Although the blood test has already been approved by U.S. authorities, it is not yet recommended for healthy individuals without symptoms.
The reason is that there are still no treatments capable of slowing the disease in people at high risk.
The same health advice
Researchers point out that the current recommendations remain unchanged.
According to HealthDay, regular exercise, a healthy diet, good sleep, and an overall healthy lifestyle remain the best advice.
The study was based on data from more than 2,600 older adults with no signs of cognitive impairment.
Participants underwent blood tests, brain scans, and annual follow-up examinations.
The blood test provided the answer
The blood test measures the protein p-tau217, which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
People with very high levels of p-tau217 had an estimated 38 percent risk of developing cognitive impairment within five years. After ten years, the estimated risk increased to 78 percent.
The findings therefore suggest that a blood test may be able to identify the risk of Alzheimer’s disease up to ten years before symptoms appear.
Many people stick to the same meals every day because it saves time and makes grocery shopping easier.
Having the same breakfast or snack every day is generally not a problem, as long as the rest of your diet is varied.
That is according to dietitian Keri Gans, who spoke to Verywell Health.
The issue arises when breakfast, lunch, and dinner all consist of the same meals over an extended period.
Your body needs variety
According to Verywell Health, the body requires a wide range of nutrients. No single food contains everything the body needs.
Keri Gans explains that a limited diet can result in an inadequate intake of essential nutrients, including healthy fats, calcium, vitamins, and antioxidants.
She therefore recommends eating a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein sources, and healthy fats throughout the week.
She also suggests trying one or two new recipes each week to add more variety to your diet.
It can have consequences
If changing your eating habits feels difficult, a dietitian or nutrition professional can help you develop a more varied diet, Verywell Health writes.
According to Keri Gans, a diet that lacks variety can eventually lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients. It may also make it more difficult to maintain healthy eating habits over time.
For that reason, she believes it is generally not a good idea to eat the exact same meals every single day.
A dietitian ate one cup of watermelon every day for several weeks to see what changes she noticed.
According to Prevention, these were her main observations.
A fixed portion every day
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The dietitian ate one cup of diced watermelon every day, which corresponds to a standard serving.
Most often, she ate it on its own.
Watermelon was used in several ways
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In addition to eating it plain, she also made a salad with feta cheese and used watermelon in smoothies.
The biggest difference
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The most noticeable change was that she felt better hydrated.
On hot days, she found watermelon to be an easy way to increase her fluid intake.
The experience was not a scientific study
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She emphasized that this was her personal experience and not a controlled scientific study.
Watermelon became a regular part of the kitchen
She discovered that the fruit could be used in many different dishes, including salads and granita, and that its natural sweetness paired well with summer meals.
She noticed no significant health changes
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During the period, she did not observe any clear changes in either her gut health or heart health.
Small habits can make a difference over time
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She pointed out that many health benefits develop gradually and that small, mindful choices can help build healthy habits over the long term.
Watermelon is mostly water
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According to Prevention, watermelon is made up of about 92 percent water, making it one of the most hydrating foods.
The fruit also provides minerals
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Watermelon contains nutrients such as potassium and magnesium, which Prevention says are important for maintaining fluid balance and supporting normal muscle function.
Watermelon contains lycopene
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Its red color comes from the antioxidant lycopene.
According to Prevention, watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable.
L-citrulline is highlighted as an important compound
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Watermelon also contains the amino acid L-citrulline, which the body can convert into L-arginine, a substance involved in the production of nitric oxide.
May support heart and blood vessel health
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Prevention explains that potassium and L-citrulline may help support normal blood pressure regulation and healthy circulation.
May be beneficial around exercise
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A two-cup serving provides carbohydrates as well as water and potassium, which Prevention says may be beneficial before or after physical activity.
L-citrulline may also help reduce muscle soreness.
Focus on blood sugar
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Prevention recommends that people monitoring their blood sugar pay attention to portion sizes and consider pairing watermelon with protein or healthy fats, such as feta cheese.
The conclusion was positive
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The dietitian described the experiment as one of the most enjoyable healthy habits she has tried.
She found that watermelon fit naturally into her daily routine and provided a simple way to support hydration during the summer months.
Many people fall asleep on the couch after a long day at work, but sleep experts say this can make it harder to get a good night’s sleep.
Psychologist Debora Gilman explains that the brain should ideally associate the bed with sleep.
If you frequently fall asleep in the living room, this association can weaken, making it more difficult to fall asleep once you go to bed, Azet reports.
Your body pays the price
Couches are designed for sitting, not sleeping.
According to sleep medicine specialist Dr. Funke Afolabi-Braun, an improper sleeping position can strain the neck and back while also affect breathing, Azet reports.
Dr. Scott Cherry also points out that a bed with a good mattress provides the support the spine needs.
This can help prevent back pain.
Why you should choose your bed
Experts recommend maintaining a consistent evening routine, reducing screen time before bed, and sticking to regular bedtimes.
If you continue to feel tired despite getting enough sleep, you should consult a doctor to determine whether a sleep disorder may be the cause.
Although the couch may seem like a comfortable place to fall asleep, sleep experts say it does not provide the same level of restorative rest as a bed.
The habit can reduce sleep quality, increase fatigue, and place additional strain on the back.
Several nutrients are essential for the body to function properly.
Some of them may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and memory problems later in life.
The body cannot produce enough beneficial omega-3 fatty acids on its own. According to Technologijos, the American Heart Association therefore recommends including them in the diet at least twice a week.
Food is better than supplements
According to Technologijos, researchers believe that fish provides greater health benefits than omega-3 dietary supplements.
When these fatty acids come from natural foods, they are better protected during digestion.
Fish also contains protein, as well as the minerals selenium and iodine.
Together with omega-3 fatty acids, these nutrients contribute to the health benefits highlighted by researchers.
Why experts recommend this fish
The fish that experts particularly recommend is salmon.
This is because salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which play an important role in supporting both heart and brain health.
For this reason, experts recommend eating salmon or other oily fish at least twice a week.
Even after depression has resolved, many people continue to struggle with memory, concentration, and clear thinking.
These difficulties can make everyday life more challenging, and there are currently few treatment options available, writes Science Daily.
Medication and placebo
Researchers from the University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford investigated 50 people with a history of depression in a study published in Psychological Medicine.
The participants had been free of depression for at least six months and received either the medication or a placebo for seven to ten days.
Before and after the treatment period, the participants completed a series of tests assessing memory, attention, reaction time, and other cognitive functions.
The researchers also reported no significant side effects during the trial.
Surprising findings
Participants who received the drug prucalopride performed better on the cognitive tests than those who received the placebo.
Prucalopride is currently used to treat chronic constipation.
The medication acts on a serotonin receptor that is found in both the gut and the brain.
According to the researchers, this may help explain the improvements in memory, concentration, and reaction time.
However, the researchers emphasize that this was only a small study.
Larger studies are therefore needed before it can be determined whether the drug could also be used to treat the cognitive problems that may persist after depression.
Chili peppers are a staple in the diets of billions of people worldwide.
Capsaicin, the compound responsible for their spicy heat, has previously been linked to both beneficial and harmful effects on the body.
A review published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition combined findings from 14 observational studies involving more than 11,000 participants.
The study found an association between high chili consumption and an increased risk of cancers of the digestive system, but it cannot prove that chili peppers are the cause.
Several possible explanations
The researchers point out that other factors may also have influenced the results.
These include smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary habits, infections, and socioeconomic factors.
According to Science Daily, some researchers believe that spicy foods may irritate the lining of the esophagus over time.
However, this theory has not been confirmed, and further research is needed.
One type of cancer stood out
The researchers found no clear evidence of an increased risk of stomach cancer or colorectal cancer.
However, the analysis revealed the strongest association with esophageal cancer.
People with the highest chili intake were nearly three times more likely to develop the disease than those with the lowest intake.
The researchers once again stress that these findings represent only a statistical association and that more research is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
Rice has long been criticized by some as nothing more than empty carbohydrates, but one American dietitian decided to eat rice every day for a week to see how it would affect her.
The dietitian ate rice every day for a week, choosing both white and brown rice.
On busy days, she also relied on pre-cooked rice that could be prepared in just a few minutes.
Meals were varied
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Rice was served alongside foods such as salmon, roasted vegetables, tofu, and leafy greens.
The goal was to include rice as part of balanced, everyday meals rather than making it the main focus.
She felt full
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She found that the meals were satisfying, especially when the rice was paired with protein, healthy fats, and vegetables.
Her energy stayed steady
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According to the dietitian, the balanced meals helped maintain stable energy levels, and she did not experience the afternoon slump she sometimes noticed after lunch.
Dinner became easier
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She also found that weeknight cooking became simpler because rice served as a reliable base for many meals.
Rice was not eaten on its own
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The dietitian emphasized that she did not eat bowls of plain rice.
Instead, rice was used as the foundation for meals containing other nutrient-rich ingredients. She noted that the outcome might have been different if she had eaten only rice.
White and brown rice are different
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Brown rice contains more dietary fiber and a greater number of bioactive compounds than white rice because the bran and germ are retained during processing, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology.
Enriched white rice contains important nutrients
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With enriched white rice, selected nutrients are added back after processing, making it important to check the product label.
Meal composition matters
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Prevention highlights that portion size and the other ingredients in a meal play a significant role in its overall nutritional value.
Rice is an important source of energy
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Rice provides carbohydrates, the body’s preferred source of energy.
When combined with protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, rice can contribute to longer-lasting fullness and more stable energy levels.
Brown rice may support heart health
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According to research published in BMC Medicine, a higher intake of whole grains was associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease.
People who ate brown rice at least twice a week had a lower risk than those who rarely consumed it.
Rice can provide essential nutrients
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Enriched white rice may contain nutrients such as iron and B vitamins, including thiamin, niacin, folic acid, and in some cases riboflavin.
Prevention also notes that enriched rice may help improve iron levels in populations where rice is a dietary staple.
Some people should be more cautious
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People with type 2 diabetes or an increased risk of developing the condition should pay close attention to both the type and amount of rice they consume, according to a study published in BMJ Open.
Prevention also points out that people with certain kidney diseases or other medical conditions may require individualized guidance regarding their rice intake.
Fruit naturally contains sugar, but it also provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
As a result, it affects the body differently from candy and other sugary products.
According to the American media outlet Parade, dietitians point out that fiber helps slow the absorption of sugar.
An important factor is a food’s glycemic index, which indicates how quickly blood sugar levels rise after a meal.
Each has its own strengths
Bananas contain more carbohydrates, more potassium, and more vitamin B6 than strawberries.
This makes them a good choice when the body needs extra energy, for example before or after exercise.
Green bananas also contain resistant starch, which may benefit the bacteria in the gut.
Strawberries, on the other hand, contain fewer carbohydrates and have a lower glycemic index.
They are also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which, according to a study published in Antioxidants, may have a positive effect on the body’s blood sugar response.
The best choice
There is no single fruit that is best for every purpose. The right choice depends on what you want to achieve.
If the goal is to keep blood sugar levels as stable as possible, the dietitians interviewed by Parade recommend strawberries as the better option.
This is mainly due to their lower glycemic index and lower carbohydrate content.
However, bananas may be the better choice if you need more energy during the day or before or after exercise.
Ultra-processed foods make up a large share of diets in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, according to The Guardian.
These include ready meals, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, protein bars, and fast food.
According to the researchers, these products have become a regular part of everyday life for many people.
The findings were also presented at an international obesity congress.
Researchers urge caution
Although the findings have attracted attention, several researchers believe they should be interpreted with caution.
The study is based on statistical estimates rather than direct measurements. As a result, further research is needed before it can be concluded with certainty that ultra-processed foods are a direct cause of heart disease.
The researchers behind the study also argue that responsibility does not rest solely with individual consumers.
They suggest that clearer food labeling and changes to marketing regulations could help improve dietary habits.
Could have a major impact on heart disease
The researchers estimate that between 23 and 37 percent of heart disease cases may be linked to a high intake of ultra-processed foods.
They also estimate that between 23 and 38 percent of deaths resulting from heart disease may be associated with this type of diet.
According to the researchers, reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods could help prevent thousands of deaths in Canada, and they believe similar trends may apply to other high-income countries.
