google-site-verification=cXrcMGa94PjI5BEhkIFIyc9eZiIwZzNJc4mTXSXtGRM Understanding Frontotemporal Dementia – which disproportionately affects Black people – through Wendy Williams’ diagnosis - 360WISE MEDIA
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Understanding Frontotemporal Dementia – which disproportionately affects Black people – through Wendy Williams’ diagnosis

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The recent news of Wendy Williams’ diagnosis with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the identical disease that actor Bruce Willis suffers from, is sending shockwaves throughout the Black community.

Williams, 59, best known for her profession as a radio and tv host, revealed her diagnosis on the Lifetime series “Where’s Wendy Williams?” a two-part documentary about her physical and mental health.

The former host of “The Wendy Williams Show” has an extended history of health problems, from cocaine addiction to cocaine-related Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism. In 2017, she passed out on set during a live Halloween taping, and in 2019, she admitted to living in a sober house after being found unconscious in her New York apartment months earlier, requiring emergency hospitalization and two blood transfusions. But for a lot of, the FTD diagnosis was a bombshell and a reminder of the impact of dementia on the Black community.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) disproportionately affects the Black community in comparison with others, and the causes remain unclear. Although research into FTD in black populations has advanced significantly over the past 20 years, the complex nature of the disease makes it difficult to pinpoint a single definitive cause.

Worryingly, the incidence of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is increasing amongst black Americans over the age of 70. This is especially concerning because FTD is each early-onset and rapidly progressive, affecting a big proportion – greater than 1 / 4 – of this population who’re already living with some type of dementia, with essentially the most common being Alzheimer’s disease. According to the study, Black Americans are less more likely to receive a diagnosis in a timely manner and usually tend to see 4 or more physicians before a diagnosis is made. Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) Associate.

Moreover, in line with a 2023 study, FTD symptoms are inclined to be more severe in Black people Research on the University of PennsylvaniaBlack study participants reported higher dementia severity on the Clinical Dementia Rating Dementia Staging in comparison with white and Hispanic participants.

Frontotemporal dementia was discovered

The exact explanation for FTD just isn’t known, nevertheless it involves progressive damage to neurons within the areas of the brain liable for language production, often affecting people under the age of 65. As the disease progresses, the brain shrinks, further affecting areas that control behavior and personality.

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Although symptoms vary from individual to individual, early symptoms of FTD (which can appear as early as age 45) may include talking less, having trouble sleeping, and personality changes equivalent to lacking empathy or displaying socially inappropriate behavior equivalent to swearing or stealing . Other symptoms include:

  • Impaired judgment
  • Apathy
  • Decreased self-awareness
  • Loss of interest in normal every day activities
  • Emotional withdrawal from others
  • Loss of energy and motivation
  • Language difficulties or delays, including trouble naming objects, expressing words, understanding the meaning of words, or hesitation when speaking
  • Loss of concentration
  • Problems with planning and organization
  • Frequent mood changes
  • Excitement

Although the small print of Williams’ symptoms and her family’s observations are unknown, frontotemporal dementia often presents with subtle symptoms that might be easily missed within the early stages. This is further complicated by diagnosing FTD, which is difficult. It requires an in depth description of symptoms, family and medicine history, in addition to brain scans and blood tests. Often, FTD is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning it is simply reached after other potential causes have been ruled out.

There is currently no cure for frontotemporal dementia. However, supportive care strategies equivalent to therapy, behavior modification, and medications can assist patients adjust to their recent reality and deal with the continued mental and physical changes related to the disease. No cure has been found to stop or reverse the progression of frontotemporal dementia, but cholinesterase inhibitors (drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease), antidepressants and antipsychotics equivalent to trazadone may help relieve symptoms of agitation, aggression and insomnia in some people. People.

Living with frontotemporal dementia

Wendy Williams’ recent diagnosis has understandably led to speculation a couple of connection to her past struggles with substance abuse. However, there’s currently no evidence to suggest a link between the 2.

Experts acknowledge the numerous challenges faced by people within the early stages of FTD, including fear, frustration and even embarrassment. One of essentially the most disturbing elements of FTD is the progressive lack of independence. While the specifics of Williams’ situation are unknown, the disease often requires a big level of care, requiring a mixture of medicines, home care, potential nursing home placement, and various therapies equivalent to speech and mental health support, which could make treatment harder. a big financial burden on her family.

Advanced planning reduces this burden and helps the patient and their family make a smooth transition into the longer term.

More research is required

The path to unraveling the complexities of FTD may result in earlier diagnosis and increased research efforts, with a selected concentrate on increasing participation from the Black community. While increased participation from the Black community is critical to advancing FTD research and developing higher treatments, a concerted effort is required to make sure equitable access to research opportunities and health care resources.


 

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com

Health and Wellness

American Cancer Society launches ‘VOICES of Black Women’ program

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AI, breasts, breast cancer, Fight Through Flights, sisters, breast cancer


The American Cancer Society has launched a brand new study called , which is able to cover 20 US states

is the most important study of its kind ever conducted within the country and goals to raised understand cancer and other conditions affecting black women. A May 7 press release provided information concerning the organization goals to enroll over 100,000 black women aged 25 to 55 on this study, which is able to cover at the least 30 years.

“The VOICES team recognizes that historically, Black women’s bodies have been used to advance medical knowledge, and yet Black women have received the fewest benefits compared to their male and white counterparts,” VOICES of Black Women official Website states. To address this issue, the organization has established a culturally sensitive and diverse research team that actively seeks input from individuals who understand and respect the unique concerns of the Black community.

Study participants will actively engage with the research team, providing insight into their behaviors, environments and private experiences by completing surveys at the least twice a yr. The study’s results will likely be used to develop strategies to enhance the health of Black women for future generations.

As already mentioned by o BLACK ENTERPRISESResearchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center found that Black women with cancer face increasing barriers to accessing genetic testing, finding that Black women will not be being screened at the identical rate and don’t show more advanced cancers, but have the identical access to treatment.

“With few exceptions, black women are more likely than other women to be diagnosed with late-stage cancer, aggressive types of cancer, and have a higher cancer mortality rate. It is against this backdrop that the American Cancer Society launches VOICES of Black Women,” Lauren McCullough, Ph.D., co-principal investigator and visiting scientific director, he stated in the course of the briefingAccording to .

Dr. Alpa Patel, co-principal investigator and senior vice chairman of population sciences, acknowledged the historical mistrust throughout the Black community, saying, “Our primary task was to ensure collaboration with Black women to understand how to build this study in a respectful way.”

Sign up for Black Women’s VOICES opened May 6 in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C.


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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Suspect arrested after trying to shoot Pennsylvania pastor during Sunday sermon

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WTAE-TV

A Pennsylvania pastor believes divine intervention saved his life after a gunman tried to open fire on him during Sunday service.

The Rev. Glenn Germany was preaching to his congregation at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church within the Pittsburgh suburb of North Braddock when a person approached the pulpit and pointed a gun at him.

The German ducked and hid behind the rostrum, but not before the person pulled the trigger. It was a “miracle of God,” the pastor later said.Good morning America” when the gun jammed and no bullets were fired.

A church member knocked the suspect to the bottom, and the Germans helped subdue him until police arrived. The incident was captured on a video broadcast live by the church.

The suspect was identified as 26-year-old Bernard Junior Polite. According to Germany, he had never seen the killer before Sunday, WTAE reported.

Police said Polite was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and recklessly endangering one other person. court files.

Court records show he was arraigned Monday morning and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 13.

After an attempted shooting at a North Braddock church, police found the body of a person with a gunshot wound in Polite’s home. The victim was identified as 56-year-old Derek Polite, a relative of the suspect. Police spokesman Jim Madalinsky confirmed that Bernard Polite lives in the house where the shooting occurred and is related to the shooting victim.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Yes, adults can develop food allergies. Here are 4 types you need to know about

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If you did not have food allergies as a baby, is it possible that you will develop them as an adult? The short answer is yes. But the explanations are way more complicated.

Preschoolers are almost here they are 4 times more likely to have a food allergy than adults and are more likely to outgrow it as they age.

It is difficult to obtain accurate data on the incidence of food allergies in adults. According to the Australian National Allergy Council one in 50 adults have food allergies. However, a study conducted within the USA showed that up to one in ten adults were allergic to no less than one food, and a few developed allergies in maturity.

What is food allergy?

Food allergies include immune reactions immunoglobulin E (IgE) – an antibody that plays a key role in causing allergic reactions. These are generally known as “IgE-mediated food allergies.”

Food allergy symptoms mediated by IgE are often delayed and so-called food intolerances or hypersensitivity.

Food allergy symptoms may include hives, swelling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, throat or chest tightness, respiratory problems, chest pain, fast heartbeat, dizziness, low blood pressure or anaphylaxis.

Symptoms include hives.
properly/Shutterstock

IgE-mediated food allergies can be life-threatening, which is why all adults should motion management plan developed in consultation with the medical team.

Here are 4 IgE-mediated food allergies that can affect adults, starting from relatively common to rare allergies you’ve probably never heard of.

1. Single food allergies

The most frequent IgE-related food allergies in adults in a study conducted within the USA consisted of:

  • crustaceans (2.9%)
  • cow’s milk (1.9%)
  • peanuts (1.8%)
  • tree nuts (1.2%)
  • fish (0.9%) equivalent to barramundi, snapper, salmon, cod and perch.

In this group of adults, roughly 45% reported a response to multiple foods.

This compares to essentially the most common food allergy in children: cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts and soy.

Overall, the incidence of food allergies in adults appears to be increasing. Compared to older research published in 2003 AND 2004the prevalence of peanut allergies increased roughly threefold (from 0.6%), while tree nuts and fish roughly doubled (from 0.5% each), and shellfish were similar (2.5%).

Although latest Food allergies in adults are becoming increasingly more commonFood allergies that begin in childhood are more likely to persist into maturity. Possible causes of each turn on low vitamin D levels, no challenges to the immune system due to excessive “cleanliness”, increased sensitization due to avoidance of allergens and increased use of antibiotics.

Woman holding coffee and cake
Some adults develop an allergy to cow’s milk, while others have had it since childhood.
Sarah Swinton/Unsplash

2. Allergy to ticks

Tick ​​meat allergy, also called α-Gal syndrome or mammalian meat allergy, is an allergic response to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, abbreviated α-Gal.

This was first reported by Australian immunologists associations between α-Gal syndrome and tick bites in 2009, with cases also reported within the United States, Japan, Europe and South Africa. The Estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control roughly 450,000 Americans this may increasingly have an effect.

α-Gal accommodates a carbohydrate molecule sure to protein molecule in mammals.

IgE-mediated allergy develops after repeated tick bites chigger mites that these mammals have bitten. When tick saliva enters the body after a bite, antibodies against α-Gal are formed.

When you then eat foods containing α-Gal, an allergy is triggered. Trigger foods include meat (lamb, beef, pork, rabbit, kangaroo), dairy products (yogurt, cheese, ice cream, cream), gelatin of animal origin added to gummies (jelly, lollipops, marshmallows), prescription medications, and over-the-counter supplements containing gelatin (some antibiotics, vitamins and other supplements).

Allergy reactions to tick meat can be difficult to recognize because they sometimes have a delayed onset, can be severe, and should include anaphylaxis. Allergy organizations develop management guidelinesdue to this fact, all the time discuss the procedure together with your doctor.

3. Fruit pollen allergy

Fruit pollen allergy, called pollen food allergy syndrome, is a disease IgE-mediated allergic response.

In susceptible adults, airborne pollen causes the production of IgE antibodies against antigens within the pollen, but these antigens are similar to those present in some fruits, vegetables and herbs. The problem is eating these plants causes an allergic response.

The essentially the most allergenic tree pollen come from birch, cypress, Japanese cedar, latex, grass and ragweed. Their pollen may cross-react vegetables and fruitincluding kiwi, banana, mango, avocado, grapes, celery, carrot and potato, and a few herbs equivalent to cumin, coriander, fennel, pepper and paprika.

Fruit pollen allergy just isn’t common. Spread estimates range from 0.03% to 8% depending on the country, but could also be life-threatening. Reactions include itching or tingling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat, so-called oral allergy syndrometoo gentle hivesto anaphylaxis.

4. Food allergy depending on physical exertion

During heavy exercise, the stomach produces less acid than usual and intestinal permeability increases, which implies that small molecules within the intestines are more likely to go through the membrane into the blood. These include food molecules that trigger the IgE response.

If an individual already has IgE antibodies to foods eaten before exercise, the danger of developing an allergic food response is increased. This allergy is known as food allergy brought on by physical exertionwith symptoms starting from hives and swelling to difficulty respiratory and anaphylaxis.

A man stands on the court
This style of allergy is incredibly rare.
Ben O’Sullivan/Unsplash

Common trigger foods include wheat, seafood, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, nuts, grapes, celery and other foods that could possibly be eaten hours before exercise.

To complicate matters further, allergies reactions can they occur at lower levels of exposure to the trigger food and are more serious if an individual also takes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs equivalent to aspirin, drinks alcohol, or is sleep deprived.

Exercise-related food allergy is incredibly rare. Studies estimate the incidence to be somewhere in between from one to 17 cases per 1,000 people worldwide with the best incidence between teenagers and 35 years of age. Affected people often suffer from other allergic conditions equivalent to hay fever, asthma, allergic conjunctivitis and dermatitis.

Allergies are an increasing burden

The burden on physical health, mental health and health care costs due to food allergies are rising. In the US it’s the financial burden was estimated at $24 billion per 12 months.

Food allergy in adults must be taken seriously, and other people with severe symptoms should wear a bracelet or chain with medical information and carry adrenaline automatic injector. As for the research, it only suggests about 1 / 4 of adults with food allergies, get an adrenaline injector.

If you have an IgE-related food allergy, discuss your treatment plan together with your doctor. More information can even be found on the web site Allergy and anaphylaxis in Australia.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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