Weight loss is usually considered a good thing, unexpected and extreme weight loss can be a sign of something in your body going very wrong. There could be some underlying issues that are causing your body to pull weight and nutrition from your muscles and body fat to keep you going. As you grow old, your limbs grow weaker, and same for your muscles, so you do lose some weight as you age, but losing a lot of it too quickly could be a sign of something much worse, Dementia. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open 2025 Cardiometabolic Trajectories Preceding Dementia in Community-Dwelling Older Individuals, has identified potential early indicators of dementia, including significant weight loss and specific digestive changes, appearing years before noticeable cognitive decline.

The study showed that people who later got dementia had their Body Mass Index, or BMI, go down faster than those who stayed healthy. BMI is a way to see if someone's weight is healthy for their height. This drop in BMI started happening many years before they were told they had dementia, sometimes as early as 11 years ago. Also, these people often started with a lower BMI to begin with. So, even though everyone's weight might change a little as they get older, the people who developed dementia had a much bigger and faster weight loss.

What Are Some Other Indicators Of Dementia?

Along with their BMI, the size of their waist also changed. People who ended up with dementia had smaller waist sizes, and this difference was noticeable about 10 years before they were diagnosed. This means that their bodies were changing in ways that showed up long before they or their doctors noticed any problems. So, not only was there weight loss, but also a loss of abdominal fat. This measurement is important because fat around the waist can be related to other health issues.

The study also found changes in their blood. Specifically, the "good" cholesterol, called HDL, went up in people who developed dementia. This increase happened about five years before they were diagnosed. It's tricky because HDL is usually seen as a good thing for your heart. But in this case, it seems like it might be a sign of changes happening in the brain. Scientists are still trying to understand why this happens.

Weight Loss Doesn’t Cause Dementia, Dementia Causes Weight Loss

When we see that people with dementia lose weight, it's easy to think that the weight loss is what caused dementia. But experts think it's the other way around. They call this "reverse causation." This means that the brain changes that cause dementia also cause people to lose weight. The brain changes can affect things like appetite, how the body uses food, and how people go about their daily lives. For example, people might forget to eat, have trouble making meals, or move around less.

While the study revealed a lot about different indicators of dementia and bodily changes, there are many limitations to the study. Everyone loses some weight as they get older. So, it's hard to know when weight loss is just a normal part of aging and when it's a sign of dementia. The study found that people with dementia lost weight faster, but it's still tricky to tell the difference in everyday life. Doctors need to look at other things, like memory tests, to figure out if someone's weight loss is a cause for concern.

If someone is losing weight without trying, and they're also having problems with their memory or thinking, it's important to talk to a doctor. It's not just about the weight loss; it's about the whole picture.

A 27-year-old woman in US' state of Arizona suffered a cardiac arrest after using kratom, an over-the-counter supplement she purchased at a local gas station.

Amanda Goodsell, who had never taken kratom before, suffered a cardiac arrest after nearly a week of using the supplement and is now on life support, according to her family.

The mother of 3½-year-old twins tried the kratom gummies at the suggestion of her husband, Mike Goodsell, while seeking relief from persistent leg pain.

“Everybody knew what Kratom was. So I was like, well, okay, well, here, just take this. You could just buy it at the gas station. It’s not going to hurt you,” Mike Goodsell was quoted as saying to the media.

Nearly a week later, Mike found his wife unresponsive in their bed, and rushed her to the hospital, where she was placed on life support

“She like, was like red and her lips were blue, and she was foaming. So I like jumped out of bed. I grabbed her, and then (I) was trying to wake her up,” he said.

“They had to have her on a ventilator to help her breathe. And then they had to put her on a bunch of medications because her heart percentage was at 15%,” Mike added.

After spending two weeks in the hospital, Amanda Goodsell's condition began to improve. Although she has shown significant improvement, as per the doctors she will need a defibrillator and heart medication for the rest of her life.

Also read: Legionnaires' Disease Claims 5th Life In New York City: Health Officials

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a plant-based substance derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia. Traditionally used in countries such as Thailand and Malaysia for pain relief and increased energy, it has gained popularity in the US as an over-the-counter supplement.

Kratom is sold in multiple forms, including powders, capsules, teas, drinks and gummies.

Although it remains legal in many parts of the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified kratom as a "drug of concern" and has not approved it for any medical use.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used kratom in 2021.

The substance, sometimes referred to as "gas-station heroin," is banned in at least eight US states—Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, Louisiana, Tennessee, Vermont and Wisconsin. Several other states, including Iowa and Idaho, are considering restrictions or outright bans.

Why Does The FDA Warn Against Kratom?

Read More: Hantavirus Claims 3 Lives In Venezuela: What The Rat-borne Virus Does To The Brain

According to a University of Virginia study, there were 43 hospitalizations linked solely to kratom in 2015. By 2025, that number had risen to 538. Researchers said the increase coincided with the emergence of highly concentrated synthetic products, including 7-OH.

The FDA has stated that kratom should not be used as a dietary supplement.

"Kratom is not appropriate for use as a dietary supplement. FDA has concluded from available information, including scientific data, that kratom is a new dietary ingredient for which there is inadequate information to provide reasonable assurance that such ingredient does not present a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury."

The agency has warned consumers not to use kratom because of the risk of serious adverse events, including liver toxicity, seizures and substance use disorder (SUD).

The FDA also notes that, in rare cases, deaths have been associated with kratom use, although these cases usually involved other drugs and the contribution of kratom remains unclear.

The agency is also aware of cases involving neonatal abstinence syndrome, in which newborns experienced withdrawal symptoms such as jitteriness, irritability and muscle stiffness following prolonged exposure to kratom during pregnancy.

Brain health is often associated with old age, but according to neurologists, the foundation for healthy cognitive function is laid much earlier.

On World Brain Day, they warned that the 30s and 40s are a crucial period to protect the brain, as lifestyle habits and underlying health conditions can quietly affect memory, concentration, and overall cognitive health.

Brain Ages Alongside the Heart

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Gurucharan Adoor, Neurologist, Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, said brain health is closely linked to cardiovascular health. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar can silently damage the brain years before noticeable symptoms appear.

His advice? Make preventive health checks a routine by monitoring blood pressure, blood glucose or HbA1c, cholesterol, weight, and waist circumference—especially for people with a family history of diabetes, stroke, or early heart disease.

Brain Fog A Warning Signal

Also read: Neurological Disorders Emerging As India's Next Major Public Health Challenge, Say Experts

Dr. Adoor said sleep is often the first thing people sacrifice during their busiest years, but the brain pays the price.

Irregular sleep schedules, untreated sleep apnea, and repeated nights of poor-quality sleep can lead to mental fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and persistent brain fog. If brain fog continues, he said, it should not be ignored, as it may indicate an underlying health issue that requires attention.

Dr. Bhushan Joshi, Consultant Neurologist, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, told HealthandMe that he is "seeing more professionals in their 30s and 40s complaining of brain fog than ever before". According to him, hormonal changes and chronic inflammation are among the common but often overlooked causes.

Hormonal Changes Can Affect Cognitive Function

Dr. Joshi noted that hormonal fluctuations can significantly influence brain function. Women entering perimenopause may experience difficulty concentrating, while others may notice "word retrieval and short-term memory due to changing estrogen levels that influence brain function."

He added that it is not limited to women. Men also undergo age-related hormonal changes that can affect energy levels and cognitive performance. While these changes are often temporary, they can still be distressing.

Read More: Aspartame, Saccharin, Erythritol Linked To Faster Brain Ageing: Study

Chronic Inflammation May Reduce Mental Clarity

Dr. Joshi explained that chronic low-grade inflammation can also contribute to brain fog. Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and persistent infections can trigger inflammatory responses that interfere with the brain's ability to process information efficiently. In some people, inflammation has been linked to reduced attention, poor memory, and diminished mental clarity.

Small Lifestyle Changes Key

The good news: Simple daily habits can support long-term brain health. Regular physical activity—whether it's walking, cycling, dancing, or strength training several times a week—improves blood flow to the brain, boosts mood, and supports healthy ageing.

Dr. Adoor also recommends limiting unnecessary screen time, taking regular breaks from phones and digital devices, and focusing on one task at a time to reduce mental overload.

When Should You See A Doctor?

Occasionally feeling mentally sluggish is common, but worsening memory problems or cognitive changes that begin interfering with work or daily life should not be ignored, Dr. Joshi said.

He added that these symptoms may stem from treatable conditions such as thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, anxiety, or depression, making timely medical evaluation important.

Insufficient sleep can impact the brain. A good night's sleep allows the brain to repair and even recharge. Poor sleep over time can increase the risk of several neurological disorders and affect overall brain health.

This article helps to understand how poor sleep can take a toll on neurological health. Read on to know more about this and get a sound sleep at night.

Currently, due to hectic schedules, people are now sacrificing sleep to meet work deadlines, study longer, or spend more time on screens. Missing a few hours of sleep once in 2-3 months is harmless.

However, chronic sleep deprivation can not only cause irritation and weight gain but also neurological issues. During sleep, the brain processes memories, repairs nerve cells, regulates emotions, and clears waste products that accumulate throughout the day.

When sleep is disturbed on a regular basis, there can be a risk of neurological problems over time.

How Poor Sleep Affects The Brain

Also read: The Silent Impact of Stress On Your Brain: How Chronic Stress Affects Memory, Focus, And Mental Health

If you are one of those who is unable to get a sound sleep at night, then beware. If you are a night owl, then you will have to ensure you sleep well now.

Sleep helps the brain store and organise new information. Lack of sleep can make it difficult to concentrate, learn new skills, and remember important details. Many will also experience poor decision-making.

Poor sleep, especially when associated with conditions like sleep apnoea, can increase blood pressure and reduce oxygen supply, raising the risk of stroke in the near future.

Long-term sleep deprivation may reduce the brain's ability to clear harmful proteins such as beta-amyloid, which are linked to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

People who sleep too little or have poor-quality sleep can also suffer from constant headaches and migraine attacks. In people living with epilepsy, inadequate sleep is a common trigger for seizures. Poor sleep increases the risk of anxiety, depression, irritability, and emotional stress.

Tips For Better Brain Health Through Sleep

It is necessary to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep per day. Maintain a consistent sleep and wake-up schedule.

Avoid screens, caffeine, and heavy meals before hitting the sack. Exercise regularly but avoid intense workouts late at night.

Keep your bedroom quiet, cool, and dark so that you can sleep better. Seek help from the doctor if you snore loudly, stop breathing during sleep, or feel excessively sleepy during the day.

So, just like a balanced diet, exercise, and staying stress-free by doing yoga and meditation, getting a good night’s sleep is also important. Sleep well and prevent any neurological issues.