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Scientists uncover new link between stress, sleep and dementia

18. June, 2026

Researchers have long known that conditions such as depression, cardiovascular disease, disrupted sleep and chronic stress are linked to a higher risk of dementia. What has remained unclear is why such different conditions appear to produce similar outcomes in brain health.

The new review suggests the answer may lie in sleep-dependent brain rhythms that help coordinate the brain’s nightly maintenance work, reports tekniikanmaailma.fi.

Rather than being a passive period of rest, sleep appears to be a highly organised biological state in which brain chemistry, blood vessel activity and fluid movement work together to support brain function.

The brain’s night shift

At the centre of the theory is the glymphatic system, a network discovered by Nedergaard’s research team in 2012. The system helps clear metabolic waste from the brain by circulating cerebrospinal fluid through brain tissue.

Scientists say the process becomes particularly active during sleep, helping remove substances that can accumulate over time.

The latest review focuses on chemical messengers in the brain that regulate attention, mood and learning during wakefulness. During deep non-REM sleep, these systems begin operating in synchronised slow rhythms that are linked to changes in brain activity, breathing, heart rate and blood vessel movement.

Why it matters

Researchers believe these coordinated rhythms help drive fluid through the brain, allowing waste products to be cleared more efficiently.

Among the substances removed are proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. If the process becomes disrupted, the brain may gradually lose some of its ability to eliminate harmful waste.

The review suggests that ageing, poor sleep, psychiatric conditions, cardiovascular disease and certain medications may all interfere with these critical sleep-related rhythms. If confirmed by future studies, the findings could help explain why so many seemingly unrelated conditions increase the risk of cognitive decline.

Researchers also believe wearable devices that measure heart-rate variability could one day help identify people whose sleep-related brain health may be at risk.

Millions of fans expected at the FIFA World Cup: Here are the biggest health risks

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

18. June, 2026

Millions of fans expected at the FIFA World Cup: Here are the biggest health risks

Millions of spectators are expected to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Health authorities and experts are closely monitoring the tournament to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and other health issues among fans, according to Healthline.

The World Cup brings together millions of spectators

The FIFA World Cup began on June 11 and is expected to attract millions of fans to the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The tournament is being held across 16 host cities and will run until July 19.

Health authorities are preparing thoroughly

Well-established plans are already in place to protect public health during major events.

However, experts believe that the unique circumstances surrounding this year’s World Cup could present challenges.

Respiratory illnesses can spread in large crowds

Photo: cristiano barni / Shutterstock.com

As with other major events, there is a risk that common respiratory illnesses may spread among the large number of spectators.

Mosquitoes may be a nuisance for spectators

Fans may also be exposed to mosquito bites during matches.

Although mosquitoes are often merely an annoyance, some species can transmit infectious diseases.

Heat-related illnesses

According to experts, heat-related illnesses have previously been among the most significant health concerns at outdoor summer tournaments.

Other health concerns

Photo: LiamMurphyPics / Shutterstock.com

Experts point out that falls, diabetes-related complications, seizures, and chest pain have also been among the notable health incidents reported during previous tournaments.

The risk of Ebola

Although there is concern about current Ebola outbreaks in Africa, experts believe that the likelihood of transmission during the World Cup is extremely limited.

Ebola does not spread easily

Photo: Davide Calabresi / Shutterstock.com

Experts emphasize that Ebola is not transmitted as easily as diseases such as influenza and COVID-19.

Measles

The United States, Canada, and Mexico have experienced an increase in measles cases, but experts still consider the risk of infection among World Cup spectators to be low.

Unvaccinated individuals may be more vulnerable

Experts note that any measles cases would be most likely to affect people who have not been vaccinated.

Wastewater testing is used for surveillance

Health authorities in several parts of the United States are using wastewater analysis to quickly detect potential disease outbreaks during the tournament.

Social media plays a role in monitoring

Authorities are also monitoring internet activity and social media platforms to identify signs of potential disease outbreaks.

Travelers are monitored upon entry

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) operates around-the-clock procedures at U.S. points of entry to identify and manage travelers arriving from abroad who may be ill.

Vaccinations should be up to date

Experts recommend that fans ensure their vaccinations are up to date before traveling to attend matches.

Good hygiene can reduce the risk

Frequent handwashing, bringing necessary medications, and being cautious with food and beverages are among the measures that can help protect health.

Watch for symptoms after attending matches

Fever, coughing, diarrhea, or changes in mood can be signs of illness. Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to contact a healthcare professional.

High-risk groups should consider wearing a mask

People over the age of 65, pregnant individuals, those with chronic illnesses, and people with weakened immune systems are advised to consider wearing a well-fitting mask in large crowds.

Older adults with low vitamin C levels showed more signs of cognitive decline

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

18. June, 2026

Older adults with low vitamin C levels showed more signs of cognitive decline

Many factors affect the brain as we age.

As a result, researchers continue to investigate which nutrients may play a role in memory and thinking.

A new study from Japan, published in PLOS One, analyzed data from nearly 2,000 people over the age of 65.

Participants underwent brain scans, while researchers also measured their blood levels of vitamin C.

Brain networks

Among other things, the researchers examined an important brain network involved in memory and other cognitive functions.

Previous research has shown that impairments in this network may be associated with diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The results showed that people with low vitamin C levels were more likely to have less gray matter in the brain and weaker connections within brain networks.

Gray matter is important for functions such as memory and decision-making.

Protecting cells

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that helps the body protect cells from damage.

According to previous research, it may also play a role in brain function.

The researchers accounted for several factors, including age, education, lifestyle, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Even so, the association between low vitamin C levels and changes in the brain remained evident.

Important limitation

The researchers emphasize that the study only shows an association.

It does not prove that a lack of vitamin C directly leads to poorer brain function.

However, older adults with low vitamin C levels in this study showed more brain changes that previous research has linked to cognitive decline.

Millions use blood pressure medication – new study points to possible risk of kidney damage

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

18. June, 2026

Millions use blood pressure medication – new study points to possible risk of kidney damage

People with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing kidney disease.

Therefore, it is important to keep blood pressure under control, as high blood pressure can place additional strain on the kidneys, according to SciTechDaily.

Today, many patients are treated with RAS inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors, which researchers say may protect the kidneys and reduce the risk of kidney failure.

31,000 people studied

Researchers analyzed data from more than 31,000 adults with type 2 diabetes between 2016 and 2021.

All participants received both RAS inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors.

Some patients were also prescribed blood pressure medication from the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker group, also known as DCCBs.

The researchers compared this group with patients who used other types of blood pressure medication.

Participants were followed for approximately three and a half years, and the results were presented at the 63rd Congress of the European Renal Association.

Worsening kidney function

The researchers suggest that DCCBs may affect blood flow in the kidneys’ small filtering units in a way that could increase stress on the kidneys.

According to the researchers, this may be a possible explanation for the findings.

The results showed that patients who used DCCBs in combination with the other treatments had a 33 percent higher risk of severe progression of kidney disease compared with patients who received other blood pressure medications.

The study cannot prove that the medication directly causes kidney damage.

The researchers therefore emphasize that further studies are needed.

Hospice nurses say the same thing happens before many deaths

Mie Hermansen

18. June, 2026

Hospice nurses say the same thing happens before many deaths

Few moments in life are as emotional as sitting beside a loved one during their final days. Families often search for answers, wondering whether certain changes are normal and what they might mean.

While every person’s journey is unique, experienced hospice workers say there are several patterns that appear surprisingly often near the end of life.

According to hospice nurse Neal K. Shah, whose observations have been widely shared and reported by LADbible, healthcare professionals working in end-of-life care frequently notice similar physical and emotional changes in patients approaching death.

A sudden calm

One of the most commonly observed changes is an unexpected sense of peace. Patients who have appeared restless, uncomfortable, or physically tense may suddenly become noticeably more relaxed.

Hospice staff also report shifts in breathing patterns during this stage. Breathing often becomes slower and more regular, giving the impression that the body is gradually preparing for its final transition.

While these changes can be difficult for families to witness, experts say they are often considered a natural part of the dying process.

An unexpected burst of energy

Another phenomenon that continues to fascinate medical professionals is a temporary return of energy shortly before death.

Some patients who have been sleeping most of the day or showing little response suddenly become more alert. They may engage in conversations, eat a meal, recognize family members, or show a level of energy that seemed impossible just days earlier.

Healthcare workers often refer to this as a “rally” or end-of-life surge. Although it can appear encouraging, experts stress that it does not necessarily signal recovery.

Increased alertness
Greater interaction with loved ones
More energy than expected
Noticeable changes in breathing

What experts have learned

Hospice professionals have also reported that some patients appear focused on people or experiences that others in the room cannot perceive. While science has yet to fully explain these moments, they are frequently documented in palliative care settings.

Experts further note that hearing is believed to be among the last senses to fade. For that reason, families are often encouraged to continue speaking to loved ones, even when they no longer seem responsive.

Early warning signs in your stomach that could indicate cancer

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

18. June, 2026

Early warning signs in your stomach that could indicate cancer

Stomach cancer often develops slowly and can be difficult to detect in its early stages.

The first symptoms are often vague and may resemble other digestive system disorders, according to The University of Kansas Cancer Center.

Nausea

Nausea is one of the early signs of stomach cancer. The symptom can occur without an obvious cause and may persist for an extended period.

Vomiting

People with stomach cancer may experience vomiting. In some cases, blood may also be present in the vomit.

Changes in appetite

A change in appetite can be an early sign of the disease.

Some people notice a reduced desire to eat compared with their normal eating habits.

Abdominal swelling

The abdomen may feel swollen or bloated. This is among the symptoms that can occur in people with stomach cancer.

Heartburn

Heartburn is listed as one of the common early warning signs. The symptom can easily be mistaken for less serious digestive issues.

Indigestion

Stomach cancer can cause persistent indigestion. As a result, the symptom is often overlooked in the early stages.

Unexplained stomach discomfort

Many people experience a vague discomfort in the area above the navel. This is considered one of the more nonspecific signs of the disease.

Stomach pain or discomfort

Pain or discomfort in the stomach can be a symptom of stomach cancer. The intensity may vary from person to person.

Feeling full quickly

Some patients feel full after eating only a small amount of food.

This sensation typically occurs in the upper part of the abdomen beneath the breastbone.

Unexplained weight loss

Weight loss without changes in diet or exercise habits can be a warning sign. This is a symptom that should be investigated further.

Anemia

Stomach cancer can lead to anemia, a condition characterized by low levels of hemoglobin in the blood.

Symptoms may resemble other conditions

Several signs of stomach cancer can also occur in conditions such as acid reflux, gastritis, and stomach ulcers.

As a result, the disease can be difficult to identify in its early stages.

Scientists find hidden depression warning sign in children’s eyes

Mie Hermansen

18. June, 2026

Scientists find hidden depression warning sign in children’s eyes

Most parents notice when their child seems unusually quiet, withdrawn, or less enthusiastic than normal. But some of the earliest signs of mental health struggles may appear long before those changes become obvious.

According to researchers at Binghamton University in New York, a child’s visual attention to emotional expressions could provide important clues about their future risk of depression. The findings were published in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science.

Hidden signals

The research team followed 242 children and their mothers over a two-year period. Every six months, participants returned for assessments designed to measure emotional development and mental health, reports Science Daily.

As part of the study, children viewed images of faces showing different emotions while eye-tracking technology recorded exactly where their attention was directed.

Researchers wanted to understand whether depressive symptoms influence what children notice in the world around them and whether family history affects those patterns.

Family history matters

The results revealed a clear difference between children depending on whether their mothers had previously experienced major depression.

Among children with a family history of depression, increasing depressive symptoms were linked to greater attention toward sad facial expressions. Researchers believe these children may become more sensitive to negative emotional cues as symptoms develop.

The findings suggest that depression does not simply affect mood. It may also influence how young people process the emotions they encounter every day.

Different pattern

Children whose mothers had no history of depression showed a different response.

Rather than focusing more on sadness, they gradually spent less time looking at happy faces as depressive symptoms increased. Researchers believe this may represent the loss of a natural protective factor that supports emotional well-being.

Higher-risk children became more focused on sad expressions
Lower-risk children paid less attention to happy expressions

The team is continuing to follow the participants into adolescence to determine whether these attention patterns can predict future clinical depression and help identify vulnerable children earlier.

Changes in your nails may reveal information about your health

Body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

18. June, 2026

Changes in your nails may reveal information about your health

Nails are made mainly of keratin, a strong protein produced in the nail matrix beneath the cuticle.

Because nails grow continuously, they can sometimes show signs of changes happening inside the body.

According to Mypersonaltrainer, ridges or grooves in the nails may indicate nutritional deficiencies or other health conditions.

However, nail changes should not be viewed as proof of a specific problem.

Different types of ridges

Doctors often look at the direction of nail ridges when assessing possible causes. Vertical ridges run from the base to the tip of the nail, while horizontal ridges run across the nail.

Vertical ridges, especially when combined with brittle nails, may be linked to low levels of B vitamins such as biotin, folate, or vitamin B12. Deficiencies in iron, calcium, or magnesium may also contribute to these changes.

Horizontal ridges, known as Beau’s lines, may appear when nail growth has been temporarily disrupted.

They have been associated with zinc deficiency, severe protein deficiency, and conditions involving serious malnutrition.

Medical advice

Experts stress that ridged nails can have many causes.

Ageing, skin disorders, fungal infections, and hormonal conditions may produce similar changes.

For this reason, a medical evaluation is recommended before taking supplements. Blood tests can help determine whether a true deficiency exists.

Self treatment may delay diagnosis and, in some cases, lead to excessive intake of vitamins or minerals.

Experts point to an overlooked effect of early morning screen time

Mie Hermansen

17. June, 2026

Experts point to an overlooked effect of early morning screen time

For many people, checking a smartphone is part of their morning routine. However, experts say that immediately diving into messages, social media, and news updates after waking up may affect both mental well-being and eye comfort, reports Firstpost.

The first moments of the day can shape your mindset

The period immediately after waking plays an important role in setting the tone for the rest of the day.

Your brain is still transitioning into wakefulness

After sleep, the brain gradually moves from a resting state to a more alert state and needs time to adjust naturally.

An information overload can arrive too soon

Messages, news alerts, and social media updates may flood the mind before it is ready to process large amounts of information.

Stress responses may be triggered earlier

Experts say that notifications and digital content can activate stress-related reactions shortly after waking up.

Mental clarity can be affected

Starting the day with a constant stream of information may make it harder to feel calm and focused.

Attention shifts toward external demands

Instead of focusing on personal goals for the day, people may immediately begin reacting to messages and updates from others.

Morning screen exposure may influence mood

According to experts, digital stimulation right after waking can affect how people feel throughout the day.

Feelings of anxiety and overwhelm may increase

Early exposure to emails, notifications, and social media content can leave some people feeling mentally scattered or anxious.

Eyes are often drier after a night’s sleep

Tear production slows during sleep, which can leave the eyes feeling less lubricated upon waking.

Bright screens can add to eye discomfort

Looking at a smartphone screen immediately after waking may worsen dryness, discomfort, and visual fatigue.

Reduced blinking can make dryness worse

Research has shown that people tend to blink less while using digital devices, which may contribute to irritation and dry eyes.

Digital eye strain is becoming more common

Experts warn that prolonged screen use can contribute to symptoms such as dry eyes, visual fatigue, discomfort, and difficulty focusing, particularly among younger people.

Why a healthy diet may not be enough for your heart

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

17. June, 2026

Why a healthy diet may not be enough for your heart

Many people eat fruits and vegetables to support their overall health, but that does not necessarily mean the body receives sufficient amounts of all the compounds that may help promote cardiovascular health, according to Health.

In a new study published in Food & Function, researchers analyzed data from more than 30,000 people in the United States and the United Kingdom.

They investigated whether individuals who followed dietary recommendations of five daily servings of fruits and vegetables were also consuming adequate amounts of certain plant compounds.

Major differences between foods

The findings showed that fewer than one in four participants reached the level of flavanols that previous research has associated with potential heart-health benefits.

Flavanol content varies significantly among foods. Some fruits and vegetables contain far higher levels of flavanols than others, even though all are generally considered healthy choices.

How many flavanols should you consume each day?

Flavanols are found in foods such as apples, pears, berries, grapes, legumes, and tea.

Previous research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition linked a daily intake of 500 milligrams of flavanols to improved cardiovascular health.

However, the new study suggests that many people do not reach this level through a healthy diet alone.

Experts told Health that people should not stop eating fruits and vegetables. Instead, they recommend choosing a wider variety of foods and including flavanol-rich options more frequently in the diet.

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The brain’s night shift

Why it matters

The World Cup brings together millions of spectators

Health authorities are preparing thoroughly

Respiratory illnesses can spread in large crowds

Mosquitoes may be a nuisance for spectators

Heat-related illnesses

Other health concerns

The risk of Ebola

Ebola does not spread easily

Measles

Unvaccinated individuals may be more vulnerable

Wastewater testing is used for surveillance

Social media plays a role in monitoring

Travelers are monitored upon entry

Vaccinations should be up to date

Good hygiene can reduce the risk

Watch for symptoms after attending matches

High-risk groups should consider wearing a mask

Brain networks

Protecting cells

Important limitation

31,000 people studied

Worsening kidney function

A sudden calm

An unexpected burst of energy

What experts have learned

Nausea

Vomiting

Changes in appetite

Abdominal swelling

Heartburn

Indigestion

Unexplained stomach discomfort

Stomach pain or discomfort

Feeling full quickly

Unexplained weight loss

Anemia

Symptoms may resemble other conditions

Hidden signals

Family history matters

Different pattern

Different types of ridges

Medical advice

The first moments of the day can shape your mindset

Your brain is still transitioning into wakefulness

An information overload can arrive too soon

Stress responses may be triggered earlier

Mental clarity can be affected

Attention shifts toward external demands

Morning screen exposure may influence mood

Feelings of anxiety and overwhelm may increase

Eyes are often drier after a night’s sleep

Bright screens can add to eye discomfort

Reduced blinking can make dryness worse

Digital eye strain is becoming more common

Major differences between foods

How many flavanols should you consume each day?

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