Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that makes it challenging for individuals with it to stay awake during the day or for a long period of time, and they can even fall asleep suddenly. This can significantly impact and interfere with their daily life, activities, and routines. There are some medications that can assist with narcolepsy, such as Wakix, Lumryz, and Sunosi, and help fight daytime sleepiness. Although the exact cause is unknown, a brain chemical called hypocretin may be to blame—here are 5 common causes of narcolepsy: 1. Immune system issues Issues with the immune system cause antibodies to attack healthy tissue and cells. Individuals with narcolepsy have immune systems that produce antibodies against the protein trib 2, which is produced by the brain in the same area that hypocretin is produced. Ultimately, this results in a lack of hypocretin, which regulates sleep, thus impacting your sleep cycles and triggering narcolepsy. 2. Inherited narcolepsy Most cases of narcolepsy are sporadic, but it can occur in clusters of a family. About 10% of individuals with narcolepsy also report having a relative that suffers from the same disorder. 3. Severe stress and anxiety If you already experience daytime sleepiness or have a lack of hypocretin produced in your body, an added layer of stress or anxiety can make it much worse.

Dementia is an umbrella term for several different cognitive conditions, with the most common being Alzheimer’s. When you think of dementia, or Alzheimer’s, you might think of things like misplacing items, getting lost, repetition of the same things when talking to the same person, and difficulty planning tasks. While all of these things may occur, it is more than that—when the disease progresses, patients lose their ability to do anything for themselves, even simple everyday tasks, and they may require long-term care. That’s why it’s important to catch the signs of dementia early on, so the patient can begin treatment and slow the progression of the disease. Here are 7 early symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s: 1. Forgetting recently learned information Whether this shows up as asking the same questions repeatedly, forgetting important events or dates, missing appointments, or an increased reliance on memory aids (like writing notes), these are signs of dementia. While every once in a while it’s normal for us to be forgetful, if it’s occurring frequently and becoming more severe, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice. 2. Challenges with planning and problem-solving skills  If you or a loved one is finding it hard to keep track of monthly bills, experience difficulty in following a plan, find it challenging to concentrate, or are taking longer to do things than usual, this can be an early warning sign of dementia.

Huntington’s is a rare, inherited, degenerative brain nerve disease. It has a large impact on an individuals quality of life, in that it causes issues with functional abilities, causing movement, thinking, and psychiatric disorders. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease, but there are options to help with symptom management, including prescriptions of Austedo or Deutetrabenazine ad treatment medications. In order to help manage the disease, the sooner symptoms are noticed, the better. Here are 5 symptoms of Huntington’s disease: 1. Change in mood Due to the disease’s impact on brain function, changes in mood are a common symptom of Huntington’s. The patient may experience emotions and mood swings that are abnormal to their regular behavior, including apathy, irritability, angriness, depression, feelings of hopelessness, and so on. It is valuable to have a reliable, trusted, and supportive individual helping the Huntington’s patient through such mood swings and issues, as psychiatric disorders can develop—it’s important to get the help that is required. 2. Uncontrolled movements Huntington’s attacks the area of the brain that controls voluntary movement. As such, people living with the disease experience what’s known as chorea, where they develop uncontrollable movements (writhin, jerking movements). Other movement disorders associated with the disease include impaired gait, abnormal body postures, muscle rigidity, and more.

The specific cause of bladder cancer isn’t always known, since researchers and healthcare providers aren’t 100% sure why some bladder cells mutate and become cancerous. If you or your loved one develops bladder cancer, medical professionals may prescribe pembrolizumab, padce, and keytruda as treatment medications. Further treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and more. However, there are some common causes of bladder cancer to be aware of: 1. Smoking For those who smoke cigarettes, the risk of developing bladder cancer is more than doubled—it is the most common risk factor. Pipes, cigars, and exposure to second-hand smoke can also increase the risk of permanent bladder damage or bladder cancer. 2. Chronic catheter use Individuals who have a chronic need for a catheter might be at risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, a cancer that begins in squamous cells. These are known as the flat, thin cells that line the inside of the bladder. 3. Chemical exposure Exposure to certain chemicals such as those used in dyes, paint, leather, rubber, hairdressing supplies, and some textiles can lead to an increased risk of bladder cancer. For individuals who work around these products, caution should be exercised to minimize the risk of developing bladder cancer.

Securing life insurance is a pivotal step in financial planning, especially when considering life insurance quotes and rates. For seniors, navigating the landscape of senior life insurance is particularly significant. AARP life insurance and New York Life, alongside other reputable providers like Prudential and MetLife, offer diverse coverage options tailored to different age groups. While life insurance provides essential peace of mind, it’s crucial to delve into the nuances of coverage, ensuring that policies meet the specific needs of seniors. In this article, we unravel seven aspects that life insurance typically does not cover, shedding light on the intricacies of policies to empower individuals in making informed decisions for their financial security. 1. Suicide within the contestability period Life insurance policies often include a contestability period, typically the first two years after the policy’s inception. In the unfortunate event of suicide during this period, the insurance company may contest the claim, and the payout to beneficiaries may be denied. After the contestability period, most policies cover suicide as any other cause of death. 2. High-risk activities and hobbies Engaging in high-risk activities such as extreme sports or hazardous hobbies may lead to exclusions in life insurance coverage. If the insured dies while participating in these activities, the policy may not pay out.