I'm a dementia professor – Here's how I'm reducing my risk

The human brain is endlessly fascinating, as is how people lose their memory, and how that affects their thinking and interactions. So I've always been drawn to working with older people. Dementia is the umbrella term for the symptoms of a group of diseases (Alzheimer's being the most common) that cause a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, thinking and reasoning.

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Hindustan Times

31 minutes ago

• Hindustan Times

Trump's nephew warns of dementia signs in the president: ‘I know the warning signs…'

In a stunning revelation, Fred Trump III, nephew of Donald Trump and son of Fred Trump Jr., has raised grave concerns about his uncle's mental health, citing a troubling history of dementia in the Trump family. He recently authored All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way, a revealing memoir that delves into the complex dynamics, conflicts, and legacy of the Trump family. Fred Trump III has expressed serious concerns about Donald Trump's mental health. Photographer: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg(Bloomberg) Also Read: Prince William turns 43: Kate Middleton and kids celebrate his birthday with puppies and heartfelt message During a candid interview on SiriusXM's The Dean Obeidallah Show last Friday, Fred Trump III voiced his growing concerns about the current president's mental fitness, suggesting he's observed troubling similarities to earlier family cases. He recalled that their grandfather, also the father of the president, suffered from Alzheimer's disease for eight years before he died in 1999. Fred emphasized that dementia has left a deep mark on their family and said recent signs in his uncle's behavior have stirred unease. Trump's nephew also drew parallels between the president's recent behavior and that of other relatives who battled dementia, including their cousin John Walters. He did not mince his words as he said, 'You know, Donald said, 'Oh, my father was tiptop until the end.' I can assure you, that was not the case. I know what I saw in my grandfather,' as reported by the Irish Star. He continued, 'I know what I saw in Donald's older sister, my aunt Maryanne, who in the end ... I am not a doctor, I don't pretend to be. I just, I know the warning signs from both of my grandfathers." Fred added, 'But the things he's spewing and the craziness, and he just can't stick to a message. And he used to be able to stick to a message." His sister, Mary Trump, has also penned books on similar topics. Also Read: Is White House on fire today? Debunking viral post Talks of Trump's dementia mirror what happened with Biden The irony of Fred's remarks is underscored by the fact that Trump himself made cognitive fitness a central line of attack during his campaign against President Joe Biden, frequently accusing his opponent of mental decline. While polling consistently showed that voters were concerned about Biden's acuity, those same concerns have increasingly been mirrored in public discussions about Trump's own cognitive state, now amplified by members of his own family.

First Post

43 minutes ago

• First Post

Dr explains: How to spot early Alzheimer's symptoms and why younger adults should care too

Alzheimer's disease isn't just a condition of old age. Subtle symptoms can appear earlier than expected and are often mistaken for routine forgetfulness. Firstpost spoke to an expert on how to recognise the red flags, distinguish the disease from normal ageing, and adopt preventive measures to protect brain health early. read more Alzheimer's disease, often thought to be a condition of old age, can begin far earlier than most people realise and the signs aren't always as obvious as memory loss. With rising stress levels, lifestyle diseases, and increasing life expectancy, the burden of Alzheimer's in India is expected to climb sharply in the coming decades. Despite this, many people remain unaware of its early warning signs, confusing them with routine forgetfulness or age-related decline. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Firstpost spoke to Dr Pooja Anand, Associate Consultant – Neurology at Paras Health (Gurugram) to shed light on how Alzheimer's differs from normal aging, the red flags to watch for and how prevention can start well before retirement age. What exactly is Alzheimer's disease, and how is it typically identified in its early stages? Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily impairs memory and cognitive function. In its early stages, it often manifests as subtle memory lapses such as forgetting names or recent events—that gradually become more pronounced. These changes go beyond ordinary forgetfulness and begin to interfere with daily life and routine functioning. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluations, cognitive testing, brain imaging, and in some cases, biomarker testing. How does Alzheimer's differ from normal age-related memory loss or forgetfulness? It's important to distinguish Alzheimer's from normal aging. Occasional forgetfulness—like misplacing keys or struggling to recall a name but remembering it later—is common with age. However, Alzheimer's involves persistent memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with reasoning or problem-solving. People may get lost in familiar places or have trouble following conversations—warning signs that extend beyond normal aging. At what age does the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease begin to significantly increase? The risk of Alzheimer's rises significantly after the age of 65. That said, it's not exclusively a disease of old age. Early-onset Alzheimer's, though rare, can appear in individuals as young as their 40s or 50s. As age is the strongest risk factor, cases rise sharply among people in their 70s and 80s. What are some early warning signs or red flags that people should look out for in Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia? Early warning signs include memory loss that disrupts daily life, trouble completing familiar tasks, confusion about time or place, and difficulty understanding visual images or spatial relationships. Changes in mood, personality, or social withdrawal can also be indicators. Persistent or worsening symptoms should prompt further medical assessment. What are some common myths or misconceptions surrounding Alzheimer's disease? A common myth is that Alzheimer's is simply part of normal aging—which it is not. Another misconception is that only the elderly are affected, when in fact early-onset cases do exist. There's also a belief that nothing can be done after diagnosis. In reality, early intervention, appropriate support, and available treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. How much of a concern is early-onset Alzheimer's, and how frequently does it occur compared to cases in older adults? Early-onset Alzheimer's is relatively uncommon, accounting for 5–10% of all cases. However, it is particularly concerning as it strikes during an individual's working years and can be more difficult to diagnose due to its unexpected timing. In some cases, the disease also progresses more aggressively, making early detection and treatment crucial. Does the treatment approach differ between early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer's patients? Core treatment strategies—managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and supporting patients and caregivers—are generally the same. However, early-onset patients often face additional challenges related to employment, finances, and parenting, requiring specialised psychosocial support and care planning tailored to their unique circumstances. Is there evidence linking cardiovascular health—like heart disease or hypertension—to a higher risk of Alzheimer's, especially among younger adults in India? Yes, growing evidence suggests a strong link between cardiovascular and brain health. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity—which are increasingly common among younger adults in India—can raise the risk of cognitive decline. Poor cardiovascular health can reduce blood flow to the brain, which may contribute to Alzheimer's and other dementias over time. What lifestyle habits or preventive measures can individuals adopt to reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life? A brain-healthy lifestyle can play a major role in prevention. This includes regular physical exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (such as the Mediterranean diet), mental stimulation, good quality sleep, and social engagement. Managing stress, avoiding smoking, and controlling blood pressure and blood sugar are also key. In short, what benefits the heart also benefits the brain.

Rhyl Journal

17 hours ago

• Rhyl Journal

Prestatyn grandmother ‘not given medication' for 20 days

Marion Yates, of St Chamond's Care Home, Hillside in Prestatyn, died aged 87 at the nursing home on January 2, 2025. At the resumption of the inquest into her death, held in Ruthin today (June 20), John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales East and Central, gave a medical cause of death of a chest infection with contributing Alzheimer's and a stroke. Mrs Yates was born in Atherton, Manchester on June 10, 1937, and was widowed, a mother to three sons and a retired business owner. The inquest was told Mrs Yates had been 'very active throughout her life', and was a 'great mum' who had worked for British Coal, in finance, and had run a successful newsagent in Fleetwood twice. Her son told the inquest that she had 'loved baking, loved making clothes, would knit for grandkids and loved home cooking'. She had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia in 2019, but had shown symptoms of the condition since 2016. Mrs Yates moved into residential care, at Priory House Care Home in Prestatyn, in October 2022, and 'seemed really happy' at the home for the first 12 months and enjoyed activities. She had been prescribed edoxaban, an anti-coagulant (blood thinner) which mitigated the risk of a stroke – she had been on thinners for several years. However, in October 2023, while monthly medication had arrived for patients at Priory House on October 18, Mrs Yates' had not. The community pharmacist was contacted and responded that they 'didn't have it yet', said Prio House director Frances Waltham. A daily medication Mrs Yates was now without since October 28, the care home made several requests (both before and after her running out of medication) to the pharmacist for the medication, but by as late as November 16 they had still not received it. A prescription had been sent to the pharmacist on November 16, ten days after the issue was last recorded as being raised. Mrs Yates' GP surgery, Healthy Prestatyn Iach, were not informed at the same time that she had been without medication. Mrs Yates suffered a stroke in December that year, which her family said lead to a 'distinct change and a downward spiral' and her transfer to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. Dr Gordon Black, a general physician specialising in stroke treatment, said that they had noted Mrs Yates' 'right side weakness, aphasia, and unsafe swallow' in November – between her going without medication and her stroke. She was moved to a community hospital from Glan Clwyd, and then into St Chamond's in Prestatyn in June 2024 having had a paper tube fitted. Her son told the inquest she 'never spoke after that' and 'couldn't move her right side and was bedridden', adding that her 'quality of life completely changed beyond recognition'. READ MORE: 'Loving, caring' Rhuddlan mother will be 'hugely missed' Rhyl: What Dean Mears' life sentence and minimum term mean Dr Judah Eastwell, clinical lead GP at Healthy Prestatyn Iach, said that her receiving her medication when she had been supposed to in October 2023 'would have mitigated risks of stroke'. From November 2024, Mrs Yates had developed a chest infection and was now 'really jaundiced', but Welsh Ambulance Service determined admission to hospital was not necessary. By December, her blood tests showed deterioration of the liver, and an ultrasound scan showed a 'mass', believed to be cancerous, adjacent to the pancreas on her liver. It was decided not to proceed with an investigation into the cancer as this could have caused difficulties with her other health problems. In January, Mrs Yates developed a fever and 'chesty breathing', after which she was given antibiotics and died on January 2. Mr Gittins gave a narrative conclusion, and said: 'For a period of approximately 20 days from 28 October, 2023 due to a prescribing and dispensing error the deceased was not given her medication. 'Her condition deteriorated from the time of the stroke onwards resulting in her being immobile until her death at St Chamond's in Prestatyn. 'Her stroke in 2023 has more than minimally contributed to her death and it is probable that this would not have been the case if medication had been delivered.'