Changes in cognitive abilities are often attributed to normal aging, so many people fail to recognize early signs of neurodegenerative diseases.

However, doctors warn that neglected symptoms can delay diagnosis and reduce the chances of slowing disease progression.

One of the most commonly overlooked symptoms is not forgetfulness, but something much quieter – yet equally important – reports B92.

Neurologist Dr. Adel Aziz explains that apathy – the loss of motivation and reduced interest in daily activities – is one of the earliest, yet often unrecognized signs of dementia, especially frontotemporal dementia.

"A person who used to organize social gatherings or frequently call friends simply stops showing interest," says Dr. Aziz for Parade. Such behavior is often misinterpreted as fatigue, shyness, or a desire for solitude, which is why it goes unnoticed.

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Neurology emphasizes that apathy can result from changes in the parts of the brain responsible for motivation, as well as external factors such as feelings of hopelessness.

Apathy Alone Does Not Necessarily Mean a Person Has Dementia

Neurologist Dr. Daniel Leslie points out: "People may feel useless or like a burden, so everything seems like too much effort."

Besides being an early sign of dementia, apathy is also associated with faster cognitive decline because people avoid activities that maintain mental health – such as socializing, exercising, and quality sleep.

According to neurologist Dr. Catherine Amodeo, apathetic behavior includes losing interest in things that once brought joy, neglecting personal hygiene, or reduced attention to responsibilities.

Still, it is important to know that apathy alone does not necessarily mean someone has dementia – it can also be a sign of depression or other conditions, such as exhaustion or low self-esteem.

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If other symptoms such as changes in memory, speech, and mood are noticed, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

"You deserve support for your mental health," concludes Dr. Amodeo.

Scalp massage is the fastest and most effective way to achieve mental relaxation – two psychologists explain why and how to get the maximum benefits.

“Scalp massage is particularly effective in promoting psychological well-being and mental relaxation,” says Silvia Dal Ben, a psychoanalytically oriented psychologist and clinical director of the online psychological service Unobravo in Spain.

This technique goes beyond traditional scalp care and hair growth stimulation – it has a direct impact on the nervous system and can quickly reduce stress levels. Moreover, it represents one of the most complete self-care experiences, as it involves the body, mind, and emotions.

What Is a Scalp Massage

Scalp massage is a practice that consists of gentle movements and pressure – with fingers or special tools – over the entire area of the scalp where hair follicles are located. In addition to improving microcirculation and promoting hair health, this technique is considered an effective method for achieving relaxation and stress reduction, with positive effects on depression and anxiety.

Why Scalp Massage Has a Relaxing Effect

“When we physically and emotionally dedicate time to our head, the whole body feels it. It’s a way to reconnect with ourselves, slow down, and remember that mental well-being is the foundation of health,” says psychologist Laura Villanueva.

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This effect also has a clear scientific explanation, adds Dal Ben. “The scalp is one of the regions with the highest concentration of nerve endings in the entire body. This means that massage in this area induces an immediate feeling of pleasure and deep relaxation. Stimulating these nerve endings activates blood circulation, relieves muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, and most importantly – reduces cortisol, the stress hormone,” she explains.

According to Villanueva, the key to the effectiveness of scalp massage lies in its action on the parasympathetic nervous system, particularly the vagus nerve – the cranial nerve that stimulates calm, relaxation, rest, digestion, and energy storage.

“By acting on the scalp, not only is physical tension relieved, but psychological mechanisms associated with comfort and safety are activated,” explains the expert. She particularly emphasizes the emotional dimension of hair touch.

“As children, we are often caressed on the head. That’s why scalp massage evokes feelings of tenderness and care. When our hair is touched with attention and gentleness, cortisol levels drop, and mood improves,” Villanueva notes.

What Are the Mental Health Benefits of Scalp Massage

The benefits of scalp massage for psychological well-being can be summarized as follows:

Reduces stress: activates the body’s physiological relaxation response and lowers cortisol levels.

Improves mood: during the massage, the brain releases endorphins, the neurotransmitters known as “happiness hormones.”

Enhances emotional well-being: provides a sense of comfort and safety, helping to relieve anxiety and depression.

How to Massage the Scalp

There are several techniques for performing a scalp massage. Here are some of the most common:

Scalp Massage Techniques

Circular movements: use your fingertips to make gentle circular motions across the scalp with light pressure.

Zigzag movements: move your fingers back and forth across the scalp following a zigzag pattern.

Pressure with fingertips: apply gentle pressure with your fingertips on different points of the scalp, holding the pressure for a few seconds on each point.

Tapping: use your fingertips to lightly tap the scalp.

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How to Make Scalp Massage Even More Effective

To maximize the positive effects of scalp massage, Villanueva recommends the following:

Choose the right time: don’t rush – massage when you have time and can be fully present in the moment.

Massage for at least 5 minutes: for the massage to be truly effective, it should last at least 5 minutes.

Use oil: applying hair oil before the massage makes the experience more pleasant and relaxing.

Be gentle: avoid too much pressure to prevent scalp irritation.

What’s Better: Body Massage or Scalp Massage?

Does scalp massage have a more relaxing effect than a traditional body massage? According to Silvia Dal Ben, there is no single answer: “Each type of massage has its own purpose. For example, body massage is great for relaxing muscles and relieving tension. The advantage of scalp massage is that it directly affects psychological stress and mental well-being. That’s why it can be more effective when the goal is to quickly calm the mind,” she explains.

Another important benefit is its practicality: you can easily perform a scalp massage at home using just your fingertips or tools like a massage brush.

“It’s one of the simplest and most accessible ways to incorporate emotional well-being into your daily routine,” concludes Dal Ben, as reported by Zadovoljna.rs.

Bananas are full of minerals, vitamins, fiber, and other nutrients essential for our body. They are a true energy bomb, providing all the energy needed for daily activities.

But do you know what happens if you eat one in the morning on an empty stomach with a glass of warm water?

That’s when its superpowers significantly increase. In addition to being healthy (they help regulate blood pressure, are nutritious, strengthen bones, and are a good cancer prevention), eating them with a glass of warm water can also help you lose weight more easily – reports Direktno.rs.

This way, bananas speed up metabolism and stimulate digestion. Warm water (it doesn’t have to be very hot, just about body temperature) helps the fibers from the fruit digest more easily, and it’s not as unpleasant to drink a glass of lukewarm water as it is cold water on an empty stomach.

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If you combine this first meal with a healthy diet throughout the day, moderate exercise, and even more moderate alcohol consumption, you’ll see results quickly.

Additionally, it gives a feeling of fullness, so you won’t get hungry quickly, and it also prevents the absorption of carbohydrates, which is crucial for fat burning.

It’s important to eat the banana and drink the water slowly, and not to eat anything else for at least half an hour afterward.

Cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction, are responsible for over 17 million deaths annually.

Although heart attack symptoms in men and women often overlap, there are subtle yet important differences that can affect early recognition and treatment, emphasizes Prof. Dr. Arsen Ristić, cardiologist.

"In most patients, there are no major differences in symptoms, especially in mass diseases. However, there are specific characteristics related to women, particularly during the reproductive period. During this time, women are less prone to myocardial infarction because hormones slow down the process of atherosclerosis," explains Prof. Dr. Arsen Ristić, Vice Dean at the Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade - reports B92.

Myocardial infarction, known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually due to obstruction in one or more coronary arteries. Without oxygen and nutrients, part of the heart begins to die, and the longer the blood flow is cut off, the greater the damage.

Everything Changes After Menopause

After menopause, the risk of cardiovascular diseases in women increases significantly – so much that they often reach or exceed the risk level of men.

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"There was a case of a 37-year-old woman who suffered a severe heart attack. Her symptoms were unusual – she felt chest pain which she interpreted as a shoulder sprain due to physical exertion. As a result, she ignored the symptoms for hours. Only 12 hours after the first symptoms appeared, the correct diagnosis – a heart attack – was made."

According to the source for Kurir, 50% of her heart muscle’s circulation was lost due to delayed reaction.

"The patient had several serious risk factors: elevated blood fats, obesity, high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease, and she was a smoker. When these factors appear together, the risk of heart attack is not just cumulative – it multiplies," added Prof. Dr. Ristić.

Most Common Heart Attack Symptoms:

• Chest pain – Intense pressure, tightness, or burning in the center of the chest, lasting more than a few minutes or recurring
• Pain radiating to the left arm, shoulders, jaw, neck, or back
• Shortness of breath – Trouble breathing, even at rest
• Cold sweat – Sudden and profuse sweating for no obvious reason
• Nausea or vomiting – More common in women
• Dizziness or fainting – Possible loss of consciousness
• Sudden weakness and fatigue – Feeling exhausted without effort

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Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

In women, heart attack symptoms are often atypical. Instead of the classic chest pain radiating to the arm or jaw, more often they experience

• shortness of breath
• increased sweating, or
• nonspecific pains that many mistakenly interpret as rheumatic issues or fatigue.

Diagnosis Strategy Is the Same, but Women Seek Help Later

"There is no difference in diagnostic approach. The problem is that women, especially younger ones, are less likely to attend routine checkups and often underestimate the risk of heart disease. They usually visit a doctor when the condition has already progressed."

Preventive Measures – The Key to Reducing Risk

Prevention is most important, according to Prof. Ristić.

LDL cholesterol is known as the “bad” cholesterol because it can accumulate in blood vessels and form plaques that narrow the arteries. High LDL levels increase the risk of heart disease and heart attacks. That’s why it's important to regularly check and maintain low LDL levels.

"You should monitor your blood fats, blood pressure, family history, smoking habits, and diabetes. There are online calculators available that anyone can use to calculate their cardiovascular risk. Based on that risk, target LDL levels are determined."

He emphasizes that there are no universal reference values for cholesterol, but individual target values:

• For healthy individuals: LDL & 2.6 mmol/L
• For moderate risk: LDL & 1.8 mmol/L
• After a heart attack: LDL & 1.4 mmol/L

"The lower the LDL cholesterol, the better. There is no dangerously low level of LDL. People often stop taking medication out of fear unnecessarily. On the other hand, good cholesterol can only be improved through physical activity, not with medications," emphasizes Prof. Dr. Ristić.

"Today we have medications administered only twice a year that reliably regulate cholesterol levels. Prevention and risk awareness are key to a healthy heart, regardless of gender," concludes Dr. Ristić.

It’s already known that summer heat can make menstruation and PMS even more difficult.

Wearing pads becomes very uncomfortable, hormonal acne worsens, and bloating is more severe than ever. Mood? Totally irritable. So how can PMS symptoms be eased during summer?

Is Menstruation Really Heavier and PMS Worse in the Summer?

It’s known that high temperatures increase blood flow throughout the body, so it can be assumed that this also affects the intensity of menstruation. However, there is no evidence that heat directly affects the menstrual cycle. So why do we feel worse than ever during our period in the summer? Because heat influences many aspects of daily life that indirectly worsen PMS.

Fluid retention is a common response to both hormonal changes before menstruation and to heat, so if your PMS occurs during the July swelter, the feeling of heaviness and bloating can be especially uncomfortable.

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Then there’s dehydration – a classic summer problem that, in combination with menstruation, only worsens the symptoms. Without enough fluids, the body may respond with muscle cramps and headaches, making already tough menstrual days even harder.

Additionally, your body naturally raises its temperature as menstruation approaches, and when this coincides with 35 degrees in the shade, the feeling of “melting” is not just psychological.

Interestingly, some studies suggest that summer can also affect the length of the cycle. A 2011 Russian study linked increased sunlight exposure with shorter cycles, meaning menstruation may arrive earlier than expected.

How to Deal With PMS in Summer

Unfortunately, there is no magic pill that solves everything. Menstruation in summer will probably never be pleasant, but there are ways to alleviate the symptoms.

To prevent dehydration and its effects, drink plenty of fluids during hot weather. Carry a water bottle with you and use apps that remind you to hydrate.

Since we sweat more in summer, wear light, breathable fabrics to maintain pH balance in the intimate area. It is recommended to wear loose cotton underwear, and change pads and tampons more frequently than usual.

Avoid salty food and alcohol as they can worsen bloating.

Try to stay indoors during the hottest hours, especially if you know that your PMS is at its worst then. If you must go outside, cool off as often as possible.

Can Supplements Ease PMS?

Experts increasingly highlight the importance of certain nutrients in easing PMS, and the good news is that they can be easily consumed through diet or supplements.

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Calcium and vitamin D help reduce menstrual cramps and mood swings. Vitamin D-fortified milk, salmon, or sardines can be your helpful allies.
Magnesium is a key mineral – its supplements help with bloating and irritability, and it naturally occurs in nuts and dark leafy greens.
Vitamin B6 contributes to hormonal balance and can be found in bananas, spinach, and peas.
If you struggle with breast tenderness or swelling, omega-3 fatty acids from fish, walnuts, or flaxseeds can be effective.
For those who prefer more natural approaches, herbal remedies like evening primrose oil, St. John’s wort, or cedarwood can also offer relief.

Source: B92

Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory reaction of the nasal mucosa caused by exposure to environmental allergens.

It can be triggered by one or more agents, such as pollen, house dust, mites, pet hair, feathers, or mold.

It is usually classified as:

Seasonal form – symptoms occur during specific times of the year (most commonly spring and summer) when pollen concentration is high.

Perennial form – present throughout the year, usually due to allergens found indoors.

According to newer classifications, the following types are distinguished:

Intermittent rhinitis – symptoms last less than four days a week or for less than four consecutive weeks.

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Persistent rhinitis – symptoms are present more than four days a week and last longer than four weeks.

Allergic Rhinitis – Most Common Symptoms

People with allergic rhinitis most often experience:

• nasal congestion and difficulty breathing
• runny nose and frequent sneezing attacks
• itching in the nose, throat, and eyes
• redness and tearing of the eyes
• postnasal drip.

In perennial rhinitis, symptoms such as chronic nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell, and facial pressure are more common, while seasonal rhinitis often includes more sneezing, itching, and profuse nasal discharge.

Connection Between Allergic Rhinitis and Other Conditions

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are closely linked – nearly 40% of people with rhinitis also have asthma symptoms, while most asthma patients also have allergic rhinitis. If left untreated, the risk of developing asthma may be three times higher.

Untreated rhinitis also increases the likelihood of developing sinus infections and ear complications such as serous otitis (fluid buildup in the middle ear).

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Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis

For an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to:

• take a detailed history of symptoms and their frequency
• perform an ENT specialist examination
• conduct skin testing (prick test) for specific allergens
• determine total and specific IgE levels in the blood through lab tests.

“It is important to distinguish allergic rhinitis from a common viral infection or acute sinusitis because the symptoms are similar, but treatment and duration of the illness differ significantly,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Branislava Milenković, internist and pulmonologist, for Stetoskop.

Allergic Rhinitis – Treatment and Therapeutic Options

The primary goal in treating allergic rhinitis is to alleviate symptoms and prevent worsening:

• Avoidance of known allergens
• New-generation antihistamines – act quickly without causing drowsiness
• Nasal corticosteroids – effectively reduce nasal mucosal inflammation
• Combined intranasal sprays – contain both an antihistamine and a corticosteroid
• Immunotherapy – for patients with strong and confirmed allergies

“Surgical procedures, such as turbinate reduction, are used only in patients who have a mechanical obstruction in the nose and do not respond to pharmacological therapy,” explains the professor.

In recent years, three meta-analyses of clinical studies have concluded that vitamin D supplementation is associated with a roughly 13 percent reduction in cancer mortality rates.

Scientists from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) applied these results to the situation in Germany and calculated: if all Germans over the age of 50 took vitamin D supplements, up to 30,000 cancer deaths could be avoided each year and more than 300,000 additional years of life could be gained. Additionally, significant savings in the healthcare system could be achieved.

For years, scientists have been researching the impact of adequate vitamin D supply on the prognosis of various diseases. Particular focus has been on inflammatory diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and cancer.

How and to What Extent Vitamin D Affects Cancer Prevention

Over the past few years, three meta-analyses of large clinical studies have been published examining how vitamin D levels affect cancer mortality rates. All reached the same conclusion: vitamin D supplementation reduces cancer mortality by about 13 percent – across all types of cancer.

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The meta-analyses included only methodologically high-quality randomized trials from around the world. The exact biological mechanisms behind this effect are still unclear.

"In many countries around the world, age-adjusted cancer mortality rates have fortunately been declining over the past decade," says epidemiologist Dr. Hermann Brenner from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ).

"However, considering the high costs of many new cancer drugs, that progress often comes with a hefty financial price. Vitamin D, on the other hand, is relatively inexpensive in common daily doses." Vitamin D deficiency is common among older adults, especially those suffering from cancer.

How Much Does Vitamin D Supplementat