Health and Me

Supriya Ramesh

Mouth Ulcers Are Common, But Run To Your Doctor Or Dentist If You Notice These Signs

Credits: Canva

A tiny sore in your mouth might not seem like a big deal until it starts to sting every time you eat, drink, or even breathe. <span>Mouth ulcers</span> are more common than we give them credit for. Usually, they’re nothing to worry about. But if they’re showing up a bit too often or staying longer than usual, it’s time to pay attention.

Here’s a look at when to shrug it off, when to switch to soup, and when to book that appointment with your dentist or GP.

Ulcers Happen But Not All Should Be Ignored

Normally, ulcers usually clear up within two weeks and are often linked to being run down or low on certain vitamins. But if that ulcer refuses to budge after three weeks, it’s not something to ignore. <span>Cancer Research UK</span> recommends seeing a doctor or dentist if an ulcer or a red or white patch is still hanging around after three weeks. It could be harmless, but it could also be your body waving a little red flag.

Most mouth ulcers don’t need a lot to treat. The NHS says they’ll usually heal with time and a little TLC. That said, you can speed things up by not doing things that make them worse.

Skip the spicy curries, salty snacks, acidic foods, and crunchy culprits like toast or crisps. Basically, if it hurts to eat it, you shouldn’t be eating it. Hot and acidic drinks like fruit juice are also a no-go. As for toothpaste, check the label, avoid ones with sodium lauryl sulphate, a foaming agent that can irritate ulcers.

Instead, go soft and soothing. Stick to cool drinks, go for gentle foods, and switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush that won’t scratch or poke at sensitive areas. Regular dental check-ups and a balanced diet also go a long way in keeping your mouth happy.

Most of the time, ulcers are just that: temporary sores. But if you’re dealing with one that refuses to heal, is especially large or painful, or comes with other symptoms like swelling, difficulty eating, or a lump in the neck, don’t play the waiting game. It might be something more serious, like an infection or in rare cases, something that requires more thorough investigation.

If you’ve had your fair share of ulcers and want to avoid the next round, the answer lies in prevention. Aside from dodging the usual food triggers, it helps to manage stress, get enough sleep, and eat a diet rich in iron, folate, and B vitamins. Also, drink plenty of water and make sure your mouth stays clean.

Regular dental visits help your dentist spot the early signs of anything unusual and give you personalised tips on how to avoid recurring ulcers.

Mouth ulcers are rarely serious. Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If your ulcer overstays, refuses to heal, or comes with other odd symptoms, get it checked. And while you wait it out, treat your mouth gently. Avoid fiery foods, switch to a soothing routine, and try not to poke at it with your tongue.

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mouth ulcers

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persistent ulcers

ulcer symptoms

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dental check

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A tiny sore in your mouth might not seem like a big deal until it starts to sting every time you eat, drink, or even breathe. Mouth ulcers are more common than we give them credit for. Usually, they’re nothing to worry about. But if they’re showing up a bit too often or staying longer than usual, it’s time to pay attention.Here’s a look at when to shrug it off, when to switch to soup, and when to book that appointment with your dentist or GP.Ulcers Happen But Not All Should Be IgnoredNormally, ulcers usually clear up within two weeks and are often linked to being run down or low on certain vitamins. But if that ulcer refuses to budge after three weeks, it’s not something to ignore. Cancer Research UK recommends seeing a doctor or dentist if an ulcer or a red or white patch is still hanging around after three weeks. It could be harmless, but it could also be your body waving a little red flag.DIY HealingMost mouth ulcers don’t need a lot to treat. The NHS says they’ll usually heal with time and a little TLC. That said, you can speed things up by not doing things that make them worse.Skip the spicy curries, salty snacks, acidic foods, and crunchy culprits like toast or crisps. Basically, if it hurts to eat it, you shouldn’t be eating it. Hot and acidic drinks like fruit juice are also a no-go. As for toothpaste, check the label, avoid ones with sodium lauryl sulphate, a foaming agent that can irritate ulcers.Instead, go soft and soothing. Stick to cool drinks, go for gentle foods, and switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush that won’t scratch or poke at sensitive areas. Regular dental check-ups and a balanced diet also go a long way in keeping your mouth happy.Not All Ulcers Are Created EqualMost of the time, ulcers are just that: temporary sores. But if you’re dealing with one that refuses to heal, is especially large or painful, or comes with other symptoms like swelling, difficulty eating, or a lump in the neck, don’t play the waiting game. It might be something more serious, like an infection or in rare cases, something that requires more thorough investigation.PreventionIf you’ve had your fair share of ulcers and want to avoid the next round, the answer lies in prevention. Aside from dodging the usual food triggers, it helps to manage stress, get enough sleep, and eat a diet rich in iron, folate, and B vitamins. Also, drink plenty of water and make sure your mouth stays clean.Regular dental visits help your dentist spot the early signs of anything unusual and give you personalised tips on how to avoid recurring ulcers.Don’t Panic, But Don’t IgnoreMouth ulcers are rarely serious. Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If your ulcer overstays, refuses to heal, or comes with other odd symptoms, get it checked. And while you wait it out, treat your mouth gently. Avoid fiery foods, switch to a soothing routine, and try not to poke at it with your tongue.

mouth ulcers are common, but run to your doctor or dentist if you notice these signs

Aarushi Bhadury

Dementia Diagnosis: How Long Does It Take To Diagnose After Symptoms Appear?

dementia timeline - the average time for diagnosis after symptoms appear may surprise you

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Although we have come a long way in medicine, the mysteries of the human body are still being discovered. Every day comes with a new discovery and better understanding of diseases, illnesses and conditions. However, have you heard about an illness that does not have a clear cause, way to diagnose or even cure? 

Although this was a common issue in the past, hearing about a disease like this in today’s day and age is concerning. One such issue many people are battling, many without even knowingly, is <span>chronic fatigue syndrome</span>. However, new research shows that we may be able to diagnose it, through our gut, and with the help of AI. A new study done at Jackson Laboratories found that with the help of AI we may be able to help millions of people who go undiagnosed every year. 

<h2>What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? </h2>

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention explains that Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome affects us in may different ways, this complex illness is severe, long-lasting and something that doesn’t get better with rest. People who have ME also report issues like poor sleep, dizziness, pain, and difficulty thinking. 

A key symptom is post-exertional malaise (PEM), where even small amounts of physical or mental activity can make a person’s symptoms much worse. Because of this, many people with ME/CFS can't do their normal daily activities, and about one in four may be confined to bed for a period of time. 

What makes this illness complex is the diagnosing it. Diagnosing ME/CFS is very difficult because there is no specific test for it. Its symptoms are similar to many other illnesses and can change over time, making it hard for doctors to recognize. This is one reason why many people go undiagnosed. In the U.S., it's estimated that as many as 3.3 million people have ME/CFS, but more than 9 out of 10 of them have not been officially diagnosed. 

There is currently no cure for ME/CFS, but some symptoms can be managed. Patients, their families, and healthcare providers need to work together to create a plan that focuses on the most troubling symptoms. 

The research shows that artificial intelligence (AI) could provide a much-needed breakthrough in diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as ME. For many years, doctors have struggled to diagnose this condition because there are no clear lab tests for it. This study discovered that CFS disrupts the important connections between a person's gut bacteria, immune system, and metabolism. 

By using AI to analyze these systems, doctors may soon have a reliable way to confirm a diagnosis, giving hope to the millions of people who suffer from this illness. The researchers also hope that by better understanding these connections, they can develop more effective, personalized treatments. 

The researchers used advanced AI to examine the complex relationships within the body. They looked at gut bacteria and the immune system and then matched their findings with the common symptoms of CFS, such as fatigue, chronic pain, and sleep problems. The AI was so effective that it was able to tell the difference between people with CFS and healthy individuals with 90% accuracy. 

The study found that problems with the immune system could show how severe a person's CFS is, while the gut bacteria could help predict issues with sleep, emotions, and digestion. This is a huge step forward because it gives doctors real biological signs—or "biomarkers"—to look for. The study also suggests that the disease's effects get stronger over time, making an early diagnosis even more critical. 

<h2>How Does This Affect CFS Treatment </h2>

The findings from this research open up exciting possibilities for new treatments. Since the <span>gut bacteria and metabolism</span> are always changing, the researchers believe it might be possible to treat the illness by making changes to a person's diet, lifestyle, or through specific medicines. 

The study found clear patterns in the biological systems of people with CFS, which proves that the illness is not random but a real physical problem in the body. Researchers also believe these discoveries might be helpful for understanding and treating long COVID, as both conditions can happen after an infection and have similar symptoms. This new knowledge could eventually lead to more effective ways to manage and treat these complex and often misunderstood illnesses. 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

AI in health

Can AI diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Gut brain Axis

Myalgic encephalomyelitis

gut bacteria and metabolism

Although we have come a long way in medicine, the mysteries of the human body are still being discovered. Every day comes with a new discovery and better understanding of diseases, illnesses and conditions. However, have you heard about an illness that does not have a clear cause, way to diagnose or even cure? Although this was a common issue in the past, hearing about a disease like this in today’s day and age is concerning. One such issue many people are battling, many without even knowingly, is chronic fatigue syndrome. However, new research shows that we may be able to diagnose it, through our gut, and with the help of AI. A new study done at Jackson Laboratories found that with the help of AI we may be able to help millions of people who go undiagnosed every year. What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention explains that Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome affects us in may different ways, this complex illness is severe, long-lasting and something that doesn’t get better with rest. People who have ME also report issues like poor sleep, dizziness, pain, and difficulty thinking. A key symptom is post-exertional malaise (PEM), where even small amounts of physical or mental activity can make a person’s symptoms much worse. Because of this, many people with ME/CFS can't do their normal daily activities, and about one in four may be confined to bed for a period of time. What makes this illness complex is the diagnosing it. Diagnosing ME/CFS is very difficult because there is no specific test for it. Its symptoms are similar to many other illnesses and can change over time, making it hard for doctors to recognize. This is one reason why many people go undiagnosed. In the U.S., it's estimated that as many as 3.3 million people have ME/CFS, but more than 9 out of 10 of them have not been officially diagnosed. There is currently no cure for ME/CFS, but some symptoms can be managed. Patients, their families, and healthcare providers need to work together to create a plan that focuses on the most troubling symptoms. Can AI Help Diagnose CFS? The research shows that artificial intelligence (AI) could provide a much-needed breakthrough in diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as ME. For many years, doctors have struggled to diagnose this condition because there are no clear lab tests for it. This study discovered that CFS disrupts the important connections between a person's gut bacteria, immune system, and metabolism. By using AI to analyze these systems, doctors may soon have a reliable way to confirm a diagnosis, giving hope to the millions of people who suffer from this illness. The researchers also hope that by better understanding these connections, they can develop more effective, personalized treatments. Gut-Immune Connection The researchers used advanced AI to examine the complex relationships within the body. They looked at gut bacteria and the immune system and then matched their findings with the common symptoms of CFS, such as fatigue, chronic pain, and sleep problems. The AI was so effective that it was able to tell the difference between people with CFS and healthy individuals with 90% accuracy. The study found that problems with the immune system could show how severe a person's CFS is, while the gut bacteria could help predict issues with sleep, emotions, and digestion. This is a huge step forward because it gives doctors real biological signs—or "biomarkers"—to look for. The study also suggests that the disease's effects get stronger over time, making an early diagnosis even more critical. How Does This Affect CFS Treatment The findings from this research open up exciting possibilities for new treatments. Since the gut bacteria and metabolism are always changing, the researchers believe it might be possible to treat the illness by making changes to a person's diet, lifestyle, or through specific medicines. The study found clear patterns in the biological systems of people with CFS, which proves that the illness is not random but a real physical problem in the body. Researchers also believe these discoveries might be helpful for understanding and treating long COVID, as both conditions can happen after an infection and have similar symptoms. This new knowledge could eventually lead to more effective ways to manage and treat these complex and often misunderstood illnesses. 

can ai diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome in patients? hint, your gut plays a role in this

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From One-Child Policy To Baby 'Bonuses':  Why China Is Offering $1,500 To Boost Birth Rates?

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For decades, China’s one-child policy stood as one of the most infamous social experiments in modern demographic engineering. Today, in a dramatic reversal, the country is offering cash subsidies to parents in a bid to revive its dwindling birth rate. Starting this year, Chinese families with children under the age of three can receive up to 10,800 yuan (around $1,500) per child—a landmark nationwide effort aimed at confronting a growing population crisis.

This isn't just a policy shift, it’s a full pivot from state-imposed limits on reproduction to government-backed encouragement to procreate. And the urgency is mounting.

China recorded 9.54 million births in 2024—a slight uptick from the previous year, but still far below the replacement level needed to sustain population growth. The overall population declined for the third consecutive year. Worse, the population is aging rapidly. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, a shrinking labor force and growing elderly population could threaten the country’s economic stability and healthcare infrastructure in the years to come.

The decline is especially concerning for a country that, until recently, was bracing for overpopulation. China’s 1.4 billion people may still top the global charts, but trends suggest a tipping point, fewer births, longer lifespans, and mounting pressure on young workers to support older generations.

<h2>From Coercion to Compensation: Why The Chinese Policy Took a U-Turn?</h2>

The one-child policy, introduced in 1980 to curb population growth, was discarded in 2016 and replaced by a two-child policy, which was then relaxed in 2021 to three children per couple. However, none of these adjustments succeeded. The cultural, social, and economic shift during the one-child era has been hard to undo.

So, what's the new strategy? As of July 2025, the Chinese government has launched its first-ever nationwide subsidy for parents bringing up little ones. Eligible families will be given 3,600 yuan (approximately $500) per kid a year for the first three years of life—totaling 10,800 yuan (~$1,500) per kid.

The program is retroactive, so families whose children were born between 2022 and 2024 also qualify for part-time benefits. Overall, this support will benefit approximately 20 million families.

<h2>Local Governments Were Already Sounding the Alarm</h2>

While the new subsidy is the first national-level policy, several Chinese cities had already taken action. In Hohhot, a city in northern China, authorities began offering 100,000 yuan (over $13,000) per baby for couples with three or more children. In Shenyang, northeast of Beijing, local families with a third child under age three are eligible for monthly payments of 500 yuan (~$70). Other cities have introduced measures such as housing benefits, parental leave extensions, and even employment incentives for larger families.

The central government’s latest move appears to unify these disparate efforts and scale them across the country, signaling a more serious and coordinated response.

<h2>What is The Price of Parenthood in China?</h2>

One of the key drivers behind falling fertility in China is the steep cost of raising children. A study by the YuWa Population Research Institute pegged the average cost of raising one child to age 17 at $75,700—one of the highest in the world relative to income.

That figure includes education, healthcare, housing, extracurriculars, and caregiving expenses, especially in urban centers like Shanghai and Beijing. For many couples, particularly millennials facing job insecurity and long work hours, the math just doesn’t add up.

Even with relaxed policies, the birth rate won’t rise if parenthood continues to feel like an unaffordable luxury.

<h2>Cultural Shifts and the Aftermath of One-Child Thinking</h2>

Aside from finances, decades of aggressive family planning have forged a psychological and cultural heritage. Urban couples, particularly women, typically value education, career, and autonomy over convention. In most families, the "4-2-1" configuration (four grandparents, two parents, one child) makes it disproportionately heavy on the single child to take care of elderly relatives, contributing to the reluctance.

Now, it is also becoming increasingly common for young women to resist efforts by the state to conscript them into a marriage and motherhood role.

Stories of "lying flat," a philosophy of opting out of those high-pressure life scripts, fill social media. So too do doubts about government promises.

This will not be corrected with merely increased cash. It will require rebuilding trust, creating systemic support for working families, and changing national narratives about gender and family roles.

<h2>Can Push for Free Preschool Lead to Long-Term Reforms?</h2>

Beijing seems to realize that subsidies alone won’t solve the problem. In recent weeks, it urged local governments to develop plans for implementing free preschool education. Education is a major cost barrier for many families, and offering state-sponsored early childhood programs could be a significant relief.

Health experts also suggest expanding maternity leave policies, improving childcare infrastructure, and strengthening work-life balance laws. Without these long-term investments, short-term payments risk being seen as symbolic rather than transformational.

Demographic challenges are sweeping across many parts of the world, from Japan and South Korea to Italy and Spain. How China addresses its population decline could set the tone for similar policy responses globally.

Moreover, China's vast labor force has been central to the global supply chain and economic dynamics for decades. A shrinking, aging workforce could have ripple effects from manufacturing slowdowns to shifts in healthcare and retirement trends worldwide.

China’s first national subsidy to boost birth rates marks a major policy shift—but whether it’s enough remains to be seen. The government is racing against time to reverse demographic decline, but fertility decisions are complex, deeply personal, and rooted in more than economics.

Still, this latest initiative opens a door. If followed by thoughtful, inclusive, and sustained reforms—across education, employment, healthcare, and housing—China might yet write a new chapter in how societies adapt to falling birth rates but it won’t be quick, and it won’t be easy.

china birth rate crisis

one child policy end

china fertility rate

china aging population

demographic crisis china

parenting costs in china

1500  dollars subsidy

For decades, China’s one-child policy stood as one of the most infamous social experiments in modern demographic engineering. Today, in a dramatic reversal, the country is offering cash subsidies to parents in a bid to revive its dwindling birth rate. Starting this year, Chinese families with children under the age of three can receive up to 10,800 yuan (around $1,500) per child—a landmark nationwide effort aimed at confronting a growing population crisis.This isn't just a policy shift, it’s a full pivot from state-imposed limits on reproduction to government-backed encouragement to procreate. And the urgency is mounting.China recorded 9.54 million births in 2024—a slight uptick from the previous year, but still far below the replacement level needed to sustain population growth. The overall population declined for the third consecutive year. Worse, the population is aging rapidly. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, a shrinking labor force and growing elderly population could threaten the country’s economic stability and healthcare infrastructure in the years to come.The decline is especially concerning for a country that, until recently, was bracing for overpopulation. China’s 1.4 billion people may still top the global charts, but trends suggest a tipping point, fewer births, longer lifespans, and mounting pressure on young workers to support older generations.From Coercion to Compensation: Why The Chinese Policy Took a U-Turn?The one-child policy, introduced in 1980 to curb population growth, was discarded in 2016 and replaced by a two-child policy, which was then relaxed in 2021 to three children per couple. However, none of these adjustments succeeded. The cultural, social, and economic shift during the one-child era has been hard to undo.So, what's the new strategy? As of July 2025, the Chinese government has launched its first-ever nationwide subsidy for parents bringing up little ones. Eligible families will be given 3,600 yuan (approximately $500) per kid a year for the first three years of life—totaling 10,800 yuan (~$1,500) per kid.The program is retroactive, so families whose children were born between 2022 and 2024 also qualify for part-time benefits. Overall, this support will benefit approximately 20 million families.Local Governments Were Already Sounding the AlarmWhile the new subsidy is the first national-level policy, several Chinese cities had already taken action. In Hohhot, a city in northern China, authorities began offering 100,000 yuan (over $13,000) per baby for couples with three or more children. In Shenyang, northeast of Beijing, local families with a third child under age three are eligible for monthly payments of 500 yuan (~$70). Other cities have introduced measures such as housing benefits, parental leave extensions, and even employment incentives for larger families.The central government’s latest move appears to unify these disparate efforts and scale them across the country, signaling a more serious and coordinated response.What is The Price of Parenthood in China?One of the key drivers behind falling fertility in China is the steep cost of raising children. A study by the YuWa Population Research Institute pegged the average cost of raising one child to age 17 at $75,700—one of the highest in the world relative to income.That figure includes education, healthcare, housing, extracurriculars, and caregiving expenses, especially in urban centers like Shanghai and Beijing. For many couples, particularly millennials facing job insecurity and long work hours, the math just doesn’t add up.Even with relaxed policies, the birth rate won’t rise if parenthood continues to feel like an unaffordable luxury.Cultural Shifts and the Aftermath of One-Child ThinkingAside from finances, decades of aggressive family planning have forged a psychological and cultural heritage. Urban couples, particularly women, typically value education, career, and autonomy over convention. In most families, the "4-2-1" configuration (four grandparents, two parents, one child) makes it disproportionately heavy on the single child to take care of elderly relatives, contributing to the reluctance.Now, it is also becoming increasingly common for young women to resist efforts by the state to conscript them into a marriage and motherhood role.Stories of "lying flat," a philosophy of opting out of those high-pressure life scripts, fill social media. So too do doubts about government promises.This will not be corrected with merely increased cash. It will require rebuilding trust, creating systemic support for working families, and changing national narratives about gender and family roles.Can Push for Free Preschool Lead to Long-Term Reforms?Beijing seems to realize that subsidies alone won’t solve the problem. In recent weeks, it urged local governments to develop plans for implementing free preschool education. Education is a major cost barrier for many families, and offering state-sponsored early childhood programs could be a significant relief.Health experts also suggest expanding maternity leave policies, improving childcare infrastructure, and strengthening work-life balance laws. Without these long-term investments, short-term payments risk being seen as symbolic rather than transformational.Demographic challenges are sweeping across many parts of the world, from Japan and South Korea to Italy and Spain. How China addresses its population decline could set the tone for similar policy responses globally.Moreover, China's vast labor force has been central to the global supply chain and economic dynamics for decades. A shrinking, aging workforce could have ripple effects from manufacturing slowdowns to shifts in healthcare and retirement trends worldwide.China’s first national subsidy to boost birth rates marks a major policy shift—but whether it’s enough remains to be seen. The government is racing against time to reverse demographic decline, but fertility decisions are complex, deeply personal, and rooted in more than economics.Still, this latest initiative opens a door. If followed by thoughtful, inclusive, and sustained reforms—across education, employment, healthcare, and housing—China might yet write a new chapter in how societies adapt to falling birth rates but it won’t be quick, and it won’t be easy.

from one-child policy to baby 'bonuses':  why china is offering $1,500 to fight declining birth rates?

Dementia Timeline - The Average Time For Diagnosis After Symptoms Appear May Surprise You

New Drug Could Stop Alzheimer's In Its Tracks In Just 7 Months

new drug could stop alzheimer's in its tracks in just 7 months

New Alzheimer’s Treatment Reaches Target – Study Finds Insulin Delivered This Way Could Help

new alzheimer’s treatment reaches target – study finds insulin delivered this way could help

No Time For Brain Decline - Lifestyle Habits That Reduce The Risk Of Dementia In Older Adults

no time for brain decline - lifestyle habits that reduce the risk of dementia in older adults

<span>Dementia</span> is an umbrella term for cognitive degenerative conditions which affects millions of people. We have all seen articles and videos about early diagnosis and how important it is. However, getting it diagnosed as early as we hope is much more different in reality. 

A new report published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry highlights a concerning trend, it takes an average of three-and-a-half years for a person to be diagnosed with dementia after their first symptoms appear. The study, which looked at data from over 30,000 people, is the first major effort to measure this delay. 

Getting a timely diagnosis is extremely important. It gives people with dementia access to treatments and support earlier, which can potentially slow down the worsening of their symptoms. With new medications now available that can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in its early stages, an accurate and timely diagnosis is more crucial than ever. 

<h2>Does Diagnosis Varies Among Different Groups?</h2>

The study found that the time it takes to get a diagnosis is not the same for everyone. For people with early-onset dementia (which affects younger people), the delay is even longer, averaging just over four years. The research also linked a longer time to diagnosis to:

<ul><li>Being younger when symptoms first appear.</li><li>Having a specific type of dementia called frontotemporal dementia.</li><li>In one of the studies, Black patients were also found to wait longer for a diagnosis.</li></ul>

<h2>What Are The Reasons for Delay in Diagnosis?</h2>

Researchers have identified several key reasons why people wait so long to get a <span>dementia diagnosis</span>: 

<h4>Mistaking symptoms for normal aging </h4>

Early signs of dementia, like forgetfulness or confusion, are often dismissed as a natural part of growing older. This common misunderstanding prevents many people from seeking a medical evaluation, leading to significant delays in getting a proper diagnosis. 

The social stigma surrounding dementia causes many people to feel afraid or embarrassed. This fear can discourage individuals and their families from seeking help, leading them to avoid conversations with doctors and prolonging the time to diagnosis. 

<h4>Issues with the healthcare system </h4>

Problems within the healthcare system, such as inefficient doctor referral networks, language barriers, and a lack of staff at memory clinics, also contribute to diagnostic delays. These systemic challenges make it harder for patients to get the timely care they need. 

After the initial evaluation, doctors may use a variety of specialized tests to confirm a dementia diagnosis and identify its type. 

<h4>Cognitive and Neurological Tests </h4>

These are used to assess a person's thinking and physical abilities, including memory, problem-solving skills, and language. Imaging tests like CT, MRI, and PET scans are used to look for physical changes in the brain, such as tumors or strokes, and to observe brain activity. Psychiatric evaluation could also be done to 

Psychiatric evaluations could help doctors determine whether a different <span>mental health</span> condition is contributing to these symptoms. In rare cases doctors could also recommend genetic testing for family history. 

<h4>Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Tests and Blood Test </h4>

A spinal tap can be performed to collect CSF, which is then tested for specific proteins that may indicate Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. Although they are not standard tests yet, blood tests have been created to measure levels of beta-amyloid which are associated with Alzheimer’s. 

To address this challenge, the study’s authors suggest a plan of action on several fronts. First, they recommend launching public awareness campaigns to help people better understand the early signs of dementia and to reduce the stigma associated with the condition. This would hopefully encourage people to seek medical help sooner. 

Second, they emphasize the need for better training for doctors and other healthcare professionals so they can more easily recognize the symptoms of dementia and refer patients for specialized care more quickly. Finally, they stress the importance of providing better access to early intervention and support for people with dementia and their families, ensuring they get the help they need as soon as possible. 

dementia

alzheimers

Dementia Diagnosis

Average Time For Dementia  Diagnosis

Reasons for the Delayed diagnosis

mental health

Dementia is an umbrella term for cognitive degenerative conditions which affects millions of people. We have all seen articles and videos about early diagnosis and how important it is. However, getting it diagnosed as early as we hope is much more different in reality. A new report published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry highlights a concerning trend, it takes an average of three-and-a-half years for a person to be diagnosed with dementia after their first symptoms appear. The study, which looked at data from over 30,000 people, is the first major effort to measure this delay. Getting a timely diagnosis is extremely important. It gives people with dementia access to treatments and support earlier, which can potentially slow down the worsening of their symptoms. With new medications now available that can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in its early stages, an accurate and timely diagnosis is more crucial than ever. Does Diagnosis Varies Among Different Groups?The study found that the time it takes to get a diagnosis is not the same for everyone. For people with early-onset dementia (which affects younger people), the delay is even longer, averaging just over four years. The research also linked a longer time to diagnosis to:Being younger when symptoms first appear.Having a specific type of dementia called frontotemporal dementia.In one of the studies, Black patients were also found to wait longer for a diagnosis.What Are The Reasons for Delay in Diagnosis?Researchers have identified several key reasons why people wait so long to get a dementia diagnosis: Mistaking symptoms for normal aging Early signs of dementia, like forgetfulness or confusion, are often dismissed as a natural part of growing older. This common misunderstanding prevents many people from seeking a medical evaluation, leading to significant delays in getting a proper diagnosis. Fear and stigma The social stigma surrounding dementia causes many people to feel afraid or embarrassed. This fear can discourage individuals and their families from seeking help, leading them to avoid conversations with doctors and prolonging the time to diagnosis. Issues with the healthcare system Problems within the healthcare system, such as inefficient doctor referral networks, language barriers, and a lack of staff at memory clinics, also contribute to diagnostic delays. These systemic challenges make it harder for patients to get the timely care they need. How Is Dementia Diagnosed? After the initial evaluation, doctors may use a variety of specialized tests to confirm a dementia diagnosis and identify its type. Cognitive and Neurological Tests These are used to assess a person's thinking and physical abilities, including memory, problem-solving skills, and language. Imaging tests like CT, MRI, and PET scans are used to look for physical changes in the brain, such as tumors or strokes, and to observe brain activity. Psychiatric evaluation could also be done to Evaluations and Other Tests Psychiatric evaluations could help doctors determine whether a different mental health condition is contributing to these symptoms. In rare cases doctors could also recommend genetic testing for family history. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Tests and Blood Test A spinal tap can be performed to collect CSF, which is then tested for specific proteins that may indicate Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. Although they are not standard tests yet, blood tests have been created to measure levels of beta-amyloid which are associated with Alzheimer’s. To address this challenge, the study’s authors suggest a plan of action on several fronts. First, they recommend launching public awareness campaigns to help people better understand the early signs of dementia and to reduce the stigma associated with the condition. This would hopefully encourage people to seek medical help sooner. Second, they emphasize the need for better training for doctors and other healthcare professionals so they can more easily recognize the symptoms of dementia and refer patients for specialized care more quickly. Finally, they stress the importance of providing better access to early intervention and support for people with dementia and their families, ensuring they get the help they need as soon as possible. 

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