There have been a lot of misunderstandings about different components of our body and what foods, albeit natural, we should avoid because of what they contain. Many people believed that because foods like avocado have fats, they are unhealthy and should not be consumed. But in recent years people have had more conversations and educated themselves about the difference between healthy fats that foods contain and saturated fats which should be avoided. The same goes for cholesterol, where people didn’t know HDL or ‘good’ cholesterol is necessary for your body unlike LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol. There have been a lot of conversations and research regarding the same, and a new research has reminded us that too much of anything can be bad! A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology suggests a surprising link between high levels of "good" HDL cholesterol and an increased risk of glaucoma, an eye condition that can lead to vision loss and blindness. This contradicts previous assumptions and raises questions about the complex relationship between cholesterol and eye health.

What Did The Study Found?

Researchers looked at information from a lot of people in the UK. They checked their cholesterol levels and then followed them for many years to see who developed glaucoma. They found that people with the highest levels of "good" HDL cholesterol were more likely to get glaucoma. Even more surprising, people with higher levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and other fats were less likely to get it. This was mostly seen in people older than 55.

Doctors and other experts are being careful about what this study means. They say we need more research to be sure. One doctor said that the way glaucoma was defined in the study wasn't perfect, and that using just one cholesterol test might not be accurate. Another doctor was surprised by the results and thinks there might be other things affecting the connection between cholesterol and glaucoma. They both agree that we need more studies to really understand what's going on.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a serious eye problem that damages the nerve that connects your eye to your brain. It can cause blindness. It's often called "the silent thief of sight" because you usually don't notice any problems until it's too late. We know that things like your age, family history, and other health problems can increase your risk of glaucoma. This new study suggests that cholesterol might also play a role, but we need more research to be sure. It's important to get your eyes checked regularly so doctors can catch glaucoma early.

Early Signs Of Glaucoma

Glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, can silently steal your sight. Because symptoms often don't appear until the later stages, understanding the different types of glaucoma and their associated signs is crucial for early detection and treatment.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

This type often shows no signs in its early stages. Over time, you might notice patchy blind spots in your peripheral (side) vision. As it progresses, you may have trouble seeing things directly in front of you (central vision).

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma

This is a more sudden and noticeable form. Symptoms include a severe headache, intense eye pain, nausea or vomiting, blurry vision, seeing halos or colored rings around lights, and redness in the eye.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Like open-angle glaucoma, this type often has no early symptoms. Vision gradually becomes blurry, and eventually, side vision is lost.

Childhood Glaucoma

In babies, signs can include a dull or cloudy eye, increased blinking, and tearing without crying. Older children might experience blurry vision, worsening nearsightedness, headaches, and other symptoms.

Pigmentary Glaucoma

This type can cause halos around lights, blurry vision that worsens with exercise, and a gradual loss of side vision.

Honey, oats, curd, berries...no I am not talking about foods to eat but things people apply on their face to keep to glowing and fighting anti-ageing. But there is one fruit that is less talked about when it comes to skincare-Apple. But why is Apple gaining popularity in skincare?

Several potential benefits come from applying apple-based products to the skin, including:

Prevents Premature Skin Ageing

Many skincare brands now use apple extract in their formulations.

As per dermatologists, highlight that apple extract contains phenolic acids and flavonoids, two essential components commonly found in fruits. A 2019 study emphasised the role of phenolic acids in a balanced diet, attributing their powerful antioxidant properties to various health benefits. Additionally, a 2016 review noted that flavonoids possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic properties.

Many anti-ageing skincare products also feature these compounds. As a 2019 study demonstrated, both phenolic acids and flavonoids help shield the skin from pollution-related damage. Apple fruit extract is a valuable skincare ingredient due to its rich composition of phytochemicals. Flavonoids act as antioxidants, protecting the skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure, pollution, and environmental stressors.

Apple fruit extract contains flavonoids such as:

Catechins

Flavanols

Quercetin

May Give a Dewy Glow

Some believe that applying apple cider vinegar to the skin can improve dullness. Apple cider vinegar, derived from apples, contains acetic acid and citric acid.

A 2021 study found that acetic acid has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from infections. However, improper usage can cause skin irritation.

Citric acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), acts as an exfoliant. A 2018 study suggested that citric acid can help remove dull outer layers of skin, revealing a fresher, more radiant complexion.

Joyce Carslaw, founder of SmartAss Beauty, explains, “Unlike physical exfoliants with scrubbing particles, apple fruit water gently exfoliates dead skin without breaking the proteins that hold skin cells together.”

May Help Reduce Acne

Apples may also aid in acne management.

A 2018 study indicated that citric acid in apple cider vinegar can help reduce acne-related inflammation. However, excessive use may harm the skin barrier. Apple fruit extract (Pyrus malus) is an excellent addition to skincare formulations. It contains vitamins A and C, as well as zinc—compounds known to support clear, healthy skin.

Keeps Skin Hydrated

Apples are rich in vitamin E, a crucial nutrient for skin hydration. Older studies from 1998 and 2006 revealed that apple has water-binding properties that help maintain skin moisture and nourishment.

Using Apples in DIY Skincare

Expert dermatologists widely acknowledge the skincare benefits of apples and apple fruit extract when properly formulated.”

Shafer suggests applying apple slices directly to the face for a quick hydration boost. The vitamin E in apples helps keep the skin soft and hydrated, while the juice firms up the skin and maintains its natural pH balance.

For acne-prone skin, try mashed apple mixed with heavy cream or coconut milk. Mashed apple combined with milk cream soothes acne. Regular application can help fade dark spots and prevent future breakouts.

Over the past century, social progress has greatly altered the age at which women opt to have children. Whereas most women in the past gave birth in their early twenties or teens, the trend has since dramatically changed. Women in nations such as the U.S., South Korea, and in Europe are now delaying motherhood to well into their 30s. Indeed, the average age of first-time mothers in most OECD countries now stands at about 30.

But biology has not kept pace with society. Women's fertility is still tied to the natural aging of a woman's reproductive apparatus – something that modern medicine is always trying to get around. With career aspirations, education, and individual choice rewriting the schedules of motherhood, an urgent question presents itself: how far can we push back female fertility?

How Does The Biological Clock Work?

At the very center of female fertility is a game of numbers – one that is decided even before a girl is born. Women are born with a limited number of eggs, usually one million. By the time they reach puberty, this count drops to about 300,000. Of these, only some 300 to 400 will ever develop and get released during ovulation.

By age 37, egg stores decrease to around 25,000, and by age 51 – the average age of menopause in the United States – only 1,000 are left. Yet, ovulation and fertility do not necessarily persist up to menopause. In the majority of women, natural fertility declines sharply 7 to 10 years before, typically by the early 40s.

Though this fall has been around for some time, its raw statistics still stun: natural conception chances fall from about 25% per cycle during a woman's 20s to less than 5% per cycle by her 40s.

What Does the Egg Supply Do at Each Age?

More important than the declining egg quantity is the sharp decline in egg quality with advancing age. Each egg contains chromosomes that make up the DNA map for a new life. When egg quality falls, so does the chance for a successful pregnancy.

By age 30, nearly 25–30% of a woman’s eggs may carry chromosomal abnormalities. By 35, this rises to 40%, and after 40, it spikes dramatically. Studies show that beyond age 40, up to 75% of eggs may have abnormalities. Such eggs are less likely to fertilize, implant, or lead to a healthy baby.

The dangers posed by low quality of eggs are miscarriage, unsuccessful fertility treatment, and chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome.

How Far Can Science Go in Extending Fertility?

With the help of improvements in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), the limits of biological fertility are gradually being extended. Methods like egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and the employment of donor eggs have helped many women give birth well into their 40s – and, in some instances, even their 50s.

Egg freezing, specifically, has been a game-changer. It enables women to save their younger, healthier eggs to use later in life. It's not a surefire insurance policy, though. Success is dependent on age at the time of freezing, number of eggs saved, and overall health.

Nevertheless, though technology may provide additional time, it will not halt the natural aging of the ovaries or enhance the genetic quality of aging eggs. There is still a biological limit.

Decrease in Male Fertility Level

Men, too, experience a decline in fertility – but it tends to occur more gradually. Starting around age 40 to 45, men see a drop in sperm quality and volume, but they often retain the ability to father children into their 60s and beyond. Unlike women, men continuously produce new sperm, whereas women are working from a non-renewable stockpile of eggs.

This disparity implies that while more and more couples are opting to wait to have children, the responsibility of the "biological clock" remains mostly on women.

Although most of the discussion about female reproductive aging centers on wanting to have children, it is important to note that it also marks more general changes in a woman's health – specifically the onset of menopause and its attendant risks. Perhaps one of the most important but most underappreciated is the increasing significance of regular reproductive screenings, particularly as women get older.

Among these, cervical cancer screening stands out as a powerful tool to protect women’s health beyond their childbearing years.

Pap smears and HPV testing are able to pick up on abnormal cell changes before they develop into cancer. Because the immune system shifts with age and hormonal changes impact cervical health, regular screening is even more important. Women in their 30s and 40s – the same time frame when fertility is actively shifting – need to continue to be vigilant about their yearly OB-GYN checkups.

Actually, while women are thinking of or undergoing fertility treatments or assessing their reproductive future, this is the ideal opportunity to make sure their cervical health is under surveillance. New technologies in at-home HPV testing, liquid-based cytology, and co-testing provide more convenient and precise diagnoses ever before.

So is there a boundary beyond which female fertility can be prolonged? Biologically, yes. Despite incredible scientific strides, the natural aging of eggs and of the ovaries places limits that technology can only stretch so far.

Yet reproductive health is more than fertility. By broadening the story to encompass cervical screenings and preventive care, we give women the ability to take holistic control of their reproductive path – whether they opt to become mothers at 25, 35, or older because prolonging fertility isn't merely about having the capacity to conceive, it's about maintaining a lifetime of reproductive health.

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.