Latest news with #MIND
New York Post
2 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
I'm a neurologist — don't ignore these 10 signs that may mean your brain is in trouble
Wise up! Dementia — which gradually erodes memory, concentration and judgment — affects over 6 million Americans and accounts for more than 100,000 deaths annually. Symptoms tend to be relatively mild at first and worsen over time. Though there's no cure for dementia, it's important to recognize the potential signs because early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes. Other life-threatening brain conditions, like stroke and a ruptured aneurysm, have symptoms that appear more abruptly. 6 Dr. Joshua Nass, a board-certified neurologist in Michigan, reveals 10 symptoms that shouldn't be shrugged off. Courtesy of the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders It's important to pay attention to brain health because it significantly influences our ability to think, learn, communicate and make decisions. 'As a neurologist at MIND and the medical director of the stroke program at Henry Ford St John Hospital, I see patients all the time who brush off symptoms,' Dr. Joshua Nass, of the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders (MIND), told The Post. 'Many times, it is the families who notice first,' he added. 'Unfortunately, sometimes it is too late.' Here are 10 neurological signs that Nass says shouldn't be dismissed. Sudden, severe headache 'If you are not a headache person and this is the worst headache of your life, this could be a sign of an aneurysm or bleed, and this should be assessed emergently at the ER,' Nass said. Some 6.7 million Americans — or 1 in 50 people — are believed to have an unruptured brain aneurysm. 6 An extremely intense headache could be a sign of an aneurysm or bleeding in the brain. goodluz – High blood pressure can put stress on blood vessel walls, causing them to thin. A bulge can develop in the weakened part of the wall. That's known as an aneurysm. It can burst if the wall gets stretched too much. Small, unruptured aneurysms typically don't cause noticeable symptoms, but larger ones can press on nerves or brain tissue, causing headaches, vision problems or other neurological issues. Weakness or numbness on one side 'Call 911,' Nass said. 'Even if it goes away in a few minutes, this may represent a warning sign for a stroke.' 6 Strokes can lead to permanent brain damage, disability or even death. utah51 – A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted or severely reduced. Brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, potentially causing damage or long-term disability. Weakness or numbness can happen when blood flow to areas of the brain responsible for motor control is compromised. Slurred speech or trouble speaking This could also indicate a stroke that damaged areas controlling speech and language. Abrupt vision changes 'Loss of vision or double vision could range from optic neuritis, stroke or a retinal problem,' Nass said. 6 Sudden vision changes may indicate a serious medical condition and require immediate attention. Crystal – Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, which carries messages from the eyes to the brain so you can see. Memory changes or confusion Memory problems and confusion can stem from a range of issues, including metabolic imbalances, infections and dementia. 'With new technology, we can detect dementia earlier, and newer treatment options are available to help prevent or slow down decline,' Nass said. Persistent dizziness or an off-balance sensation Talk with a doctor if you experience relentless, room-spinning dizziness that leads to unsteadiness or falls. 6 Dizziness can come from issues in the inner ear or the brain. Prostock-studio – 'If persistent, this may represent more than an inner ear problem, and brain imaging may be warranted,' Nass advised. Seizure-like activity 'These are not always full-body convulsions but may be staring spells or muscle jerks,' Nass shared. 'Especially if it's happening for the first time, a full workup to exclude a brain problem (including a tumor) should be completed.' Loss of consciousness, like by fainting 'Although this typically may represent a cardiovascular issue, a brain etiology must be excluded,' Nass said. 6 Fainting is caused by a sudden reduction in blood flow to the brain. madrolly – Some neurological conditions — like a transient ischemic attack or 'mini-stroke' — can cause fainting or fainting-like symptoms. Numbness and tingling in hands or feet 'More commonly, this may represent a neuropathy from vitamin deficiencies or diabetes, although alternative causes such as multiple sclerosis or other spinal cord pathology should be excluded,' Nass said. Tremors/uncontrollable movements 'Many times we see tremor in the office and it is a benign essential tremor, which can run in families,' Nass said, 'but Parkinson's should be excluded, including other movement disorders.' Parkinson's disease patients — there are about a million in the US — tend to experience slow movement, tremors, stiffness and difficulty walking.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
3 Foods To Buy Every Week To Lower Your Dementia Risk, According to Registered Dietitians
3 Foods To Buy Every Week To Lower Your Dementia Risk, According to Registered Dietitians originally appeared on Parade. Everything we consume impacts the body for better or for worse, including the brain. Fortunately, there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of foods that are beneficial for brain health. Many of these foods are part of the MIND diet, which stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative MIND diet was created with dementia prevention in mind. While it's certainly a positive that the MIND diet, and eating for brain health generally, includes so many foods, it's also helpful to have a starting point. After all, the longest-lasting dietary changes are typically made in increments, not all at once. With this in, er, mind, we asked registered dietitians which three foods they recommend people start integrating into their diet to support brain health because they are so impactful. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 General Tips for Lowering Dementia Risk Through Diet 'What we eat is one very important tool in our toolbox when it comes to reducing the risk of dementia,' says Laura Ali, RD, a registered dietitian and culinary nutritionist. As evidence, Ali highlights a scientific study showing that following the MIND diet has been shown to cut dementia risk in dietitian and In Good Health president Serena Benali, RD, agrees that food can be a powerful tool in dementia prevention. 'Although we cannot alter our genes or age, we can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, support vascular health and maintain metabolic balance through our food choices, which lowers the risk of dementia,' she says. Related: 'Brain autopsy research from the National Institute on Aging also showed that older adults who ate these dietary patterns consistently had fewer Alzheimer's-related changes, even into their 90s,' Benali maintaining a brain-healthy diet is not a guarantee that you won't get Alzheimer's, Benali emphasizes that it's one of the most powerful tools there is, especially when combined with regular physical activity, meaningful social connection and effective stress management. Related: In terms of some general tips for lowering dementia risk through diet, Ali says to prioritize vegetables and fruit as well as foods with brain-healthy omega-3s, such as seafood, nuts, seeds, eggs and edamame. Benali says that keeping blood glucose in a healthy, stable range during midlife is linked to a lower risk of dementia later on, according to scientific research. 'Practical strategies include building each meal around fiber-rich carbohydrates, lean protein and healthy fats, spacing meals at regular intervals to avoid sharp spikes and crashes and limiting highly processed foods that are often high in refined starches and added sugars,' she 3 Foods To Buy Every Week To Lower Your Risk of Dementia With all this in mind, what foods do the dietitians recommend starting with when integrating more brain-supporting foods into your diet? Below are the three they say make the most impact. 1. Berries Satisfy your cravings for sweets while lowering your dementia risk by snacking on berries. 'Berries are rich in flavonoids, a compound found in plants that has antioxidant properties. The flavonoids are thought to protect the signaling pathways in the brain, which protects memory and the ability to perform daily activities. Research has shown that people who eat more berries have improved memory and better cognitive function,' Ali says, adding that she recommends eating them three to four times a also recommends eating berries regularly, explaining, 'Regular berry eaters have shown better memory and a slower rate of cognitive decline in several human studies." 2. Seafood 'All types of seafood, but especially those with higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, sardines, trout and tuna, are important to include at least once a week,' Ali says. Benali adds that eating sardines regularly can be especially beneficial, explaining, 'This cold-water fish is packed with DHA-rich omega-3 fats, the very lipids that make up our brain cell membranes. Adequate DHA helps brain cells communicate efficiently and may calm neuroinflammation. Because marine sources already contain DHA, they are more readily used by the body than plant-based ALA sources." According to Ali, people who eat seafood regularly have a lower risk of heart disease, and there is also evidence that the omega-3s may help reduce the formation of amyloid protein clusters in the brain. 'Those clusters block the flow of communication in your brain and contribute to the death of healthy brain cells, which leads to dementia,' she explains. 3. Leafy greens The beauty of leafy greens is that they can be integrated into countless meals; they're one of the most versatile brain-healthy foods you can buy. 'Leafy greens are one of the key foods found to help reduce the risk of dementia. A study in the Journal of Neurology found that people who ate more leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach and arugula had significantly less plaque buildup in their brains than those who ate less,' Ali says. While berries, seafood and leafy greens are great foods to start integrating into your diet if you want to lower your risk of dementia, Benali says that eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods is key. 'Aim for 30 or more different plant-based foods each week—yes, 30! Fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds and herbs all count. A diverse intake feeds a broader range of gut microbes, and emerging evidence shows that a richer gut microbiome is associated with better cognitive resilience. Simple ways to begin include rotating your produce, sprinkling mixed seeds and experimenting with new vegetables each week,' she says. By prioritizing foods that support brain health in your diet, you're taking a major step in preserving your memory both now and in the future. Don't underestimate the power of what you eat! Up Next: Sources Laura Ali, RD, registered dietitian and culinary nutritionist Serena Benali, RD, registered dietitian and In Good Health president 3 Foods To Buy Every Week To Lower Your Dementia Risk, According to Registered Dietitians first appeared on Parade on Jul 21, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
India Today
14-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Can a simple diet change reduce chances of dementia, Alzheimer's disease?
Is the food on your plate the secret to a sharper mind after 60? A growing body of research says yes, and a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Ageing offers some of the strongest evidence study, conducted by researchers at Yonsei University, South Korea, tracked over 1,31,000 adults aged 40 to 69 over a span of thirteen and a half years, investigating how four well-established dietary patterns impacted their risk of developing findings were clear: following diets rich in whole foods, leafy greens, and healthy fats, especially the MIND diet, significantly reduced the risk of dementia by up to 28%. WHAT IS THE MIND DIET?The MIND diet, short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, is a hybrid of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). But it goes a step further by targeting nutrients specifically linked to brain health and cognitive brain-boosting components of the MIND diet include:Flavonoids and polyphenols from fruits, vegetables, tea, and dark chocolateFolate from leafy greens and legumesOmega-3 fatty acids from oily fish, seeds, and nutsCompared to general healthy eating guidelines, the MIND diet places special emphasis on daily consumption of green leafy vegetables and weekly servings of berries and fish foods known to nourish neurons and reduce brain HIGHLIGHTS: MIND DIET STANDS OUTResearchers scored participants' diets using four systems: Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), MIND Diet Score, Recommended Food Score (RFS), and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)The MIND and RFS diets showed the strongest associations with lower dementia risk, while a higher score on the Energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (EDII), which reflects diets high in processed and inflammatory foods, was linked to a 30% higher risk of dementia.'The associations between dietary patterns and dementia were stronger in older adults and women, and varied by obesity status, highlighting how diet affects different populations differently,' the researchers AS PREVENTION, NOT JUST NUTRITIONThis study reinforces findings from earlier research. For instance, a previous trial of 906 older adults found that those with higher MIND diet scores experienced slower cognitive decline over nearly five autopsy-based study of 581 participants revealed that those who had followed the MIND or Mediterranean diet had fewer amyloid plaques in their brains, a biological hallmark of Alzheimer's both studies, higher intake of leafy greens was the most protective dietary CURE, BUT PREVENTION IS POWERFULWith no definitive cure for dementia, researchers stress the urgency of prevention-focused interventions, particularly findings underscore the potential of dietary interventions as modifiable factors to reduce the risk of dementia, especially in vulnerable populations,' the authors also noted that unlike earlier studies, this research compared multiple dietary patterns and followed participants for more than a decade, providing robust, long-term WHAT SHOULD YOU EAT TO PROTECT YOUR BRAIN?To follow the MIND diet, here's a simple roadmap:Eat more of:Leafy greens (daily)Berries (more than two days per week)Whole grainsNuts and seedsLegumesFish (once a week)Poultry (at least twice a week)Olive oil as main cooking fatLimit these foods:Red and processed meatsButter and stick margarineCheesePastries and sweetsFried and fast foodsWith science uncovering more about the links between food and brain health, one thing is becoming clear: what's good for your heart is often good for your no single diet guarantees immunity from cognitive decline, the MIND diet could be practical, sustainable with strong evidence to nourish your brain.- Ends
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Cutting back on one food group could lower dementia risk
A study from the Neurology Journal found that long-term and regular consumption of processed red meat was associated with a higher risk of dementia, as well as overall worse cognition Cutting down on a certain food group could potentially lower your risk of cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, according to health experts. A study published in the Neurology Journal, which involved 133,771 participants, discovered that regular and long-term consumption of processed red meat was linked not only to an increased risk of dementia but also to poorer cognitive function. Processed red meats include foods such as bacon, sausages, hot dogs, salami, corned beef, and beef jerky. Therefore, swapping out red meat from your diet could help reduce your risk of developing dementia in later life, whilst also improving your cognitive function. A range of protein sources and whole foods can be introduced into your diet as alternatives to red meat. To further decrease the risk of dementia, a recent study by scientists at the American Society for Nutritio has highlighted the benefits of the Mediterranean-Dash Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet and the DASH diet. These diets emphasise foods like leafy greens, vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats. The principles of the DASH diet, which promotes foods that help lower blood pressure, are combined with those of the Mediterranean diet. Regardless of age, the MIND diet has been shown to be equally beneficial in supporting cognitive function throughout a person's life. According to Professor Song-Yi Park of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, "Our study findings confirm that healthy dietary patterns in mid to late life and their improvement over time may prevent Alzheimer's and related dementias." Professor Park adds: "This suggests that it is never too late to adopt a healthy diet to prevent dementia." Notably, a further examination of the data revealed that individuals who consistently adhered to or improved their adherence to the MIND diet over a 10-year period had a 25% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those with poorer adherence. This finding held true across various age groups and ethnicities, even among those who did not initially follow the diet closely. The MIND diet The MIND diet is a fusion of the Mediterranean diet and DASH, incorporating food groups from both diets. Mediterranean diet There's no rigid meal plan for the Mediterranean diet. However, generally, individuals are expected to consume some of the following regularly: Raw vegetables Legumes No more than 100ml of fruit juice aday Nuts Fruit Fish (preferably oily fish such as sardines) Less than 100g of red or processed meat each day Olive oil The Dash diet DASH is a dietary plan focused on consuming foods that aid in reducing blood pressure, thus offering benefits for heart health. It includes eating: Vegetables Fruits Whole grains Fat-free or low-fat dairy products Fish Poultry Beans Nuts Vegetable oils Meanwhile, followers of this diet are advised to reduce consumption of foods high in saturated fats such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, fizzy drinks, sweets, and tropical oils such as coconut and palm oils.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
How to handle toxic in-laws, according to a clinical psychologist
Dr Sheri Jacobson has a PhD in counselling and psychotherapy, and a degree in cognitive behavioural therapy. She worked for many years as a senior therapist with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, as well as for MIND, MENCAP, a women's centre and the NHS. She is the founder of Harley Therapy. It's rare to find a family without at least some conflict between first-degree relatives. Imagine, then, the whole extra layer that can come with in-laws. We haven't known these people since childhood, and aren't as acclimatised to their ways. Getting used to this can take time. The gaining of an in-law represents a significant shift in the dynamics of your family. But while people often dwell on the difficulties that arrive with their in-laws, it's important first to note the positives in your by-marriage relationships. Your in-laws can give you social, practical and financial support. They're often sounding boards, or can help you with the day-to-day challenges of getting older. In-laws often increase the diversity of the types of personalities in your circle. Plus, this wider family often shares important experiences: celebrating joyful occasions, such as weddings and graduations, and offering support in times of bereavement. That said, there can often be tensions and difficulties involving hierarchy and power structures. People are often used to interacting in specific ways with certain dynamics at play, and it can take time to recalibrate to a new family set-up. Our loyalties and allegiances often realign – for example, if a close sibling gets married, that can lead to feelings of envy towards their new spouse if they aren't confiding in us as much. Families have different styles. On top of this, every individual brings into the mix their own underlying patterns of behaviour shaped by their unique past experiences. These can sometimes manifest in less desirable behaviours, such attention-seeking, wilfulness, manipulation or sulking. Whatever the reason for conflict, the same principles and values apply. Always try to start with compassion and empathy: aiming to understand, as opposed to being judgemental. This is the best way to de-escalate a situation, so it becomes less threatening to everyone. Here are four common in-law scenarios, and how to defuse them. 'I know him better than you'; 'he doesn't like it when you do things that way' – a mother-in-law's possessiveness is often driven by an underlying anxiety. Perhaps she senses her adult child is being 'taken away', and she still wants to be included. A mother might behave in a controlling way or use 'guilt-tripping' in order to remain relevant and central to her child's life. In all in-law relationships, there's the possibility of divided loyalties – that the wife is 'against' the mother, or vice versa. There's no right way to deal with this. Some people prefer to speak directly to their in-laws, and others prefer to enlist support from outside. The most important thing is for the couple to safeguard their own relationship – to discuss and air their views about this problem in non-belligerent ways. An opening comment such as: 'When your mother criticises my cooking, I feel undermined' might be helpful, and then take it from there. The key here is to explain how you are feeling, and open a discussion. If, as is often the case, your mother-in-law's behaviour is driven by anxiety, the best way to counter this is to make her feel included (while also making sure she doesn't take over). For example, if it's your anniversary dinner, and she tries to invite herself, say something like: 'We'd love you to be there, but tonight is just for the two of us. Let's do something separate next week.' Start by putting yourself in your daughter-in-law's place, to try and understand the root of why she's behaving like this. Perhaps she's trying to assert her independence, or establish a position within a new family hierarchy. Or maybe a memory of her earlier experiences is being played out: it could be that she was neglected when she was younger, or quite the opposite – she's used to being the centre of attention. Either way, it's difficult to cope with a daughter-in-law when she's demanding, 'drive me here', or 'I need this, now', especially if this squeezes out the preferences of other people. Your son's self-involved wife might also disengage, appear aloof or prioritise her own family over yours, which can lead to a lot of upset and sullen family dinners. This is a hard situation to manage and it's important to be sensitive. Family ruptures can happen easily. Though it has to be said that, in some contexts, the cycle of rupture and repair – heated arguments followed by making up – is not uncommon. Communication is nearly always a good idea, but be careful not to accuse your daughter-in-law of anything directly. Instead of: 'You always cancel when I plan a dinner, but you never cancel on your own family – that's not fair,' consider saying: 'I feel sad when you don't come to our dinners, as family time is special to us. Is there something about our gatherings that makes you feel unwelcome?' If you'd rather avoid such disclosures, or feel that this type of communication won't lead anywhere, my advice would be to work on acceptance of the situation. Realise that it might never really change. Some people maintain some distance to protect themselves from emotional strain. The alternative is to lower your expectations – appreciating that your daughter-in-law's behaviour might be linked to her past experiences rather than being personal. Sometimes, it can help to vent to a third party, such as a close friend or a therapist, who can hear you out and support you to better manage the situation. This can cover a wide spectrum from, 'let me drive' to a partner who takes total economic control, or restricts his wife from having a social life of her own. In a milder scenario, this may manifest with your son-in-law by arguing with your child's opinions, or by being dismissive of them. Various things can drive this sort of behaviour, including a perceived threat to the man's authority, or uncertainty of his place in the family hierarchy. In certain cultures, the 'husband in charge' scenario is more accepted, and this can be harder to question or challenge. Whatever the cause, it can be important to keep an eye on a bossy son-in law, as in its most serious form, damaging control can escalate. 'Let's not see your family today' can swiftly become: 'I'm better with money than you are, let me look after the account.' As a parent, it's important to look out for signs of overly domineering and manipulative behaviour. If you find that your daughter seems unrecognisable from her usual self, or she seems nervous, silent or on edge, you may want to intervene. This is a difficult situation, as you may see a problem and your child may not, and attempting to point it out could push her further away. Bring up the problem gently: don't accuse or point fingers. Say something like: 'I know you are devoted to your husband, but I'm concerned in seeing some of the ways he is with you. I care about you greatly, and I'm here for you regardless. Whenever you are ready, I would like to help.' If your son-in-law becomes menacing or abusive – whether violently or otherwise – seek support from the relevant professional services. Whether the inappropriate behaviour is aimed at you personally – or in a more general sense – there are ways of dealing with it. It's not uncommon for older relatives to have 'blind spots', owing to the generation in which they grew up – they just don't see the world in the same way as you do. If your partner's father is being racist or lascivious to the people around you, a comment such as: 'Remember, we don't use those sorts of comments today' might help, delivered in an approachable tone. If you are feeling personally targeted, then it's important to set boundaries. Say to your father-in-law: 'I know you mean well, but it's not OK to comment on my low-cut dress.' Or, 'I don't like it when you come up and hug me – I hope you understand.' It's also important to let your partner know you feel a bit nervous around his dad. All of this can be hard to do. But you aren't only looking after yourself: you are also prioritising safety for younger family members, and guarding them from inappropriate sexual or pejorative comments. Reshaped families can add much to our lives, and all the more so when we consider the feelings of every single member. As told to Miranda Levy Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
