Latest news with #ME
Scotsman
6 hours ago
- Health
- Scotsman
What is ME and the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome explained
ME can cause debilitating symptoms 🏥 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... An estimated 390,000 people living in the UK have ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A new plan for care reforms have been announced by the government. ME can cause debilitating symptoms. A new plan for care reforms for ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has been revealed by the government. ME affects an estimated 390,000 people living in the UK, it can cause debilitating symptoms including fatigue, sleep problems and difficulties with thinking, concentration and memory. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The impact varies between cases, but severe ME/CFS, which is thought to affect a quarter of those diagnosed, leaves patients unable to leave their home or work. Many of those living with ME/CFS currently struggle to access appropriate care. An estimated 390,000 people living in the UK have ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. | Pexels, Tima Miroshnichenko The plan will introduce new training for NHS healthcare professionals, featuring up-to-date learning resources to increase understanding to ensure signs are not missed. It will help combat the stigma faced by people living with ME/CFS, which stems from a lack of awareness about the condition, as well as increase funding for research, awarded through the National Institute for Health and Care Research and will address the specific needs of children and young people, ensuring they receive appropriate support in education settings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, said: 'ME/CFS is a debilitating illness that can severely limit patients' ability to participate in everyday activities, maintain employment, or enjoy family and social life. 'Today's plan will help tackle the stigma and lack of awareness of this condition through improved training for NHS staff. And through our neighbourhood health services, we will ensure patients suffering from the effects of ME/CFS can access quality care, closer to home, as pledged in our 10 Year Health Plan.' Sonya Chowdhury, Chief Executive, Action for ME, said: 'This is an important step for the ME community, long overlooked and under-served. The plan must not be a token gesture - it requires a sustained, strategic commitment to care, funding, and research. Without it, meaningful outcomes for people with ME will not be achieved.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What is ME/CFS? Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is a long-term condition that can cause debilitating symptoms that affect different parts of the body. It is characterised by extreme tiredness, debilitating pain and additional symptoms related to post-exertional malaise. What are the symptoms of ME? The NHS explain that symptoms of ME can include extreme tiredness, problems sleeping, problems with memory or concentration, post-exertional malaise. Other symptoms can include: muscle or joint pain headaches a sore throat or sore glands that are not swollen flu-like symptoms feeling dizzy or sick fast or irregular heartbeats (heart palpitations) muscle twitches or spasms intolerance to alcohol or certain foods or chemicals being very sensitive to light, sound, touch, taste and smell having hot flushes or cold chills if the temperature changes feeling dizzy, sick or fainting when standing up from a sitting or lying position There is no specific test for ME and not everyone will experience the same symptoms. It is defined as mild, moderate, severe and very severe and can have a significant impact on a person's day to day life. You can find out more about ME/CFS and what support is available at Action for ME.
Montreal Gazette
7 hours ago
- Health
- Montreal Gazette
Montreal researchers link protein to chronic fatigue
By A Université de Montréal professor and his team believe they have made a breakthrough discovery about a poorly understood illness that affects thousands of Quebecers and has significant ties to long COVID. In a recently published study, Dr. Alain Moreau identifies a potential new biomarker and therapeutic target for myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), once known as chronic fatigue syndrome. It's an advancement he says could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of the illness. 'It is very, very encouraging,' Moreau said in an interview, explaining the findings were 10 years in the making. 'We believe it can bring a lot of hope to patients.' ME/CFS is a complex disorder often triggered by viral infection. It can strike a person's muscular, nervous and immune systems and can become disabling, with many patients unable to work or confined to bed as a result. Though it can attack the body in different ways, its cardinal symptom is what's known as 'post-exertional malaise' — a worsening of symptoms, or appearance of new ones, after minimal physical or mental exertion. Moreau's study focused on a protein known as SMPDL3B. Though usually found attached to cell membranes, where it plays a role in controlling the immune system's response, it can also become detached and found in blood plasma. The study identified that people with ME/CFS have elevated levels of the soluble form of the protein in their plasma. The higher the levels, the more severe their symptoms. Those elevated levels could be caused by a specific enzyme, PI-PLC, that detaches the protein from the cell membrane and disrupts immune regulation. Critically, Moreau said, there are known diabetes drugs that can inhibit PI-PLC's activity. 'In other words,' Moreau said, 'this discovery shows that two medications currently in use — two molecules that are now even produced in generic formats — may be of interest for the treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis.' The study also identified that the levels of SMPDL3B found in people's plasma is influenced by estrogen, which could explain why women are so disproportionately affected by ME/CFS and why some experience an improvement in symptoms with age. The study included a cohort of 249 ME/CFS patients from Quebec, all recruited before the COVID-19 pandemic, and was tested against a cohort of 141 Norwegian patients. 'We reached exactly the same conclusion in both: that elevated levels of soluble form was associated with symptom severity and also that women had much higher levels,' Moreau said. The study was first published in the Journal of Translational Medicine earlier this month. Moreau stressed that randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm and apply the findings moving forward. Potential for long COVID patients While promising for ME/CFS patients, Moreau believes the findings could also have important implications for long COVID patients, who often experience similar symptoms. The link between the two illnesses first started emerging after the early waves of the pandemic. As people shared stories of persistent COVID symptoms that worsened after exertion, ME/CFS patients recognized what they were going through. Today, it's believed that nearly half of the people suffering from long COVID meet the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS. In both cases, women are disproportionately affected. While the number of ME/CFS patients in Quebec used to be estimated at 70,000, Moreau believes that post-pandemic, it is now likely more than 100,000 people. He hopes the findings can be encouraging to people suffering from both conditions. 'We are trying to contribute to the research and make a difference,' he said.
Scotsman
8 hours ago
- Health
- Scotsman
What is ME and the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome explained
ME can cause debilitating symptoms 🏥 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... An estimated 390,000 people living in the UK have ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A new plan for care reforms have been announced by the government. ME can cause debilitating symptoms. A new plan for care reforms for ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has been revealed by the government. ME affects an estimated 390,000 people living in the UK, it can cause debilitating symptoms including fatigue, sleep problems and difficulties with thinking, concentration and memory. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The impact varies between cases, but severe ME/CFS, which is thought to affect a quarter of those diagnosed, leaves patients unable to leave their home or work. Many of those living with ME/CFS currently struggle to access appropriate care. An estimated 390,000 people living in the UK have ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. | Pexels, Tima Miroshnichenko The plan will introduce new training for NHS healthcare professionals, featuring up-to-date learning resources to increase understanding to ensure signs are not missed. It will help combat the stigma faced by people living with ME/CFS, which stems from a lack of awareness about the condition, as well as increase funding for research, awarded through the National Institute for Health and Care Research and will address the specific needs of children and young people, ensuring they receive appropriate support in education settings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, said: 'ME/CFS is a debilitating illness that can severely limit patients' ability to participate in everyday activities, maintain employment, or enjoy family and social life. 'Today's plan will help tackle the stigma and lack of awareness of this condition through improved training for NHS staff. And through our neighbourhood health services, we will ensure patients suffering from the effects of ME/CFS can access quality care, closer to home, as pledged in our 10 Year Health Plan.' Sonya Chowdhury, Chief Executive, Action for ME, said: 'This is an important step for the ME community, long overlooked and under-served. The plan must not be a token gesture - it requires a sustained, strategic commitment to care, funding, and research. Without it, meaningful outcomes for people with ME will not be achieved.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What is ME/CFS? Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is a long-term condition that can cause debilitating symptoms that affect different parts of the body. It is characterised by extreme tiredness, debilitating pain and additional symptoms related to post-exertional malaise. What are the symptoms of ME? The NHS explain that symptoms of ME can include extreme tiredness, problems sleeping, problems with memory or concentration, post-exertional malaise. Other symptoms can include: muscle or joint pain headaches a sore throat or sore glands that are not swollen flu-like symptoms feeling dizzy or sick fast or irregular heartbeats (heart palpitations) muscle twitches or spasms intolerance to alcohol or certain foods or chemicals being very sensitive to light, sound, touch, taste and smell having hot flushes or cold chills if the temperature changes feeling dizzy, sick or fainting when standing up from a sitting or lying position There is no specific test for ME and not everyone will experience the same symptoms. It is defined as mild, moderate, severe and very severe and can have a significant impact on a person's day to day life.
Scotsman
8 hours ago
- Health
- Scotsman
What is ME and the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome explained
ME can cause debilitating symptoms 🏥 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... An estimated 390,000 people living in the UK have ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A new plan for care reforms have been announced by the government. ME can cause debilitating symptoms. A new plan for care reforms for ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has been revealed by the government. ME affects an estimated 390,000 people living in the UK, it can cause debilitating symptoms including fatigue, sleep problems and difficulties with thinking, concentration and memory. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The impact varies between cases, but severe ME/CFS, which is thought to affect a quarter of those diagnosed, leaves patients unable to leave their home or work. Many of those living with ME/CFS currently struggle to access appropriate care. An estimated 390,000 people living in the UK have ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. | Pexels, Tima Miroshnichenko The plan will introduce new training for NHS healthcare professionals, featuring up-to-date learning resources to increase understanding to ensure signs are not missed. It will help combat the stigma faced by people living with ME/CFS, which stems from a lack of awareness about the condition, as well as increase funding for research, awarded through the National Institute for Health and Care Research and will address the specific needs of children and young people, ensuring they receive appropriate support in education settings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, said: 'ME/CFS is a debilitating illness that can severely limit patients' ability to participate in everyday activities, maintain employment, or enjoy family and social life. 'Today's plan will help tackle the stigma and lack of awareness of this condition through improved training for NHS staff. And through our neighbourhood health services, we will ensure patients suffering from the effects of ME/CFS can access quality care, closer to home, as pledged in our 10 Year Health Plan.' Sonya Chowdhury, Chief Executive, Action for ME, said: 'This is an important step for the ME community, long overlooked and under-served. The plan must not be a token gesture - it requires a sustained, strategic commitment to care, funding, and research. Without it, meaningful outcomes for people with ME will not be achieved.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What is ME/CFS? Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is a long-term condition that can cause debilitating symptoms that affect different parts of the body. It is characterised by extreme tiredness, debilitating pain and additional symptoms related to post-exertional malaise. What are the symptoms of ME? The NHS explain that symptoms of ME can include extreme tiredness, problems sleeping, problems with memory or concentration, post-exertional malaise. Other symptoms can include: muscle or joint pain headaches a sore throat or sore glands that are not swollen flu-like symptoms feeling dizzy or sick fast or irregular heartbeats (heart palpitations) muscle twitches or spasms intolerance to alcohol or certain foods or chemicals being very sensitive to light, sound, touch, taste and smell having hot flushes or cold chills if the temperature changes feeling dizzy, sick or fainting when standing up from a sitting or lying position There is no specific test for ME and not everyone will experience the same symptoms. It is defined as mild, moderate, severe and very severe and can have a significant impact on a person's day to day life.
Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Martine McCutcheon's pals reveal how Love Actually icon went bankrupt for a second time
Former EastEnders actress Martine McCutcheon is having a rough time of it of late, with the newly single star recently declared bankrupt for a second time Former EastEnders actress Martine McCutcheon has been hit with another blow just a year after parting ways with her husband Jack McManus, with it revealed over the weekend that the newly single star has fallen on hard times financially. The Love Actually actress has reportedly been declared bankrupt, as per court documents, following a petition for insolvency over a debt owed to a finance company, official public records have disclosed. This comes on the heels of her having to reduce the asking price of her beautiful Surrey home. It's now claimed the star, who was once worth millions as an Olivier Award winner with a number one single to her name, lost her money due to "high spending habits" and struggling to land roles amid a battle with ill health. Martine's friends reportedly say their pal made some "highly questionable spending decisions" over recent years, like paying 'thousands' to the Mafia in order to tie the knot with ex Jack in Lake Como, Italy back in 2012. The mum-of-one being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME) in 2011 and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) has also damaged her bank balance and seen her earnings take a dip. One of the star's friends muses how, despite appearing in one of the nation's favourite soaps and classic Christmas film Love Actually, Martine's most iconic roles came about over 20 years ago and "money does not last for ever if you do not invest it wisely." "It has not helped that she loves the finer things in her life, and it is no secret that she has spent more than she should have done over the years," the pal tells the Daily Mail. "She has had bits and pieces of TV work recently – but nothing has come close to being a blockbuster role that might get her out of her financial mess." They add: "It's a real shame as she's immensely talented with a wealth of experience. Hopefully she can turn things around, but she's had a real tough time." A court document indicates that the insolvency order was issued on 31 March this year, a few months after she announced her split from Jack, her husband of 18 years. The couple share a 10 year old son, Rafferty. The bankruptcy ruling, which was filed under her married name, Martine McManus, was handed down in March at the County Court in Guildford, instigated by a petition from a firm named LDF Finance. Meanwhile, Martine's company, Raven Music Ltd, was also wound up last month, a move initiated by HMRC due to outstanding tax bills. The most recent accounts reveal that the business had a tax liability exceeding £175,000, due within the 12-month period post-February 2022. However, the total amount of Martine's personal tax bill remains undisclosed, and it is yet to be determined whether the Official Receiver will call for a public examination of her bankruptcy, which would lay bare her financial situation. This isn't Martine's first brush with financial woes. Despite a previous net worth of around £2million, she faced bankruptcy in 2013 with debts totalling approximately £187,000, including a hefty £150,000 owed to HMRC. By the following year, Martine had been discharged from bankruptcy and was once again financially solvent. She and her now ex-husband splashed out a staggering £1.3million on their former marital home in Surrey just three years prior. Last year, the pair announced their separation after an 18-year marriage. Announcing their separation on social media, she stated: "After much thought and consideration, Jack has decided it's best for us to separate after 18 years together and I accept his decision. I continue to send Jack, all the love, luck and happiness for the next chapter of his life."
