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Study suggests dementia risk could be detected up to 25 years earlier

Memory problems don’t usually appear overnight. Dementia often develops slowly, and changes in the brain can start many years before someone notices they are forgetting things more often.

That is why researchers are trying to find ways to spot the disease earlier. A new study now suggests that a simple blood test could help doctors see who may be at higher risk of dementia decades before symptoms begin.

Scientists say the test could reveal signs of dementia risk up to 25 years earlier.

A large study

The research was carried out by scientists at the University of California San Diego. They used data from a long-running project called the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study.

The study followed 2,766 women over many years. When the research began in the late 1990s, the women were between 65 and 79 years old and none of them had memory problems.

Blood samples taken at the start of the study were later analysed to measure the level of a protein called p-tau217.

This protein has been linked to changes in the brain that are connected to Alzheimer’s disease.

What they discovered

Researchers followed the participants for up to 25 years to see who later developed dementia.

They found that women who had higher levels of the p-tau217 protein in their blood were more likely to develop dementia later in life.

The study showed that:

  • Higher levels of the protein were linked to a higher dementia risk
  • The risk increased when the protein level was higher
  • Age and genetics may also play a role

What it could mean

Experts believe blood tests like this could make it easier to detect dementia much earlier than today.

Because blood tests are simple and widely available, they could help doctors identify people at higher risk and monitor their health long before symptoms appear.

Sources: Mirror

One hour less sleep: Why daylight saving time can be hard on the heart

Sleep plays an important role in heart health. A study from Harvard Medical School, published in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology, shows that people with highly irregular sleep patterns have a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Even small differences in bedtime can matter. If the timing of sleep varies by around an hour from day to day, the risk of heart disease and metabolic problems may increase by up to 50 percent.

The amount of sleep also matters. Research indicates that people who sleep less than six hours per night have about a 20 percent higher risk of experiencing a heart attack.

A study from February 2026, published in Circulation Reports, also found a link between short sleep duration and the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation among people in their 50s.

The body’s internal clock can be disrupted

According to National Geographic, the transition to daylight saving time can resemble a mild form of jet lag.

The body is regulated by a circadian rhythm that is influenced, among other things, by natural light.

When the time changes, the body’s internal clock no longer fully matches the surrounding environment.

Most people adjust to the initial fatigue after a few days, but researchers point out that the body may remain slightly out of sync for several months.

Similar problems are seen among people who work night shifts or rotating schedules.

A study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health shows that they have about a 17 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

A small change can have longer consequences

There has long been debate about whether daylight saving time should be abolished. Some research has previously suggested that heart attacks increase immediately after the time change.

However, a larger analysis published in JAMA Network Open in 2025, based on nearly 170,000 patient records, did not find a clear rise in cases immediately after the switch to daylight saving time.

Still, when a single hour shifts the body’s daily rhythm for several months, it can lead to poorer sleep, higher stress levels, and elevated blood pressure.

Over time, these factors can increase the strain on the heart.

Sources: National Geographic, The Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Circulation Reports, Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, and JAMA Network Open.

Study finds differing risk of rare eye condition among weight-loss drugs

Researchers reviewed reports of side effects from popular medicines for diabetes and obesity submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 2017 and 2024.

The analysis was published in the journal British Journal of Ophthalmology.

According to The Guardian, the researchers compared several drugs, including Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus. All three contain the active ingredient semaglutide.

The drug Mounjaro, which contains tirzepatide, was also included.

The data are based on reported side effects submitted by patients and healthcare professionals.

As a result, the study can point to possible links, but it cannot establish that the medicines directly cause the disease.

A rare injury to the optic nerve

The researchers focused in particular on cases of an eye disease called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, abbreviated NAION.

The condition occurs when the blood supply to the optic nerve becomes too low. This can lead to sudden vision loss, which in many cases is permanent.

According to The Guardian, the researchers estimate that the condition is rare and affects around one in 10,000 people who use semaglutide.

Drug regulators are already monitoring the issue. Earlier this year, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a safety update about a possible risk of NAION among patients using semaglutide.

Results show a difference

The drugs studied contain the same active ingredient, but they are used in different doses and forms.

Wegovy is typically used in higher doses for weight loss, while Ozempic and Rybelsus are mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes.

According to the analysis in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, there was a clear difference in the reported cases.

Patients using Wegovy had about five times as many reports of NAION as patients using Ozempic.

The researchers also found more cases among men than among women. At the same time, the data did not show an increased occurrence with the use of Rybelsus or Mounjaro.

Sources: The Guardian, and British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Have you also noticed Donald Trump’s neck? The White House provides an explanation

The health of U.S. presidents is often closely monitored by the public.

This is especially true for Donald Trump, who is 79 years old and began his second presidential term in 2025.

According to Reuters, his age has led the media and political opponents to frequently raise questions about his physical condition.

Earlier images from public events have shown bruises on his hands. Reuters reports that Trump himself explained the marks as the result of frequent aspirin use and many handshakes.

The White House has also previously said that one of the marks occurred when the president hit a table during a trip abroad.

Previous health information

There has also been attention on the president’s swollen ankles. According to Reuters, his legs were examined with an ultrasound scan last year.

The examination showed chronic venous insufficiency. The doctor explained that it is a common and benign condition often seen in people over the age of 70.

At the time, the information was provided by the president’s doctor at the White House.

A mark on the neck

The latest discussion began after a ceremony at the White House in early March.

During the event, a Medal of Honor was awarded, and photographers took pictures of the president.

In the photos, a red area could be seen on the side of Trump’s neck, just above the collar of his shirt.

Afterward, the president’s doctor, Sean Barbabella, said, according to Reuters, that Trump is using a common cream as a preventive skin treatment.

The treatment is to be used for one week, and the redness may remain visible for several weeks.

When the press asked for further details, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, according to Reuters, that she did not have any additional information.

Sources: Reuters.

He drank 13 glasses of water a day for a week – this is how it affected the body

A writer from Verywell Mind decided to test the recommendation of drinking 13 glasses of water a day for a week.

The experiment revealed both mental and physical changes, along with several surprising effects along the way.

A simple goal

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The author began the experiment because he normally does not drink enough water.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, an average man should drink about 13 glasses of water a day, so he wanted to see how it would affect him over the course of a week.

A feeling of success

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The experiment began on a Saturday morning, when he started the day with two glasses of water before coffee.

Throughout the rest of the day, he kept drinking water regularly, including while he was out running errands.

Late in the evening, he had reached the goal of 13 glasses and felt a clear sense of satisfaction at having achieved it.

A new habit

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On the second day, he continued drinking water throughout the day. He drank water before grocery shopping, during exercise, and with dinner.

By taking a glass of water every time he went into the kitchen, it became easier to reach his daily goal.

The first changes appeared on the third day

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By Monday morning, he already noticed a difference. He felt less irritable than usual.

At the same time, he noticed that the color of his urine was lighter, which can be a sign of better hydration.

No headaches during work

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On the fourth day, he began to feel both mentally and physically more refreshed. He went to the bathroom more often but felt less tired.

He also noticed that he had not experienced headaches during the week, even though he normally often gets them after long workdays in front of a screen.

An unexpected improvement in mood

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In the middle of the week, he noticed that he had been having a particularly good week mentally.

During a conversation with his therapist, he mentioned that he felt better than he had in a long time.

Only later did he consider that the increased water intake might have played a role.

Less water was quickly noticeable

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One busy day meant he drank slightly less water for a period.

On a warm day, he quickly began to feel the onset of a headache, which made him consider whether hydration might have a direct effect on his well-being.

Easier to choose healthier alternatives

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Later in the week, he noticed that he ate fewer unhealthy snacks.

It seemed that regularly drinking water helped reduce the urge to buy snacks during the day.

A natural part of everyday life

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By the end of the week, it no longer felt like an experiment. Drinking 13 glasses of water had become a natural part of his daily routine.

Fluids through food

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Part of the body’s water needs is actually covered through food and other drinks.

Around 20 percent of the necessary fluid intake normally comes from the diet without actively drinking more water.

The need for water varies

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How much water a person should drink depends on several factors.

Age, activity level, health, as well as pregnancy or breastfeeding can influence how much fluid the body needs.

Too much water can also be harmful

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Although hydration is important, it is also possible to drink too much water. This can lead to a condition called water intoxication, where the body’s chemical balance is disrupted.

Symptoms may include headache, nausea, confusion, and muscle weakness.

Small habits make it easier

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If you want to increase your water intake, it can help to turn it into a fixed routine.

For example, you can drink a glass with every meal, alternate between water and other beverages, or add flavor to water with fruit or herbs.

Sources: Verywell Mind, and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

180,000 cans of coconut water recalled after labeling error

On some multipacks of coconut water, the information printed on the packaging has turned out to be incorrect.

This is reported by Health.com, based on information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The mistake concerns the ingredient list and nutritional information on the outer packaging. It does not state that the drink contains five grams of added sugar.

The cans themselves are labeled correctly. However, the information about the sugar content is missing from the multipacks.

According to information from the FDA, this could be a problem for people who monitor their sugar intake, for example individuals with diabetes.

Authorities’ assessment

The FDA has classified the case as a Class III recall. This type of case is normally used when a product is not expected to cause serious health problems.

According to Health.com, the recall was initiated on February 25. It was carried out by Tipp Distributors, which operates the company Novamex.

The FDA reviewed the case and gave it its official classification on March 6.

Many products affected

Only after the authorities’ review did it become clear how many items were involved. Around 180,000 cans of coconut water have been withdrawn from stores.

The recall concerns coconut water with pulp in cans called C2O Coconut Water with Pulp, 17.5 ounces, sold in packs of 15 cans. In total, around 12,000 packs are affected.

The products have been sold in 11 U.S. states, including California, Texas, Florida, and Illinois.

The FDA has not issued specific instructions but assesses that consumers can either discard the product or return it to the store.

Sources: Health.com, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Oprah Winfrey after major weight loss: Why I still use GLP-1 medication

According to HealthDigest, the change in Oprah Winfrey’s weight began in 2023, when she started taking a medication from the GLP-1 group, which is also used in drugs such as Ozempic.

This type of medication has, in recent years, been discussed both positively and negatively, and several well-known figures have said they use it in connection with weight loss.

Doctors discuss the treatment

The use of GLP-1 medication among older adults is still being debated among doctors.

In an analysis by the American Academy of Medical Colleges, specialists note that the treatment requires special attention for patients over the age of 65.

Physician Chitra Ganta explains in the analysis that many older adults live with severe obesity. Therefore, in some cases, the medication can help improve health.

Researcher John Batsis has previously been critical of the treatment for older adults. Today, he believes the medication can be used if treatment begins with a low dose that is increased slowly.

This is how much Oprah weighs now

Oprah Winfrey has also spoken about her own experiences with the treatment. On the television program TODAY, she explained that she experienced constipation as a side effect.

She also said that she drinks a lot of water and takes magnesium to reduce the problem.

In an interview with CBS News in 2025, Oprah Winfrey said that her weight was around 155 pounds.

The information emerged during a conversation with journalist Jane Pauley.

In the podcast Wild Card with Rachel Martin, Winfrey also said that the medication itself does not prevent weight gain.

When she stopped the treatment, she gained about 20 pounds again, corresponding to 9 kilograms.

In the end, she chose to start the medication again, and the treatment has become a permanent part of her lifestyle.

Sources: HealthDigest, American Academy of Medical Colleges, TODAY, CBS News, and Wild Card with Rachel Martin.

New research reveals the healthiest way to drink tea

A new research review suggests that tea may be associated with a lower risk of several chronic diseases.

However, researchers also point out that the way tea is prepared can change its health benefits.

New review of tea research

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According to Health.com, researchers from China and the United States analyzed existing research on tea and health and published their findings in Beverage Plant Research.

They reviewed studies involving both humans and animals.

Several types of tea included in the analysis

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The researchers focused mainly on green and black tea. In addition, yellow tea, oolong tea, and dark fermented tea were also examined.

Overall trend in the research

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When the studies are viewed together, they show a clear trend. Regular tea consumption is associated with a lower risk of several chronic diseases.

Possible effects on multiple diseases

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The results indicate, among other things, a connection with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Antioxidants may explain the effect

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Tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols. These compounds can help protect cells and reduce inflammation in the body.

Preparation plays an important role

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The researchers emphasize that the way tea is prepared can influence its health benefits.

Bottled tea is processed at high temperatures

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During the production of bottled tea, high temperatures are often used for sterilization. This can reduce the amount of certain antioxidants.

Bubble tea contains many additives

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Bubble tea often consists of tea combined with tapioca pearls, milk, flavorings, and preservatives.

Additives can increase calorie intake

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The ingredients in bubble tea can add around 150 to 200 extra calories per serving.

Sugar may affect health

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A high intake of added sugar can raise blood sugar levels and increase the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Tea still contains active compounds

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Even in bubble tea, antioxidants from the tea itself are still present and may have positive effects.

Occasional consumption recommended

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Experts recommend that bottled tea and bubble tea should be enjoyed occasionally rather than as a daily habit.

Freshly brewed tea provides the most benefits

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According to the research, freshly brewed tea generally provides more health benefits than ready-made varieties.

How experts recommend brewing tea

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Experts recommend unsweetened green or black tea. The water should be hot but not boiling, and the tea should steep for three to five minutes.

Sources: Health.com, and Beverage Plant Research.

Multivitamins may affect the body’s aging, new study shows

A new study published in the journal Nature Medicine has examined whether multivitamins influence the body’s aging.

According to Business Insider, researchers analyzed biological markers in older participants.

These markers are used to measure the body’s biological age. It is a method in which researchers examine changes in cells and DNA to assess how quickly the body is aging.

The study showed that people who took a daily multivitamin aged slightly more slowly on average than those who did not.

Uncertainty for many years

Multivitamins are among the most widely used dietary supplements in the world, especially among older adults.

Even so, researchers have for many years been uncertain whether they actually provide measurable health benefits.

According to Business Insider, previous research has not been able to demonstrate clear improvements in either health or lifespan.

The study’s lead author, epidemiologist Howard Sesso from Harvard Medical School, explains that the results do not mean that everyone should start taking multivitamins.

He believes the study instead contributes to a better understanding of dietary supplements.

A very small difference

The study’s results showed a difference in biological aging of around four months. The effect is therefore considered very limited.

However, the researchers point out that older people may benefit from supplements if they do not receive enough nutrients through their diet.

A previous study from 2023 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also found small improvements in memory tests among people who took multivitamins.

The main conclusion is therefore that a daily multivitamin in the study was associated with a small slowdown in biological aging among older adults.

Sources: Business Insider, Nature Medicine, and American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Want to live longer? Exercise may be more important than supplements

Interest in longevity has grown in recent years. Today, however, researchers are not only talking about how long we live; they are also discussing how long we can live a healthy and active life.

According to an article in the outlet Parade, several doctors and researchers are now studying how daily habits affect the body’s aging process.

This includes sleep, stress, social relationships, and physical activity.

Research suggests that lifestyle can have a significant impact on both health and lifespan.

Research on movement

Several studies have shown that physical activity can influence lifespan.

A review of research published in the Journal of Aging Research shows that people who are physically active generally have a lower risk of dying early than individuals who move very little.

Movement can also improve blood pressure, strengthen muscles, and help the body function more effectively.

At the same time, physical activity can help preserve muscle mass, which naturally declines with age.

Supplements

Although lifestyle plays a major role, many people still choose supplements as a way to improve their health.

According to doctors, one reason is that supplements are easy to use. They do not require the same effort as making changes in everyday life.

As a result, the supplement market has grown rapidly and is globally estimated to be worth around 150 billion dollars, according to physician Dr. Nisha Chellam.

The most important habit

Nevertheless, several experts believe that supplements are not the most important factor if you want to live longer.

According to doctors interviewed by Parade, just 30 minutes of daily movement can have a greater effect on both health and lifespan than supplements.

Regular physical activity strengthens both the body and the cardiovascular system and can also reduce the risk of several diseases.

Sources: Parade, and Journal of Aging Research.