Latest news with #SurreyLive
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Man, 55, diagnosed with dementia after doctor noticed one sign before diagnosis
Jim Rogers, 58, was living and working in Australia when he started to develop symptoms of the incurable neurological condition early-onset dementia after his doctor noticed one sign A simple query from a doctor about his mobile set a dad-of-three on the road to a dementia diagnosis. Jim Rogers, 58, initially from the UK but residing and working in Australia, was passing on his expertise in house renovations when he began showing signs of the untreatable neurological condition. Colleagues and Jim's partner, Tyler, first spotted tell-tale symptoms which led him to consult his heart specialist, suspecting work or stress may be at fault. However, during his visit, it was his cardiologist who noted a worrying habit indicating something more serious, reports Surrey Live. He shared with ABC News: "One day I went to my cardiologist and she was getting a bit p***ed off with me because my phone was constantly going off. "She was like: 'Can you put it on silent?' And I had this blank where I couldn't even work it out. And it was her that said to me: 'Are you experiencing problems like this?' "So, she then referred me to a memory clinic. They analyse all sorts of things about the way you perceive information, they sent me for brain scans, they do all sorts of stuff. They asked me to have an appointment with the neurologist." Jim's subsequent tests led to a formal diagnosis of young-onset dementia, and he has been dedicated to increasing awareness of the condition since. Jim, diagnosed with dementia at the age of 55, suspects he lived with symptoms for up to two years before he received an official diagnosis Reflecting on the moment when he and his husband Tyler grappled with the diagnosis, Jim opened up about the initial shock. He recalled: "I think I was having symptoms for a couple of years until I actually got my diagnosis. "I looked at Ty and he was clearly very upset and so I knew it was heavy, but I didn't know much about Alzheimer's. I just thought it was an old person's disease." Jim sharing his story came just days after Australia greenlit a new medication for early-stage Alzheimer's, a drug called Kisunla. Approved by the Australian medical authorities, Kisunla stands out as a beacon of hope albeit with cautionary advice from experts such as Professor Christopher Rowe who spoke to The Guardian regarding the drug's potential limitations. He said: "We actually estimate that only about 10 to 20 percent of people with dementia will be suitable for the drug, but that is still a huge number given there's 400,000 people in Australia with dementia, and probably 40,000 diagnosed every year." Jim's candid disclosure follows shortly after this significant development in treating Alzheimer's Disease in its early stages, offering a glimpse of optimism amidst challenges surrounding treatment eligibility and costs – for those who do qualify, they may face an $80,000 bill (just over £38,000) for the therapy. The NHS lists several common early symptoms of dementia to watch out for on their website. They include: memory loss difficulty concentrating finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word being confused about time and place mood changes The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which has its own set of symptoms, including: memory problems, such as regularly forgetting recent events, names and faces asking questions repetitively increasing difficulties with tasks and activities that require organisation and planning becoming confused in unfamiliar environments difficulty finding the right words difficulty with numbers and/or handling money in shops becoming more withdrawn or anxious For further details about dementia and for assistance and support, visit the NHS website.
Daily Record
10 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Two stress symptoms you can see in your bedroom and bathroom
There are simple ways to fix them Stress is an increasingly common aspect of life for many in modern times, with challenges like the cost-of-living crisis, workplace pressure and the duties of parenting. For some, high stress levels are a constant companion, making cortisol – often referred to as the 'stress hormone' – a focal point of discussion amidst rising tensions. Google has indicated a whopping 557% surge in searches for 'What supplements lower cortisol?' from 2023 to 2024, highlighting public concern over stress management. Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal glands and not only manages the body's response to stress but also influences the sleep-wake cycle and other important functions, reports Surrey Live. Jane Ollis, a medical biochemist and founder of neurotech venture MindSpire, said: "We need cortisol to perform and it's natural to have it, particularly in the mornings. "It becomes bad when we keep triggering the release of it during the day and our body loses its sensitivity to it – which is when chronic health conditions can occur." The symptoms of cortisol irregularity Irregular sleep patterns "The first symptom is often irregularities in our sleep," points out Ollis. "An inability to get to sleep or stay asleep – therefore leaving us feeling fatigued is a huge indicator for some people that their cortisol is out of balance." Weight gain The phenomenon of 'stress eating' or 'comfort eating' has struck a chord with many. A research study from 2001, which included 59 healthy women, linked higher cortisol levels to an uptick in appetite. "Higher cortisol levels can increase our appetite, potentially leading to weight gain," shares Chloe Brotheridge, hypnotherapist and author of The Anxiety Solution. Anxiety, irritability, or mood swings Alongside cravings, erratic emotions might hint at cortisol imbalance, according to Ollis: "If you begin to notice you're feeling stressed or irritated in situations you usually wouldn't feel this in, it may also be an indicator that your cortisol levels are a little haywire,". It can strip away one's usual patience, making everyday challenges seem unusually taxing. Brotheridge further notes: "High stress levels can worsen mental health conditions like anxiety and depression." Digestive issues Chronic stress often wreaks havoc on digestive health. "Whenever we're chronically stressed, blood flow is diverted away from digestion, leading to gut imbalances, bloating or worsening symptoms of conditions like IBS," Brotheridge explains, whilst Ollis mentions how stress can manifest as stomach pain. Combatting the effects of stress Prioritise sleep Brotheridge urges us to resist the lure of late-night scrolling, highlighting the benefits of disconnecting from screens before sleep. "Aim to go to bed at the same time every night, avoid phones and heavy meals in the two hours before bed, and create a calming nighttime routine to support deeper, more restful sleep," she advises. Practice deep breathing and mindfulness And don't overlook mindful breathing and other contemplative practices. Ollis advocates the use of breathwork as a tool for stress reduction, highlighting its clinically proven benefits. "Breathwork can regulate your stress response and there is clinical evidence showing how powerful it is to use your body to calm down the mind," she explains. She suggests a simple breathing technique: "You can use a breathing pattern of four breaths out on your exhale and do this for at least five minutes. It's a simple technique that anyone can do, anywhere." Get outside as soon as you wake up Stepping outside first thing in the morning is another tip from Ollis. "The first thing you should do when you wake up is go straight outside," Ollis advises. "It's really important to get sunlight into the back of your eye and it helps regulate your circadian rhythms which will help your cortisol levels over the whole day." Movement is key to managing stress, with research indicating that even short bursts of cardio can make a significant difference. "Never underestimate the power of movement," Ollis asserts. "Our bodies are designed to move and are much happier when they do so. Even if you don't want to go to the gym, you get out and move around someway." Eat a balanced diet Brotheridge speaks on the importance of diet in regulating stress levels. "When we consume sugary or processed foods, our blood sugar rapidly spikes, followed by a sharp crash," Brotheridge notes. "In response, the body releases cortisol to stabilise blood sugar levels. Aim to focus on whole foods, protein, healthy fats, and fibre to stabilise blood sugar levels." Set boundaries and reduce stressors "If you're overwhelmed, think about the 'three D's'. What can you delete (ie, say no to), delegate or defer?" Brotheridge suggests. "Have a plan for switching off from work or social media. Will you put your laptop in a drawer at 6pm, turn off social media notifications or delete your work email app from your phone?"
Wales Online
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'I learned a valuable lesson after visiting Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm'
'I learned a valuable lesson after visiting Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm' It's no secret that Jeremy Clarkson is a very hands-on farmer and loves to meet his fans, but unfortunately for one adventurer they didn't get the chance to see him in action Jeremy Clarkson announces Season 5 of Clarkson's Farm is in production As a devoted fan of Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm show, I was thrilled at the prospect of visiting the famed Oxfordshire site and perhaps even catching a glimpse of the former Top Gear presenter himself. According to steadfast fans who have had the pleasure of meeting Jeremy, he is said to be an extremely welcoming host, often willing to pose for a photo or two with fortunate visitors to his farm, when he is around. I was over the moon when my partner surprised me with a memorable birthday present - a quick weekend getaway to the Cotswolds, including an overnight stay in the idyllic town of Chipping Norton. This was the perfect chance to see the much-loved farm in all its splendour and possibly even mingle with some of the show's stars, including Gerald and Kaleb Cooper, who, despite sharing a surname, are not related. As enthusiastic walkers and fans of Jeremy's show, we were keen to make the most of our brief two-night stay, setting off early on Saturday morning for the two-and-a-half-hour car journey to ensure we didn't waste a single moment, reports Surrey Live. I didn't sadly get to meet Jeremy on person Article continues below Unfortunately due to torrential rain and cold weather, our plans to visit the Diddly Squat Farm Shop first were put on hold. Little did we know, this last-minute change would turn out to be the biggest mistake of our entire trip. We had neglected to check if Jeremy's Farm was actually open before rearranging our schedule due to the poor weather. To our disappointment, we discovered upon arrival the next day that his well-known establishment is closed to the public on both Mondays and Tuesdays. A quick pit stop in Castle Combe village before the rain came As we navigated country lanes, it dawned on us that Jeremy's farm was significantly more remote than anticipated, and despite warnings of likely congestion, we were elated to seemingly bypass any tailbacks. Article continues below However, our arrival at the cherished Diddly Squat Farm was met with a deserted car park and a mere rope signifying the farm was "closed". Fortunately, the journey wasn't entirely in vain as we achieved the coveted Diddly Squat Farm sign photo for Instagram, remarkably without another soul in sight. Clarkson's Farm is available to watch on Prime Video.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Phenomenal' psychological drama is now available to stream for free
Little Fires Everywhere has been described as a 'masterpiece' and has now become available to stream for free on Channel 4. Channel 4 viewers are in for a treat with the new addition to their streaming service, Little Fires Everywhere, which first graced screens in 2020 and was a hit on Prime Video before it departed last month. This gripping eight-part drama has already made waves on Disney+ since May and has now expanded its reach by joining Channel 4's offering. Adapted from Celeste Ng's acclaimed 2017 novel, Little Fires Everywhere delves into the complex lives of two contrasting suburban families at loggerheads. The official synopsis teases: "Little Fires Everywhere follows the intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and the enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives. "The story explores the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, the ferocious pull of motherhood – and the danger in believing that following the rules can avert disaster." A-list talent Reese Witherspoon takes on the role of Elena Richardson, while Kerry Washington breathes life into Mia Warren, the other pivotal maternal character, reports Surrey Live. Jesse Williams of Grey's Anatomy fame, along with Joshua Jackson, Anika Noni Rose, and Lexi Underwood, round out the stellar cast. Critics and audiences have lavished praise on the show, with Rotten Tomatoes reflecting an impressive 79 percent approval rating, leading some to proclaim Little Fires Everywhere as nothing short of a 'masterpiece'. One viewer couldn't contain their admiration, stating: "An absolute masterpiece. What a masterclass in writing, plot twists and character development. The whole cast was impeccable, an outstanding level of acting." Another person shared their thoughts, adding: "Couldn't stop watching. "Little Fires Everywhere" is a series that shows that life is about choices and secrets. Some are good and some are bad. It also makes you question if you are where you need/want to be in this world. Oh and it's also just a great drama well acted all the way around." Another fan commented: "Was very good and kept me guessing until the end." Meanwhile, a fellow enthusiast exclaimed: "PHENOMENAL!!! Please God, don't let this end after eight episodes." Kerry Washington discussed her experience on set with Digital Spy, revealing that she and Reese had motivated each other during filming. She explained: "When you see that transformation happen on Reese's face, I was not saying the things that you're hearing on screen. I was saying other things to try to help her drop into that moment." Little Fires Everywhere is available to stream now on Channel 4 and Disney+ in the UK.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'One of the best dramas' now streaming for free as fans say 'it's a must-watch'
All episodes of critically-acclaimed period drama Halt and Catch Fire have just landed on ITVX "One of the best drama series" is now streaming for free as fans say "it's a must-watch". US series Halt and Catch Fire, created by Christopher Cantwell and Christopher C. Rogers, offers a fictionalised insider's perspective of the personal computer revolution of the 1980s, as well as the early days of the World Wide Web in the early 1990s. The programme's title refers to the phrase used for computer machine code instructions that cause a computer to "cease meaningful operation". The synopsis reads: "It's the early 1980s, and the spirit of innovation in personal computing is about to ignite. "Hot on the trail is a renegade trio - a visionary, an engineer and a prodigy - who risk everything to realise their vision of building a computer that can change the future," reports Surrey Live. The series features Lee Pace, Scoot McNairy, Mackenzie Davis, Kerry Bishé, Toby Huss and Aleksa Palladino in leading roles. Recurring stars include Anna Chlumsky, Annette O'Toole, August Emerson, Cooper Andrews and David Wilson Barnes. Halt and Catch Fire first aired on AMC back in 2014, and ran for four seasons with a total of 40 episodes, which concluded with a two-hour series finale in 2017. All episodes of the show have just been added to ITV's free streaming service, ITVX, so UK-based fans can now relive the drama with ads. Eleven years after its release, Halt and Catch Fire currently boasts an impressive 90% critics score on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. The show has also resonated with viewers, who have praised its "compelling" storyline and "wonderful" characters, drawing comparisons to the hit period drama Mad Men. "One of the best drama series of all time. Can't remember when I last cried watching a TV series, but Halt and Catch Fire left me sobbing. Wonderful characters. Compelling mixture of fact and fiction. What more could you want?" one person wrote. Another added: "The very best show no one really watched," while a third said: "I love this show. I can't believe how underrated and under the radar it is. What a special show, it should have gotten way more credit." A fourth fan echoed the sentiment, saying: "This show catches the nostalgic momentum that so many of us old school geeks long for," with another similarly sharing: "This is a highly addictive story and the character development is excellent. It's a must watch!!!"
