Dementia. It is a brain condition that causes loss of cognitive function, which includes thinking, remembering and reasoning. It can also affect a person's ability to perform daily activities. It is a progressive neurological condition, which means the ability to communicate, or to perform cognitively deteriorates with time. You can delay the deterioration, but cannot stop it. But how does one delay the progress without knowing that it is happening? Well now, this can be achieved as Scottish researchers are working on a new AI tool that uses high-street opticians to spot early signs of dementia.

Now, dementia can be diagnosed through an eye test.

AI, Eye Test, And Dementia

Scottish scientists from the NeurEye research team have found that photographs taken of the retina at the back of the eye can indicate of brain health. It is done using AI software to analyze the information. Scientists also use this to spot signs of diseases before any symptoms are even experienced.

The team of scientists has collected a million eye scans from opticians across Scotland, which is also the largest data set of this kind. With the help of AI, they have developed an algorithm that can assess the health of the blood vessels in the eye that indicates neurogenerative diseases.

The database built by the team can be applied to photographs taken during routine eye checkups and could be used by clinicians to prevent diseases from occurring. It could also help them in diagnosing conditions at an earlier stage than what they currently can.

How It Works?

The blood vessels in the eye are small and fine, which means they show up conditions earlier than any other part of our body. Balijean Dhillon, who is part of the research group led by the University of Edinburg and researchers from Glasgow Caledonian University said that eyes can reveal more than was thought possible.

All the systems of the body are represented in eye. In fact, the diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, problem with vision could also detect vascular system, heart health, high blood pressure, diabetes and even neurological conditions. While some of these conditions may show up late, eye care can detect it way before. The earlier you find it, the better it is for you to be able to delay the deterioration.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term to describe diseases that cause people to lose their cognitive functions. These diseases gradually progress decreasing the ability for someone to function in daily life and take care of themselves. There are some medications used to delay the onset of it and to manage it. People can reduce the chances of developing it by following a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Types of Dementia

Different types of dementia occur due to different reasons. Some types of this disease are:

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease occurs when two abnormal proteins (tau and amyloid protein) build up in the brain. Some of its diseases include mental confusion, short-term memory loss, and personality and behaviour changes. In later stages, people may start having trouble talking, recalling distant memories and have issues with walking.

Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia may occur because of a stroke or atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries from plaque building up gradually inside of them. It blocks and damages blood vessels in the brain. This disease has symptoms such as memory problems, confusion, concentration problems and difficulty in completing tasks.

Mixed Dementia

Mixed dementia is a combination of two or more types of the disease. Sometimes, Alzheimer’s disease combined with vascular dementia causes mixed dementia. The health condition usually declines faster in people with mixed dementia than those who only have one type.

Huntington’s Disease

A mutation in the huntingtin(HTT) gene causes a breakdown in the brain’s nerve cells and it is responsible for Huntington’s. This disease causes body movement control problems, trouble thinking, decision-making, memory trouble and personality changes.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Someone may develop dementia-like symptoms if they suffer from repeated physical trauma to their head. Symptoms may appear after a long time and may include memory loss, behaviour or mood changes, slurred speech and headaches.

Parkinson’s Disease

People who have Parkinson's disease may develop secondary dementia in the later stages. Some of its symptoms are having trouble with thinking or speaking. Patients may have hallucinations and delusions, or suffer from depression.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus(NPH)

When Cerebrospinal Fluid(CSF) builds up in the brain’s ventricles the excess build-up harms the brain and this causes Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus(NPH). A brain infection, brain injury, bleeding in the brain or any previous brain surgery can also cause this condition.

This disease has some symptoms such as poor balance, forgetfulness, and short attention span, loss of bladder control, frequent falls and mood swings.

Infections

Some infections such as HIV infection, syphilis as well as Lyme disease can cause dementia-like symptoms. Urinary Tract Infections or UTIs, and lung infections can cause symptoms that match dementia.

Central Nervous infections and brain infections can cause cognitive symptoms. Also, COVID-19 symptoms include acute delirium or brain fog.

In the United States, someone dies from heart disease every 34 seconds, and nearly half of the population has some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

What makes these statistics scary is the number of people who experience mental health issues, which is one out of four adults.

A new report from Emory University shows a clear and strong link between mental health conditions and heart disease. The report found that having certain mental health disorders can increase your risk of developing heart disease by a significant amount—anywhere from 50% to 100%. For people who already have a heart condition, these disorders can make things much worse, raising their risk of poor outcomes by 60% to 170%.

Which Mental Health Diseases Affect Heart Health?

The report, led by Dr. Viola Vaccarino and published in The Lancet Regional Health-Europe, highlights the strong link between mental health conditions and an increased risk of developing heart disease. Specifically, it found that certain mental health disorders can increase the risk of developing heart disease by 50% to 100%. For individuals who already have a heart condition, these disorders can worsen outcomes by 60% to 170%.

The report associated the following mental health conditions with these increased risks for developing CVD:

Major depression: 72% increased risk

PTSD: 57% increased risk

Bipolar disorder: 61% increased risk

Panic disorder: 50% increased risk

Phobic anxiety: 70% increased risk

Schizophrenia: nearly 100% increased risk

The study also found a two-way connection. Not only do mental health issues raise the risk for heart disease, but over 40% of people with heart disease also have a mental health condition. For example, a person with heart disease who also has major depression is more than twice as likely to die from their heart condition.

How Is Our Mental And Heart Health Connected?

The report explains how this link works inside the body. It shows that conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and PTSD can cause the body's natural stress response systems to act abnormally. These systems, called the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis, control important body functions like heart rate and how we handle stress.

When these systems don't work correctly, they can cause long-term problems that harm the heart. This includes things like ongoing inflammation, issues with metabolism, and high blood pressure. All of these issues can raise the risk of developing heart disease over time.

What Are Some Mental Health Barriers That Affect Care?

For people with mental health conditions, getting the right medical care for their physical and mental health can be very difficult. The report points to several key problems.

Social and economic barriers

It can be tough for people with mental health conditions to afford or even get to doctors' appointments.

Communication issues

Sometimes, people may not understand health information or have trouble explaining their symptoms, which can make it harder to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Stigma

There is still a lot of shame around mental health, which can stop people from seeking help. Doctors may also have their own biases. The report also notes that people with mental health conditions are often left out of clinical trials, so we don't have as much research on them.

Fragmented care

The way our healthcare system is set up often treats the mind and body as separate. This makes it hard to address all of a person's health needs at once.

If menopause had a social media profile, its relationship status with women’s health would be… “complicated”. Sure, the hot flashes and mood swings grab most of the headlines, but lurking quietly in the background is another issue: bone loss. Oestrogen is important when it comes to keeping bones strong. Once its levels dip during menopause, women become much more prone to osteoporosis.”

Why Oestrogen Is Crucial

Bone is a living tissue that constantly rebuilds and repairs itself. Oestrogen is what keeps this construction site running smoothly. “When oestrogen drops, the balance between bone building and bone breakdown collapses,” explains Dr. Pramila Kalra, Consultant, Department of Endocrinology, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital. This leads to bones that weaken faster than they can repair.

And it’s not just an invisible problem on a scan. Weakened bones translate into fractures from the most minor of falls. Hips, spines, and wrists are the usual casualties. “To put it into perspective, women over 50 face a 15% lifetime risk of hip fracture, and recovering from one can seriously affect independence,” says Dr. Kalra.

Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

“HRT replaces the hormones your body no longer produces enough of after menopause, and this can significantly slow down bone loss,” says Dr. Kalra. Not only does it help bones maintain their density, but in some cases, it can even nudge bone strength upwards.

HRT isn’t a one-size-fits-all pill. It comes in forms that suit different lifestyles: tablets, patches, gels, and even sprays. For women with a uterus, progesterone usually joins the prescription party to protect the uterine lining. And along with stronger bones, many women also notice relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and that infamous menopause brain fog.

Is HRT Right for You?

Before you rush to the pharmacy, there are questions worth asking. “HRT works best for women who have severe menopausal symptoms or are at a high risk of osteoporosis,” says Dr. Kalra. Women who experience early menopause, particularly before age 45, are often strong candidates for HRT because their bones face years of oestrogen shortfall.

Safety concerns around HRT have caused plenty of headlines in the past. But newer research has changed the conversation. “When HRT is started within 10 years of menopause and before age 60, the benefits outweigh the risks for most women,” explains Dr. Kalra.

Still, the risks are not zero. There may be a slight increase in the chance of blood clots or breast cancer depending on personal health, the type of HRT, and how long it’s used. “That’s why an individualised discussion with your doctor is crucial. It’s about weighing your personal benefits against possible risks,” she stresses.

A Bigger Bone Health Plan

Dr. Kalra recommends thinking beyond medication. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise—particularly weight-bearing workouts—and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol are all essential. “HRT is most effective as part of a holistic bone health plan,” she says.

The Need for Personalised Care

There’s no “universal prescription” for menopause management. “The decision to start HRT must be highly individualised,” advises Dr. Kalra. Your doctor will consider your family history, existing health conditions, and results from a bone density scan. Together, you can discuss the type, dose, and duration of therapy that best fits your needs.

The conversation should cover not just symptoms but also your future risks. “It’s not about erasing menopause—it’s about empowering women to make informed choices so they can stay active and independent for years to come,” says Dr. Kalra.

Menopause may be inevitable, but brittle bones don’t have to be. With the right support, including HRT where appropriate, women can safeguard their bone health and dramatically reduce their risk of fractures. “Think of it as investing in your future mobility and independence,” Dr. Kalra concludes.

Autism is often painted as a childhood condition, usually spotted in the school playground when social quirks or communication differences raise eyebrows. But what happens when those children grow up without anyone connecting the dots? According to new research from King’s College London, the answer is unsettling: most autistic adults over 40 are still flying under the diagnostic radar.

The review, published in the Annual Review of Developmental Psychology, estimates that a staggering 89 per cent of people over 40 with autism remain undiagnosed. To put that into perspective, while around 23 per cent of autistic children under 19 are missed, nearly 96 per cent of those over 60 have never been recognised as autistic. That’s not just a gap; that’s a canyon.

The Age Factor

When the researchers broke it down by age and gender, the numbers looked even more lopsided. Among men aged 40 to 59, more than 91 per cent had never been diagnosed. For women in the same age group, the figure was almost 80 per cent. By the time people reached their sixties, both men and women crossed into the 96 to 97 per cent range of being undiagnosed.

Compare that with the 20 to 39 age group, where roughly half remained undiagnosed, and the generational divide becomes clear. Today’s younger adults are far more likely to be spotted, assessed and supported. Older adults, meanwhile, have often been left to muddle through without a name for their lifelong differences.

Why It Matters

Gavin Stewart, lead author of the study, explains that a lack of diagnosis means many autistic adults were never offered the right support, leaving them more vulnerable to age-related problems. These range from social isolation to poor physical and mental health.

The review found that autistic people in middle age and beyond have higher rates of almost every health condition compared to non-autistic peers, like heart disease, neurological issues, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal problems, anxiety and depression. Add age-related conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis and Parkinson’s disease, and the picture gets even more complicated.

Even more concerning, autistic older adults were six times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or self-harm and four times more likely to develop early-onset dementia.

The Hidden Struggles

The study highlighted another layer of challenge: healthcare itself. Many older autistic adults face obstacles in accessing medical support due to communication differences, sensory sensitivities or simply not knowing how to navigate the system. Combine that with a shortage of healthcare professionals trained in recognising autism in adults, and it’s no wonder so many cases slip through the cracks.

Professor Francesca Happé, co-author of the review, stresses that this is a global public health issue. “Understanding the needs of autistic people as they age is a pressing global public health concern. As autistic people age, the nature of the challenges they face changes. We must adopt a lifespan approach that funds long-term research, integrates tailored healthcare, and expands social supports so that ageing autistic people can live happy and healthy lives,” she says. In other words, autism doesn’t disappear after childhood, so neither should support.

Lost in the Shuffle

The findings also suggest that research into autism may have been skewed for years. If most older adults remain undiagnosed, then studies have largely overlooked them. That means our current understanding of how autistic people age is incomplete at best. No wonder policies and services have not caught up.

Employment struggles, strained relationships and social isolation were all noted as common experiences for older autistic adults. Without the framework of a diagnosis, many never knew why they felt out of step with the world, and their difficulties were often chalked up to personality flaws or “just how they are”.

Why a Diagnosis Still Matters

If you’re wondering whether getting a diagnosis later in life makes a difference, the answer is yes. Recognition can bring clarity, opening doors to support systems, healthcare adaptations and even financial benefits. It can also reshape how family, friends and colleagues understand a person’s behaviour and needs.

The NHS encourages adults who suspect they might be autistic to speak to their GP and ask about a referral for an assessment. Specialists can help by gathering life history, speaking with people who know you well and observing how you interact with others.

A Call for Change

The review ends with a clear message: it’s time to stop treating autism as a childhood-only issue. For too long, older autistic adults have been invisible, their experiences untold and their needs unmet. With diagnosis rates still alarmingly low, researchers are urging more studies, better services and a cultural shift that embraces autism across the lifespan.