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.

India's food safety regulator has banned the sale of select whisky and rum products produced by some of the country's biggest liquor companies, including Diageo India's United Spirits.

FSSAI's move comes after they found artificial or "nature-identical" flavouring that allegedly violates Indian food standards.

Among the affected products are United Spirits' Antiquity Blue Whisky and Royal Challenge Whisky manufactured in Madhya Pradesh, Inbrew's Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky and Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum, as well as three variants of Old Monk produced by Mohan Rocky Springwater in Maharashtra.

It is still unclear whether the restrictions apply only to products manufactured at these specific facilities or to the brands nationwide.

Why Did FSSAI Ban These Products?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said laboratory tests found that certain products manufactured by United Spirits, Inbrew Beverages and Mohan Rocky Springwater contained external artificial or nature-identical flavouring substances intended to recreate the taste and aroma of whisky or rum, instead of relying on traditional production methods.

According to the regulator, the use of natural flavouring substances in alcoholic beverages is permitted but manufacturers cannot add whisky flavour to whisky or rum flavour to rum.

"There is no internationally recognized manufacturing practice whereby rum flavour is added to rum or whisky flavour is added to whisky," FSSAI said in its statement.

The regulator added that these practices could bypass proper maturation and reduce reliance on ingredients traditionally used to develop flavour, including molasses, malt and grapes.

FSSAI classified the tested products as "sub-standard due to the presence of external artificial or nature-identical flavours in the product."

While Diageo India, Inbrew Beverages and Mohan Rocky Springwater did not immediately issue public responses to media queries, Reuters reported that some industry executives believe the use of flavouring does not violate existing Indian regulations.

Also read: You Can No Longer Buy Medicines Containing More Than 12% Alcohol Over the Counter: Health Ministry

What Are "Nature-Identical" Flavourings?

Nature-identical flavouring substances are chemically synthesised compounds created to replicate the flavours naturally found in foods or beverages.

Although they may be seem same like the naturally occurring compounds, regulators determine whether they can be used in specific products based on food standards.

In this case, FSSAI's objection is not to all flavourings, but specifically to the addition of whisky or rum flavouring to beverages marketed as whisky or rum.

They argue that the flavour should develop naturally through the approved manufacturing and ageing process.

India is among the world's largest alcohol markets, with annual sales estimated at around $40 billion, and United Spirits, owned by global drinks giant Diageo, is the country's largest liquor company by market share.

The affected products are widely consumed because they are significantly more affordable than the imported spirits.

The latest action also signals FSSAI's bigger effort to tighten regulations of the food and beverage industry. In recent weeks, the regulator has also intensified scrutiny of products marketed as energy drinks and other packaged foods over labelling and compliance issues.

Former England rugby captain and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Phil Vickery has announced that he will donate his brain to science after his death. He said that he hopes it will help researchers understand the long-term effects of repeated head injuries in sport in a better way.

The decision comes after Vickery was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive brain disease caused due to repeated blows to the head.

Phil Vickery Pledges To Donate His Brain

Vickery's announcement has reignited conversations about the lasting neurological impact athletes face, particularly as hundreds of former rugby players continue to seek better support for concussion-related illnesses.

Speaking about his decision, Vickery questioned, "Is that gonna make someone stand up? I don't know. What a horrible thing to say. But what does it have to take?"

Describing what life with suspected brain injury feels like, he said, "Brain injuries are with you all the time, 24/7, 365 days a year... it weighs heavy, and it grinds at you all the time. It won't beat me. I keep going."

Also read: Impact Of Electronic Gadgets On Brain Health And The Role Of Ayurveda

Phil Vickery's Diagnosis And The Rugby Concussion Lawsuit

Vickery revealed that he received a diagnosis of probable CTE around two years ago. He is among more than 1,000 former rugby union and rugby league players involved in a legal case against governing bodies, including World Rugby, England's Rugby Football Union (RFU), the Welsh Rugby Union, and the Rugby Football League.

Several former players involved in the case have reported serious neurological conditions, including dementia, memory loss, depression, and suspected CTE.

The lawsuit alleges that the organisations failed to adequately protect players from repeated head injuries and concussion during their careers.

Also read: Alzheimer's Sleep Loss May Be Reversible; Study Sparks Hope For New Treatments

What Is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)?

CTE is a progressive neurodegenerative disease believed to result from repeated head impacts over many years. It has been identified in athletes from contact sports such as rugby, American football, boxing, ice hockey, and soccer, as well as military veterans.

Researchers believe repeated trauma leads to abnormal accumulation of a protein called tau inside the brain. Over time, this damages brain cells and affects normal brain function.

One of the biggest challenges is that CTE cannot currently be diagnosed with certainty in living people. Doctors can only suspect the condition based on symptoms and clinical history. A definitive diagnosis requires examination of brain tissue after death.

Also read: Scientists Say Changes In Brain In Your 40s & 50s May Influence Dementia Risk

Symptoms Of CTE

Symptoms usually appear years after repeated head injuries and may worsen over time. They can include:

• Memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Confusion
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Impulsive behaviour
• Aggression
• Problems with judgement
• Balance and movement difficulties

Despite everything, Vickery says he still loves rugby. He said, "The sport's amazing... I would do it all again... I also sit here knowing there are lots of people out there... suffering because of the sport... Let's just help people."

India recorded 20,138 organ transplants in 2025, the highest ever in a single year, while deceased donor transplants increased to 3,526, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel announced at the 16th Indian Organ Donation Day (IODD).

The Minister said India now ranks third globally in total organ transplants, after the United States and China.

Organ Transplants Hit Record High

Patel said the number of organ transplants increased from 4,990 in 2013 to 20,138 in 2025, marking the country's highest annual total.

She also highlighted the rise in deceased donor transplants, which increased from 837 in 2013 to 3,526 in 2025.

However, she noted that a significant gap remains between the demand for organs and their availability, adding that bridging this gap continues to be a national priority.

'Organ Donation Is the Highest Expression of Compassion'

Describing the 16th Indian Organ Donation Day as a celebration of service and humanity, Patel said organ donation offers a second chance at life for people with end-stage organ failure.

She expressed gratitude to the families of deceased organ donors, saying their selfless decisions have strengthened India's organ donation movement.

The Minister also announced that the country has crossed five lakh Aadhaar-verified organ donation pledges

since the launch of the national digital pledge portal in 2023.

Patel said misconceptions remain one of the biggest challenges to organ donation. She stressed that no major religion prohibits organ donation and that all faiths uphold the values of compassion, service and saving lives, making organ donation a noble humanitarian act.

New Campaign and Digital Initiatives Launched

The national event, organised by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) in New Delhi, witnessed the launch of 'Jug Jug Jiyo Abhiyaan', a year-long nationwide awareness campaign aimed at taking the message of organ donation to every community and reinforcing that organ donation is the greatest gift of life.

The Minister also launched 'e-Pratyaropan, a unified digital platform that integrates hospitals, doctors, donors, recipients and other stakeholders into a single system. The platform brings together registration, wait-list management, organ allocation, monitoring and public information services.

A new NOTTO Mobile Application was also launched to improve access to organ donation and transplantation-related services and information.

New National Guidelines Released

The National Brain Stem Death Certification Guidelines and the National Guidelines on Swap Transplantation were also released.

The guidelines provide a practical framework for transplant professionals and support States and Union Territories in implementing a robust, ethical and efficient organ donation and transplantation programme. They are expected to strengthen the national transplantation ecosystem and facilitate wider access to safe, equitable and high-quality transplantation services across the country.

Government Strengthening Organ Donation Network

Patel said the government has established a nationwide institutional network comprising:

• National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)
• Five Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations (ROTTOs)
• 26 State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations (SOTTOs)
• around 1,200 registered hospitals