Gemma Illingworth was only 31 when she died from a rare and aggressive type of dementia. A bright, independent artist who painted, traveled the world, and valued life's creative liberties, Gemma's life is not only tragic — it's a valuable lesson in the crucial need to recognize subtle neurological symptoms early on. Diagnosed at 28 with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), a rare dementia that attacks the brain's visual processing area, Gemma's condition worsened quickly.

Her premature death highlights an increasing public health issue: overlooked early warning signs of cognitive and neurodegenerative impairment. For policymakers, healthcare professionals, and family members, her tale is both a warning and a reminder.

What is Posterior Cortical Atrophy?

Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative illness usually regarded as a subtype of Alzheimer's disease. In contrast to normal Alzheimer's, which first compromises memory, PCA attacks the rear portion of the brain — the occipital and parietal lobes — that are involved in visual and spatial processing. Some of the symptoms are:

• Trouble reading, identifying objects, or estimating distances
• Visual confusion or disorientation
• Hand-eye coordination difficulties
• Trouble with daily visual activities

Because of its atypical presentation, PCA often goes misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety, or even ophthalmological issues. This diagnostic challenge delayed Gemma’s care for years, despite her early struggles with sight, time perception, and coordination — red flags that now, in hindsight, point clearly to the disease’s onset.

The Missed Signs of Early-Onset Alzheimer's

Gemma's family recalls her as "ditsy," a girl who was unusual but self-reliant. From an early age, she had difficulty with her eyesight, telling the time, and coordination. Her difficulties were attributed to her character and not taken as possible signs of a neurological disorder.

It was not until 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, that her condition progressed quickly. She was no longer able to process visual information on her computer screen, and she had to cease working. Her symptoms were first blamed on anxiety and depression. It was not until thorough neurological testing in 2021 that PCA was diagnosed. By this time, the disease had progressed significantly.

This delay in diagnosis had a devastating impact — and it serves as a powerful reminder that even subtle neurological symptoms should not be ignored or dismissed.

Once diagnosed, Gemma's ability to live independently quickly declined. She began needing help with basic tasks: dressing, using the stove, managing appointments. She would call her mother up to 20 times a day. Eventually, she returned home, requiring full-time care.

Her sister Jess remembered, "She didn't know what [PCA] really meant, but that was obviously a blessing in disguise." Even with the dire prognosis, Gemma was relieved at first, believing she could now "fix" whatever was amiss.

But there was no cure. Her illness affected her ability to eat, swallow, talk, and walk. Her family took care of her at home until she died in November 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Her sense of humor, they reported, never left her — one of the few things the disease couldn't steal.

In Gemma's memory, her best friend and siblings completed the 2024 London Marathon, raising more than $47,000 for the National Brain Appeal and Rare Dementia Support (RDS).

"RDS couldn't cure Gemma, but they supported us through it the best way possible," her brother Ben explained. Their aim now is not to let other families endure the same suffering.

The funds raised support research, education, and family care for those with rare dementias — a community frequently ignored in popular discussions of memory decline and aging.

Why Early Detection is Important?

Dementia is commonly regarded as an old person's disease. Gemma's experience shatters the stereotype. Although PCA is uncommon, dementias in younger people are increasingly being diagnosed by neurologists globally.

Cognitive decline does not necessarily begin with memory loss. It may begin subtly — in the guise of visual problems, coordination problems, repeated disorientation, or even mood swings. That's why it's important that clinicians, educators, and families realize early symptoms can be disguised as behavioral idiosyncrasies or psychological problems. Early diagnosis can:

Give time for appropriate care planning and lifestyle changes

Halt progression with cognitive therapies or medications (where indicated)

Provide emotional relief and clarity for patients and families

How to Recognize and Prevent Early Memory Decline?

Although prevention of dementia is not always possible, early identification can dramatically enhance quality of life. Following are the preventive steps anyone can take:

1. Be Alert to Atypical Symptoms

Observe sudden or progressive change in visual-spatial awareness, particularly in young adults. Difficulty judging distances, recognizing objects, or maneuvering in familiar spaces may require neurological assessment.

2. Prioritize Complete Health Evaluations

When symptoms occur, push for full testing. This should involve neuroimaging (MRI or CT), cognitive screening, and — if necessary — spinal fluid analysis.

3. Get Early Intervention

Work with experts like neuropsychologists, neurologists, and occupational therapists early on. They can offer tools and coping strategies to deal with daily activities.

4. Emphasize Brain Health

A diet high in antioxidants (berries, greens), exercise, mental stimulation, and adequate sleep all help improve brain function and lower the risk of cognitive impairment.

5. Know Your Family History

Certain dementias are linked to genetics. If family history exists, don't wait on neurological evaluation if symptoms develop.

For Jade-Marie Clark, what began as minor annoyances, an eye twitch here, a nagging headache there turned out to be a sign of something far more serious than stress or pregnancy hormones. The 32-year-old mother of two from Scotland would eventually be diagnosed with a rare, noncancerous tumor that paralyzed part of her face, robbing her of her ability to smile and forever changing her understanding of her health.

Clark first began experiencing symptoms in March 2020, during her first pregnancy. She had persistent ear pain, which doctors initially attributed to a common ear infection. After she gave birth, the symptoms faded. When they resurfaced three years later, this time during her second pregnancy, they took a slightly different form—headaches, twitching in one eye, and occasional facial discomfort.

At the time, she was studying to become a nursery teacher, balancing pregnancy, coursework, and family life. Like many women juggling multiple responsibilities, Clark wrote off her symptoms as the result of stress and hormonal changes. It wasn’t until she lost sensation in the corner of her lips that she became concerned enough to see a doctor.

“I brushed everything off,” Clark recalls. “When you're busy, especially pregnant and in college, you chalk a lot of things up to stress.”

Her general practitioner quickly referred her to a hospital, where an MRI scan revealed the unthinkable: acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma. While technically noncancerous, this rare tumor can have devastating effects if left untreated. It grows on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain and is responsible for hearing and balance.

Clark said she “burst into tears” when doctors said the word tumor. “You always think this kind of thing happens to someone else. I thought I was going to die,” she said.

Although acoustic neuromas typically grow slowly, they can exert pressure on nearby structures—especially as they increase in size—leading to hearing loss, ringing in the ear, balance issues, facial numbness, and in severe cases, brainstem compression. In rare situations, they become life-threatening.

Clark’s diagnosis came three months into her pregnancy, and her doctors advised against undergoing surgery until after she gave birth. That left her in limbo—worried about the tumor’s growth while also trying to stay calm for the sake of her unborn baby.

“This sounds terrible, but I remember thinking, I hope the tumor grows just enough so I can get the surgery sooner and get back to my life,” she confessed.

In April 2024, shortly after giving birth to her second son, Clark underwent surgery to remove the tumor. The operation was successful in removing the growth—but not without cost.

During surgery, nerves controlling facial muscles were damaged. Clark was left with facial palsy, a condition that paralyzed the right side of her face. She could no longer smile or fully close her right eye.

“I didn’t want to leave the house. I didn’t want anyone to see me. I was depressed, anxious, and grieving the way I used to look,” she said.

Facial palsy is more than cosmetic. It affects daily functions blinking, speaking, eating, even emotional expression. The psychological toll can be as severe as the physical. Clark now awaits nerve transfer surgery, a procedure that could potentially restore up to 80% of facial sensation.

What Is Acoustic Neuroma?

Acoustic neuroma, or vestibular schwannoma, is a benign tumor originating from the Schwann cells surrounding the vestibular nerve. Although it doesn't spread like cancer, its slow growth can lead to significant health issues. Common symptoms include:

• Progressive hearing loss (typically in one ear)
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Unsteadiness or dizziness
• Facial numbness or weakness
• Headaches and pressure behind the ear

If untreated, large tumors can press against the brainstem or cerebellum, leading to severe neurological complications.

Diagnosis is usually confirmed through MRI scans, and treatment options range from monitoring small tumors, to surgical removal, or radiation therapy like Gamma Knife radiosurgery.

How Stress Masks Deadly Diseases?

Clark’s story also highlights how chronic stress can muddy the waters of diagnosis. Eye twitching and headaches are common signs of stress, but they can also be red flags for underlying neurological issues.

Stress activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, increasing cortisol and adrenaline levels. When prolonged, this state can lead to immune suppression, digestive problems, cardiovascular issues, and neurological symptoms. Many people especially women, are prone to dismiss early symptoms as burnout or anxiety, often delaying essential care.

We’re conditioned to normalize stress, especially in high-demand life stages like pregnancy or career transitions. But as Clark’s experience shows, not every twitch or headache is harmless. Listening to your body, and seeking care when something feels “off,” can make all the difference. Clark’s experience offers several takeaways:

Listen to Your Body – Recurrent or escalating symptoms need attention, no matter how minor they seem.

Don’t Dismiss Neurological Signs – Numbness, twitching, and hearing changes should always be evaluated.

Mental Health Matters – Conditions like facial palsy affect self-image and emotional well-being just as much as physical function.

Stress Isn’t Always the Culprit – Sometimes it's a signal, not a cause.

As Clark awaits reconstructive surgery, she hopes to regain her smile—but more importantly, she wants others to learn from her journey.

“This could have been caught sooner,” she said. “I just want people to trust themselves more, and push for answers when something doesn’t feel right.”

South Asia has emerged as the global epicentre of anemia among adolescent girls and women, with more than 259 million currently affected, according to a joint warning issued by the United Nations agencies and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

The condition, often overlooked, is not only a health concern—it’s a signal of deeper systemic failures across health, nutrition, and education sectors.

The Hidden Toll of Anemia

Anemia impairs the body's ability to carry oxygen, leading to chronic fatigue, weakened immunity, and in severe cases, complications during pregnancy and childbirth. It also limits educational attainment and economic participation, reinforcing gender inequality and poverty.

The impact extends beyond individuals. An estimated 40% of the world’s low birth weight cases are linked to maternal anemia, contributing to poor childhood growth, delayed cognitive development, and lifelong disadvantages.

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In economic terms, anemia costs South Asia a staggering $32.5 billion every year, draining resources and limiting regional development.

Anemia in Girls: A Preventable but Persisting Health Crisis

Despite its scale, anemia is both preventable and treatable. Public health experts emphasize that the tools already exist: regular iron and folic acid supplementation, diets rich in iron and essential vitamins, clean water and sanitation, deworming, and access to quality maternal health care.

However, to make meaningful progress, countries must take an integrated, multi-sectoral approach—linking health, nutrition, education, and social protection systems.

Countries And Their Strategies To Combat Anemia

Several countries in the region are already demonstrating how focused interventions can bring results.

Sri Lanka, where nearly one in five women of reproductive age is anemic, is expanding its national nutrition programmes, targeting high-burden districts with stronger maternal services.

India has begun integrating iron supplementation into school and antenatal care in high-prevalence states, aiming to reach adolescent girls and expectant mothers directly.

Pakistan is piloting community-based nutrition and reproductive health services, improving early detection and follow-up care in rural areas.

Bangladesh is leveraging school systems to deliver fortified meals and health education to adolescents, with ministries of health, education, and agriculture working in tandem.

Smaller nations like the Maldives and Bhutan are also stepping up, focusing on early prevention, public awareness, and food fortification. Both have invested in data-driven anemia monitoring and inter-ministerial collaboration.

Nepal, meanwhile, has shown what sustained, community-driven action can achieve. Since 2016, the country has reduced anemia among women of reproductive age by 7%, with particularly notable improvements in low-income regions. Much of this progress is credited to the efforts of female community health volunteers, who counsel families, connect them to services, and distribute nutrition support packages such as the Sutkeri Poshan Koseli—a food and cash support scheme for new mothers.

Also Read: Why Stopping Antidepressants Can Be Harder, Here's How Withdrawal Could Last Longer Than You Think

Understanding the Root Causes of This Preventable Condition

The new report emphasizes that ending anemia is not just a medical goal—it’s a developmental imperative. While governments must lead the charge with strong policies and investments, meaningful change also requires engagement from communities, schools, health workers, and families.

Integrated health systems, targeted data, and cross-sector action can help South Asia’s girls and women break the cycle of malnutrition and unlock their full potential. Ultimately, addressing anemia is about more than preventing disease—it's about building resilient communities, stronger economies, and a healthier future for all.

Everything around is us responsible for how well we age. From what kind of food we eat, what kind of lifestyle we lead to what kind of air we breath.

Many people want to live longer and healthier, often trying things like special diets or supplements. But would you ever consider paying a lot of money to have your blood's liquid part, called plasma, replaced?

This procedure, known as plasma exchange therapy, is becoming popular, especially among the wealthy and those who are into extreme "biohacking" (trying unconventional methods to improve their health). However, the question arises, does it actually help you live longer?

A small, recent study published in the journal Aging Cell suggests it might have some anti-aging benefits. However, experts warn that we still need a lot more research to be sure.

What Exactly Is Plasma Exchange Therapy?

Think of plasma exchange therapy as a "blood cleanse." Here's how it works:

• Medical staff take blood out of your body.
• They then separate and remove your old plasma, which contains various substances.
• This old plasma is replaced with new plasma from a donor or a special solution (usually saltwater and protein).
• Finally, your "cleaned" blood, with its new plasma, is put back into your body.

This treatment has been used for a long time to help with various illnesses, like blood problems, autoimmune diseases (where your body attacks itself), and nerve disorders. However, using it to slow down aging is a very new idea that hasn't been fully proven yet.

What the Latest Study Found

A recent, small study offers more support for the idea of plasma exchange as an anti-aging treatment. Forty-two healthy adults, with an average age of 65, underwent the procedure multiple times over several months. Some received a regular replacement fluid, while others were given extra immune antibodies. A small group received a fake treatment for comparison.

After the treatment, researchers used different ways to measure the participants' biological age—a concept that suggests your body can be physically older or younger than your actual years. The group that didn't get the treatment continued to age normally. However, the plasma exchange group showed some signs of reversal in aging.

Those who received plasma exchange combined with immune antibodies saw the biggest effect, appearing biologically 2.6 years younger on average. Those who only had monthly plasma exchange looked about 1.3 years younger. While promising, the researchers are careful to say they don't know for sure if this means people will actually live longer.

Does Plasma Exchange Really Work for Longevity?

Even though the new study is exciting, it has some important limitations. It was small and relatively short. Also, the idea of biological age itself is still new, and there isn't one perfect way to measure it, which can lead to varying results.

Experts also point out that the participants in the study might have made other healthy lifestyle changes, which could have influenced the results. At this point, it's still just a guess whether plasma exchange therapy will truly help people live longer. Many experts agree that while plasma exchange is safe and effective for treating certain diseases, there isn't enough solid information yet to recommend that healthy people spend a lot of money on it just to live longer. Even the scientists who helped create the procedure advise against it for healthy adults right now.