Donald Trump’s health has once again become a hot talking point, but this time it is not about his diet or late-night Twitter habits. Instead, two psychologists are raising red flags about something far more serious: dementia. According to them, the US president has been showing what they describe as a “dead ringer telltale sign” of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and they warn that the symptoms appear to be getting “worse and worse”.

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What Are The Psychologists’ Concern?

Clinical psychologists Dr. Harry Segal and Dr. John Gartner, hosts of the podcast Shrinking Trump, claim that Trump’s psychomotor functioning has visibly deteriorated. Speaking to The Guardian, Dr. Gartner said, “Some of the more evidence that we've been talking about recently has been his psychomotor performance, that we're seeing a deterioration in his motor performance, which also goes with dementia because with dementia there's a deterioration of all faculties, all functions.”

Adding to the intrigue, the Mirror reported that Trump has been spotted “frantically” trying to hide the back of his hand, fuelling speculation about his health. According to Dr. Gartner, Trump’s verbal slips, struggles with language, and now motor difficulties fit the pattern of a neurodegenerative disorder. He even suggested Trump may have more than one form of dementia, but he believes one stands out: frontotemporal dementia.

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“One of the things that one of the neuropsychologists that we were working with last year pointed out that is almost a dead ringer telltale sign of frontotemporal dementia is something they call a wide-based gait, where you have a sort of one of your limbs, one of your legs, and you kind of swing it in a semicircle,” Dr. Gartner explained.

What Is Frontotemporal Dementia?

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is not a single disease but a group of disorders that attack the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes. These regions control personality, social behaviour, and language, the very things that often change first in people with the condition.

Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, which is better known, FTD often shows up earlier, typically between the ages of 40 and 65. However, it can appear later in life, making it tricky to diagnose. Many patients are first misdiagnosed with psychiatric conditions or even Alzheimer’s because the symptoms overlap.

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Symptoms Of Frontotemporal Dementia That Raise Eyebrows

The Mayo Clinic states that the symptoms of FTD vary depending on the most affected part of the brain. The progression is gradual but relentless.

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Behavioural symptoms include:

• Socially inappropriate behaviour.
• Loss of empathy and sensitivity to others.
• Poor judgement and impulsivity.
• Apathy that can be mistaken for depression.
• Compulsive habits such as tapping, clapping, or repetitive lip-smacking.
• Decline in hygiene.
• Odd eating habits – from sudden sugar cravings to chewing on non-food items.

Language-related symptoms include:

• Trouble understanding and producing speech.
• Difficulty finding the right words.
• Using vague terms like “it” instead of specific words.
• Simplified, telegraphic speech.
• Errors in building sentences.

Movement-related symptoms (less common but significant) include:

• Tremors, stiffness, or muscle spasms.
• Difficulty swallowing or weakness.
• Poor balance leading to falls.
• Inappropriate emotional outbursts like laughing or crying.

The “wide-based gait” noted by Dr. Gartner falls into this movement-related cluster, aligning with the suspicion of FTD.

What Causes Frontotemporal Dementia?

FTD literally shrinks the brain; the frontal and temporal lobes undergo atrophy while abnormal proteins accumulate. The precise cause is not always clear, but genetics plays a role in some cases. Mutations in certain genes overlap with conditions like ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), hinting at a deeper biological link that scientists are still trying to untangle.

Interestingly, over half of people diagnosed with FTD have no family history of dementia, meaning the condition can strike seemingly out of the blue.

Who is At Risk?

The only established risk factor is family history. Unlike heart disease or type 2 diabetes, lifestyle choices have not been clearly tied to developing FTD. Still, because it often appears earlier than Alzheimer’s, it can be devastating for families, robbing individuals of their personality, judgement, and communication skills during what should be the prime of life.

While Trump’s team has not confirmed or denied any health concerns, the observations of Dr. Segal and Dr. Gartner point to a broader issue: recognising the early signs of dementia in public figures and ordinary people alike. If the psychologists are correct, the president may be experiencing symptoms that fit squarely within the profile of frontotemporal dementia.

How Long Do People With Frontotemporal Dementia Live?

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a progressive condition, where symptoms gradually get worse over time. Life expectancy is very variable as some live more than 10 years after diagnosis, whereas others might survive less than two years. As the illness progresses, many people need full-time care, including 24-hour care.

Since FTD impacts both cognitive and behavior functions, it is necessary to plan ahead. Early planning of financial, legal, and caregiving plans is encouraged for families to properly support the person as the disease worsens.

What Are the 7 Stages of Frontotemporal Dementia?

Frontotemporal dementia does not develop the same for all, but clinicians and researchers like to break it down into seven stages to assist families and caregivers in knowing what lies ahead. Each stage points out how thinking, memory, behavior, and physical health might change over time.

Stage 1: Mild Cognitive Changes

• Small memory slips and less concentration
• Early indication of trouble concentrating on tasks
• Little interference with daily living

Stage 2: Behavioral and Decision-Making Changes

• Notable impulsivity, apathy, or disinhibition
• Difficulty with judgment and problem-solving
• Increased difficulties in work or social environments

Stage 3: Language Difficulty

• Difficulty in retrieving words and expressing self
• Effort to follow conversations or complicated directions
• Greater communication difficulty

Stage 4: Daily Function Decline

• Finding difficulty in managing home tasks and routines
• Difficulty with planning and flexibility
• Decreased independence in daily functioning

Stage 5: Personality Changes and Mood Instability

• Marked changes in personality and social behavior
• Frequent and pronounced mood swings, irritability, or emotional withdrawal
• Increased strain in relationships

Phase 6: Severe Memory Loss

• Difficulty in recognizing familiar individuals or locations
• Restricted recollection of past events
• High dependence on cues, reminders, or caregiver assistance

Phase 7: Advanced Cognitive and Physical Decline

• Extreme impairment in cognitive functioning and loss of verbal communication
• Reduced mobility and physical frailty
• Increased susceptibility to infections and other health issues

What is Stage 7 of Frontotemporal Dementia?

Stage 7 of frontotemporal dementia is the most severe and advanced stage of the disease, where mental, behavioral, and physical capacities degenerate significantly. Cognitive impairment is severe at this stage, with minimal or no capacity for verbal communication. Language functioning that had already been impaired in previous stages is nearly completely lost, with the individual unable to make statements or comprehend discourse. Memory loss becomes extreme, usually to the point that they might not be able to identify close relatives.

Physical health also declines considerably, with mobility problems becoming more severe, causing a higher risk of falls, immobility, and infections like pneumonia or urinary tract infections. Due to this decline, individuals in Stage 7 usually need to be in full-time care for even the most fundamental daily tasks, such as eating, bathing, and toileting. This stage is usually marred by increased susceptibility to other health issues, necessitating medical and caregiving intervention in order to ensure comfort and quality of life.

What is Bruce Willis's Health Update? He Was Also Diagnosed With FTD Over Three Years Ago

The 70-year-old “Die Hard” and “Sixth Sense” star was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia more than three years ago. In 2023, his family revealed the condition.

As winter transitions into warmer summer months, many people notice a sudden worsening of dandruff. During colder months, dandruff often appears as dry, fine flakes due to scalp dryness. However, as temperatures rise and humidity increases, dandruff can become oily and sticky because of increased sweating and sebum production. This seasonal shift highlights that dandruff is not limited to a particular time of year; rather, changes in climate can disrupt scalp balance and trigger flare-ups. Dr. Anupriya Goel, MBBS, MD, DPD (UK) – Dermatology, answered this for us.

Why does dandruff recur?

Many people struggle to understand why dandruff keeps recurring. It is often treated as a temporary cosmetic concern, but in reality, dandruff is a chronic scalp condition that requires consistent care and appropriate treatment. The primary cause of dandruff is a yeast called Malassezia globosa, which naturally resides on the scalp. This microorganism feeds on sebum (the natural oils produced by the scalp). As it breaks down these oils, it releases by-products that can irritate the scalp, leading to inflammation, itching, and visible flaking.

Seasonal factors further aggravate this process. In winter, cold air, low humidity, indoor heating, and frequent hot showers can strip the scalp of its natural moisture and weaken the skin barrier, resulting in dryness and flaking. In contrast, summer brings increased sweat and oil production. The combination of humidity, sweat, and sebum creates an ideal environment for Malassezia to multiply, which can worsen dandruff symptoms.

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What are the external factors responsible for dandruff?

Environmental factors such as pollution can also settle on the scalp and contribute to irritation. In addition, daily habits like wearing helmets for long hours, tying up damp hair, or not cleansing the scalp regularly can further disrupt scalp health. The transition period between seasons is often the most challenging, as the scalp has limited time to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Because dandruff is often mistaken for a temporary issue, many people rely on occasional treatments or home remedies. However, effective management typically requires regular scalp-focused care using clinically proven active ingredients.

Treating dandruff

One such ingredient commonly used in anti-dandruff formulations is Piroctone Olamine, an antifungal agent that helps control the growth of Malassezia on the scalp. By reducing fungal proliferation, it helps address the underlying cause of dandruff and can assist in decreasing flaking, itching, and scalp irritation. It also helps cleanse the scalp by removing excess oil and buildup while being relatively gentle on the hair and scalp.

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For optimal results, individuals experiencing recurrent dandruff may benefit from incorporating an anti-dandruff shampoo containing Piroctone Olamine into their regular hair care routine. Consistent use is important for maintaining scalp balance. During periods of increased sweating, such as in hot and humid weather, washing frequency may be increased as needed. Maintaining hygiene practices such as regularly cleaning helmets, pillowcases, and hair accessories can also help minimise recurrence.

In addition to controlling dandruff, well-formulated shampoos containing Piroctone Olamine are often combined with conditioning and moisturising ingredients that help maintain hair softness and scalp comfort while supporting long-term scalp balance.

Autism in women is not often entirely recognized because this disorder does not always have to correspond to the “classic” picture characteristic of males.

The diagnosis is based on a male criterion with such behavior as obvious withdrawal from a group, overtly displayed repetitive behaviour, and limited interests. There can be mild social deficit or internalized anger and frustration that can pass unnoticed in clinical practice.

The Art of Masking

One of the most significant reasons behind underdiagnosis is masking (also called camouflaging). Masking is one of the most significant reasons for underdiagnosis. This is helpful in masking but also covers or conceals essential symptoms.

Masking causes mental exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout, but it does not address the underlying autism and leaves it undiagnosed.

Stereotypes And Gender Bias

There is a strong societal stereotype that autism is a “male condition”. This bias is felt by parents, teachers, as well as health care professionals.

Sex bias is evident in that boys get referred for evaluation early. Girls are often tagged “shy,” “sensitive,” and “introverted.”

Their struggles are normalized instead of being explored for any issues. Gender bias is a significant contributor to delayed or wrong diagnosis.

Different Interests, Less Suspicion

A restricted interest is another hallmark of autism, but in women, it tends to be more socially acceptable. Their interests conform to the norms of society; they do not predispose clinical suspicion as opposed to more masculine interests like mechanical systems or numbers.

Overlap With Other Conditions

Autism in women being misdiagnosed as other psychiatric disorders is due to symptom comorbidity. Some of the common misdiagnoses are:

• anxiety disorders,
• major depressive disorder,
• borderline personality disorder,
• eating disorders.

In many cases, these are secondary to autism as a result of years of living with undiagnosed autism.

Social Expectations And Conditioning

From an early age, girls are often conditioned to be socially attentive, empathetic, and compliant. This societal conditioning pushes autistic girls to adapt and hide their difficulties.

These may include forcing themselves into socializing. Fitting in is deemed more important than comfort. They end up creating coping mechanisms that mask their difficulties.

While this may benefit outward functioning, it postpones the recognition of underlying neurodevelopmental differences.

The Consequences of Late Diagnosis

Delayed diagnosis or missed diagnosis has the following effects:

• Chronic mental illness
• Low self-esteem
• Confusion about identity
• Inadequate support services

The World Health Organization estimates that 10 percent (190 million) of reproductive-age women worldwide suffer from endometriosis.

The chronic and complex menstrual disease that affects many women is characterized by severe pain during menstruation, heavy menstrual bleeding, chronic pelvic pain (pain that does not go away when the menstrual cycle ends), infertility, and abdominal bloating and nausea.

The incurable condition poses a significant challenge to women as it affects their personal and professional lives, relationships, and fertility, among others, due to persistent pain and fatigue.

The diagnosis also gets delayed, as endometriosis is often confused with PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, due to some overlapping symptoms like irregular menstrual periods. The symptoms may continue to persist or recur after treatment is initiated.

In a powerful statement resonating with millions worldwide, Indian American author and television host Padma Lakshmi has shared her experience with the condition.

Opening about her personal battle with endometriosis, the 55-year-old, Co-founder of Endometriosis Foundation of America, said that the condition made her understand how strong she is and called for greater awareness and self-advocacy among women.

"Endometriosis has taught me that I should always listen to my body. Pain is your body's way of telling you something is wrong,” said Lakshmi, in a media post on social media platform Instagram.

"Through my struggles with endometriosis, I've learned that, actually, I have a very high threshold for pain, that I may be stronger than I know, but that I shouldn't always need to be,” PopSugar quoted her as saying.

Lakshmi noted that it is now her life's mission "to advocate for my own health, and also to advocate for all women with endometriosis."

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These tissues commonly develop on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the pelvic lining.

Endometriosis affects many women and can impact their daily lives, including their ability to work comfortably. Many women continue their professional responsibilities despite experiencing severe discomfort, fatigue, and pain.

Raising awareness about the condition and encouraging supportive workplaces can help women manage both their health and career more effectively.

Since it is a progressive disorder, timely intervention remains key to managing it. In many cases, women live with symptoms for several years before receiving the correct diagnosis, which can delay treatment and affect their quality of life.

Treating Endometriosis

Treatment is particularly based on the severity of symptoms. Women will be advised lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, stress management, and an anti-inflammatory diet. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help reduce discomfort.

Hormonal therapies may also be used to control symptoms. Some women will be advised to undergo laparoscopy to remove endometriotic cysts.

Minimally invasive surgery can help remove lesions and restore pelvic anatomy, which may also improve fertility in some cases. In advanced cases, surgery can be recommended to women.