According to a study published in the November 6, 2024, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, older people who are sleepy during the day or lose interest in activities due to sleep issues may be more likely to develop a syndrome that can lead to dementia.

People with the syndrome walk slowly and report memory problems, but they do not have a mobility handicap or dementia. Motoric cognitive risk syndrome is a condition that can develop before dementia.

What The Study Found?

The study found that people with excessive daytime sleepiness and a lack of enthusiasm to get things done were more likely to develop the syndrome than people without those sleep-related issues. The study does not prove that these sleep-related issues cause the syndrome, it only shows an association.

“Our findings emphasize the need for screening for sleep issues,” said study author Victoire Leroy, MD, PhD, of Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York. “There’s potential that people could get help with their sleep issues and prevent cognitive decline later in life.”

How Was It Conducted?

The study included 445 participants, with an average age of 76, who did not have dementia. Participants completed sleep surveys at the beginning of the trial. They were queried about memory problems, and their walking pace was measured on a treadmill at the beginning of the study and then once a year for the next three years.

The sleep assessment included questions about how frequently people had difficulties sleeping because they woke up in the middle of the night, couldn't fall asleep within 30 minutes, or felt too hot or cold, as well as whether they used sleep aids. The question to assess excessive daytime drowsiness asks how frequently people have had problems remaining awake when driving, eating meals, or were engaged in any other activity.

The Findings

In total, 177 participants fit the category of bad sleepers, whereas 268 satisfied the definition of good sleepers.

At the outset of the trial, 42 participants had motoric cognitive risk syndrome. Throughout the trial, 36 more persons got the condition.

35.5% of patients who experienced extreme daytime sleepiness and a lack of enthusiasm developed the syndrome, compared to 6.7% who did not. After accounting for other factors that could influence the risk of the syndrome, such as age, depression, and other health conditions, researchers discovered that people with excessive daytime sleepiness and a lack of enthusiasm were more than three times more likely to develop the syndrome than those who did not have those sleep-related issues.

“More research needs to be done to look at the relationship between sleep issues and cognitive decline and the role played by motoric cognitive risk syndrome,” Leroy said. “We also need studies to explain the mechanisms that link these sleep disturbances to motoric cognitive risk syndrome and cognitive decline.”

A limitation of the study is that participants reported their own sleep information, so they may not have remembered everything accurately.

The study was supported by the National Institute on Aging.

Many people follow what appears to be a reasonable eating pattern—meals at irregular hours, a light breakfast skipped in the name of time, and dinner pushed late into the evening. Yet the body, particularly the liver, does not respond well to such improvisation. What feels like a manageable routine on the surface can quietly accumulate into something more serious over months and years. The liver needs a consistent flow of nutrients to do its job, which includes managing blood sugar, breaking down fats, and supporting digestion. Long gaps between meals disrupt that rhythm.

Dr Babu U V, Director of R&D, Research & Development Centre, Himalaya Wellness Company, in an interview with Health and Me, spoke about the early symptoms of liver damage and explained how herbs can play a role in reversing it.

Symptoms of Early Liver Damage

Before most people realise that something is wrong with their liver, they may already be experiencing symptoms that indicate potential liver issues. These symptoms may include fatigue, bloating, digestive discomfort, or feeling heavy after eating. Most of the time, these signs are dismissed as minor concerns.

When these issues are ignored or go unnoticed, it becomes difficult to recognise that the liver may be weakened by stress and not functioning optimally. If these problems persist over time, fat can begin to accumulate in the liver, along with other types of metabolic imbalances throughout the body.

To restore balance in the body, small changes in daily habits can lead to significant improvements. For example, eating at regular intervals helps the body maintain a consistent metabolism. Similarly, having lighter dinners and avoiding late-night eating can support better digestion and metabolism of food.

Herbs That Strengthen Liver Health

Some herbs commonly used in Indian households and traditional medicine may help support the liver’s healing process, especially when it is under stress.

1. Bhumi Amla (Bhumyamalaki) has been used for centuries in traditional remedies for liver health. It supports the body’s natural detoxification processes and liver function.
2. Punarnava is another well-known herb that promotes both liver and kidney health. It is believed to help reduce inflammation and restore balance in the body.
3. Turmeric (Haldi), found in almost every Indian kitchen, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It supports metabolism and helps the body respond to oxidative stress.
4. Chicory (Kasani) has long been associated with liver support. It helps the body manage toxin-related stress and supports overall liver function.

Each of these herbs works in different ways—some aid digestion, while others help neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress—thereby supporting a healthier lifestyle.

The liver is highly resilient; however, it requires consistent care. An irregular dietary pattern may not affect the liver immediately, but over time it can have a significant impact. Paying attention to simple habits—such as when and how you eat—and choosing foods that support liver health can go a long way in maintaining optimal liver function over the long term.

World Liver Day 2026 is observed every year on April 19 to raise awareness of the importance of liver health, focusing on preventing diseases such as cirrhosis and fatty liver through healthy lifestyles.

The liver is a key organ that filters blood, breaks down food, stores energy, and keeps the human body in balance.

However, rising metabolic risk factors, including high blood sugar and obesity, are increasingly driving cases of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Nearly one-third of the global adult population today lives with MASLD, which can remain asymptomatic for years but turn into deadly scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis (advanced fibrosis and loss of some of the liver function), or even liver cancer.

World Liver Day: Origin

The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) launched World Liver Day in 2010. The day was established on April 19 to commemorate the EASL's founding in 1966.

World Liver Day 2026: Theme

This year, 2026, the World Liver Day theme is “Solid Habits, Strong Liver”. It emphasizes building consistent lifestyle habits, such as balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol, and routine check-ups, to strengthen liver health and prevent diseases.

Burden Of Liver Diseases

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zklb3ZCyX2o

From filtering toxins to aiding in digestion and metabolism, the liver silently performs over 500 crucial functions in the body. The organ is also blessed with the ability to regenerate itself.

Yet data shows that 2 million lives worldwide are lost each year to liver disease. About 1.5 billion people suffer from chronic liver disease.

MASLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has emerged as the most common liver condition worldwide. These patients suffer from either obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, or cholesterol problems.

According to a recent study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology journal, MASLD affected 1.3 billion people around the globe in 2023.

The alarming study estimates the numbers to further spike by over 38 percent to reach 1.8 billion cases by 2050, causing substantial health and economic impacts worldwide.

MASLD remains one of the most prevalent and rapidly growing liver conditions worldwide, with its prevalence marking a 143 percent increase between 1990 and 2023.

Also read: Why Regular Scans Are Crucial for Liver Cancer Patients: Doctors Explain

People with obesity, diabetes, central or abdominal fat, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance are more likely to have MASLD. Obesity is the strongest risk factor, with the likelihood rising steeply from overweight to severe obesity.

Other signs to watch for include

• persistent fatigue
• Digestive issues and bloating
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Skin changes

Everyday Habits That Harm The Liver

Certain lifestyle choices can accelerate liver damage, such as:

• Overeating processed or fried foods
• High sugar intake (soft drinks, sweets, desserts)
• Physical inactivity or prolonged sitting
• Ignoring health issues like diabetes or hypertension
• Crash dieting or taking unprescribed supplements.

How To Improve Liver Health?

Early screening and detection are key to prevent irreversible stages. Yet liver disease can be prevented with lifestyle changes such as:

• Eating a balanced diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein
• Engaging in at least 30 minutes of exercise daily
• Staying hydrated to help the liver flush out toxins
• Avoiding alcohol and smoking
• Avoiding self-medication and unnecessary pills
• Getting routine health screenings.

A growing number of young professionals aged 18 to 30 are being diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a trend that is linked to the pressures and habits of modern life, said health experts today.

World Irritable Bowel Syndrome Day is held annually on April 19th to raise global awareness, reduce stigma, and support the roughly 700 million people worldwide suffering from the condition.

According to health experts, the combination of long hours in the office, irregular diets, high-stress levels, and lack of physical activity has paved the way for a lifestyle that is making young adults increasingly susceptible to developing symptoms related to their gut.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Nidhi Rawal, Consultant - Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Rainbow Hospital, explained the major risk factors that are taking a visible toll on digestive health.

1. Chronic stress

Young professionals are faced with a fast-paced job environment full of obstacles and demands that they experience daily, along with performance pressure and increased digital overload; all of these factors can hurt the gut-brain axis.

When the gut-brain axis becomes disrupted, the motility and sensitivity of the digestive system can be affected, producing gut-related symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort, excessive gas, and changes in bowel movements.

2. Dietary habits

The increased reliance on processed foods, increased frequency of ordering takeout and fast food, excessive caffeine consumption, and irregular meal schedules can disrupt digestion and alter the balance of healthy vs unhealthy microbiota in the digestive tract.

3. Skipping meals

Skipping meals or eating a late dinner can also raise risk of IBS, and worsen symptoms.

4. Lack of physical activity

Being sedentary for long periods of time results in slowing the digestion process and therefore increases the risk of constipation and bloating.

5. Poor sleeping habits

Common among people in this age group, this also affect hormones and digestion negatively.

6. Better access to diagnostic tests

Better access to diagnostic tests and awareness are leading to an increase in diagnosis of the condition, that can also enable faster treatment and early recovery.

What Is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common but often overlooked gastrointestinal disorder, and less than 15 per cent get diagnosed.

Common symptoms include

• bloated abdomen,
• abdominal pain,
• gas,
• diarrhea,
• constipation.

Why IBS Symptoms Are Often Ignored

IBS remains undiagnosed for many years as people tend to normalize these symptoms over time or attribute them to "something they ate" or everyday stresses.

One reason for this delay in being diagnosed is that the symptoms occur intermittently.

It is also important to note that the presentation of these symptoms is inconsistent and unpredictable; there may be episodes where the IBS can last many days, and then completely resolve, thus providing a false sense of relief.

Therefore, many individuals choose to delay consulting with a physician due to their belief that the symptoms they are experiencing are not serious.

Another contributing factor is that there is still a degree of reluctance or discomfort associated with discussing problems related to the gastrointestinal tract openly; this only further complicates under-reporting statistics.

IBS is a functional disorder. Therefore, routine diagnostic testing will not reveal any visible abnormalities.

Many patients may assume that the symptoms they are experiencing are not "real" or are not significant enough to warrant seeking medical attention, even though the discomfort they experience can be quite significant and affect their daily lives.

To treat IBS effectively, those suffering from it need to adopt some lifestyle changes, such as

Regular mealtimes,

A balanced diet,

Exercise,

Stress reduction.