All posts tagged: Health Advice

Neurologist lists unique symptoms of vascular dementia

Neurologist lists unique symptoms of vascular dementia

Published by Daniella Wilson

While Alzheimer’s is the most well-known form of dementia, especially given that life expectancy continues to rise, vascular dementia is the second most common cause of cognitive decline – and for women over 60, the risks can be particularly “hidden.”  Neurologist Dr Silvia Gil, a spokesperson for the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN), warns that poor cardiovascular health is often the silent trigger.  Why women over 60 are at higher risk When neurologists discuss vascular dementia, they are referring to a form of cognitive decline resulting from brain damage caused by vascular lesions or a stroke. “These types of lesions can be caused by a reduction in blood flow to the brain or a haemorrhage. In either case, the damage is significant enough to adversely affect not only cognition, but also the ability to manage daily tasks independently. Consequently, the individual requires support and supervision from others,” says the neurologist. © Getty ImagesManaging heart health is a critical step in preventing vascular dementia A common question is whether specific risk factors influence the development of …

A molecular biologist explains the ultimate body hack for daily anxiety

A molecular biologist explains the ultimate body hack for daily anxiety

Published by Daniella Wilson

We ought to listen to our bodies more. Yet, we rarely make time for this, even though it is completely fundamental to our well-being. But being in tune with our bodies, not just our brains, is exactly what Dr Estanislao Bachrach, who holds a PhD in molecular biology specialising in neuroscience, encourages us to do.  The scientist and author invites us to reconnect with ourselves and truly get to know our body, because it’s what actually provides the brain with vital information for everything it decides to do, feel and think.  The aim? To use the body as a tool for self-knowledge to achieve a major goal: strengthening our sensory intelligence to help us with anxiety, decision-making and even empathising with people we don’t like.  We caught up with the expert to find out more in an in-depth Q&A. You highlight a fascinating idea: ‘Let your body be your brain’. Why should we make this our goal? Well, it’s not so much a goal we must set ourselves. My job is simply to share a …

5 everyday habits fast-tracking your joint pain

5 everyday habits fast-tracking your joint pain

Published by Daniella Wilson

It’s estimated that at least one in three people over 50 live with the daily discomfort of osteoarthritis, a condition that can severely restrict our day-to-day lives.  What many of us don’t realise, however, is that this issue it isn’t just down to our genetics, nor is it simply the inevitable passage of time.  Simple factors in our daily routine, from bad posture to poorly executed exercises, can silently accelerate its progression, worsening the condition without us even noticing it. Leading rheumatologist Dr Cruz Fernández-Espartero has outlined the most significant, and well-documented, lifestyle factors that put us at risk. Is your behaviour hindering your healing? Here are the doctor’s 5 mistakes you could be making: A poor diet: Diets high in refined sugars and trans fats are major culprits, as they actively fuel chronic inflammation. For those living with osteoarthritis, mindful eating is an essential first line of defence. Chronic stress: Constant stress disrupts your hormonal balance, which can heighten your perception of pain and exacerbate joint inflammation. Ill-fitting footwear: Wearing the wrong shoes alters your natural gait …

Psychologists reveal if it’s a common trait or hidden OCD

Psychologists reveal if it’s a common trait or hidden OCD

Published by Daniella Wilson

It happens to me all the time. Whether I’m out for a meal or at home, I have this overwhelming urge to clear the crumbs off the tablecloth. Sometimes I do it discreetly, other times without even realising.  And since I know I’m not the only one who does this, I wanted to ask a few psychologists if it’s common, or if it’s a sign of some underlying cleaning-related Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, also known as OCD. Psychologist Lara Ferreiro tells me that, generally, the need to keep your eating area clean isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. However, if the behaviour becomes obsessive and is accompanied by other symptoms, it might be worth taking more seriously – especially if it involves compulsive habits that affect your quality of life and feel impossible to control.  Fellow psychology expert Juvenal Ornelas concurs: “It may be a behaviour born out of a need for control, often linked to perfectionism.” But before we start worrying, let’s take a look at what might actually be causing this habit. When sweeping table …

Microplastics, menopause & hormones: The small swaps that can help

Microplastics, menopause & hormones: The small swaps that can help

Published by Daniella Wilson

A few months back, one of my patients mentioned watching a documentary called The Plastic Detox and highly recommended it. It sounded interesting but not exactly my usual idea of winding down in the evening. However, one night I switched on the television and there it was, the first thing that popped up. Obviously, a sign. © Nadia AlibhaiWith over 20 years experience, Nadia loves sharing her tips and tricks The documentary followed women struggling to conceive who were encouraged to reduce their exposure to plastics and everyday chemicals. After lowering their exposure, many of the women in the trial later conceived successfully. Now of course, fertility is complex and there are many factors involved, but it really made me stop and think. Then came the statistic that genuinely made me pause: researchers have found microplastics in human brain tissue, with estimates suggesting the average brain may contain around the weight of a small plastic spoon in plastic particles. That one stayed with me. © NetflixJesse Nubbe and Darby Nubbe star in Netfix’s The Plastic Detox. …

I was on course to blow up my career and my marriage

I was on course to blow up my career and my marriage

Published by Daniella Wilson

Nobody needs to read 1000 self-help books. And having done so myself, I can’t say I’d recommend it.  There’s a lot of noise out there, and yes, some properly dubious and possibly dangerous advice (say ‘yes’ to everything, say ‘no’ to everything, be happy with nothing, always be striving for more, cut off everyone you’ve ever met and hand over your life savings to your new guru etc etc). © (C)2026 DAN KENNEDYToni Jones used her experience of reading over 1000 self help books to create her own YOU ( The Beginner’s Guide) But what I’ve learned from 10 years of reading and doing and sharing self-help is that most of it is the same core ideas presented in different styles that resonate with different people at different stages of their ride through life. And that at the core of any of this ‘Work’ we can do to create more satisfying, healthier and happier lives there is one place everyone must start if they want to create any kind of change. You need to start …

Forget the 5 senses: A neuroscientist says you actually have 7

Forget the 5 senses: A neuroscientist says you actually have 7

Published by Daniella Wilson

What if we actually possesss seven senses rather than the traditional five? More importantly, what if tapping into these “hidden” faculties could help us to navigate our lives, making everything from self-regulation to understanding others infinitely more simple? We spoke with Andrea Bariselli, a neuroscientist, clinical psychologist, author and podcaster, to discuss two “extra” senses currently gaining traction in scientific circles – proprioception and interoception.  The expert details how these bonus senses underpin our intuition – but can these really be catalogued alongside the long-established roster of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch? More than meets the eye: Uncovering the ‘hidden’ 6th and 7th senses © Getty ImagesUnderstanding our ‘extra’ senses – proprioception and interoception – can help reduce chronic stress and improve emotional stability, even in a fast-paced world Bariselli breaks down the definition of the two additional “senses”.  “Proprioception is what allows us to sense our body’s position and movement in a given space,” he says. This concept goes a long way in explaining why proprioception drills have become a staple in modern …

Could a sociable midlife hobby be the secret to dodging Alzheimer’s?

Could a sociable midlife hobby be the secret to dodging Alzheimer’s?

Published by Daniella Wilson

We’ve all had “that” moment. You walk into the kitchen with a sense of purpose, only to stare at the fridge and realise your brain has just hit the factory reset button. You’re standing there, wondering if you came in for a cup of tea or to check if the back door is locked. For many of us over a certain age, these moments carry a cold shiver of anxiety. If you’ve watched anyone slip away into the fog of dementia, you’ll feel a sense of dread. But I have some good news to share. New breakthrough research from the Trinity College Dublin Institute of Neuroscience has turned the genetic doom narrative on its head.  © Getty ImagesFree time coud be spent learning to skate board – if you’re brave It turns out that the window between 40 and 59 is a golden opportunity – a “cognitive reserve” building phase where we can actually outweigh our genetic risks through the sheer power of how we spend our free time.  What Did The Study Find The …

A nutritionist explains the gut’s role in hormonal mood swings

A nutritionist explains the gut’s role in hormonal mood swings

Published by Daniella Wilson

The link between women’s gut health and hormones is transforming our understanding of our wellbeing, and nutrition, hormonal health specialist and author Marta León is dedicated to exploring this surprising connection. “When we talk about women’s hormonal health, we can’t just focus on the ovaries,” she emphasises. “I always say that hormonal health begins in the gut.” León examines how the microbiota directly influences women’s hormones and everything from acne and PMS to endometriosis, arguing that looking after our gut health is a key tool for both physical and emotional balance. “While our understanding of microbiota is growing, it’s still incredible to discover just how deeply it’s connected to every part of who we are,” says the expert. “It doesn’t just affect our digestion or immune system; it plays a fundamental role in keeping our hormones in check, particularly for women.” Léon puts a special focus on oestrobolome, a specific group of microorganisms in our gut which is actively involved in how we metabolise oestrogen.  © Getty ImagesThe oestrobolome refers to a specific community of bacteria …

The spring slump explained; why you’re feeling tired and how to fix it

The spring slump explained; why you’re feeling tired and how to fix it

Published by Daniella Wilson

A little sit-down, you say? Another coffee? Camera disabled on your Zoom call? If you’re feeling off your game, you’re not imagining it. Welcome to the spring energy slump. For a season that’s meant to signal renewal and momentum, this time of year can feel strangely flat. The clocks have changed and brighter days are here, yet rather than riding a wave of fresh energy, you might feel as though you’ve stalled. It’s a kind of in-between: you’re no longer in winter hibernation mode, but not exactly firing on all cylinders, either. The result? A subtle but persistent sense of mental and physical fatigue.  So what’s going on? “The ‘April slump’ often catches people off-guard and can carry on into early May,” says Kathryn Pinkham, a sleep expert and the founder of The Insomnia Clinic. “Although the days are getting longer and lighter, our internal body clock doesn’t always adjust as quickly. “The shift to lighter mornings, particularly after the clocks change, can temporarily disrupt our circadian rhythm, the system that regulates when we feel …