Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Ohio Woman’s Routine Manicure ‘Saved Her Life’- How A Nail Discoloration Turned Out To Be Skin Cancer?

A regular manicure became a lifesaver for 58-year-old Michelle Tagliamonte of Centreville, Ohio. What appeared to be a minor cosmetic issue—a strange black line on her thumbnail—proved to be an early warning sign of melanoma, one of the most dangerous types of skin <span>cancer</span>. Her experience highlights the value of being attentive to changes in your body and seeking medical advice when things do not feel right.

Tagliamonte, like many others, had a regular beauty routine. She visited a nail salon every four weeks for a manicure, a routine she followed without much thought. Yet, at the time of her last September visit, she noticed something odd—thin black lines on her right thumbnail. She initially dismissed it, thinking that nothing was wrong.

"I typically get my nails done every four weeks, so I don't know how long it had been there," she remembered. "But my nails grow pretty quickly because I have really good nutrition. It could have been there for six months or longer."

She snapped photos of the lines and went on with her nail appointment, unaware that this apparently insignificant detail was an indicator of something much more severe.

As the weeks went by, Tagliamonte observed that the lines did not extend out with her nail as she had anticipated. Rather, they stuck at the base of her thumbnail and appeared to be getting deeper. By the time her next appointment arrived, the marks persisted—unchanged and unerased.

That was the wake-up call. Not taking any chances, she went to see a doctor. Over Thanksgiving, the results revealed her worst fears—the black lines were evidence of melanoma, stage zero or 'melanoma in situ.'

Stage zero melanoma, or 'melanoma in situ,' is a situation where the cancer cells remain in the epidermis and have not extended beyond it. Although it is the most treatable and earliest stage, it can become invasive melanoma, spreading to other regions of the body and threatening life, if it goes undiagnosed.

Physicians moved quickly to eliminate the cancerous cells before they had a chance to disperse. On January 17, Tagliamonte received a four-hour surgical procedure in which physicians amputated her entire thumbnail. To reattach the damaged area, a skin graft was conducted using tissue from the rest of her thumb.

The dermatologist noticed discoloration at the bottom of my nail," she said. "Whatever was producing this black line was originating from within the growth plate, way down deep inside my nail.

The procedure was invasive and complicated. The melanoma extended down to the first knuckle of her thumb, and a considerable amount of tissue had to be removed. The exposed bone and tendon were covered with the skin graft to allow the area to heal. Although she permanently lost her thumbnail, Tagliamonte is thankful for the timely medical intervention that left her alive.

Tagliamonte attributes her routine manicure sessions and her own vigilance for detecting the disease before it advanced to a more serious phase.

"The nail appointment definitely saved my life," she stressed. "I am thankful that I noticed it and then went about having it checked out."

Her experience is an eye-opener that even slightest changes in the body, whether seemingly innocuous, can prove to be signals of major illness at times. She now prefers others to be alert and hearken to instincts.

If you notice something unusual or different, listen to your own instincts and have it looked at," she warned. "If I'd have ignored it, Lord only knows what might have happened to me in the future."

<h2>Hidden Dangers of Nail Health and Exposure to the Sun</h2>

Tagliamonte's account also makes one mindful of other health hazards of nail care. Numerous individuals are not aware that dark or black stripes in the nails can be markers of hidden underlying medical conditions. At times, such markings could be a consequence of a disorder known as subungual melanoma, an infrequent yet malignant form of skin cancer beneath the nail.

Moreover, experts caution against the dangers posed by the UV lamps that are employed in certain professional manicures to harden gel nail polish. Such machines release UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin, heightening the risk of skin cancer with extended exposure.

"Too much exposure to UV light can harm the DNA of skin cells, causing them to grow out of control and form tumors," say dermatologists. "UVA and UVB radiation both help cause skin cancer, though UVB is more directly responsible for sunburn, with UVA causing more long-term harm and hastening the skin's aging process."

Although melanoma is usually linked to moles and skin lesions, Michelle Tagliamonte's situation featured a number of uncommon warning signs:

<strong>Black Stripes on the Nail </strong>– Rather than a visible skin lesion, she saw dark stripes along her thumbnail, a less common symptom of subungual melanoma.

<strong>No Discomfort or Pain</strong> – Most people expect cancerous tumors to be painful, but Michelle felt no pain, making the diagnosis even more surprising.

<strong>Slow and Steady Growth</strong> – The streaks did not fall out or simply grow out with her nail, an indication that there was something amiss.

<strong>Concealed Source</strong> – The melanoma was growing from the growth plate of the nail underneath, hence hidden at first.

<strong>Stage Zero Diagnosis</strong> – Despite the alarming signs, the melanoma was actually in its earliest stage, illustrating how intervention at this point could avoid fatal effects.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

cancer

melanoma symptoms

nail melanoma

skin cancer signs

early melanoma detection

black lines on nails

uv exposure risk

melanoma prevention

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A regular manicure became a lifesaver for 58-year-old Michelle Tagliamonte of Centreville, Ohio. What appeared to be a minor cosmetic issue—a strange black line on her thumbnail—proved to be an early warning sign of melanoma, one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer. Her experience highlights the value of being attentive to changes in your body and seeking medical advice when things do not feel right.Tagliamonte, like many others, had a regular beauty routine. She visited a nail salon every four weeks for a manicure, a routine she followed without much thought. Yet, at the time of her last September visit, she noticed something odd—thin black lines on her right thumbnail. She initially dismissed it, thinking that nothing was wrong."I typically get my nails done every four weeks, so I don't know how long it had been there," she remembered. "But my nails grow pretty quickly because I have really good nutrition. It could have been there for six months or longer."She snapped photos of the lines and went on with her nail appointment, unaware that this apparently insignificant detail was an indicator of something much more severe.As the weeks went by, Tagliamonte observed that the lines did not extend out with her nail as she had anticipated. Rather, they stuck at the base of her thumbnail and appeared to be getting deeper. By the time her next appointment arrived, the marks persisted—unchanged and unerased.That was the wake-up call. Not taking any chances, she went to see a doctor. Over Thanksgiving, the results revealed her worst fears—the black lines were evidence of melanoma, stage zero or 'melanoma in situ.'What is Stage Zero Melanoma?Stage zero melanoma, or 'melanoma in situ,' is a situation where the cancer cells remain in the epidermis and have not extended beyond it. Although it is the most treatable and earliest stage, it can become invasive melanoma, spreading to other regions of the body and threatening life, if it goes undiagnosed.Physicians moved quickly to eliminate the cancerous cells before they had a chance to disperse. On January 17, Tagliamonte received a four-hour surgical procedure in which physicians amputated her entire thumbnail. To reattach the damaged area, a skin graft was conducted using tissue from the rest of her thumb.The dermatologist noticed discoloration at the bottom of my nail," she said. "Whatever was producing this black line was originating from within the growth plate, way down deep inside my nail.The procedure was invasive and complicated. The melanoma extended down to the first knuckle of her thumb, and a considerable amount of tissue had to be removed. The exposed bone and tendon were covered with the skin graft to allow the area to heal. Although she permanently lost her thumbnail, Tagliamonte is thankful for the timely medical intervention that left her alive.Tagliamonte attributes her routine manicure sessions and her own vigilance for detecting the disease before it advanced to a more serious phase."The nail appointment definitely saved my life," she stressed. "I am thankful that I noticed it and then went about having it checked out."Her experience is an eye-opener that even slightest changes in the body, whether seemingly innocuous, can prove to be signals of major illness at times. She now prefers others to be alert and hearken to instincts.If you notice something unusual or different, listen to your own instincts and have it looked at," she warned. "If I'd have ignored it, Lord only knows what might have happened to me in the future."Hidden Dangers of Nail Health and Exposure to the SunTagliamonte's account also makes one mindful of other health hazards of nail care. Numerous individuals are not aware that dark or black stripes in the nails can be markers of hidden underlying medical conditions. At times, such markings could be a consequence of a disorder known as subungual melanoma, an infrequent yet malignant form of skin cancer beneath the nail.Moreover, experts caution against the dangers posed by the UV lamps that are employed in certain professional manicures to harden gel nail polish. Such machines release UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin, heightening the risk of skin cancer with extended exposure."Too much exposure to UV light can harm the DNA of skin cells, causing them to grow out of control and form tumors," say dermatologists. "UVA and UVB radiation both help cause skin cancer, though UVB is more directly responsible for sunburn, with UVA causing more long-term harm and hastening the skin's aging process."Uncommon Signs of MelanomaAlthough melanoma is usually linked to moles and skin lesions, Michelle Tagliamonte's situation featured a number of uncommon warning signs:Black Stripes on the Nail – Rather than a visible skin lesion, she saw dark stripes along her thumbnail, a less common symptom of subungual melanoma.No Discomfort or Pain – Most people expect cancerous tumors to be painful, but Michelle felt no pain, making the diagnosis even more surprising.Slow and Steady Growth – The streaks did not fall out or simply grow out with her nail, an indication that there was something amiss.Concealed Source – The melanoma was growing from the growth plate of the nail underneath, hence hidden at first.Stage Zero Diagnosis – Despite the alarming signs, the melanoma was actually in its earliest stage, illustrating how intervention at this point could avoid fatal effects.

ohio woman’s routine manicure ‘saved her life’- how a nail discoloration turned out to be skin cancer?

Ishita Roy

Should You Turn Off Your Wifi Router Before Sleep?

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Gardening Helps Slow Down Cognitive Decline

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A wave of social media posts has sparked curiosity around a simple bedtime habit: switching off your Wi-Fi router at night. Some claim it boosts sleep quality, reduces headaches, and even improves mental clarity. But is there any science to back this? Here's what experts say happens when you turn off your Wi-Fi for seven nights in a row.

<h4>Does Wi-Fi Radiation Affect Your Body?</h4>

Wi-Fi routers emit non-ionising radiation — a low-level form of electromagnetic radiation (EMF) — that is widely considered safe under normal household exposure. Dr Hiran S. Reddy, consultant physician, diabetologist, and critical care specialist at Gleneagles Hospital, Hyderabad, who spoke to Indian Express said that for most people, turning off the router is unlikely to cause any physiological changes.

“WiFi devices emit low-level, non-ionising radiation, which current scientific consensus deems safe at everyday exposure levels,” he explained.

However, Dr Reddy noted that people who report heightened sensitivity to electromagnetic fields — a condition known as electromagnetic hypersensitivity — may experience perceived relief from symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. But clinical evidence for this condition remains inconclusive.

<h4>Is Sleep Impacted by Wi-Fi Signals?</h4>

Dr Sudhir Kumar, consultant neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, speaking to Indian Express told that most studies on Wi-Fi radiation have been conducted on animals. “There’s no conclusive evidence that Wi-Fi disrupts melatonin production from the pineal gland or interferes with human sleep,” he says.

He explains that Wi-Fi routers typically operate at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies, which emit far less energy than a mobile phone held close to the head. At common indoor distances (1–2 metres), the signal strength drops significantly, making it unlikely to influence melatonin or sleep in any measurable way.

<h4>The Real Sleep Disruptor: <span rel="noindex">Screen Time</span></h4>

Interestingly, both doctors agree that if anything is affecting sleep, it’s likely the screen time, not the router itself. Blue light emitted from phones, tablets, and laptops interferes with the pineal gland and suppresses melatonin — the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.

“Disabling Wi-Fi might reduce digital engagement, particularly screen exposure late at night. That can indirectly improve melatonin production and sleep quality,” says Dr Reddy.

<h4>Better <span rel="noindex">Sleep Hygiene</span>, Not Less Radiation</h4>

While switching off your Wi-Fi router for seven nights won’t likely cause direct changes in your brain or body, it may lead to better bedtime routines. Less internet access could mean fewer late-night scrolls, reduced digital distractions, and an earlier wind-down — all of which support better sleep hygiene.

“Quality sleep enhances everything from mood and cognitive function to immune health,” Dr Reddy noted.

As per the 2020 study published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, titled: Spending the night next to a router – Results from the first human experimental study investigating the impact of Wi-Fi exposure on sleep, a night of Wi-Fi exposure doesn’t seem to cause sleep problems for healthy young men — but it might make very subtle changes in brain activity that scientists are still trying to understand.

Researchers studied how Wi-Fi exposure might affect sleep. They invited 34 healthy young men (average age around 24) to stay in a sleep lab for five nights. The first night helped them get used to the lab. Then, they had two test nights — each one following a “normal” night to compare results.

During the test nights, some participants were exposed to Wi-Fi signals (at 2.45 GHz, like your home router), while others got fake (sham) signals. The researchers didn’t tell the participants which one they were getting. Sleep was measured in two ways:

<strong>Subjective sleep: </strong>How well participants felt they slept (through a questionnaire).

<strong>Objective sleep: </strong>What actually happened in their brains and bodies during sleep (measured using special equipment called polysomnography).

The Wi-Fi signals did not cause any major or noticeable effects on:

<ul><li>How well participants thought they slept</li><li>The general structure and stages of their sleep (called sleep macrostructure)</li></ul>

However, a detailed look at brain activity showed a small change:

There was a slight decrease in brain wave activity in the alpha frequency range (8–11.75 Hz) during deep (non-REM) sleep when Wi-Fi was on. This change is called a reduction in EEG alpha power.

Wi-Fi signals didn’t seem to change how people felt they slept or the main parts of their sleep.

There was a small, measurable brain activity change, but it’s unclear if this has any real impact on health or sleep quality.

health and wellness

sleep hygiene

wifi and sleep

radiation from wifi

screen time

A wave of social media posts has sparked curiosity around a simple bedtime habit: switching off your Wi-Fi router at night. Some claim it boosts sleep quality, reduces headaches, and even improves mental clarity. But is there any science to back this? Here's what experts say happens when you turn off your Wi-Fi for seven nights in a row.Does Wi-Fi Radiation Affect Your Body?Wi-Fi routers emit non-ionising radiation — a low-level form of electromagnetic radiation (EMF) — that is widely considered safe under normal household exposure. Dr Hiran S. Reddy, consultant physician, diabetologist, and critical care specialist at Gleneagles Hospital, Hyderabad, who spoke to Indian Express said that for most people, turning off the router is unlikely to cause any physiological changes.“WiFi devices emit low-level, non-ionising radiation, which current scientific consensus deems safe at everyday exposure levels,” he explained.However, Dr Reddy noted that people who report heightened sensitivity to electromagnetic fields — a condition known as electromagnetic hypersensitivity — may experience perceived relief from symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. But clinical evidence for this condition remains inconclusive.Is Sleep Impacted by Wi-Fi Signals?Dr Sudhir Kumar, consultant neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, speaking to Indian Express told that most studies on Wi-Fi radiation have been conducted on animals. “There’s no conclusive evidence that Wi-Fi disrupts melatonin production from the pineal gland or interferes with human sleep,” he says.He explains that Wi-Fi routers typically operate at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies, which emit far less energy than a mobile phone held close to the head. At common indoor distances (1–2 metres), the signal strength drops significantly, making it unlikely to influence melatonin or sleep in any measurable way.The Real Sleep Disruptor: Screen TimeInterestingly, both doctors agree that if anything is affecting sleep, it’s likely the screen time, not the router itself. Blue light emitted from phones, tablets, and laptops interferes with the pineal gland and suppresses melatonin — the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.“Disabling Wi-Fi might reduce digital engagement, particularly screen exposure late at night. That can indirectly improve melatonin production and sleep quality,” says Dr Reddy.Better Sleep Hygiene, Not Less RadiationWhile switching off your Wi-Fi router for seven nights won’t likely cause direct changes in your brain or body, it may lead to better bedtime routines. Less internet access could mean fewer late-night scrolls, reduced digital distractions, and an earlier wind-down — all of which support better sleep hygiene.“Quality sleep enhances everything from mood and cognitive function to immune health,” Dr Reddy noted.What Does The Study Say?As per the 2020 study published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, titled: Spending the night next to a router – Results from the first human experimental study investigating the impact of Wi-Fi exposure on sleep, a night of Wi-Fi exposure doesn’t seem to cause sleep problems for healthy young men — but it might make very subtle changes in brain activity that scientists are still trying to understand.How Was The Study Conducted?Researchers studied how Wi-Fi exposure might affect sleep. They invited 34 healthy young men (average age around 24) to stay in a sleep lab for five nights. The first night helped them get used to the lab. Then, they had two test nights — each one following a “normal” night to compare results.During the test nights, some participants were exposed to Wi-Fi signals (at 2.45 GHz, like your home router), while others got fake (sham) signals. The researchers didn’t tell the participants which one they were getting. Sleep was measured in two ways:Subjective sleep: How well participants felt they slept (through a questionnaire).Objective sleep: What actually happened in their brains and bodies during sleep (measured using special equipment called polysomnography).What They FoundThe Wi-Fi signals did not cause any major or noticeable effects on:How well participants thought they sleptThe general structure and stages of their sleep (called sleep macrostructure)However, a detailed look at brain activity showed a small change:There was a slight decrease in brain wave activity in the alpha frequency range (8–11.75 Hz) during deep (non-REM) sleep when Wi-Fi was on. This change is called a reduction in EEG alpha power.What It MeansWi-Fi signals didn’t seem to change how people felt they slept or the main parts of their sleep.There was a small, measurable brain activity change, but it’s unclear if this has any real impact on health or sleep quality.

should you turn off your wifi router before sleep?

Riya Baibhawi

2 Overlooked Early Signs Of Dementia That Get Mistaken As Everyday Issues

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This US County Has The Highest Rates Of Dementia - Here Is The Reason Why

this us county has the highest rates of dementia - here is the reason why

<span>Gardening</span> preserves cognitive function and may also help prevent <span>neurodegenerative diseases</span> like <span>Dementia</span>, Parkinson's Disease, among others. A new study, which was conducted by researchers in the UK, showed that those who grew and nurtured plants as well as lived in greener environments slowed down their <span>cognitive decline</span>. Intrestingly, there is already enough empirical evidence that shows plants reduce stress and improve memory and recall. 

It is because of this that many countries have care farms, which get their name from the way they serve people's impulses to work and connect with others. Speaking to the <em>BBC</em>, Henreitte Bringsjord, whose parents founded one of such farms, said, "My mum and dad loved farm work, and they thought about how hard it is for people with dementia to stop working and lose their social life. So, they wanted to help people with dementia become a part of life again." 

<h2>How Do Plants Help You Boost Neurological Pathways?</h2>

The study, which was published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, stated that nature can significantly increase physical activity and social connection while reducing stress, which has multiple positive knock-on effects such as blood pressure, blood sugar control and healthy weight. According to health experts, physical activities really have immense health benefits, but gardening surcharges those.

To test the same, researchers from the University of Edinburgh investigated if there might be a link between gardening and changes in our intelligence over our lifetimes. The study compared the intelligence test scores of participants at age 11 and age 79. All the participants in the study were residents of Edinburgh and were traced throughout their lifetimes. Of the 467 people tested, almost 31 per cent had never gardened, but 43 per cent regularly did. The results showed that those who spent time gardening showed greater lifetime improvement in their cognitive ability than those who never or rarely did. "Between the ages of 79 and 90, cognitive ability, including memory, problem solving, and word fluency, generally declined across the board, but the earlier advantage of gardeners endured", researchers of the study said. 

Besides gardening, these are the activities that can also help you boost cognitive health. 

1. Physical Exercise: Improves blood flow to the brain and promotes neurogenesis.

2. Mental Exercises: Engaging in puzzles, chess, and memory games enhances problem-solving skills and memory.

3. Reading and Learning: Reading diverse materials or learning a new language strengthens neural connections.

4. Playing Musical Instruments: Enhances cognitive processing and coordination.

5. Social Interactions: Meaningful conversations and group activities stimulate cognitive and emotional processing.

6. Mindfulness and Meditation: Reduces stress and improves focus and attention span.

7. Adequate Sleep: Supports memory consolidation and cognitive function.

8. Healthy Diet: Consuming foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins promotes brain health.

9. Hobbies and New Skills: Learning new skills or hobbies keeps the brain active and engaged.

10. Cognitive Training Apps: Apps designed for memory and focus training can provide structured mental workouts.

<strong>ALSO READ</strong>: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/6-tips-to-take-care-of-your-gut-health-by-celebrity-doctor-steven-grundy-article-151273239" data-type="tilCustomLink">6 Tips To Take Care Of Your Gut Health By Celebrity Doctor Steven Grundy</a>

Cognitive Decline

dementia

Cognition

Neurodegenerative diseases

Gardening

Gardening preserves cognitive function and may also help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Dementia, Parkinson's Disease, among others. A new study, which was conducted by researchers in the UK, showed that those who grew and nurtured plants as well as lived in greener environments slowed down their cognitive decline. Intrestingly, there is already enough empirical evidence that shows plants reduce stress and improve memory and recall. It is because of this that many countries have care farms, which get their name from the way they serve people's impulses to work and connect with others. Speaking to the BBC, Henreitte Bringsjord, whose parents founded one of such farms, said, "My mum and dad loved farm work, and they thought about how hard it is for people with dementia to stop working and lose their social life. So, they wanted to help people with dementia become a part of life again." How Do Plants Help You Boost Neurological Pathways?The study, which was published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, stated that nature can significantly increase physical activity and social connection while reducing stress, which has multiple positive knock-on effects such as blood pressure, blood sugar control and healthy weight. According to health experts, physical activities really have immense health benefits, but gardening surcharges those.To test the same, researchers from the University of Edinburgh investigated if there might be a link between gardening and changes in our intelligence over our lifetimes. The study compared the intelligence test scores of participants at age 11 and age 79. All the participants in the study were residents of Edinburgh and were traced throughout their lifetimes. Of the 467 people tested, almost 31 per cent had never gardened, but 43 per cent regularly did. The results showed that those who spent time gardening showed greater lifetime improvement in their cognitive ability than those who never or rarely did. "Between the ages of 79 and 90, cognitive ability, including memory, problem solving, and word fluency, generally declined across the board, but the earlier advantage of gardeners endured", researchers of the study said. Besides gardening, these are the activities that can also help you boost cognitive health. 1. Physical Exercise: Improves blood flow to the brain and promotes neurogenesis.2. Mental Exercises: Engaging in puzzles, chess, and memory games enhances problem-solving skills and memory.3. Reading and Learning: Reading diverse materials or learning a new language strengthens neural connections.4. Playing Musical Instruments: Enhances cognitive processing and coordination.5. Social Interactions: Meaningful conversations and group activities stimulate cognitive and emotional processing.6. Mindfulness and Meditation: Reduces stress and improves focus and attention span.7. Adequate Sleep: Supports memory consolidation and cognitive function.8. Healthy Diet: Consuming foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins promotes brain health.9. Hobbies and New Skills: Learning new skills or hobbies keeps the brain active and engaged.10. Cognitive Training Apps: Apps designed for memory and focus training can provide structured mental workouts.ALSO READ: 6 Tips To Take Care Of Your Gut Health By Celebrity Doctor Steven Grundy

Aarushi Bhadury

Experiencing This Symptom Of Headache Could Be A Sign Of Brain Aneurysm

experiencing this symptom of headache could be a sign of brain aneurysm

Health News

parkinson’s disease may have a new environmental trigger- can it be avoided?

Being the most common cause of <span>dementia</span>, Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memories, thinking skills and behavioral abilities. These symptoms eventually grow enough to interfere with daily tasks. According to the Alzheimer’s Association over seven million Americans live with Alzheimer’s and that number is said to increase to 13 million by 2050. Nearly 12 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia issues. 

However, are there certain places that have more people affected by Alzheimer’s? According to the South Texas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Texas has the fourth highest number of Alzheimer’s and second highest number of deaths from Alzheimer’s in the US. The Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation states that the Starr County is where 26% of Medicare beneficiaries come from. It is a rural Hispanic centric county in the Rio Grande City. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease</span>? </h2>

<span>National Institute on Aging</span> explains that one of the biggest risk factors for Alzheimer’s is aging, most people develop Alzheimer’s when they are 65 or older with less than 10% cases happening before this. Other things include genetics, and research has shown conditions such as heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure could also be risk factors. 

Researchers do not fully understand what causes Alzheimer's. They think it's due to clumps of proteins in the brain that damage brain cells. It's likely a mix of genes, how people live, and what's around them. However, one common factor that has been observed by the researchers is that many of these families come from poor economic backgrounds. 

Being poor might play a big role because people in poorer areas often have worse air, drive more instead of walking, have more stress, and don't see people as much. She also mentioned that there might be bad things in the water, like arsenic, that can hurt the brain. The very hot weather in Texas could also be a problem, adding stress to the body. Finally, she noted that the large Hispanic population in the area might be more likely to get dementia for reasons we don't yet know.

<h2>How Socioeconomic Background of People Affects Alzheimer's </h2>

To understand how financial backgrounds could affect Alzheimer's, a 2018 study done by the International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease showed that the number of people without jobs in a region didn't seem to change how much Alzheimer's affected lifespan. This study looked at different areas in Slovakia to see if things like how much money people have, how many people have jobs, and how much education people get affect how long people might live if no one ever got Alzheimer's disease. 

However, they found that the amount of money a region had (GDP), the average pay people got, and how educated people were, did have an impact. 

More education seemed to indirectly lead to a bigger impact from Alzheimer's on lifespan, which matches what other studies have found. Surprisingly, they also found that when wages and the overall wealth of a region were higher, Alzheimer's seemed to have a bigger effect on shortening lifespan. This is different from what other studies have suggested, where more money usually means less Alzheimer's.

US County Has The Highest Rates Of Dementia

alzheimers

national institute on aging

Highest Rates Of Dementia

Dementia

What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?

Being the most common cause of dementia, Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memories, thinking skills and behavioral abilities. These symptoms eventually grow enough to interfere with daily tasks. According to the Alzheimer’s Association over seven million Americans live with Alzheimer’s and that number is said to increase to 13 million by 2050. Nearly 12 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia issues. However, are there certain places that have more people affected by Alzheimer’s? According to the South Texas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Texas has the fourth highest number of Alzheimer’s and second highest number of deaths from Alzheimer’s in the US. The Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation states that the Starr County is where 26% of Medicare beneficiaries come from. It is a rural Hispanic centric county in the Rio Grande City. What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease? National Institute on Aging explains that one of the biggest risk factors for Alzheimer’s is aging, most people develop Alzheimer’s when they are 65 or older with less than 10% cases happening before this. Other things include genetics, and research has shown conditions such as heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure could also be risk factors. Researchers do not fully understand what causes Alzheimer's. They think it's due to clumps of proteins in the brain that damage brain cells. It's likely a mix of genes, how people live, and what's around them. However, one common factor that has been observed by the researchers is that many of these families come from poor economic backgrounds. Being poor might play a big role because people in poorer areas often have worse air, drive more instead of walking, have more stress, and don't see people as much. She also mentioned that there might be bad things in the water, like arsenic, that can hurt the brain. The very hot weather in Texas could also be a problem, adding stress to the body. Finally, she noted that the large Hispanic population in the area might be more likely to get dementia for reasons we don't yet know. How Socioeconomic Background of People Affects Alzheimer's To understand how financial backgrounds could affect Alzheimer's, a 2018 study done by the International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease showed that the number of people without jobs in a region didn't seem to change how much Alzheimer's affected lifespan. This study looked at different areas in Slovakia to see if things like how much money people have, how many people have jobs, and how much education people get affect how long people might live if no one ever got Alzheimer's disease. However, they found that the amount of money a region had (GDP), the average pay people got, and how educated people were, did have an impact. More education seemed to indirectly lead to a bigger impact from Alzheimer's on lifespan, which matches what other studies have found. Surprisingly, they also found that when wages and the overall wealth of a region were higher, Alzheimer's seemed to have a bigger effect on shortening lifespan. This is different from what other studies have suggested, where more money usually means less Alzheimer's.

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