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.

Young adults who believe vaping is safer than smoking may be in for some surprising news. According to a new study, vape users presented reduced fitness and impaired blood vessel function similar to traditional cigarette smokers.

The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal ERJ Open Research, compared healthy adults aged 18 to 30 and found that both regular vapers and smokers had around 15% lower exercise capacity than people who had never smoked or vaped.

About The Study

The study involved 75 healthy young adults divided into three groups: non-smokers/non-vapers, cigarette smokers, and regular vapers who had never smoked.

Participants completed an incremental cycling test while researchers measured heart and lung function, oxygen activity, blood lactate levels, and overall vascular health.

Researchers also observed equally poor blood vessel function, reduced breathing efficiency during exercise, and early muscle fatigue in both those who vaped and smoked.

What Did The Study Find?

At peak exercise, both smokers and vapers showed significantly lower oxygen uptake and reached exhaustion sooner than non-users.

They also accumulated lactic acid more quickly, leading to greater breathlessness and increased leg discomfort during exercise. Ultrasound scans and blood tests further showed signs of impaired blood vessel function and inflammation.

Dr. Azmy Faisal, senior lecturer in cardiorespiratory physiology at Manchester Metropolitan University and lead author of the study, said, “In active, healthy young adults with normal lungs, both vapes and tobacco smoking led to worsened exercise capacity, shortness of breath, and intense leg fatigue.”

"Like smoking, our research indicates that vaping can lead to harmful changes to the blood vessels, lung efficiency during exercise, and approximately a 15% reduction in fitness compared to those who have never smoked or vaped," Faisal added.

Dr. Stamatoula Tsikrika of the European Respiratory Society commented on the findings, saying the growing popularity of vaping among young people who have never smoked is becoming an increasing public health concern.

Also read: How Smoking, Alcohol, And Vaping Are Quietly Hurting Women’s Fertility

"More and more young people who have never smoked are using vapes," Tsikrika said. "As the popularity of vaping continues to rise, so too do concerns that it is becoming normalised behaviour, functioning as a gateway to nicotine addiction and introducing serious health risks."

She noted that although e-cigarettes may contain fewer cancer-causing substances than conventional cigarettes, they can still lead to significant genetic changes.

"Vapes may contain lower levels of cancer-causing substances, but they can still trigger genetic changes such as DNA damage and inflammation, which are linked to increased lung cancer risk," Tsikrika said. "For people who have never smoked and are therefore not using vapes as a cessation method, the health consequences of vaping are becoming harder for policymakers and the tobacco industry to justify."

Also read: Friends Can Have A Big Impact On Vaping Habits, Study Suggests

Smoking Vs Vaping

The researchers, however, caution that the study does not suggest that vaping is equally harmful as smoking in every respect.

Traditional cigarettes still strongly remain linked to major disorders like cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and many other life-threatening illnesses.

But the new study indicates that when it comes to cardiovascular fitness, breathing efficiency, lung function and blood vessel health in young adults, vaping may offer far less protection.

The United States is grappling with a growing Cyclospora outbreak that has sickened more than 3,000 people across Michigan and Ohio, with dozens requiring hospitalization.

While the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not yet confirmed the source, Michigan health officials say lettuce and mixed salad greens have emerged as a common factor in the ongoing investigation. However, officials stress that no specific type of lettuce, grower, or supplier has been identified, and other foods have not been ruled out.

"Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, in an official statement.

Michigan has reported 2,640 cases, including 44 hospitalizations, while Ohio has recorded 361 cases and at least 46 hospitalizations since June 1.

As per the CDC, 31 states have reported Cyclospora infections this season, with confirmed cases increasing compared with the same period last year.

Why Packaged Salads Carry Higher Risk

Also read: Cyclospora Parasite Spreads to More US States: Foods to Avoid Right Now

Health experts say pre-packaged salad mixes may be more vulnerable to contamination than whole heads of lettuce because they are pre-cut, extensively handled, and contain a larger exposed surface area.

Cutting leafy greens creates tiny openings where contaminants can adhere more easily. Once chopped, the leaves also lose nutrients faster due to increased exposure to oxygen.

Although manufacturers wash packaged salads using antimicrobial solutions approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these sanitizers do not reliably eliminate Cyclospora, making contamination difficult to remove.

Food safety expert Gevork Kazanchyan noted that, based on recent foodborne illness investigations, bagged leafy greens have been linked to more outbreaks than whole heads of lettuce.

Why Loose Greens Are Considered Safer

Michigan health officials have advised consumers to choose whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-packaged salad kits while the investigation continues.

Experts recommend:

• Buy whole heads of lettuce instead of bagged salads.
• Remove and discard the outer two to three leaves.
• Wash the remaining inner leaves thoroughly under running water.
• Cook leafy greens whenever possible, as heat effectively kills the parasite.

Dr. Priyam Bordoloi, an internal medicine specialist from the Indian state of Assam, also advised consumers "to avoid bagged salads during the outbreak and wash fresh produce thoroughly under running water rather than soaking it".

Washing Alone May Not Be Enough

According to the US FDA, Cyclospora is resistant to common produce disinfectants, including chlorine-based washes commonly used in commercial processing.

Unlike bacteria, the parasite can survive routine washing and sanitizing. While rinsing produce removes dirt and some contaminants, it cannot guarantee the removal of Cyclospora.

Cooking vegetables to at least 70°C (158°F) is considered the most effective way to inactivate the parasite.

Foods With Lower Risk

No fresh fruit or vegetable is completely risk-free during an outbreak, but foods with thick, inedible peels generally carry a lower risk because the edible portion is naturally protected, Texas State University professor Rodney Rohde told Newsweek.

Lower-risk options include:

• Bananas
• Citrus fruits
• Avocados
• Pineapples
• Watermelons
• Mangoes

Read More: Explosive Diarrhea Parasite Spreads Across US: Why CDC Is Unable To Find The Source?

Foods More Commonly Linked to Cyclospora

Certain fresh produce has been repeatedly associated with Cyclospora outbreaks because the parasite can cling to rough or complex surfaces. These include:

• Lettuce and mixed salad greens
• Cilantro
• Raspberries
• Raw pea pods

Symptoms of Cyclospora Infection

Cyclospora infection, known as cyclosporiasis, primarily causes severe gastrointestinal illness.

Common symptoms include:

• Watery or explosive diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal cramps
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Treatment

People experiencing persistent diarrhea or other symptoms should seek medical attention. Cyclospora infection can be diagnosed through laboratory testing and is treatable with antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare provider.

The U.S. government's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced partnering with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to fast-track the development of psychedelic-assisted therapies to treat veterans living with mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and more.

After years of interest, 2026 has marked a major policy shift, with the White House, Congress, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) all actively participating in accelerating research into treatments like psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine.

“America owes every veteran the best care our nation can provide,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We’re not going to wait while promising treatments sit on the sidelines. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, HHS and the VA are working together to develop safe, FDA-approved innovations and transition them from research into care so veterans can access the treatments they deserve.”

The collaboration comes as a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a new bill in Congress that would require the U.S. Department of Defense to evaluate how ongoing psychedelic research, particularly those involving psilocybin, could benefit service members who are active on duty and veterans transitioning back to civilian life.

“President Trump opened up a world of possibility for treating Veterans and others with mental health conditions, and VA is proud to be part of this important work,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “Today’s MOU ensures effective cooperation with HHS as we try to turn research into life-changing treatment.”

Also read: Under HHS's 'Make Hospital Food Healthier' Pledge, Trump Administration Pushes Hospitals To Offer Healthier Food

Initiative To Accelerate Treatments For Mental Illnesses

The initiative was accelerated this year in April when President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to ramp up research, regulatory review, and appropriate patient access ways for psychedelic medicines targeting serious mental illnesses.

According to the White House, the goal is to expand the scope of scientific research while ensuring safety and regulatory requirements, rather than recklessly legalizing psychedelic drugs for general medical use.

Most psychedelic compounds, including psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine, remain classified as Schedule I substances under federal law.

Also read: As Part Of Trump’s Great American Recovery Initiative, US Announces 281 Million Funding To Tackle Addiction

Mental Health Challenges Faced By Veterans

Mental health challenges remain one of the most pressing issues U.S. veterans face after their military service. They are prioritised because they face a disproportionately high burden of PTSD, depression, suicide, and traumatic brain injury among former service members.

While conventional treatments, including antidepressants and psychotherapy, help many patients, a substantial number do not achieve lasting relief.

Researchers hope psychedelic-assisted therapy, administered under carefully supervised clinical settings alongside psychotherapy, may offer another option for people who are still struggling despite existing treatments.

Growing Interest In Psychedelic Medicine

The interest in psychedelic medicine has grown rapidly over the past decade. Studies have suggested that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy may help alleviate PTSD symptoms in some patients, while psilocybin-assisted therapy has shown promise for treatment-resistant depression in clinical trials.

These therapies differ from recreational drug use because they involve carefully screened patients, controlled doses, trained therapists, and structured treatment plan and follow-up sessions.