Tag: Health

People can reduce their risk of age-related dementia by exercising their brains through simple daily habits instead of just relying on smartphones and Googling, according to a report.
Professor Mohamed I. Elmasry, a professor at the University of Waterloo, in his new book titled iMind: Artificial and Real Intelligence, emphasises nurturing real intelligence over artificial intelligence (AI), saying that the focus has shifted from the former to the latter and it can have far-reaching, debilitating consequences.
He says in iMind that “none comes close to duplicating the capacity, storage, longevity, energy efficiency, or self-healing capabilities of the original human brain-mind. The useful life expectancy for current smartphones is around 10 years, while a healthy brain-mind inside a healthy human body can live for 100 years or longer”.
Smart devices, while increasingly advanced, cannot duplicate the human brain’s storage, longevity, or self-healing abilities. The book is inspired by his personal losses to dementia.
He contrasts the brain’s long-lasting power with the limited lifespan of smartphones, noting that a healthy brain can last over 100 years if nurtured.
Daily brain exercises like memory workouts, developing an associative memory, moderating alcohol, using rest days and regular naps help enhance brain health.
Elmasry feels healthy aging is a critical but underpublicised issue compared to climate change.
Source: IANS

Sugar is a type of simple carbohydrate found naturally in many foods, including fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, and added to countless processed foods and beverages. Common forms of sugar include sucrose (table sugar), fructose (found in fruits), and lactose (found in dairy). While natural sugars in whole foods come with essential nutrients and fibre, added sugars provide empty calories without nutritional value. Quitting added sugar is generally beneficial for health. In this article, we share a list of health benefits you can achieve from quitting sugar.
Here are benefits of quitting sugar
1. Improved energy levels
Eliminating sugar helps stabilise blood sugar levels, preventing the spikes and crashes associated with high sugar intake. Stable energy levels enhance productivity and reduce feelings of fatigue and sluggishness throughout the day.
2. Better weight management
Quitting sugar reduces caloric intake and decreases insulin resistance, which can contribute to weight loss. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
3. Enhanced mental clarity and mood
Stable blood sugar levels prevent mood swings and mental fog, which are often exacerbated by sugar highs and lows. Improved mental clarity and mood can enhance cognitive function, concentration, and overall mental well-being.
4. Reduced risk of heart disease
Lower sugar intake reduces triglycerides, blood pressure, and inflammation, all of which are risk factors for heart disease. Reducing the risk of heart disease promotes cardiovascular health and longevity.
5. Healthier skin
Cutting out sugar reduces inflammation and decreases the production of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that damage collagen and elastin. Healthier skin appears more youthful, with fewer wrinkles and acne, improving overall appearance and confidence.
6. Decreased risk of type 2 diabetes
Quitting sugar improves insulin sensitivity and reduces the burden on the pancreas. Lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes helps prevent the associated complications, such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems.
7. Improved dental health
Sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay and gum disease. Reducing sugar intake minimises the risk of cavities and oral infections. Better dental health prevents tooth decay, gum disease, and the associated pain and costs of dental treatments.
8. Stronger immune system
High sugar intake can suppress the immune system, making it easier for infections to take hold. Reducing sugar strengthens the immune response. A stronger immune system improves the body’s ability to fight off infections and recover from illnesses more quickly.
Source: NDTV

An HIV-preventive drug showed 100 per cent efficacy and “no safety concerns” in women, according to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Lenacapavir, injectable twice a year, is developed by the US-based biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences, Inc. as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug. These drugs prevent the spread of infection in people not yet exposed to the disease-causing agent.
The study, a phase-3 trial involving teenage girls and young women in South Africa and Uganda, showed that lenacapavir “demonstrated zero (HIV) infections” and “100 per cent efficacy,” Gilead Sciences, Inc. said in a statement. HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, spreads from the body fluids of an infected person. Untreated, the infection can progress to AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome over years. In the PURPOSE 1 trial, 5,338 participants, who were HIV-negative, to begin with, were divided into three groups – 2,134 receiving lenacapavir injections 26 weeks apart; 2,136 receiving the daily oral tablet Descovy (F/TAF); and 1,068 receiving the daily oral tablet Truvada (F/TDF).
Researchers, including those from the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa, observed a total of 55 infections – zero in the Lenacapavir group, 39 in the Desovy group and 16 in the Truvada group.
“No participants receiving twice-yearly lenacapavir acquired HIV infection,” the study authors wrote.
The most common adverse effects were injection-site reactions experienced by close to 70 percent of the participants in the Lenacapavir group. Source: PTI

Researchers have developed a very innovative method for analysing MRI heart scans with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) technology which could save valuable time and resources and improve patient care.
The teams from the Universities of East Anglia (UEA), Sheffield, and Leeds have created a model that uses AI to examine heart MRI scans in a view known as the four-chamber plane.
“This model determines the size and function of the heart’s chambers and demonstrates outcomes comparable to those done by doctors but unimaginably faster,” said Pankaj Garg, from the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School
He noted that a standard MRI process takes 45 minutes, but the new model takes “a matter of seconds”, leading to an overall betterment of this field.
The retrospective observational study consisted of data from 814 patients. Further, scans and data from another 101 patients were also sampled.
While the previous studies focused on only the two main chambers of the heart, the new study focuses on all four.
The team said this would lead to faster, more accurate diagnoses and help patients.
They also stressed the need for future studies to focus on larger groups of patients from different hospitals, with different types of MRI scanners, and other common diseases seen in medical practice to verify the accuracy. Source: IANS

The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily robbed many of us of our olfactory senses. We scarfed down tasteless food, hoping that spices and herbs would someday come alive on our tongues again. While some recovered, many continue to live with weakened smell and taste.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association observed that “olfactory impairment, a common sensory deficit in older adults, may be a novel marker or potential contributor to congestive heart failure.”
Indianexpress.com spoke to clinical experts to understand if a weakened sense of smell really indicates heart problems and what can be done to avoid such a fate.
“Indeed, a diminished sense of smell may be an early sign of heart failure. It was observed that the loss of the sense of smell might be connected to the initial process of neurodegenerative disorders and common diseases such as cardiovascular pathologies,” said Dr Chirag D, consultant – interventional cardiology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru.
Why does this happen?
“The link between weak smelling abilities and heart failure is related to the health of blood vessels. The ability to detect odours mostly depends on the normal flow of blood through the olfactory bulb and other areas responsible for perception. Prolonged inflammation and neurodegenerative processes affect both cardiac systems and olfactory pathways simultaneously,” said Chirag.
Dr Divakar Bhat, consultant – CTVS surgery at Aster RV Hospital, concurred. According to him, in individuals with extremely weak hearts, blood supply is reduced to all body parts, including the olfactory nerve region, which is the only sensory nerve conveying the sense of smell. This may lead to a diminished sense of smell.
“Other causes of a weakened sense of smell include nasal issues, brain conditions affecting the olfactory nerve, or COVID-19. It is not related to heart function,” he said.
What constitutes a weak sense of smell?
“Standardised tests such as UPSIT (University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test) or Sniffin’ Sticks test can measure hyposmia or reduced sense of smell. These assessments evaluate one’s capability to recognise, pick out, or differentiate various smells. If a person scores below average on these tests, it means that he/she has a smell disorder,” said Chirag.
According to him, individuals more prone to having a weak sense of smell include the elderly, those with neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s), people with chronic sinus issues or nasal blockages, and those with certain genetic conditions.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, exposure to environmental toxins, and poor cardiovascular health can also contribute to olfactory dysfunction.
Source: The Indian Express

Contracting COVID-19 may accelerate the onset of visible symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children, an autoimmune condition, according to a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association.
Researchers found that children infected with the virus and in the early stages of type 1 diabetes without displaying symptoms, progressed more rapidly to a clinical onset of the autoimmune disorder.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can include unusual thirst and hunger, along with frequent urination, fatigue and blurred vision. Treatment typically involves insulin therapy, requiring regular injections through the day.
In an autoimmune disorder, the body’s immune system attacks the healthy cells and organs, instead of protecting it against foreign disease-causing agents.
Previous studies have found elevated levels of islet autoantibodies in children infected with COVID-19. Produced when insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are damaged, these autoantibodies from one’s blood samples can help in diagnosing type 1 diabetes.
In this study, the researchers, including those from the Institute of Diabetes Research, Helmholtz Munich, Germany, found that children already having islet autoantibodies (early stages of type 1 diabetes) developed diagnosable symptoms of the condition at a faster rate after a COVID-19 infection, compared to those not infected.
From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 until 2023, children participating in the Fr1da study (for type 1 diabetes) were tested for antibodies produced in response to COVID-19, along with islet autoantibodies. The researchers thus had ‘valuable data’ on the association between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and type 1 diabetes.
They showed that cases of type 1 diabetes diagnoses among children in early stages of the disease increased at a higher rate during the pandemic, compared to that pre-pandemic. Source: PTI

Myopia, or nearsightedness, makes distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. This condition occurs when the eye’s shape causes light rays to bend incorrectly.
A recent study, published in BMC Public Health, reviewed and analysed the link between screen time and myopia in children and adolescents. Researchers from Soochow University in China assessed various studies to determine how screen exposure affects the risk of developing myopia.
Study Scope
The researchers reviewed 19 studies with 102,360 participants. They used data from major health databases to understand the link between screen time and myopia.
Screen Time Impact
Children who spent more time on screens had a higher risk of developing myopia. Those who had high screen time were much more likely to become nearsighted compared to those with low screen time.
Device-Specific Findings
The study found that using computers and watching TV were linked to higher myopia risk, but smartphone use was not as clearly linked.
Geographic Variation
The increased risk was especially notable in studies from East and South Asia, and in research done after 2008.
Quality and Bias
Most of the studies were of good quality, but some had issues like small sample sizes and not accounting for all possible factors. Despite these issues, the overall results were strong.
The study highlights the potential risks of prolonged screen time for children’s eye health and suggests that limiting screen exposure could help reduce the risk of myopia.
Source: India Today
Tips to trim your kids’ screen tme
– If your kids spend a lot of time on screens, including watching TV, start by setting smaller, more attainable goals. Instead of jumping right to the recommended one-two hours or less per day, start by cutting their screen time in half.
– After school or work, spend time each day talking face to face with kids and give them your full attention.
– During screen-free hours, put devices away or at a charging station in a common area so they’re not attracting your kids’ attention.
– Making family meal areas a phone-free zone is an easy way to start.

Zika virus that recently infected five people in Maharashtra’s Pune is majorly asymptomatic, but can resemble dengue fever, said health experts. Zika virus disease (ZVD) is a mosquito-borne disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, the mosquito which also transmits dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever.
It usually bites during the daytime. It is usually a mild to moderate severity disease in adults and requires no specific treatment.
Common symptoms include mild fever, rashes, headache, muscle and joint pain, and inflammation of the underside of the eyelid, which normally lasts for 2-7 days.
“Around 80 per cent of cases are estimated to be asymptomatic, though the accuracy of this figure is hindered by the wide variance in data quality,” Dr. Suruchi Mandrekar, Consultant Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Pune, told IANS. On the other hand, “symptomatic cases are usually mild and can resemble dengue fever, and may include fever, red eyes, joint pain, headache, and a maculopapular rash,” the doctor said.
Dr. Digvijay Adke, Consultant and In-charge, Emergency Department, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pune, noted that “the rise in Zika virus cases, identical to dengue, is primarily owing to multiple factors, including sudden weather changes, followed by clogging of drains and water accumulation in the surroundings along with poor personal hygiene practices at an individual level.” On the other hand, “symptomatic cases are usually mild and can resemble dengue fever, and may include fever, red eyes, joint pain, headache, and a maculopapular rash,” the doctor said.
Dr. Digvijay Adke, Consultant and In-charge, Emergency Department, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pune, noted that “the rise in Zika virus cases, identical to dengue, is primarily owing to multiple factors, including sudden weather changes, followed by clogging of drains and water accumulation in the surroundings along with poor personal hygiene practices at an individual level.” Source: IANS

Worried about your food addiction? Take heart, a team of researchers has identified a specific gut bacteria associated with both mice and human compulsive eating disorder and obesity.
In the research, presented at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Forum 2024, the international team identified bacteria that play a beneficial role in preventing food addiction.
While until now, the mechanisms underlying this behavioural disorder were largely unknown, the new findings, also published in the journal Gut, could be used as potential new treatments for this obesity-related behaviour.
“Potential new treatments could involve using beneficial bacteria and dietary supplementation,” said Rafael Maldonado, from the Laboratory of Neuropharmacology-NeuroPhar at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain.
In the study, the team investigated the gut bacteria in mice who were and were not addicted to food.
They found an increase in bacteria belonging to a group called the Proteobacteria phylum and a decrease in bacteria belonging to the Actinobacteria phylum in the food-addicted mice.
These mice also had a decrease in the amount of another type of bacteria called Blautia from the Bacillota phylum. Similar to the findings in mice, decreases in the Actinobacteria phylum and Blautia were seen among people with addiction to food and increase in the Proteobacteria phylum. “The findings in both mice and humans suggested that specific microbiota could be protective in preventing food addiction,” said Elena Martin-Garcia, from the varsity. Source: IANS

A schoolboy from England has made medical history as the first in the world with severe epilepsy to trial a new device implanted in his skull to control seizures. The neurostimulator, which sends electrical signals deep into the brain, has reduced Oran Knowlson’s daytime seizures by 80%. Oran has Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a treatment-resistant form of epilepsy that he developed at age three. Since then, he has experienced daily seizures ranging from a few dozen to hundreds.
His mother, Justine had said that Oran had a variety of seizures, including ones where he fell to the ground, shook violently, and lost consciousness. At times, he would stop breathing and require emergency medication to resuscitate him.
The surgery, which lasted around eight hours, took place in October 2023. It was part of a trial at Great Ormond Street Hospital in collaboration with University College London, King’s College Hospital, and Oxford University.
Oran, now 13, was 12 at the time of the surgery.
Epilepsy seizures are caused by abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain. The device, which emits a constant pulse of current, aims to block or disrupt these abnormal signals.
According to University College London, the rechargeable device is mounted onto the skull and is attached to electrodes deep in the brain to reduce seizure activity.
This is the first UK clinical trial measuring this type of treatment for children with epilepsy. The CADET pilot (Children’s Adaptive Deep brain stimulation for Epilepsy Trial) will now recruit three additional patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which is funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering before 22 patients take part in the full trial, which is being funded by GOSH Charity and LifeArc.

Eating plant-based meat alternatives may have profound benefits against cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure, according to a review of research published from 1970 to 2023.
Plant-based meat alternatives are highly processed plant-based food products that typically replace meat in the diet.
While there is substantial variability in the contents and nutritional profiles of these alternatives, the findings detailed in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, showed that the nutritional profiles tend to reflect a heart-healthy dietary pattern.
“While the plant-based meat market has experienced significant growth in recent years and more people are enjoying plant-based burgers, surprisingly little is known about how these meat alternatives may impact health and in particular cardiovascular disease risk,” said lead author Matthew Nagra, from the University of British Columbia, Canada.
“Thus, we sought to review the available literature on the topic to identify what is currently known and to provide direction for future research,” he added.
The researchers reviewed the research on plant-based meat alternatives, their contents, nutritional profiles, and impact on cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Their analysis shows that on average, the plant-based alternatives tend to have a more heart-healthy nutritional profile than meat, although the high sodium content of some products may be of concern.
However, these alternatives do not raise blood pressure, but instead improve some cardiovascular risk factors, including cholesterol levels, in several randomised controlled trials.
“There is currently a lack of long-term research evaluating how these alternatives may affect the risk of developing a heart attack or stroke,” the researchers said. Source: IANS

Losing excess weight is important because it reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, improves mobility, enhances mental health, and boosts overall quality of life. Small changes in routine can effectively help reduce weight by creating sustainable habits that lead to a caloric deficit and healthier lifestyle. In this article, we share some simple tips to help you lose weight effectively. These manageable adjustments, when consistently applied, can lead to significant and lasting improvements in weight and health.
Drink more water
Drinking water can boost metabolism, reduce hunger, and help you feel full, leading to lower calorie intake. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Start your day with a glass of water and drink a glass before each meal to help control portion sizes.
Increase fibre intake
Fibre slows digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels, reducing overeating. Incorporate high-fibre foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains into every meal. Consider adding flaxseeds or chia seeds to your breakfast or snacks.
Eat protein with every meal
Protein increases feelings of fullness, reduces appetite, and helps maintain muscle mass during weight loss. Include lean proteins such as chicken, fish, tofu, beans, or Greek yogurt in each meal. Aiming for 20-30 grams of protein per meal can be beneficial.
Practice mindful eating
Mindful eating encourages you to pay attention to hunger and fullness cues, reducing overeating. Eat slowly, savour each bite, and avoid distractions like TV or smartphones while eating. Focus on the taste, texture, and smell of your food.
Get enough sleep
Poor sleep can disrupt hunger hormones, leading to increased appetite and cravings for unhealthy foods. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
Reduce portion sizes
Smaller portions help control calorie intake without feeling deprived. Use smaller plates and bowls to naturally limit portion sizes. Serve yourself smaller portions and avoid eating directly from large packages.
Limit sugary drinks & snacks
Sugary drinks and snacks are high in empty calories which can lead to weight gain. Replace sugary drinks with water, herbal teas, or black coffee. Choose healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, or yogurt instead of sweets and processed snacks.
Stay active throughout the day
Regular movement increases calorie expenditure and supports overall health. Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs, walking during breaks, or doing short exercise sessions. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.

If you’re managing high blood pressure (BP) and blood sugar, you’re likely prioritising a healthy lifestyle. But what about those supplement bottles lining the shelves? While some vitamins and minerals can be beneficial, others can interact with medications or worsen your condition.
Here’s a guide to supplements you should avoid with high BP and blood sugar, according to Dr Srinivas Kandula, Consultant Endocrinologist, CARE Hospitals, Nampally, Hyderabad.
Sodium-Containing Supplements
Why Avoid: Sodium can elevate blood pressure. Many supplements, especially those marketed for muscle building or hydration, may contain high levels of sodium, said Dr Kandula.
Licorice Root
– Why Avoid: Licorice can increase blood pressure and cause fluid retention, which is problematic for both high blood pressure and diabetes.
Caffeine and Stimulant-Based Supplements
Why Avoid: Caffeine can increase blood pressure and cause rapid heart rates, which are detrimental for individuals with hypertension. Some weight loss and energy supplements contain high levels of caffeine or other stimulants, Dr Kandula explained.
Ephedra (Ma Huang)
Why Avoid: Ephedra is a powerful stimulant that can raise blood pressure and heart rate, posing risks for those with hypertension and heart disease.
Ginseng
Why Avoid: While ginseng may have some benefits, it can also interfere with blood pressure control and blood sugar regulation, leading to potential complications.
Calcium Supplements
Why Avoid: High doses of calcium supplements have been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular events. It’s better to get calcium from dietary sources under medical guidance.
High-Dose Vitamin D
Why Avoid: While Vitamin D is important, excessively high doses can cause calcium buildup in the blood, potentially leading to heart and kidney problems.
Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have high BP, blood sugar, or take medications. This ensures they avoid potential interactions with their condition or medications and receive personalized advice based on their health needs.
Source: The Indian Express

High levels of stress can give you a pot belly

Stress plays a crucial role can the accumulation of belly fat. High levels of stress trigger the release of cortisol, a hormone that, when chronically elevated, can lead to fat deposition in the abdominal area.
This pot belly not only affects your appearance but also increases the risk of various health issues.
When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol as part of the “fight or flight” response. Studies have shown that elevated cortisol levels can lead to increased appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods, particularly those high in sugar and fat.
This pot belly not only affects your appearance but also increases the risk of various health issues.
When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol as part of the “fight or flight” response. Studies have shown that elevated cortisol levels can lead to increased appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods, particularly those high in sugar and fat.
Cortisol also promotes fat storage in the abdominal area, which is more metabolically active and associated with higher health risks, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Even exercise and diet cannot help much with belly fat if stress is elevated.
“We underestimate how stress causes fat accumulation, especially visceral fat. And we just keep on focusing on exercise and diet,” wrote dietitian Deepta Nagpal on X.
Visceral fat, also known as belly fat, is the fat that surrounds your liver, intestines, and other internal organs beneath your abdominal muscles.
Some of this fat is stored in the omentum, a layer of tissue under the muscles. As more fat is added, this tissue becomes harder and thicker, making your waistline bigger. Source: India Today

Scientists said they have devised a new method to detect rare forms of dementia as well as other neurological diseases through blood tests. The blood markers can spot frontotemporal dementia (FTD) as well as neurological diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), said the team from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE).
FTD, ALS and PSP form a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases with overlapping symptoms characterised by dementia, behavioural symptoms, paralysis and muscle wasting, movement impairment and other serious impairments.
The findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine, are based on the measurement of certain proteins in the blood, which serve as biomarkers. The study also involved the University Hospital Bonn and other research institutions in Germany and Spain.
“As yet, there is no cure for any of these diseases. And, with current methods, it is not possible to reach a conclusive diagnosis of the molecular pathology of these diseases during a patient’s lifetime, since brain tissue must be examined,” explained Professor Anja Schneider, a research group leader at DZNE.
The researchers showed that PSP, behavioural variant of FTD and the vast majority of ALS cases with the exception of a particular mutation can be recognised by blood testing. This also applies to their underlying pathology.
“Our study is the first to find pathology-specific biomarkers. Initially, application is likely to be in research and therapy development. But in the long term, I consider it realistic that these biomarkers will also be used for diagnosis in medical routine,” said Schneider, who is also affiliated with the University of Bonn.
The results were based on data and blood samples from study collectives in Germany and Spain with a total of 991 adults. Source: IANS

A new study has found that drinking alcohol can worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder by destabilising mood and affecting work efficiency.
Contrary to the common belief that mood swings drive alcohol consumption, the research indicates that alcohol itself may be a contributing factor to these mood disturbances.
Bipolar disorder is characterised by significant shifts in emotions, energy, and activity levels, often accompanied by hallucinations and delusions.
Researchers from the University of Michigan, USA, aimed to explore the long-term effects of alcohol consumption on mood and functioning in adults with bipolar disorder.
The findings, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open, suggest that alcohol can significantly impact the condition.
The study involved 584 adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder, who were part of the larger ongoing Prechter Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder (PLS-BD) for at least five years. Data was collected over a follow-up period of 5 to 16 years.
Participants’ alcohol consumption was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, a WHO-approved questionnaire designed to screen for problematic drinking. Other standardised questionnaires were used to evaluate depression, mania or hypomania, anxiety, and overall functioning.
The study revealed that exceeding one’s typical alcohol consumption led to worse depressive and manic or hypomanic episodes, as well as decreased work performance.