7 early signs of dementia to watch out for

7 early signs of dementia to watch out for

Dementia is a broad term that refers to a collection of symptoms that may affect someone’s ability to think, remember, process information, or communicate. According to the World Health Organization, more than 55 million people live with dementia worldwide, with ten million new cases diagnosed each year. Although the underlying causes of dementia may be varied, there are some key warning signs to watch out for. Seven early warning signs of dementia are: Subtle short-term memory changes A troubled memory is one of the earliest signs of dementia. Certain changes to short-term memory may include: Forgetting where they placed items Forgetting what they had for breakfast that morning Struggling to remember why they entered a particular room Forgetting about a given task Difficulty finding the right words A person with dementia may have a hard time explaining something or difficulty finding the right words to communicate their thoughts. Having a conversation with someone with dementia may be challenging and may even take a long time as they struggle to find the right words. Changes in mood Mood changes are also common with dementia. Depression is a common challenge in the early stages of dementia. Someone with dementia may also feel more fearful or anxious than before and may get upset if their routine changes.
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5 food choices that help keep dementia at bay

5 food choices that help keep dementia at bay

Dementia is a condition that reduces the functionality of an individual’s brain. Among other symptoms, dementia weakens memory, social skills, and thinking abilities. Although dementia has no definitive cure, certain treatments can help people cope better with its symptoms. Research has found that eating the right foods can keep one’s brain healthy. Certain foods have more nutritional value than others; hence, they help keep dementia at bay. Check out a few such foods below. Salmon Fatty fishes like salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, and lake trout are rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have various health benefits, including blood pressure regulation, keeping the digestive system healthy, and drastically reducing internal inflammation. Most importantly, salmon and other fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the likelihood of developing types of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. One can include salmon in any meal throughout the day to reap its digestive benefits and keep their brain healthy. Leafy green vegetables Like fatty fish, leafy green veggies also find their way on ‘best foods’ lists. These foods are good for one’s brain health too. Leafy green vegetables are rich in B-complex vitamins and potassium, essential to keep the brain perpetually healthy.
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6 things to avoid before bed when managing migraines

6 things to avoid before bed when managing migraines

People with migraines can experience painful throbbing and pulsing sensations on one side of their heads. More than 38 million people in the country are affected by migraines. The condition can also make it difficult to get enough rest at night, and insufficient sleep, in turn, triggers migraines. One can get the best mattresses and sleeping aides to address the issue, but here are certain things one should avoid before bed when dealing with migraines. Making unhealthy food choices Foods like chocolates, cheeses, and sausages contain beta-phenylethylamine, tyramine, nitrates, and nitrites, which may trigger migraines. Some foods may also increase histamine production in the body, worsening the condition. So, one of the important things to avoid before bed should avoid such foods before bedtime and stick to lighter foods like cherries, kiwi, pineapple, avocados, and bananas, which help increase serotonin levels, a chemical essential for better sleep. Indulging in excessive screen time Most people use their smartphones or watch something on television, laptop, or other electronic devices before bed. But these devices emit a blue light that can suppress melatonin production. A lack of this brain chemical results in poor sleep, which may trigger a headache or migraine. One affected by migraines should avoid watching horror movies before bed, as that may also suppress melatonin production.
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Critical silent signs of skin cancer

Critical silent signs of skin cancer

Cancer is the abnormal mutation of healthy cells. Skin cancer is triggered by the uncontrolled multiplication of healthy skin cells caused by exposure to UV rays, chemical exposure, radiation, or underlying diseases. The causes and risk factors vary for the three major skin cancer types: Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Here are the visible markers and silent signs of skin cancer to note to help ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. Unusual moles Significant forms of skin cancer, including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma, may also trigger the development of skin-colored or pink moles. These are not harmless bumps and should be checked by a skincare specialist. A rare but critical form of amelanotic melanoma triggers the growth of these bumpy nodules that can develop unexpectedly without any prior indication of skin problems. Development of multiple dark patches Melanoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of skin cancer among adults. One of its glaring visible signs is the unusual and progressive development of dark-colored patches. While these may look like moles, doctors advise identifying the growth pattern of the extra skin. Multiple moles and patches may develop throughout the body, some black, others brown, and even reddish in color.
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5 foods to combat skin cancer symptoms

5 foods to combat skin cancer symptoms

Most skin cancers can be treated successfully if diagnosed early. Effective treatment alternatives include cryotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and excision. Oncology research studies have found that nutrition also plays a crucial role in preventing skin cancer and, in some cases, reducing the severity of its symptoms. Certain nutrient-rich foods can enable patients to build up their defenses against this condition. Here are some such incredible foods to add to the meal plan. Black tea Tea is rich in active compounds known as polyphenols, which have distinct anti-cancer effects. They can remove cancer cells by inhibiting cell cycle events, modify signaling pathways, and induce apoptosis. Polyphenols can also activate immune cells that have a debilitative effect on malignant skin cancer cells. This makes tea a refreshing alternative to the relatively caffeine-heavy coffee. Besides providing cancer-related benefits, the beverage can regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, stress levels, and mental health more efficiently. Walnuts Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, chemical compounds that reduce the chances of skin cancer by maintaining a healthy cell-mediated immunity (CMI). Omega-3 stops the growth and spread of malignant cells. Walnuts contain loads of these fatty acids and can be used as a delicious snack, a side dish to a healthy meal, or a key ingredient in any refreshing dessert.
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6 foods to eat when running a fever

6 foods to eat when running a fever

When one feels under the weather, eating the right foods may help provide relief. Even though an appetite may be close to nonexistent, one should not remain hungry, as fever burns more calories than the body does on a daily basis. Plus, when fighting off an infection, the body requires more nutrients and energy to strengthen the immune system. Hence, one must eat right and avoid certain food items to regain the lost strength. Fever – Top 6 foods to eat Even though one might not be in the mood or have an appetite when sick, one must eat nutrient-rich food to get stronger. Some of the best foods to eat during a fever are: Chicken soup A go-to meal during sickness, chicken soup has been consumed for generations. It’s not only easy to eat but also contains calories, vitamins, and minerals that the body needs while recovering from an illness. Furthermore, chicken soup is also a great source of liquids and electrolytes, which can be helpful if one is at risk of dehydration due to fever. Moreover, the broth is rich in collagen, which may promote recovery. Coconut water One of the ideal beverages to consume when sick, coconut water contains electrolytes which are needed along with fluids when one is sweating, vomiting or running a fever.
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5 ways to detect ovulation at home naturally

5 ways to detect ovulation at home naturally

Tracking and detecting ovulation at home is an excellent way for couples to target the most fertile period of their menstrual cycles without professional intervention. Most people know when they are getting their period, even if they may not be able to recognize it. Common signs include tender breasts, cramps, increased sexual desire, etc. Since this isn’t an exact science, looking at more precise options can help increase the chances of conception. Five ways to detect ovulation at home are : Menstruation tracking Using an app to track your period each month can help predict your next ovulation date and fertile period. Most menstrual tracking apps are free and calculate all your past cycles so that you can have an accurate prediction. Alternatively, you can also use charts with paper and pencil to map out your ovulation cycle. Basal body temperature The body’s resting temperature is also known as basal body temperature or BBT. BBT dips slightly right before ovulation. Tracking your BBT every day can help you recognize this dip. To track it, check your temperature every morning and note it on a paper chart or a fertility app. This temperature must be taken before you get out of bed, so keep a basal thermometer within your reach before going to sleep.
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Check out these top 5 period tracking apps

Check out these top 5 period tracking apps

While most women experience periods once a month, the timing, symptoms, and flow vary from one menstrual cycle to another. Many may experience bleeding approximately 28 days after the previous cycle, but for some, the gap can be anywhere between 21 and 40 days. Additionally, the flow can be strong, moderate, or light. Here, period-tracking applications can be incredibly useful in helping users track, monitor, and understand their menstrual cycles. Best period trackers Women usually keep a general track of their menstrual cycle, but with the help of the following period-tracking applications, users can do much more. Clue It is one of the most popular period tracking applications and has been featured in multiple magazines. The application helps users identify unique patterns in their menstrual cycle. Further, Clue is completely free for both iOS and Android users and offers a variety of tracking features. Flo Flo period tracker is an incredibly popular app with a large consumer base. Millions of people log in to the application daily to record their period and ovulation symptoms. The application uses this data to create graphs showing the user what their body is going through at any time. In addition to being a period tracker, it can turn into a pregnancy tracker if and when needed.
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Steer clear of these 6 foods to manage autism spectrum disorder

Steer clear of these 6 foods to manage autism spectrum disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), better known as autism, is a developmental condition that affects brain function. In most cases, symptoms such as delayed speech begin to show before the child turns 3. Furthermore, there are chances that the patient’s symptoms might worsen after eating certain food items; hence it’s best to avoid them. Keep reading to learn more about food choices that affect the quality of life in autism patients. Foods to avoid for autism patients After the diagnosis of ASD, doctors may suggest a few changes in the patient’s food plan. It can happen due to food aversions, gastrointestinal disorders, food allergies, and more reasons. Hence, here is a list of foods that autism patients must avoid. Sugar In most cases, people with autism show signs of hyperactivity. Hence, doctors may advise either a cut down in the sugar content or that sugar should be eliminated from the meal plan. It may help maintain optimum sugar levels that do not trigger hyperactivity. Moreover, sugar is pro-inflammatory and increases erratic brain cell firing. Corn Multiple studies indicate that the glyphosate herbicide found in corn increases the risk of autism. Furthermore, corn also has the most unhealthy fatty acid content and may promote inflammation.
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6 early signs of autism in children

6 early signs of autism in children

Autism is a common developmental and neurological disorder that affects 1 in 100 children. It develops early in life, usually in 2-year-old children. To recognize autism spectrum disorder and get an early diagnosis, parents should learn about the warning signs of the condition. One should also get their children screened for autism spectrum disorder. Early diagnosis ensures that those affected get the necessary intervention and treatment options to improve their quality of life. Avoiding eye contact Most infants and toddlers can maintain eye contact with people around them. At just two months, babies can find faces and make eye contact with the people talking to them. Eye contact is also crucial for building a social relationship and being aware of the surroundings. Children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may not maintain eye contact as much as other children do. If one notices their child increasingly avoiding eye contact, this could be an early sign of autism. Delayed speech Kids begin with mumbling and move on to words and sentences at varying ages. However, those with autism have been found to understand fewer words and instructions at 12 months than non-autistic children. If one has not developed the ability to form individual words or a few phrases comfortably by the age of 2, it can be an early sign of autism.
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