antiviral medications such as acyclovir. Physical therapy for facial muscles and eye protection methods are often recommended to support recovery. Prognosis and recovery While most people with Bell's palsy recover fully, some may experience lingering weakness. Recovery from Ramsay Hunt syndrome can be slower, and in some cases, nerve damage may be permanent. As per Mayo Clinic, starting treatment within 72 hours of symptom onset dramatically improves outcomes. Lil Nas X's openness about his health struggle shines a light on facial paralysis conditions like Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Though both can be frightening, early diagnosis and treatment are key to a strong recovery. As per Mayo Clinic experts, if symptoms of facial paralysis appear suddenly, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately for the best chance at recovery. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Doctors Just Found Something Horrifying in the Brains of Heavy Alcohol Drinkers
Boozers beware: a new study has found links between heavy alcohol consumption, brain damage, and earlier death. As the American Academy of Neurology notes, Brazilian researchers established in a new study that heavy drinkers — defined as those who have "eight or more alcoholic drinks per week," so not a particularly gigantic quantity — have a greater risk of developing brain lesions that can cause issues with memory and cognitition. Known as hyaline arteriolosclerosis, the lesions caused by this condition occur when small blood vessels in the brain narrow and become stiff and tight. "This makes it harder for blood to flow," the press release notes, "which can damage the brain over time." As detailed in a new paper published in the journal Neurology, pathologists from the University of São Paulo looked at records, both pre- and postmortem, for nearly 1,800 subjects that were published in the United Kingdom's first-class Biobank health database. Cross-referencing brain autopsies with living health record details, the researchers grouped the subjects into four groups: those who never drank, moderate drinkers who had "seven or fewer drinks per week," people who used to drink heavily, and those who drank heavily until the time of their death. Led by vascular biology expert Alberto Fernando Oliveira Justo, the researchers aimed not to establish any causal link but to demonstrate an understudied association — and did they ever. The good news is that moderate drinkers and those who used to drink heavily but stopped by the time they died appeared, per the study, to have lower odds of developing brain lesions. The bad news: former heavy drinkers were still at greater risk of developing not just lesions, but also for tau tangles, a neurological biomarker associated with Alzheimer's and dementia. While just 40 percent of the autopsied brains of teetotalers had brain lesions, the researchers found, after adjusting for other brain health factors like smoking and physical activity, that moderate drinkers had 60 percent higher odds of developing the lesions. Former heavy drinkers, meanwhile, had an 89 percent increased risk, and people who drank heavily up until death had 133 percent higher odds. "Researchers also found heavy and former heavy drinkers had higher odds of developing tau tangles... with 41 [percent] and 31 [percent] higher odds, respectively," the press release notes. "Former heavy drinking was associated with a lower brain mass ratio, a smaller proportion of brain mass compared to body mass, and worse cognitive abilities." To make matters worse, the researchers' data analyses suggested that lifetime heavy drinkers died, on average, 13 years younger than people who never touched the stuff. "We found heavy drinking is directly linked to signs of injury in the brain," Justo said in the press release, "and this can cause long-term effects on brain health, which may impact memory and thinking abilities." As with any study, this research had its limitations. Because the database these records were gleaned from is based in the UK, the randomized patients whose records the researchers analyzed were not known to them, and therefore, they didn't know how long they'd been drinking — only, it seems, that some never drank a drop while others kept drinking up until the bitter end. Still, these grim findings may encourage those with a history of hitting the sauce to slow down — or, perhaps, persuade others from going too hard moving forward. More on your brain on booze: Test Shows Alcohol Causing Long-Term Brain Damage
