Millions at Risk? Common Drug Linked to Significant Rise in Dementia Cases

By
Monica Pop
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Dementia can be caused by a number of factors. According to Dementia UK, those factors include genetics, age, brain changes, the person’s lifestyle, as well as other health conditions. The condition develops when brain cells are damaged and fail to communicate with each other, which leads to shrinking of different areas of the brain.

A recent research published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine explored the link between gabapentin and the risks of dementia.

Gabapentin represents a prescription drug approved by the FDA that is widely used to treat nerve pain and control seizures. It is also commonly prescribed off-label for conditions such as fibromyalgia, sciatica, insomnia, anxiety, hot flashes, and lower back pain. What makes this drug a preferable choice over other drugs that offer the same or similar effects is that it is considered a less addictive alternative.

However, like any medication, gabapentin comes with potential side effects, including nausea, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, memory problems, and speech difficulties.

The research mentioned has raised concerns about its long-term use, with the results showing that people who had six or more prescriptions for gabapentin to treat lower back pain faced a higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.

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It analyzed data from over 26,000 adults in the TriNetX health research network and involved people dealing with chronic pain, including conditions like lower back pain and lumbar radiculopathy. Researchers compared those taking gabapentin with a similar-sized group who weren’t. Participants were then sorted into five age ranges and followed for ten years to see whether they went on to develop mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s, or vascular dementia.

“Currently, there is a discrepancy on whether taking gabapentin increases a patient’s risk for developing dementia,” said Nafis B. Eghrari, the study’s first author and a fourth-year medical student at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, in an interview with Medical News Today. “Moreover, there lacks a strong understanding of how gabapentin impacts cognitive function and whether it contributes to neurodegenerative processes. Previous studies have shown mixed findings on this topic. Thus, we decided to explore this gap in the field.”

According to the study, people with six or more gabapentin prescriptions faced a 29% higher risk of dementia and an 85% higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

“The significance of this finding is an association between gabapentin prescription and dementia on a nationwide level,” Eghrari explained. “Though this does not imply causation, this warrants further investigation on the drug’s long-term effects.”

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What stood out most was the 35–49 age group, where dementia risk doubled and MCI risk tripled. Eghrari dubbed the finding unexpected, since neurodegeneration is usually something doctors see after age 65.

Study Limitations and Criticisms

Of course, the study isn’t without its limits. It didn’t look at other health issues or medications participants may have had, and dementia risk depends on many factors. Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, told Medscape, “One very important factor that was not examined in this study is levels of physical activity. People with chronic pain requiring gabapentin may have been less physically active, which is a known risk factor for developing dementia.”

Ian Maidment, a clinical pharmacy professor at Aston University in Birmingham, England, also pointed out that the analysis didn’t control for treatment duration or dosage. He added that other recent studies have failed to find a link, stating, “The jury is out on whether gabapentin causes dementia.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Neel Anand, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon not involved in the study, stressed that proving a direct cause would require comparing patients who use only gabapentin with those who don’t, while making sure the drug is taken as prescribed. Still, he noted that it’s important to be aware of possible cognitive risks tied to long-term use.

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Despite the study’s limitations, the authors recommend caution when prescribing gabapentin.

“In terms of clinical significance, I recommend that physicians prescribing gabapentin for chronic pain perform cognitive exams on a regular basis when seeing patients,” Eghrari advised. He also encouraged patients to report any cognitive changes, such as confusion, memory problems, or slowed thinking, to their doctors.

Eghrari concluded, “We hope to carry this research forward and explore whether there is a true causative relationship between gabapentin and cognitive impairment. We also plan to investigate the underlying mechanisms of how the drug may impact cognition.”

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only.

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Trump Promises $2,000 ‘Tariff Dividend’ for All Americans: Says Opposing Tariffs Is Foolish

By
Monica Pop
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Speculation Becomes Reality

All week, whispers circulated about a bold new economic move that could shake the nation—and on Sunday morning, President Trump made it official. Through a post on Truth Social, he revealed that every American might receive $2,000 as a “tariff dividend,” funded by tariffs his administration has placed on countries worldwide. Supporters applauded the plan, but critics immediately raised doubts about its feasibility and legality, questioning both the timing and the true intentions behind the announcement.

The Announcement and Its Context

Trump’s announcement arrives just days after the Supreme Court scrutinized whether his administration can legally invoke emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs on nearly every nation. The president stressed that the dividend would go to all Americans, “not the rich ones,” and would come directly from the revenue generated by these tariffs.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later clarified on ABC’s This Week that the $2,000 might not be delivered as direct cash, but could instead appear in the form of tax reductions. Meanwhile, Trump touted the tariffs as a financial success, claiming they had already produced “trillions” in revenue, pushed 401(k)s to record highs, and—contrary to critics’ warnings—caused “NO inflation,” while labeling opponents of tariffs as “FOOLS!”

The Numbers and Political Implications

Between April and October, U.S. import duties generated roughly $151 billion, with projections of $500 billion or more annually. By comparison, the $2,000-per-person stimulus plan during the pandemic would have cost around $464 billion.

Trump has previously floated the idea of a tariff dividend, but this announcement comes after a tough week for Republicans, following Democratic victories in key blue-state races fueled by voter frustration over rising living costs.

Skepticism remains high. Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno commented, “It’ll never pass. We’ve got $37 trillion in debt.” The Supreme Court’s review of Trump’s emergency tariff powers, with a decision expected by next June, could force billions in refunds if the tariffs are struck down.

Some tariffs—such as those on steel, aluminum, and automobiles—appear to be safe for now. Trump has also used these duties strategically in foreign policy negotiations, adding another layer to the plan’s complexity.

Looking Ahead

Whether the $2,000 tariff dividend ever reaches Americans’ wallets, the announcement highlights the tension between political promises, legal constraints, and economic realities. It underscores the challenge of balancing voter appeal with national debt management and
international trade strategy. For citizens, the episode is a reminder that headlines may dazzle with bold claims—but the underlying details, legality, and practical logistics are far more nuanced than any single social media post can convey.

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Chantix Pulled Nationwide After Detection of Potentially Carcinogenic Contaminant

By
Monica Pop
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FDA Issues Urgent Recall of Chantix Over Cancer-Linked Chemical Concerns

Millions of Americans rely on Chantix, a popular prescription medication designed to help people quit smoking. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now issued a nationwide voluntary recall after discovering that certain batches contain elevated levels of
nitrosamines—chemical compounds known to be potentially carcinogenic with long-term exposure.

What’s Behind the Recall?

Nitrosamines have been found in various pharmaceutical products over recent years and are classified as probable human carcinogens. While the levels detected in Chantix may not pose an immediate danger, the FDA is taking precautionary action to prevent possible long-term health risks associated with continuous use.

What Should Patients Do?

If you are currently taking Chantix, the FDA advises you to stop using the medication and consult your healthcare provider promptly. Doctors can recommend safer alternatives or replacement therapies to support smoking cessation without added risk.

Ongoing Safety Oversight

This recall underscores the FDA’s role in continuously monitoring approved medications to ensure their safety beyond initial approval. It’s a reminder that even well-established drugs can face safety concerns as new information emerges.

🔹 Conclusion

The Chantix recall serves as a critical alert for patients and healthcare professionals alike: vigilance and communication are vital when it comes to prescription medications. As contaminated batches are removed from the market, individuals seeking to quit smoking should work closely with their doctors to find safe, effective options. Awareness and caution remain key in protecting health while navigating treatment choices.

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When shame turns into support: A family’s story of growth

By
Monica Pop
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When thinking of support, it feels natural for it to come from the family first. Sadly, however, support sometimes lacks not because those who should offer it are bad or inconsiderate people, but simply because they lack knowledge about our issues or are just unaware.

My thirteen-year-old daughter has had her first period recently, and just like any person her age would be, she felt scared but willing to figure things out.

However, while she was trying to accept that first step towards adulthood, she faced another obstacle, my husband’s and my two sons’ ignorance.

It turned out that they saw the used pad in the trash bin and were “shocked,” so my husband asked my daughter to hide the pads. What’s more, they all started avoiding her when she was on her period like she was contagious, creating a rather awkward situation in the house.

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The last straw came last night when my husband asked from her to stay at her room during those days of the month because her brothers were “uncomfortable” around her.

She didn’t argue, she just lowered her head and went to her room as though she had done something terrible.

I couldn’t put up with their words and their behavior any longer knowing they were hurting my daughter, so I stood up for her and confronted them. Honestly, I didn’t argue either, I just did my best to explain what my daughter was going through.

I explained to our sons that their sister’s experience wasn’t something to fear, but a normal part of growing up. I told them discomfort is often a signal to learn, not avoid. We talked about respect and empathy, and my husband listened in silence.

I then asked my daughter to join us, and we had an open conversation. Her brothers even started asking polite questions, and explained that they indeed felt awkward and didn’t know how to react.

At the end, they even asked her if they could do anything for her during those days to help her with the discomfort.

My daughter was relieved.

My husband also apologized and bought her her favorite ice-cream. He explained that while growing up, they never spoke openly about those things, so he didn’t know how to handle it.

It was a step toward shaping a family that chooses compassion over discomfort, and openness over avoidance.

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7 key health risks seniors should be aware of when traveling abroad

By
Monica Pop
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Who doesn’t enjoy traveling? I believe everyone loves visiting new places and experiencing new cultures, but when it comes to older adults, traveling abroad comes with some extra care.

When a person reaches 70, traveling can become more demanding than it seems due to certain health concerns these people often experience. That is why it is important to know what to expect and be prepared for it.

Below are seven important health risks seniors should keep in mind before heading overseas.

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1. Flare-Ups of Chronic Conditions

It is not unusual for people over 70 to face long-term health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis. Sadly, a change in routine, such as different foods, altered medication timing, long periods of sitting, or more walking than usual can easily trigger symptoms or complications.

So, when traveling longer distances, it is important to pack enough medication for the entire trip, plus extra, and have a clear plan for managing your condition while away.

2. Dehydration and Heat-Related Problems

Seniors are more prone to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, especially when visiting hot destinations. With age comes reduced thirst and the body loses the ability to cool down as in younger individuals. It is important to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and take frequent breaks in cool or shaded areas when traveling to hotter countries in order to prevent heat-related issues.

3. Higher Exposure to Infections

Different countries have different diseases and the changes in climate, food, and water can increase the chance of catching illnesses like travelers diarrhea, respiratory infections, or the flu.

If you want to feel safe on your travel, keep up with recommended vaccines, practice good hand hygiene, and avoid questionable food or water sources.

4. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Long hours of sitting on planes, trains, or buses can raise the risk of blood clots in the legs. Seniors who experience circulation issues need to move around regularly, stretch their legs, stay hydrated, and consider compression socks if their doctor suggests it.

5. Falls and Accidental Injuries

When traveling, be prepared for plenty of walking, climbing stairs and navigating crowded ares. Since older people are more prone to falls which can lead to serious injuries, you may consider wearing supportive shoes, and even using assisting devises. And yes, don’t forget to take things slowly because nobody is rushing you when you enjoy a nice vacation abroad.

6. Medication-Related Challenges

Managing medications can get tricky while traveling. Different time zones, a new routine, or not having a nearby pharmacy can easily cause confusion. Losing pills or forgetting doses is also common. It helps to keep all medicines in their original packages, bring a written list of everything you take, and check in with your doctor before the trip to make sure you’re fully prepared.

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7. Mental and Emotional Stress

While traveling offers plenty of advantages, the new environments, unfamiliar languages, busy airports, and crowded cities can feel overwhelming at times. This call all lead to stress and anxiety that can eventually worsen certain medical conditions like high blood pressure or heart issues. It’s crucial not to forget to take rest from time to time.

Of course, if you take these potential health risks into consideration prior to your trip, your traveling can be safe and enjoyable. It is advisable to check with your doctor whenever you plan a longer trip. You know, just to be sure.

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When a married woman is attracted to another man, she does these 9 things

By
Monica Pop
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Attraction can sneak up on anyone, even someone who never expected it. Even married women who are committed to their partners and their marriage can sometimes start developing feelings for another person. This doesn’t necessarily mean that those feelings would lead to something more and eventually an infidelity, but the shift inside her can often been noticed by her surrounding because of slight changes in her behavior.

Her energy changes and her attention shifts. And the way she behaves around that person can reveal more than words ever could.

If you pay close attention, these nine behaviors are the clearest signs that a married woman is attracted to another man and her feelings are moving in a direction she may not yet be ready to admit.

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1. She Feels Distant at Home

When a woman starts feeling distant in her own home when she’s surrounded by her family, becomes more and more quieter, and the conversations she engages are shorter than before, it may be a sign she’s thinking of someone else. She is physically present, but mentally, she lives in a completely another world.

2. She Starts Caring More About How She Looks

This change doesn’t need to come in a big way, but you can notice she cares more about her looks, even it’s just slight changes such as fixing her hair more, wearing a new perfume, and reconsidering her choices of outfit. She doesn’t do this for herself or her husband, but for that other person she hopes would notice her.

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3. She’s Always on the Phone

In a healthy relationship, partners don’t hide their phones from one another. When a woman starts hiding her phone, places it face down when she’s with you, and she spends long hours talking on the phone or texting, she might be speaking to someone else.

4. She Avoids Spending Time with You

If your wife is suddenly “busy” all the time and avoids spending time with you or doing the activities you used to do together all the time, she might be seeing or thinking of someone else. She might be making excuses to avoid you so she has more time to spend with another man.

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5. She Feels Guilty, Then Justifies It

Even if nothing has ever happened with the other man, she knows that having feelings for someone else is wrong, yet, she tries to come up with a bunch of excuses for keep it going, such as, “This man makes me happy,” or “We are just being friends.”

6. She Starts Questioning Her Marriage

She’s not planning to leave, yet she can’t help comparing the rush of new feelings with the familiarity of home. That contrast creates confusion, and she realizes something inside her is drifting.

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7. She Stops Wearing her Wedding Ring

If your wife suddenly stops wearing her ring, it may mean she’s distancing herself emotionally, or it could be something harmless. The only way to know is to talk openly.

8. She Becomes More Critical of You

If your wife becomes unusually critical, she may be comparing you to another man. When her attraction shifts, your flaws seem bigger and things she once accepted now feel irritating.

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9. She Suddenly Becomes Moody and Overly Emotional

If your wife suddenly becomes moody or overly emotional, she may be dealing with feelings for someone else. The situation is likely confusing for her too, but remember that mood swings can come from many things, so it’s best to talk to her before assuming anything.

Of course, it doesn’t necessarily mean that all these changes you start noticing are related to feelings for someone else. Your woman may simply feel underappreciated and lacking attention from you. So it is important to always speak openly with her whenever you feel something doesn’t feel right.

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    Signs of pancreatic cancer you should never ignore

    By
    Monica Pop
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    The pancreas is a large gland responsible for the production of digestive juices and hormones located in the top part of your tummy, just behind your stomach.

    Pancreatic cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the pancreas as a result of abnormal growth of cells in this gland. It is the tenth most common cancer in the UK.

    Sadly, it is rarely caught at an early stage since the symptoms are not manifested until it progresses beyond the point of early intervention.

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    It is usually when the cancer reaches more advanced stage that certain symptoms start to become noticeable. But even then, they can be vague and similar to those caused by a number of other conditions.

    The symptoms vary depending on what part of the pancreas — the head, body or tail — the cancer develops.

    The most common type of pancreatic cancer is ductal adenocarcinoma which starts in the cells that produce digestive juices.

    Some of the most common signs, as described by Cancer Research UK, are as follows:

    Pain in the stomach or back

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    Chronic or unexplained abdominal pain that can spread to the back may be a sign of pancreatic cancer. This pain is especially felt after eating.

    At the early stages, the pain may come and go, but as the tumor grows larger it tends to be more constant and last longer.

    Jaundice

    A number of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have jaundice—yellowing of the skin and eyes resulting in the buildup of bilirubin, a pigment produced by the liver.

    This happens because the tumour blocks the bile duct.

    Weight loss

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    Losing significant amount of weight because of no apparent reason is one of the signs of cancer in general, including pancreatic cancer.

    Digestive Problems

    Poor digestion, loose stools, or stools that are oily and are accompanied by a strong odor may be a result of interference with the pancreas’s enzyme production because of the presence of cancer.

    Bowel changes

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    When and if the pancreatic duct blocks, it may leads to a symptom called steatorrhoea or fatty stools. This means the body is not absorbing your food properly. Other bowel changes may include diarrhoea and constipation.

    New-Onset Diabetes

    In some cases, pancreatic cancer affects insulin production, causing diabetes in people who were not diabetic before.

    Fatigue

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    As with most other cancers, fatigue and lack of energy can be symptoms accompanying pancreatic cancer.

    Blood Clots

    The risk of developing blood clots increases when a person is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

    Fever and shivering

    If you have jaundice or an inflamed pancreas, you may also experience occasional fevers accompanied with shivers.

    Itching

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    Jaundice, one of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, can cause itchy skin because of the increased bile salts in the bloodstream.

    Although the exact cause that leads to pancreatic cancer can’t be determined with certainty, there are several risk factors.

    They include smoking, obesity, age, and genetic factors among the rest.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is informative. For personalized advice, always consult your doctor.

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    White House identifies the Epstein email mention as Virginia Giuffre while Congress publishes new correspondence linking Epstein to Trump

    By
    Monica Pop
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    According to a newly released email, the White House informed that Jeffrey Epstein victim who allegedly “spent hours” with Donald Trump was Virginia Giuffre, who died of suicide aged 41.

    In a statement, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the victim mentioned in Epstein’s email to Ghislaine Maxwell was Virginia Giuffre, the ex–Mar-a-Lago staffer the president has said Epstein “stole” from his Florida club.

    Leavitt said Democrats “selectively leaked” the Epstein–Maxwell email, along with two others involving Epstein and author Michael Wolff, to push a “fake narrative” aimed at smearing President Trump.

    Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump – 1997 (Davidoff Studios/Getty Images)

    Leavitt went on to repeat the contested claim that Trump had “kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of his club decades ago for being a creep to his female employees, including Giuffre” and argued the coverage of the emails amounts to “bad-faith efforts to distract from President Trump’s historic accomplishments.”

    “Any American with common sense sees right through this hoax and clear distraction from the government opening back up again,” she added, as per The Independent.

    While the White House issued a strong response to the newest Epstein documents that were shared with Congress, Democrats continued their push to force a vote on releasing the remaining case files.

    Their effort, however, has been slowed for months because Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva has not been sworn in, and Democrats say this delay has kept them from adding her name to a petition that would bring the legislation to the floor, The Independent reports. The administration has faced ongoing pressure over the files, even after the Justice Department announced in July that they are not planning on releasing additional files.

    NBC News

    Trump maintains that the controversy is a hoax, yet the new emails create fresh questions about his relationship with Epstein. Epstein claimed that Trump spent hours at his home with a trafficking victim and knew about the girls. Although Trump was not part of the email chain, another message called him “that dog that hasn’t barked,” suggesting his role had drawn little scrutiny.

    In the past, Giuffre made public accusations against Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, stating she had been trafficked and groomed and “forced to have s**” with Prince Andrew at Epstein’s New York home.

    At the time the police arrived to her home in the Neergabby area, Giuffre was unresponsive.

    “Police and St John Western Australia attended and provided emergency first aid. Sadly, the 41-year-old woman was declared deceased at the scene,” a police spokesperson said. “The death is being investigated by Major Crime detectives; early indication is the death is not suspicious.”

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