Experiencing daytime sleepiness is something that is usually perceived as a minor inconvenience, but for older adults, it could be an early warning sign of Dementia. This neurodegenerative disease leads to the progressive decline of brain cells. This eventually

affects memory, cognition, and personality, making everyday tasks more difficult. As one of the fastest-growing neurological disorders across the world, dementia poses a significant health threat to ageing populations.

Is Dementia Linked To Poor Sleep?

For this study, researchers followed 445 older adults (average age 76) over three years, aiming to determine whether poor sleep could increase the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which often leads to dementia. At the start, none of the participants had MCI, but by the end of the study, 36 individuals had developed the condition.

The researchers discovered that participants with poor sleep were more likely to develop MCI compared to those who slept well. However, when depression symptoms were taken into account, the link between poor sleep and MCI became less pronounced, suggesting that while sleep issues are a concern, mental health also plays a key role in dementia risk.

To assess sleep quality, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used, evaluating factors such as sleep duration, disturbances, and daytime alertness. Among these, "daytime dysfunction"—defined as excessive sleepiness and low energy during the day—was most strongly associated with an increased risk of MCI. Those experiencing daytime dysfunction were more than three times as likely to develop MCI as those who didn’t report such symptoms.

There are many types of dementia:

Dementia is not a specific disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is an overall term that describes a decline in mental ability that interferes with daily life. People with dementia often have symptoms like trouble remembering, thinking, or making everyday decisions. These symptoms tend to get worse over time.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, and it mostly affects the elderly. Each form of dementia has a different cause. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal ageing. An estimated 6.7 million older adults have Alzheimer's disease in the United States. That number is expected to double by 2060, as per data from the CDC.

In 2022, 3.8% of men and 4.2% women in US were diagnosed with dementia. The percentage of people increase with age from 1.7% for those aged 65-74 to 13.1% for those aged 85 and older. Alzheimer's accounts for 60 to 80% of all dementia cases and it is most prevalent in California, Florida, and Texas, as these states have the highest number of people.

How does a heatwave affect asthma patients?

Summer heat, dust, and pollution can trigger asthma symptoms like cough and breathlessness. Hence, it is the need of the hour to take extra care during the warmer months. Here, the expert also highlights the vital tips to stay healthy. Cough and breathlessness are frequently experienced by asthma patients, and a heatwave can make these symptoms far more severe.

Dr Kadian explains that asthma is also a common occurrence in summer. While many people associate it with winter, summer can also be a challenging time for those living with asthma. So, the rising temperatures, increased air pollution, dust, pollen, and humidity can irritate the airways and trigger symptoms. People may experience coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. During summer, hot air can cause the airways to become dry and sensitive.

At the same time, outdoor allergens like pollen and dust are more common. Air conditioners, if not cleaned regularly, can circulate dust and mold, further worsening symptoms. For children and adults alike, understanding these triggers and taking simple precautions can help prevent flare-ups and keep breathing under control. Even dehydration is another factor that can worsen asthma. When the body lacks fluids, the airways may become more irritated. Sudden temperature changes, like moving from extreme heat outside to very cold indoor air, can also trigger breathing problems.

Tips to manage asthma in summer

Dr Kadian shared some simple tips to help asthma patients deal with the symptoms amid a heatwave. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking enough water; avoid extreme heat and high-pollution areas; wear a mask; keep the house clean, dust- and mold-free, and well-ventilated. Service air conditioners from time to time and prevent dust and mold buildup. Carry prescribed inhalers and use them as advised by the doctor. It is also necessary to take a bath and change clothes after coming from outdoors. Also, it is essential to take the flu and pneumococcal vaccines as advised by the doctor and stay healthy.

Asthma can be managed with awareness and simple daily care. Staying cautious and prepared is the key to breathing easy even in the heat. This summer, prioritise your respiratory health.

There have been six suspected cases of hantavirus — a rare but potentially deadly virus transmitted primarily by rodents — of which three have died, said the World Health Organization (WHO).

Also Read: WHO Says Suspected Hantavirus Killed 3 on Cruise Ship: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention

The suspected hantavirus outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius cruise ship, Oceanwide Expeditions, in the Atlantic Ocean. It was travelling to the Canary Islands via Cape Verde from Argentina. The three people dead include a Dutch husband and wife, as well as a German national, according to the operator of the ship.

Speaking to the media, Maria Van Kerkhove, Director (a.i) Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, WHO, said that the WHO is working with countries involved in the response to the hantavirus cases onboard a ship off Cabo Verde, as well as the ship's operators, and carrying out risk assessments to guide next steps.

“As of the fourth of May, there have been six suspected cases reported. Three cases have unfortunately died. One patient is currently ill in the ICU in South Africa, while two patients remain on board and will be evacuated for medical treatment. About a hundred and fifty people, including passengers and crew, are on the ship,” Van Kerkhove said.

The patient in the ICU is a 69-year-old UK national.

“The patient is still in critical condition in isolation but receiving medical attention,” according to a statement by South Africa’s Department of Health (DoH).

The WHO noted that it is working with countries to evacuate the two sick people on board to the Netherlands for medical care.

“At present, there are no other symptomatic people on the ship, but this is being carefully monitored,” Van Kerkhove said.

Adding that laboratory tests are also ongoing, she stated that “based on current information and what we know about the virus from previous outbreaks, the overall risk to the public is low.”

Also Read: Hantavirus Kills 3 on Cruise Ship: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention

Hantavirus: How did the outbreak begin?

Some of the passengers onboard the Oceanwide Expeditions, travelling to the Canary Islands via Cape Verde from Argentina, with some 150 passengers, began experiencing serious health complications while the ship was travelling past South African shores. Initially, it was considered a severe acute respiratory infection; later, three people died.

“[The] first patient was a 70-year-old male passenger who suddenly became ill on the ship en route from Ushuaia to St Helena Island. Unfortunately, he passed away on arrival at St Helena Island. His mortal remains are in St Helena, awaiting repatriation to the Netherlands,”," South Africa’s DoH said.

Hantavirus Symptoms

The initial symptoms included:

• fever,
• headache,
• abdominal pain,
• diarrhea.

Hantavirus Alert: 890 US Cases

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that by the end of 2023, 890 cases of hantavirus disease were reported in the United States since surveillance began in 1993.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) became a nationally notifiable disease in 1995 in the US.

Read More: CDC Flags Surge in US Tuberculosis Outbreaks, Cases Double Since 2017

What Is Hantavirus?

Globally, an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 hantavirus infections occur each year. The majority of these cases are in Asia, particularly China. Most are sporadic or occur in small clusters, linked to contact with infected rodents.

“Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents that can cause severe disease in humans. Infection with hantaviruses is found in many parts of the world. Thousands of infections are estimated to occur each year," Van Kerkhove said.

Infection in people can result in severe illness and often death, although the diseases vary by type of virus and geographical location. In the Americas, infection has been known to lead to hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), a rapidly progressive condition affecting the lungs and heart, while in Europe and Asia, hantaviruses have been known to cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), which primarily affects the kidneys and blood vessels.

Notably, the WHO has not specified the type of hantavirus or syndrome in the cruise incident, but did mention respiratory risks.

The hantavirus is primarily spread by rodents through

• exposure to their urine,
• droppings,
• saliva,
• less commonly through a scratch or bite.

According to the CDC, symptoms can appear one to eight weeks after exposure, initially presenting fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. As the disease progresses, it can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness as fluid accumulates in the lungs.

The CDC reports that about one-third of individuals who develop respiratory symptoms from the disease may not survive.

How to Protect Yourself: 7 Ways to Reduce Hantavirus Risk

You can reduce your risk by eliminating and minimizing your contact with rodents in your home, workplace, or campsite.

Other effective measures include:

• keeping homes and workplaces clean
• sealing openings that allow rodents to enter buildings
• storing food securely
• using safe cleaning practices in areas contaminated by rodents
• avoiding dry sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings
• dampening of contaminated areas before cleaning
• strengthening hand hygiene practices.

In an ever-evolving world, people are always looking for something more convenient. Thanks to this never-ending search for an easier way out, even the ways of using medicine have changed. From popping pills to now using nasal sprays for decongestion, the way we deal with a cold or the flu has also changed. But just like all other aspects of life, one must know where to stop. Unsurprisingly, cases of nasal spray addiction have come to light, and the consequences are not pretty.

What happens when nasal sprays are used in excess?

In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has stated that excessive use of nasal spray can lead to ‘rebound congestion’ and other major side effects. While people were mindlessly using nasal sprays for seven days in a row, a new advisory limits use to just five days. Brits are reportedly becoming addicted to nasal sprays because of excessive use to relieve blocked noses, thereby causing damage to the tissues inside.

What are the symptoms of overuse of nasal sprays?

Decongestant sprays constrict inflamed blood vessels in the nasal passages, thereby relieving congestion. In the short term, they work well. However, if used too much, the blood vessels in the nasal passages become sensitive to ingredients like xylometazoline and oxymetazoline. These passageways also start to swell when the medication wears off. In the long run, addiction or overuse of nasal sprays can lead to the following symptoms:

1. Damage to the sensitive lining of the nose
2. Dependence on the spray
3. Crusting
4. Dryness in the nose
5. Sleep problems
6. Palpitations
7. Anxiety
8. Irritation
9. Reduced effectiveness of the spray

Consequences of nasal spray addiction

In an interview with Health and Me, Dr Samir Garde, Director of the Department of Pulmonology and Lung Transplant at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, said, “Many people have a habit of using nasal sprays mindlessly. So, even though they tend to provide that much-needed relief, they can take a toll on well-being. Using nasal sprays too often, particularly decongestant sprays, can do more harm than good. While they give quick relief from a blocked nose, overuse can lead to a problem called rebound congestion. This happens when the nose becomes even more blocked once the effect wears off. This can make people dependent on the spray and even cause addiction. Moreover, excessive use also dries out the nasal lining, causing irritation, burning, or even small nosebleeds.”

Some people may experience headaches or a constant feeling of stuffiness that can disturb peace of mind and interfere with daily routine. In the long run, it can damage the sensitive tissues inside the nose and reduce the spray’s effectiveness. So, use nasal sprays strictly as per a doctor’s advice. Do not overdo it. Anything done in excess can be harmful to health. Take charge of your wellbeing and follow medical advice carefully.