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.

We tend to think of our eyes as easy – they just "see", and we go about our day. But the fact is, your eyes are adapting a lot, focusing and straining all the time, far more than you realize. Many of these moments are utterly unremarkable, but they build up gradually into a tiredness, a dryness and a long-term strain.

We see many people who are shocked to find out how hard their eyes had been working long before any symptoms appeared. Here are six common situations that deserve a whole lot more attention – and care – from your eyes.

Staring at Your Phone First Thing in the Morning

Having a quick glance at notifications before even leaving bed requires your eyes to adjust to a small, bright screen in the dark. This quick change puts a load on the eye muscles and can make them tire before your day has really started.

Long Hours in Front of a Computer

Working, studying, and hopping from meeting to meeting: extended hours in front of the screen drastically lower your usual blink rate. Less blinking equals less lubrication, which is why so many people are dry, irritated and have blurry vision by the afternoon.

Driving at Dusk or Night

Night driving is one of the most challenging visual jobs humans undertake, given low light, incoming headlights and the need to constantly change focus between the road, mirrors and dashboard. Your eyes are working tirelessly to shift between bright and dim situations in fractions of a second.

Night driving is one of the most challenging visual jobs humans undertake, given low light, incoming headlights and the need to constantly change focus between the road, mirrors and dashboard. Your eyes are working tirelessly to shift between bright and dim situations in fractions of a second.

Also read: El Salvador Becomes First Country In Central America To Eliminate Trachoma: WHO

Reading Fine Print

Poorly lit restaurant menus, pharmaceutical labels, or the small text on a contract all demand that you focus hard at close range, frequently in less-than-ideal illumination. As we get older, this type of near-focus strain is very common since our natural ability to focus declines.

Switching Between Multiple Screens

Glancing from your laptop to your phone to a television and back again, it makes your eyes refocus at multiple distances. It is easier, but this continual flipping is more tiring than looking at one screen for the same period of time.

Stepping Out Into Bright Sunlight Into Bright Sunlight

Your eyes work hard to adjust while you move from a dim room into harsh daylight — or vice versa. Over time, repeated exposure to glare without the correct protection (such as sunglasses) can add unneeded strain.

None of these moments feel dramatic on their own, but together, they represent a significant daily workload for your eyes. The good news is that habits such as the 20-20-20 rule, correct lighting, regular blinking and eye check-ups can go a long way in reducing this concealed tension. We believe that awareness is the beginning of healthy eyesight.

If you are suffering frequent eye strain, dryness or fuzzy vision, it may be time to schedule a full eye exam. Your eyes work harder than you realize – let’s give them the attention they deserve.

Dr Mandeep Singh Basu, Ayurvedic Eyecare Expert, Dr Basu Eye Care Centre

During those rainy days, children are forced to remain indoors, and this can lead to reduced physical activity during the monsoon. Constant immobility can lead to compromised immunity, weight gain, mood changes, and impact the child’s overall development. Parents must see to it that the child remains active during the rainy season.

Why Monsoon Keeps Children Indoors

Monsoon brings relief from the summer heat, but it also means that the child will not be able to play outdoors. So, the waterlogged grounds, heavy rainfall, and concerns about infections often keep children indoors for extended periods.

Occasional indoor play is not problematic, but weeks of reduced physical activity can take a toll on the child's physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Also read: Pediatric Sleep: The Foundation Of Healthy Growth, Behavior And Society

Health Risks of Reduced Physical Activity

Regular outdoor play for at least an hour can aid in the child's growth and development. Children can opt for running, cycling, playing sports such as cricket, football, basketball, badminton, and improve bone and muscle health. If children remain indoors, they can become less active and spend a lot of time watching television, using mobile phones, or playing video games.

This increase in screen time can contribute to weight gain, acidity, muscle and joint pain. If the child is unable to play outdoors, then this can impact their immunity. During the monsoon, children may become more prone to infections if physical activity decreases and dietary habits worsen. Combined with seasonal viral illnesses, this can lead to frequent coughs, colds, and fatigue.

Reduced exposure to sunlight during the monsoon may also contribute to lower Vitamin D levels in some children. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone development, muscle strength, and immune health.

Also read: Monsoon Playbook for Parents: Common Home Mistakes That Increase Infection Risk in Children

The Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children

The benefits of outdoor play for children: Outdoor play helps children relieve stress, socialize, and gain confidence. Staying indoors for long periods can lead to boredom, irritability, loneliness, reduced concentration, and mood changes.

Some children may become less energetic, sleep poorly, or show increased dependence on screens for entertainment. So, children should make sure to exercise indoors and improve their well-being.

Tips for Parents to Keep Children Active Indoors

Tips for parents: Parents can make sure that the child does indoor physical activities such as dancing, skipping, yoga, stretching exercises, obstacle courses, and active games to stay fit. Encouraging children to participate in household activities and family games can also reduce excessive screen time.

The child should also have a nutritious diet, stay hydrated, follow a structured sleep routine, and avoid junk food. So, this monsoon, make sure that your child stays healthy and strong!

By Dr. Amar Bhise, Consultant - PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit), Neonatology, Paediatrics, Motherhood Hospitals, Lullanagar Pune

Women’s health is particularly discussed in the context of pregnancy and childbirth, but even hormonal health deserves attention at every stage of life. From puberty to menopause, hormones influence physical, emotional, and reproductive well-being. This article highlights the importance of paying attention to the hormonal health of women.

Women today are experiencing hormonal imbalance. While maternity care remains important, many women are looking for support in managing hormonal issues that affect their daily lives, careers, relationships, and even long-term well-being.

How Hormonal Imbalance Affects Overall Well-Being

Did you know? Hormones play a crucial role in regulating menstrual cycles, mood, sleep, energy levels, metabolism, skin health, bone strength, and fertility. So, understand that when hormones become imbalanced, women can experience various signs and symptoms such as irregular menses, severe menstrual pain, acne, weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and difficulty conceiving.

Moreover, various conditions such as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), thyroid disorders, endometriosis, and perimenopause-related hormonal changes can affect quality of life.

For many years, women sought medical attention only during pregnancy or when trying to conceive. However, now, women in their twenties, thirties, and forties are seeking guidance for even menstrual health, hormonal disorders, stress-related symptoms, and preventive care.

Women now want answers to symptoms that were previously dismissed as "normal" or simply part of being female. Regular health check-ups, timely evaluation of menstrual irregularities, and management of conditions such as PMOS and thyroid disorders can help women improve their quality of life. Hormonal well-being also plays an important role in maintaining heart health, bone density, metabolic health, and mental wellness.

Also read: Postpartum Breast Cancer May Be Biologically More Aggressive; Here’s Why

Signs Women Should Never Ignore

Many women are no longer willing to dismiss symptoms as a "normal part of being a woman." Heavy periods, severe menstrual pain, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, and ongoing mood disturbances should not be ignored and may require medical evaluation.

Tips to Support Better Hormonal Health

Vital tips for improving hormonal health in women: It will be necessary for women to have a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Exercise daily and support metabolism and hormone balance. Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep every night. Stay stress-free by doing yoga, meditation, or relaxation techniques. Women should quit smoking, alcohol, and illicit drug use, and not ignore irregular periods, severe menstrual pain, or unexplained weight changes. It is also necessary for women to schedule timely gynecological and health check-ups.

Hormonal health influences every stage of a woman's life, affecting both physical and emotional well-being. Hence, women must ensure timely check-ups not only during pregnancy or menopause but also at every stage of life. Women should prioritize hormonal health not only during pregnancy or menopause but throughout their lives. Early awareness, timely evaluation, and preventive care can go a long way in improving long-term health and quality of life. Don’t wait anymore and seek timely help. So, women, get going now!

By Dr. Pavana H.N. Consultant - Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Sector 48, Noida