Frequent daytime napping among older adults has been linked to a higher risk of developing dementia, according to a study published in The Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences.

Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health tracked nearly 1,000 adults age 65 and older who showed no signs of memory or thinking problems when the study began in 2013.

A decade later, the researchers found that daily rest habits — like how often people nap, how long they sleep and whether they fall asleep by accident — are linked to long-term brain health.

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The study found that participants who napped frequently, defined as most days or every day, had a 48% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who rarely or never napped.

Whether the naps were intentional also appeared to play a role. Seniors who fell asleep unintentionally had a 39% higher risk, while shorter naps were also linked to poorer outcomes.

Napping for 30 minutes or less was linked to a 40% increased risk of dementia, even after researchers adjusted for other health factors. For naps longer than 30 minutes, the association was less pronounced after researchers accounted for nighttime sleep patterns.

The research team stressed that looking at daytime napping habits gives a much clearer picture of overall health than looking at nighttime sleep alone.

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"Our study highlights the importance of looking beyond just how long people nap and considering other napping characteristics, such as how frequently they nap and whether their naps are intentional," study authors Adam Spira, Ph.D., a professor at the Bloomberg School, and postdoctoral fellow Kening Jiang, Ph.D., told Fox News Digital.

"This study provides important longitudinal evidence that frequent and unintentional daytime napping were associated with a higher risk of developing dementia among older adults."

The findings held true even after accounting for nighttime sleep length, daytime drowsiness and indicators of sleep apnea.

"Nighttime sleep and daytime napping are closely related," Spira and Jiang went on. "Daytime napping may compensate for poor nighttime sleep, but it may also reduce the drive to sleep at night, potentially contributing to nighttime sleep disturbances, another important potential risk factor for dementia."

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Researchers pointed out that daytime resting does not necessarily cause brain changes. Rather, changing nap habits could be an early warning sign of underlying changes in the brain.

Brain regions that help regulate wakefulness can start to break down in the early stages of dementia, leading to more frequent daytime fatigue, they noted.

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To double-check this, the team re-analyzed the data after removing anyone who developed dementia during the first five years.

The link between frequent, accidental naps and dementia remained just as strong, suggesting that changes in napping habits can show up years before a formal diagnosis.

The researchers emphasized that this was an observational study with limitations.

"We did not directly intervene on participants’ napping behaviors to examine whether changing these behaviors would affect their dementia risk," Spira and Jiang told Fox News Digital.

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"Although we don’t know whether napping causes dementia, our study findings suggest that daytime napping patterns may be useful indicators of future dementia risk," they added.

The findings suggest that daytime napping patterns in older adults may be worth monitoring, particularly when naps become frequent or happen unintentionally, according to the researchers.

A growing number of American parents are using cannabis, prompting questions about potential child exposure and safety, according to a new study.

Cannabis use increased substantially among parents between 2012 and 2024, with researchers estimating that at least 5.9 million U.S. children were living with a parent who used marijuana on most days in 2024.

By 2024, 8% of parents used cannabis on most days, 5.2% used it daily and 6.7% met the criteria for cannabis use disorder (CUD).

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Daily cannabis use among parents was about four times as common as daily alcohol use, the study found.

While increases occurred across nearly all demographic groups, some of the largest were seen among younger and unmarried parents, those in lower-income households and those without a four-year college degree.

Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), involving nearly 482,000 U.S. individuals ages 12 and older.

The findings were published in the journal Addictive Behaviors.

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"Marijuana has become so socially acceptable that people are starting to overlook the risks," Dr. Jarid Pachter, who specializes in family medicine and addiction medicine at Stony Brook Medicine in New York, told Fox News Digital.

"Just because it's legal doesn't mean it's harmless," added Pachter, who was not involved in the study.

The physician also expressed concern about the example parents are setting for their children.

"If marijuana use is a regular part of life at home, children may start to see it as something that's normal and relatively harmless," he said, pointing to studies that show children whose parents use marijuana are more likely to use it themselves as they get older.

"That doesn't necessarily mean the parent's marijuana use is causing the child to use, but there's clearly an association."

The doctor also cautioned that THC, the main psychoactive chemical in the marijuana plant, is known to affect attention, memory, coordination and reaction time.

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"When you have young children, you need to be alert and able to respond to their needs," he said. "I'm not suggesting that someone who uses marijuana can't be a good parent. My concern is about being impaired when you're responsible for a child's safety."

"I also think we need to be careful about normalizing daily marijuana use," he went on. "We wouldn't automatically consider daily alcohol use harmless, and we shouldn't look at marijuana that way, either."

Pachter emphasized that accidental ingestion is another concern, especially with edibles like marijuana gummies or chocolate, which can look like regular candy to a young child.

"We've seen significant increases in emergency room visits involving children who accidentally consume marijuana," he told Fox News Digital.

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"Some develop severe sedation, confusion and difficulty walking. In more serious cases, children can have breathing problems and require hospitalization."

The more frequently someone uses marijuana, the greater risk of developing cannabis use disorder, the doctor cautioned.

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"We also know THC can affect memory, attention and coordination. Frequent use, particularly of high-potency products, is associated with an increased risk of certain psychiatric problems in susceptible individuals."

Smoking marijuana around children can also pose a risk of secondhand exposure.

"Marijuana smoke contains many of the same harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke," the physician said. "We know children can be exposed to THC through secondhand smoke, although we're still learning about the long-term health effects."

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For those who use marijuana every day, Pachter suggests they ask themselves whether they can go without it, and whether it is affecting work, relationships or responsibilities.

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"And if you're a parent, you need to consider whether your marijuana use is affecting your ability to care for your children."

The study had some limitations. The researchers did not assess parenting quality or children’s health, and the findings do not establish that parental cannabis use causes adverse child outcomes.

Additionally, the data relied on self-reported substance use, which could be subject to recall or reporting bias.

The researchers called for further studies examining whether the frequency of parental cannabis use, cannabis use disorder, household exposure and storage practices are associated with children's health or developmental outcomes.

The researchers reported funding support from the California Department of Cannabis Control, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Supplements are a daily wellness habit for many Americans — but experts warn more isn’t always better.

Some common nutritional supplements include zinc for immune function, ashwagandha for stress relief, fish oil for improving heart health and magnesium for better sleep, among others that have gained popularity on social media.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Jim LaValle, a clinical pharmacist and metabolic medicine expert based in Texas, said that supplements should be balanced with other medications and medical conditions.

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"I've never met a supplement I didn't like under the right circumstances," he said. "There's some evidence around what it's doing in the body."

While supplementing certain nutrients can be beneficial, the health expert warned that overdoing it can be "problematic."

"A lot of people take one of everything and then stack peptides on top of it — and then they're going and doing 18 different things," he said.

It's important to first assess what the body needs from an individualized approach, according to LaValle.

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For example, low magnesium has been associated with the development of metabolic syndrome. In that case, he said, taking a magnesium supplement could help to balance out levels.

"We assume that if you eat healthy, you're going to get those nutrients. But are the foods we're selecting actually rich in those nutrients?" he questioned.

LaValle recommends using supplements to address specific needs, starting with a blood test to pinpoint any deficiencies, rather than blindly treating symptoms.

Low iron and ferritin are common among people complaining of fatigue, LaValle said, yet some may instead turn to supplements like ashwagandha or rhodiola in an effort to boost their energy.

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"They’re buying some kind of stimulant adaptogen to try to get their energy up," he said. "That’s pretty basic — you’re low in iron, and you never got a blood test."

LaValle noted that the number of biomarkers measured is less important than how well the results are interpreted.

After appropriate blood testing, the results can be used to identify "functional highs and lows" and help establish specific health goals, he said.

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"If you're somebody who has a goal to get out there and get after it and do a Hyrox or an LT Games or a Tough Mudder, there could be supplements that would help improve your performance [or] reduce your risk of injury," LaValle said.

"It doesn't mean you [have to] take them all the time."

The expert reiterated that it’s easy to "overdo it," particularly with the influence of online health and wellness advice.

"When people are getting barraged with marketing between social media and friends telling them, 'I did this and it worked,' they'll lean in and go, 'Hey, if two is good, four is better, and why not do 10?'"

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In one example, having low levels of certain nutrients, such as zinc, can disrupt key functions in the body, as zinc plays an important role in immune health, cell growth and metabolism.

But supplementing with too much zinc can cause digestive distress and even copper deficiency, which can lead to anemia and other neurological problems, according to the NIH.

"So having low zinc is not good, but you can overdo zinc," LaValle said. "You can overdo vitamin A. You can overdo vitamin D easily, and that could be potentially toxic if you're taking too much of it."

People should talk with a doctor or pharmacist before starting or combining supplements, particularly if they take prescription medications or have underlying health conditions. Blood testing may also be appropriate before supplementing certain nutrients, experts advise.

People diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face a roughly 71% higher overall risk of early death compared to those without the condition, according to a new review published in JAMA Network Open.

However, taking prescription ADHD medication may offer a protective benefit, lowering overall risk of death, the review found.

Researchers analyzed data from 19 observational studies involving nearly 16 million people across three continents to evaluate the long-term effects associated with the condition.

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The review considered both unnatural causes of death, such as injuries and suicide, and natural causes, including physical health conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Across all categories, individuals with ADHD experienced elevated mortality rates compared to those without the diagnosis.

"We found that people with ADHD face an increased risk not only of death by suicide and injury, but also of deaths by natural causes, adding to evidence that health inequalities faced by people with ADHD are broad and wide-ranging," senior author Joshua Stott, professor of aging and clinical psychology at University College London (UCL), said in a press release.

The risk of death from suicide was nearly doubled, showing an 89% increase, while the risk of dying from intentional or unintentional injuries, such as motor vehicle accidents, was 55% higher, the study found.

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There was also a 27% higher risk of death from natural causes among people with ADHD.

The increased risk of death from natural causes was often tied to long-term health risks like smoking and substance use, as well as executive function challenges that can make it harder to manage chronic conditions, attend doctor’s appointments and follow treatment plans.

In one analysis, researchers checked whether medical treatment changed overall mortality rates.

Among people with ADHD, those taking prescribed ADHD medication had a 25% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those not taking medication, suggesting that effective treatment may lower some of the behavioral effects and health risks associated with the condition.

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"ADHD is not by definition a life-limiting condition, as the right support and treatment can help people live long and healthy lives," Stott said.

"Our findings underscore the importance of ensuring that everyone who may have ADHD has access to accurate diagnosis and treatment."

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Despite these findings, the researchers emphasized several key limitations.

All included studies were observational, meaning the results show associations rather than direct cause-and-effect relationships.

The findings on ADHD medication came from just three of the 19 studies, so those results are still preliminary and based on a much smaller group of people.

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Results also varied widely across individual studies due to differences in diagnostic criteria, healthcare access and tracking methods, while underlying factors such as socioeconomic status and other mental health conditions were not controlled across data sets.

"Our findings provide early evidence to suggest that medication may play an important role in supporting the health of people with ADHD, but this is based on a small number of studies and further research is needed to clarify this link," first author Lucy Corrigan, a research assistant in the University of Liverpool’s Department of Psychology, said in the same press release.

"Medication is just part of the story; many people with ADHD benefit from comprehensive, long-term treatment and support."

Kyle Kennedy, the granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, has died at the age of 42.

Kennedy, the daughter of Michael Kennedy and Victoria Gifford Kennedy, died Sept. 21 at her Massachusetts home, according to an obituary published by Burke Funeral Homes.

Her cause of death remains pending, People reported.

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Born in Washington, D.C., on July 6, 1984, Kennedy spent much of her upbringing in Cohasset, Massachusetts. She attended Milton Academy before earning a bachelor’s degree in history from Georgetown University.

She went on to pursue advanced degrees in education, earning a master of science in early education from Pace University and a master of education in education policy and management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Kennedy began her professional life with Teach for America, teaching for two years in New York City public schools. That experience sparked a lifelong commitment to early childhood education and reform, according to her obituary.

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Over the course of her career, Kennedy worked as an advocate for equitable elementary education and charter schools, collaborated with education technology companies on curriculum improvement, and served as an instructional coach for primary school educators.

An avid athlete and long-distance runner, Kennedy completed the 2019 Boston Marathon.

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In 2020, Kennedy suffered a severe spinal cord injury that caused long-term paralysis and significant health obstacles.

Following her injury, Kennedy focused on disability rights advocacy, including testifying at the Massachusetts State House on healthcare discrimination against individuals living with disabilities.

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Kennedy was preceded in death by her father, Michael, in 1997, and her infant daughter, Josie.

Kennedy is survived by her sons, Conor, 12, and Declan, 10; her ex-husband, Liam; her mother, Victoria (the daughter of Frank Gifford and Maxine Avis Ewart and Kathie Lee Gifford’s stepdaughter); her brother, Michael, and his family; and her sister, Rory, and her family.

Funeral services were held privately.

A powerful new synthetic opioid said to be more potent than fentanyl has been linked to dozens of recent deaths in the U.S., prompting warnings from health officials.

Tennessee was an early hotspot, with the state’s health department announcing in March that more than 30 fatal overdoses had been associated with cychlorphine since October 2025.

An April 2026 notice from the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy cited at least 41 Tennessee deaths between July 2025 and February 2026 and at least 55 deaths nationally.

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Fatal overdoses have also been reported in Illinois, California and Oklahoma, according to public health and law enforcement records.

"Cychlorphine is particularly dangerous due to its strength, where a very small amount can cause someone to stop breathing," the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in its advisory.

Nicholas Kardaras, Ph.D., CEO and chief clinical officer of the New York Center for Living in Manhattan and a clinical professor at Stony Brook Medicine’s School of Social Welfare, called cychlorphine "the new fentanyl on steroids."

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Cychlorphine is a novel, unregulated synthetic opioid that activates the same receptors as fentanyl, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. It can cause profound sedation, slowed or stopped breathing, or death.

The drug is not approved for medical use and has been detected in illicit drugs and counterfeit pills.

Kardaras called cychlorphine "one of the most potent synthetic opioids" now appearing in the illicit drug supply.

"Fentanyl is about 50 times more potent than morphine or heroin," he told Fox News Digital. "Cychlorphine is reportedly up to 10 times more potent than fentanyl — so theoretically, about 500 times more potent than morphine or heroin."

"This new synthetic drug is making fentanyl look like yesterday's candy."

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Cychlorphine is taken in various forms — people can ingest it as a pill, snort it in powder form or crush it and administer it intravenously, according to Kardaras.

"The problem has been, in addition to its potency, it's often put in other designer drugs and in counterfeit pills," he cautioned.

While some people seek out cychlorphine for its potency, others may ingest it unknowingly when it is mixed into other substances.

"Sometimes, by talking about how potent some of these substances are, we increase the allure of them for some addicts, unfortunately," Kardaras said.

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While cychlorphine is primarily a street drug, it can also be purchased online or via "boutique designer-drug markets," according to the expert.

Cychlorphine can cause a fatal overdose in anyone, regardless of age. Kardaras said younger people may face greater exposure because some are more likely to experiment with drugs or purchase counterfeit pills.

"They’re buying something online … and all of a sudden, without knowing it, they’re ingesting fentanyl or another synthetic opioid," he said.

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Naloxone, commonly sold under the brand name Narcan, can reverse cychlorphine’s opioid effects, but multiple or prolonged doses may be needed.

"What used to take one or two doses of Narcan to reverse an overdose may now require five or six doses, based on anecdotal evidence," Kardaras said.

The DEA advises people to administer naloxone immediately, call 911 and be prepared to give additional doses.

Another major concern with cychlorphine is that standard fentanyl test strips and routine hospital opioid urine screens do not detect it.

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"Most drug tests have very specific chemical structures that they detect in any kind of synthetic or non-synthetic drug, and this new one hasn't quite been baked into the current testing strips," Kardaras noted.

The takeaway, he said, is that cychlorphine may be up to 10 times more potent than fentanyl, is not detected by standard fentanyl test strips or routine hospital opioid urine screens, and may require multiple doses of naloxone to reverse.

"So it's a triple whammy," he said. "It's a constant battle of keeping up with the latest iterations of new drugs."

Cancer can strike at any age, often without symptoms. For many cancers, routine screening remains the best way to detect the disease early and reduce the risk of death.

For lung cancer, screening guidelines can vary, as the disease doesn’t always show obvious signals and can occur in both smokers and never-smokers.

Daniel J. Boffa, M.D., chair of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and a thoracic surgeon at Yale University, noted that lung cancer screening is "one of the most powerful ways" to boost survival.

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"It reduces the chance of people dying of lung cancer by 20%," he told Fox News Digital.

The share of Americans who are eligible for screening but don’t comply translates to "tens of thousands of preventable deaths every year," according to Boffa.

"I'm hoping that within four or five years, a screening CT scan will only be confirmatory after they have a positive blood test done at your doctor's office," he added.

That approach could make screening easier and potentially help detect more lung cancers, according to the doctor.

In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Lary Robinson, M.D., an oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, noted that in most cases, early-stage lung cancer will not come with any symptoms.

In those who do have symptoms, however, the most common are related to the lungs, including a persistent cough, shortness of breath or coughing up blood.

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Unexplained weight loss can result from any form of cancer, according to the oncologist. Neurological symptoms, like persistent headaches, may also warrant seeing a doctor.

Current lung cancer screening guidelines recommend an annual low-dose CT scan for people between the ages of 50 and 80 who currently smoke or have a history of smoking or have at least a 20 pack-year history of smoking, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Before making the decision to get screened, individuals should speak with their healthcare providers about the purpose of the screening and how it’s done, as well as the benefits, limits and possible harms, ACS advised.

Those who still smoke should be counseled about quitting and offered interventions and resources to help.

Individuals with serious health problems that will "likely limit" their lifespan should not be screened, according to ACS, as well as those who won’t be able to get treatment if lung cancer is detected.

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Although one out of seven lung cancers will affect someone who has never smoked, there is currently not a set screening guideline for never-smokers.

Finding individuals who would benefit from screening is an "intense area of research," according to Boffa. For now, people with a direct family history of lung cancer without smoking should consider annual screenings, as should higher-risk demographics like Asian women.

"I would anticipate that in the next year or two, we will have better guidance for people who are at risk for lung cancer, but never smoked," Boffa predicted.

Boffa noted that advances in lung cancer treatment have improved survival, even at advanced stages, so screening should not be viewed as a pathway to a terminal diagnosis.

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"People are really reluctant to be diagnosed with lung cancer because it does carry a stigma," Boffa said. "For years, there was a reputation that it was a terminal diagnosis. It's just been amazing what research has done for lung cancer."

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Most screenings detect a lung nodule or other abnormality, which is more often an infection, scar or inflammation than a tumor, he said.

In about one-third of patients, lung cancer screenings also detect unrelated health issues, including the hardening of heart arteries or a nodule in another part of the body.

"The reality is over 99% of nodules are actually benign," Boffa said. "And so, you need to have a conversation about what you are going to do with that information."

"I think having that conversation ahead of time is really important so that expectations are set – it's not uncommon to find something. Most of the time, it's not something that's going to affect how long you live."

The doctor noted that the CT scan only takes a couple of minutes to perform and does not take place in an enclosed space like an MRI.

"People who get claustrophobic usually don't have a hard time with lung cancer screening," Boffa said. "And it usually takes a few days to get a report back."

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For those who are over 50 with a history of smoking, Boffa reiterated that getting screened is "one of the most powerful things you can do to reduce your chances of having your life shortened by lung cancer."

Amid a reported surge in parent-child estrangements, some have questioned whether therapy could play a role in the family fracture trend.

Nearly four in 10 Americans are currently estranged from at least one close family member, according to a 2025 YouGov poll of 4,395 U.S. adults, including 24% from a sibling, 16% from a parent and 10% from a child.

While therapy can be helpful in facilitating communication and mending relationships, some believe it could contribute to "cutoff culture."

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In two recent large-scale surveys of over 5,200 U.S. parents who were estranged from adult children, 1,014 parents reported that their children began therapy within the year before the estrangement.

Meanwhile, 515 parents reported that their adult children had indicated therapy influenced their decision about the relationship, and 1,254 said their child had received a mental health diagnosis.

(The surveys were not peer-reviewed or nationally representative and relied on parents' accounts of their adult children’s experiences, limiting what can be concluded about therapy’s role in estrangement.)

Richard Blake, Ph.D., a Texas-based psychology researcher with a focus on anxiety and family estrangement, refers to the trend as an "overcorrection" happening in today’s society.

"There is a lot of debate online about whether it's happening or not," Blake, who was a researcher in the surveys referenced above and has written a book about how therapy could be fueling family estrangement, told Fox News Digital.

"I hear it from both sides. I hear from parents who say, ‘My child said my therapist should cut you off,’ and people who've told me, ‘My therapist told me I should cut my parents off.’ How much it's happening and when it's appropriate and inappropriate is where the nuance comes in."

Laura Wellington, a Connecticut mother who has been estranged from her adult daughter since 2024, also weighed in on the potential role therapists play in the growing divide.

"Do therapists, in my opinion, play a role in the estrangement epidemic? 100%," she told Fox News Digital. "But that doesn't mean there aren't some really good therapists out there."

Wellington, known on social media as "Doormat Mom," said she believes some therapists have contributed to family fractures by focusing too narrowly on one person's experience, when it’s actually a "multi-pronged situation."

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She said some therapists have even contacted her to reconsider their approach to estrangement cases.

"I've had them come to me and ask me, ‘What did we miss?’" she said.

Wellington added that she has seen parents encouraged to apologize to their adult children — something she supports when the parent has done something wrong — but believes therapists should consider the broader circumstances surrounding the estrangement.

Differences in values can contribute to family fractures, even in the absence of severe behavior such as violence or abuse, according to Blake.

"People are cutting people off because of divergence in values," he said.

As one example, Blake pointed to a recent online comment in which someone wrote, "I cut my parents off because they didn't condemn ICE enough."

At the same time, he emphasized that there are legitimate circumstances in which ending contact with a parent may be warranted, including physical or sexual abuse.

"Then you get into the sort of very murky area of emotional abuse, and this is where therapy culture comes in," Blake added.

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The researcher said he believes the term "emotional abuse" is sometimes applied more broadly in therapy and online spaces, particularly in conflicts over politics, religion and language.

"Emotional abuse can be [about] differing political values, a little difference in religious beliefs," he said. "It can be about the words people use."

What a parent views as legitimate criticism can sometimes be interpreted as emotional abuse by an adult child, according to Blake.

"Therapy has sort of raised the bar of what is good enough parenting," he added. "There's just a massive sort of overselling in therapy of how much your parents affected you."

In some cases, Blake said, he will hear from parents that their children never told them the issue that led to them being cut off.

"They’ll say, ‘We were best friends. And then I got a letter saying, ‘never contact me ever again.’"

Blake emphasized, however, that it’s important for parents to listen if the adult child makes an attempt to communicate.

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"A frequent complaint that most adult children make is, ‘My parents just don't listen. I cannot get through to them. It's like talking to a brick wall,’" he said. "And that is a genuine frustration."

"If you don't listen to your child, then don't be surprised if you have conflict with them."

Blake recommended active listening techniques, such as allowing the other person to speak without interruption, repeating their concerns back to show understanding, and asking whether they have more to share before offering a response.

Blake emphasized that his concerns do not apply to all therapists, saying only a "small subset" may view cutting off family members as an appropriate response to conflict.

In situations involving ordinary family conflict rather than abuse, he cautioned that ending contact can have longer-term repercussions even if it initially brings relief.

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"It makes you feel good, but there are consequences afterwards — very serious consequences," Blake said.

He also challenged the idea that the sole act of cutting off a parent will necessarily resolve underlying mental health struggles.

"This is the sort of myth that pervades in cutoff cultures, like, ‘I needed to cut my parents off to protect my mental health,’" he said. The assumption, he added, is: "My parents were the cause of my mental health issues, therefore cutting them out resolves that issue."

Other experts have emphasized that people's experiences with therapy during family estrangement can vary.

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Lucy Blake, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist in the U.K. who studies family estrangement, told the American Psychological Association that therapy can be "very helpful" in some cases.

"I think people can find therapy very helpful if their therapist has an understanding of estrangement, so some appreciation that it’s rarely one relationship that’s affected when there’s an estrangement," she said.

Therapy can also be beneficial when therapists understand underlying factors that can contribute to family estrangement, such as abuse or mental health challenges, the psychologist noted.

Blake has also heard from people who found therapy "very unhelpful," particularly when they felt their therapist lacked warmth and validation or did not understand the "enormous impact" of estrangement and the grief and loss that can accompany it.

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Overall, Blake said therapy can be a "really helpful avenue of support" for some, while noting that researchers are "still really learning" what is helpful or unhelpful for people experiencing estrangement.

For families experiencing conflict, bringing in a neutral third party may be a better option when both sides are willing to participate, experts agree.

"Communication with a mediator, whether it’s a therapist or a professional mediator, can be really productive," said Richard Blake.

Once a family member has already ended communication and asked not to be contacted, however, getting both sides into therapy may no longer be an option.

"I certainly think it’s worth a try," he said of mediation. "I know a lot of very good mediators out there who can help people."

Wellington agreed that bringing parents and adult children into therapy together could be helpful, although both sides need to be willing to repair the relationship.

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She also added that differing beliefs do not necessarily have to end a relationship.

"You can have a different opinion," she said. "You can also have a relationship with your parent who has the other opinion, and that's OK."

A recent study conducted by Canadian researchers found a correlation between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of stroke and future memory problems in healthy adults.

Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to examine the brains of about 9,000 participants, the researchers discovered small areas of brain damage more commonly in people who ate large amounts of ultra-processed foods, such as soft drinks, packaged snacks and sugary breakfast cereals.

Those with the highest intake of ultra-processed foods were 40% more likely to show these changes in the brain, which can go undetected because they don’t produce obvious symptoms, Medical Xpress reported.

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These brain changes can, however, be early warning signs in the years before the onset of a stroke or memory problems.

These findings were unexpected, according to Russel J. de Souza, first author of the study and an associate scientist at the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI) of McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences.

"Usually, this kind of damage is associated with conditions we hear about and treat at a much older age," de Souza told Medical Xpress. He noted that the study focused on "middle-aged Canadians who had no heart problems and reported no other health concerns."

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The study, which was published in JAMA Network Open, included participants between the ages of 35 and 69.

Participants who ate the most ultra-processed foods held more body fat and visceral fat, which is linked to various health concerns including heart disease.

The study found an overall stronger connection between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and brain damage among female participants.

Women in the highest consumption group had nearly twice the likelihood of exhibiting signs of brain damage as opposed to those in the lowest consumption group.

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"Our findings suggest that the link between diet and brain health may be detectable before people experience noticeable problems with memory or thinking," said Sonia Anand, senior author of the study and senior scientist at PHRI.

Ultra-processed foods are usually tasty, but they frequently lack important nutrients such as fiber, vitamins and minerals, while containing high amounts of sodium, saturated fats and added sugars, according to the CDC.

The average percentage of total daily calories consumed from ultra-processed foods was 55% among Americans ages one year and older between August 2021 and August 2023, according to data published by the CDC in August 2025.

Ultra-processed foods are convenient and widely available, which could contribute to high consumption, Anand said. However, she noted that "diets high in these foods may be linked to brain changes that may lead to memory loss and stroke" in the future.

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For participants in this study, ultra-processed foods accounted for an average of about 25% of their daily food intake.

The researchers noticed that, as consumption of ultra-processed food increased, consumption of nutrient-dense foods decreased.

Whole foods like fruits, vegetables and grains made up 41% of the daily food intake for participants who ate the most ultra-processed food and 68% for those who ate the least.

The study’s findings suggest a connection between consumption of ultra-processed foods and indicators of changes in the brain.

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Despite this, because participants were only evaluated once and not followed up with in the future, the researchers could not determine that the direct cause of the changes in the brain was consumption of ultra-processed foods.

"We need longer-term studies that track people over time with repeated MRI scans to find out whether reducing ultra-processed food intake can slow or prevent these brain changes," de Souza said, adding that follow-up research is in the works.

Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, recently shared that she is cancer-free after a diagnosis of an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Wiles, 69, who became the first woman to hold the chief of staff role in January 2025, was diagnosed in March 2026 and underwent six months of treatment, according to public reports.

On Sept. 16, she shared on X that her pathology results from Mayo Clinic had come back clear, stating, "I am cancer-free."

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Wiles recently shared some additional details of her cancer journey with Fox News Digital.

Wiles’ diagnosis came as a complete surprise, as she had no symptoms and no indications that anything was wrong, she said.

"I felt fine. I was working every day in one of the most demanding jobs imaginable. There was nothing telling me that I had cancer," she told Fox News Digital.

Wiles had gone in for her annual checkup. She wasn’t due for her annual mammogram until several months later, but the machine happened to be available that day.

"My doctor asked if I wanted to get it out of the way," she said. "I told him I wasn’t due for another few months and I’d come back."

Wiles’ doctor insisted that she proceed with the scan, as he knew that her job’s busy schedule would make scheduling a challenge.

"He said, essentially, ‘You’re here. The machine is available. Let’s do it now.’ Thank God he insisted."

The mammogram detected Wiles’ aggressive breast cancer at an early stage.

CANCER TREATMENT DELAYS SURGE ACROSS US AS DOCTOR WARNS SYSTEM ‘NEEDS FIXING IMMEDIATELY’

"Had he not encouraged me to do it that day, I would have gone back to work and probably not thought about it again until July," she said.

"We would be having a very different conversation in that case. Four months may not sound like a long time, but with cancer, early detection matters. I will always be grateful to my doctor for knowing me well enough to insist."

While the physical effects of cancer treatment are well-known, Wiles emphasized that there is also a mental and emotional toll.

"There were hard days. I don’t want to minimize that or make cancer sound anything less than it is — brutal and unrelenting," she said.

"You wake up thinking about it. Sometimes you go to sleep thinking about it. There is always another appointment or test result somewhere on the horizon."

Wiles credits her "exceptional" doctors and nurses, as well as her family, friends and colleagues, for supporting her through the process. Her faith also sustained her, she added.

JUST 5 MINUTES OF PRAYER COULD HAVE SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS, STUDY FINDS

"One of the things I have shared is how cancer can consume both your conscious and subconscious mind," she said. "Even when you’re doing something else, it’s there — treatment, side effects, test results."

"Having people around you who can carry some of that weight matters enormously."

Everyone finds strength in different places when going through hard times, Wiles noted.

"For me, my family, my faith, and continuing to work and serve the president and the country gave me purpose," she said. "Those were the things that reminded me there was so much in my life beyond cancer."

"I was surrounded by people who loved me, prayed for me and supported me. And I had faith that whatever happened, God was with me."

CAN FAITH HELP PATIENTS HEAL? VETERAN DOCTOR REVEALS WHAT HE'S WITNESSED FIRSTHAND

The disease can make the world seem "very small" for someone who receives a diagnosis, Wiles pointed out.

She opted to continue working during treatment, noting that she was "surprised" by how much it helped.

"Work gave me somewhere else to put my mind," she said. "It reminded me that I was still myself and that cancer was something I was going through, not the entirety of who I was."

Now that she is cancer-free, Wiles said she places a higher priority on healthy habits.

"I am far more conscious of the need for a clean and healthy diet, how important sleep is to your body, and the importance of exercise — even something as simple as getting up, moving and walking outside," she said.

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"Between reading everything I can get my hands on, hearing often from Secretary Kennedy about healthy living and following my doctors’ recommendations, I have recommitted myself to doing the things we know are good for us and that will put me in the best possible position to avoid a recurrence."

After her close call and "fortunate" discovery, Wiles is now encouraging others to stay on top of their routine medical appointments and screenings, urging them to "please make the appointment."

"I understand how easy it is to put yourself last. We do it all the time," she said. "We take care of our families, our jobs and everyone who depends on us, and we convince ourselves that our own appointment can wait another week or another month."

"We all have reasons to put things off … but you cannot be too busy to take care of your health. I learned that in a very personal way."

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To others who are in the midst of a cancer journey, Wiles emphasized the importance of letting other people step in to help.

"My advice would be to let them. Accept the help. Lean on the people you love. Trust your doctors," she advised. "And for me, most importantly, trust God."

There is no single right way to fight cancer, Wiles said.

"Some days, you will feel strong, and some days simply getting through the day is an accomplishment," she said.

"I hope people going through it know that they are not alone, and that there can be life, joy and purpose not only on the other side, but also in the midst of the fight."

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Wiles says her cancer experience has given her a fresh perspective and greater appreciation for the "ordinary days" that many take for granted — but she also noted that the disease has not made her an entirely different person.

"I love my work. I love my family. I am enormously grateful to be cancer-free, and I intend to live my life fully," she said.

"There isn’t a day that I don’t understand what a blessing that is."

The dinner party may be dying in America.

Hosting at home is far less common than it was in past decades, a new analysis found.

Only 67% of Americans said they entertained people in their homes at least once in the past year, down from 88% in 1995, according to an analysis by Data for Progress. 

The think tank compared its own 2026 survey with a similar survey from 1995, noting that the two used different methods and, therefore, offer an indication of a trend rather than a precise measure of change.

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The share of Americans who host friends or family at home at least once a month, meanwhile, plummeted from 42% in 1975 to 12% in 2026, The Atlantic reported.

Experts point to busier schedules, parenting demands, shrinking friendship networks and the appeal of at-home entertainment as some possible reasons for the decline.

After a long day of work and family responsibilities, hosting can feel like yet another demand. 

And with more women working, the social schedules they traditionally maintained, from parties to potlucks, have frayed, The Atlantic noted.

Working multiple jobs to make ends meet leaves people feeling burned out and without the same level of "social battery," Florida-based psychotherapist John Puls told Fox News Digital.

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"When you’ve spent the day working and taking care of your kids, hosting people can seem like just another task to complete, even though you’d love to see them," added Shebna N. Osanmoh I, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner in California.

In an era when every moment might be shared on social media, many feel the need to make their gatherings picture-perfect.

"High expectations may clash with what people can realistically manage, making hosting feel stressful rather than enjoyable," said Wildaliz Caro, a licensed clinical psychologist in Puerto Rico. "Trying to plan the perfect gathering can fuel pressure to impress others."

NEARLY 3 IN 4 AMERICANS ARE BATTLING THE SAME EXHAUSTING HEALTH PROBLEM, CDC REVEALS

Accommodating preferences and dietary needs can also feed that pressure, The Atlantic noted.

Experts agree that hosting takes more than just time. It takes money. With grocery prices still climbing, feeding a crowd can make even a casual get-together feel like a luxury.

5 REASONS MORE AMERICANS ARE CUTTING OFF THEIR OWN PARENTS, ACCORDING TO PSYCHOLOGIST

"Housing costs and smaller living spaces make hosting feel financially and practically harder," Daniel Schatz, a political scientist and former visiting scholar at Harvard, Stanford and Georgetown, told Fox News Digital.

The share of Americans with five or more close friends dropped from 63% in 1990 to 38% in 2021, according to Data for Progress.

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"Americans spend more time alone, report fewer close friendships and participate less in the kinds of local institutions that once created regular social contact," Schatz said. 

He warns that younger adults, people living alone, lower-income households and those without strong social networks are most affected.

The U.S. surgeon general’s 2023 advisory described loneliness and social isolation in America as an epidemic.

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Declining friendships can contribute to depression, anxiety and social isolation, Puls added, and he sees the trend most often among younger generations, while Gen Xers and baby boomers still commonly gather in person.

Puls said that adults are more inclined to stay home and stream movies and TV shows instead of hosting friends and family or going out.

"A dinner party requires planning, cleaning, coordination and a degree of social energy," Schatz added. "Streaming or scrolling requires none of those things."

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But experts say bringing back casual get-togethers, even in small ways, can help people stay connected.

"The remedy need not be elaborate," Schatz said. "The most realistic response is to lower the threshold for gathering: a simple coffee, takeaway meal, walk or recurring 'come as you are' evening.

"The point is not to revive the perfect dinner party. It is to rebuild the ordinary habits of seeing one another."

Recent beach photos of actor Leonardo DiCaprio have reignited the "dad bod" debate and raised questions about whether carrying a little extra weight around the middle can pose hidden health risks.

The popular term generally describes a softer physique with extra weight around the midsection.

While appearance alone isn’t an indicator of health, excess abdominal fat — particularly visceral fat surrounding the organs — has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and other medical conditions, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

YOUR WAISTLINE COULD REVEAL A HIDDEN HEART RISK YOUR BMI MISSES, MAJOR STUDY FINDS

Marfred Suazo, a New York City-based personal trainer known as Fonz the Trainer, spoke with Fox News Digital about the potential risks associated with excess abdominal fat and ways to reduce it.

Suazo, who has not trained DiCaprio, defines a dad bod as a "loss of structure," an increase in waist circumference and a loss of muscle mass.

"Maybe you're losing structure in your day-to-day eating … moving a lot less, taking fewer steps per day," he said of potential causes.

"And, typically, you're eating and drinking more than you're moving. And the body just starts showcasing that stuff."

BEST FOODS FOR REDUCING DANGEROUS BELLY FAT AND PROTECTING HEART HEALTH

An expanding waistline can be an important indicator of health risk.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, men with a waist circumference greater than 40 inches have a higher risk of developing health problems, including Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Visceral fat, which lies deep within the abdomen and surrounds internal organs, has also been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, the Cleveland Clinic states.

"We want to try to mitigate these things as best as possible before they become an issue," Suazo said.

Reversing a dad bod starts with getting nutrition in check, according to Suazo.

That includes understanding daily calorie intake and getting an appropriate balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats.

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He recommends pairing that strategy with full-body strength training two to three times per week, focusing on compound movements such as squats, stiff-leg deadlifts, back rows, push-ups and chest presses.

Also among his favorite exercises are pull-ups. 

"It’s a tremendous exercise that targets the stomach, the biceps and the back," he said, noting that working larger muscle groups can help build overall strength.

Suazo also recommends incorporating cardio into a well-rounded routine that includes nutrition, strength training and cardiovascular exercise.

Federal physical activity guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening exercise on at least two days.

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The trainer noted, however, that exercising the abdominal muscles alone won't eliminate belly fat.

"When it comes to belly fat and any fat on the body, we can target our exercises through isolated movements, but we can only reveal it through a loss of body fat throughout the whole body," he said.

Suazo said people who improve their nutrition may begin noticing changes within several weeks, although results can vary based on factors, including diet, activity level and starting body composition.

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"Upon four weeks of dialing in your nutrition, you will see a tremendous change in the body," he said.

Nutritional improvements can also boost energy and confidence, the trainer noted, which may help people become more consistent in the gym.

Better nutrition can also support sleep and exercise recovery, he said.

Combining those dietary changes with a smart exercise routine and cardio can create a "recipe for success," according to Suazo.

A rare fungal infection that can strike healthy people is rising across the U.S., prompting calls from public health officials for heightened awareness and national tracking.

Cladophialophora bantiana (C. bantiana) is a black yeast-like mold that can infect the brain and contains a dark pigment called melanin, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Data from a microbiology laboratory at the University of Washington shows that detection of the fungus nearly quadrupled between 2023 and 2025.

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Between January 2009 and July 2026, researchers identified 48 confirmed cases and one probable case of C. bantiana in tissue samples from 21 states and the District of Columbia. The median patient age was 68 years old.

Unlike many fungal infections that mainly affect people with weakened immune systems, about half of C. bantiana infections occur in otherwise healthy people.

Researchers believe the mold enters the body when it is inhaled or through a skin wound, then travels through the bloodstream to the brain.

The CDC report states that 88% of cases were detected in brain tissue samples and 12% were identified in lung tissue, supporting the theory that respiratory inhalation is one of the main transmission mechanisms.

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The fungus causes a severe infection associated with a 60% to 70% fatality rate, even with aggressive medical intervention, according to a systematic review published in Medical Mycology.

The pathogen has historically been rare, with the University of Washington laboratory identifying only one to five cases per year between 2009 and 2023. However, the CDC says annual cases surged to eight in 2024 and reached 14 in 2025.

To make sure the increase wasn’t simply due to more testing, researchers compared the number of infections with the total number of brain tissue samples tested for fungi.

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They found that detections rose from 8.4 cases per 1,000 specimens during 2017–2023 to 26 cases per 1,000 specimens in 2025.

"Reasons for the apparent increase are unknown," the CDC report stated, calling for systematic national reporting mechanisms to better track the pathogen.

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Cases were reported across a wide geographic range, with the highest counts originating in California (six), Florida (five), Texas (five) and Pennsylvania (four).

Because C. bantiana typically manifests as a brain abscess without clear external signs of infection, experts say early diagnosis is challenging.

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In one documented fatal case at the University of Washington Medical Center, spinal fluid PCR tests returned negative results both one month prior to and at the time of a brain biopsy, highlighting the difficulty of detecting the mold.

Public health experts advise clinicians to consider C. bantiana when evaluating patients who have signs of a brain abscess.

Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the infected tissue, along with multiple antifungal medications.

Pope Leo XIV is up and moving after having part of his lung removed.

After undergoing thoracic surgery Tuesday, during which surgeons removed the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung, examination of the tissue confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, or lung cancer, according to the Vatican.

The pope, 71, has spent four days recovering at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, after the successful procedure.

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On Friday, the Vatican released the first photos of Pope Leo after the operation.

The pope is pictured standing at an altar in green vestments, celebrating Mass in a makeshift chapel at the hospital where he distributed communion.

According to a Holy See Press Office statement, several members of Gemelli’s medical and nursing staff and members of the Vatican City State Gendarmerie Corps attended the service.

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"In his homily, the pope thanked all the staff — doctors, nurses and orderlies — for the work they do every day caring for patients in their frailty and especially for what they have done and continue to do for him," the statement said.

The Vatican also confirmed on Friday that the pope’s recovery continues with "steady improvement in his overall condition."

Dr. Luigi Carbone and professor Stefano Margaritora added that the pope’s "post-operative recovery allows him to carry out normal daily activities entirely independently."

Pope Leo plans to make his first public appearance since the procedure on Sunday during the noon Angelus, which he normally leads.

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Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel said the pope’s procedure included a small incision with VAT (video-assisted thoracoscopy), which involves less pain and has a quicker recovery.

The pope has been in good health "to begin with" and is highly active, which plays a "major role in recovery," Siegel told Fox News Digital.

"Since he wasn’t a smoker and likely had very good underlying lung function, loss of a lobe, when there are three total on the right, shouldn’t have a major impact on daily activity, especially with pain controlled," the doctor added.

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In a separate Fox News Digital interview, Lary Robinson, an oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, shared his surprise regarding the pope’s health status.

About 80% of lung cancers occur in people who smoke or have smoked, said Robinson, who has not treated the pope. However, he noted that lung cancer also occurs among never-smokers, including an estimated 10% of male patients and 25% of female patients.

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"But [the pope] had surgery and had a lobectomy, so this is usually only done with people who have localized disease, and presumably he had localized disease. And hopefully that's a Stage 1 cancer," the doctor added.

If the pope’s cancer is Stage 1, there is a "high chance" of cure — about 90% — depending on the size of the tumor, the oncologist said. The fact that he went straight to surgery suggests there was likely no evidence that the cancer had spread.

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"We'll have to wait for the pathology to determine … whether he needs any additional treatment afterward," Robinson said.

The pope’s anticipated trip to South America in November is reportedly still on schedule, though his participation remains in question based on recovery.

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after a scheduled surgery, the Vatican announced Tuesday.

After undergoing thoracic surgery, where surgeons removed the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung, examination of the tissue confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.

The diagnosis had been suspected based on testing conducted before the procedure, according to the Holy See Press Office.

POPE LEO DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER AFTER SURGEONS REMOVE PART OF RIGHT LUNG, VATICAN SAYS

The pope reportedly does not smoke and does not have a known history of smoking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that most lung cancer deaths (80%) are caused by smoking.

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer, representing about 40% of all lung cancers in the U.S., according to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America. It is also the most common type among non-smokers.

NEVER SMOKED A CIGARETTE? YOU COULD STILL BE AT HIGHER RISK FOR LUNG CANCER

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Lary Robinson, M.D., an oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, shared his surprise regarding the pope’s health status, as the lung nodule was "felt to be malignant."

About 80% of lung cancers occur in people who smoke or have smoked, said Robinson, who has not treated the pope. However, he noted that lung cancer also occurs among never-smokers — including an estimated 10% of male patients and 25% of female patients.

"But [the pope] had surgery and had a lobectomy, so this is usually only done with people who have localized disease, and presumably he had localized disease. And hopefully that's a stage 1 cancer," the doctor added.

If the pope’s cancer is stage 1, there is a "high chance" of cure — about 90%, depending on the size of the tumor, the oncologist said. The fact that he went straight to surgery suggests there was likely no evidence that the cancer had spread.

HEALTHY DIETS SPARK LUNG CANCER RISK IN NON-SMOKERS AS PESTICIDES LOOM

"We'll have to wait for the pathology to determine … whether he had a stage 1 cancer and whether he needs any additional treatment afterward," Robinson said.

"Size matters in lung nodules and lung cancer – the larger the cancer, the worse outlook it is, because it's more likely to be advanced and have spread."

Not all lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. Other factors like family history and genetic predisposition can play a role, experts say.

Recent research discovered that a rare genetic mutation in the gene EGFR T790M increased lung cancer risk by 25 times compared with people who did not have the mutation, according to findings published in the journal Science.

Among people who had never smoked, carriers of the mutation had about 62 times the odds of lung cancer compared with never-smokers who were not carriers.

Robinson added that other types of smoking, like pipes and cigars, can increase the risk of lung cancer, as well as heavy use of marijuana.

Another risk factor is exposure to environmental toxins, such as diesel exhaust and radon, according to the oncologist.

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"Unfortunately, probably over half of the people who are never-smokers with lung cancer come into stage 4 disease," Robinson said. "And that's higher than people who are smokers or former smokers, so they start out at a worse stage in general."

In most cases, early-stage lung cancer will not come with any symptoms, according to Robinson. In those who do have symptoms, however, the most common are related to the lungs, including a persistent cough, shortness of breath or coughing up blood.

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Unexplained weight loss can result from any form of cancer, the oncologist noted. Neurological symptoms, like persistent headaches, may also warrant seeing a doctor.

Lung cancer is rare in younger adults, which is why annual CT screening is generally recommended starting at age 50 for those at high risk, the doctor said.

People considered at high risk include current smokers with at least a 20 pack-year history, as well as former smokers who quit within the past 15 years.

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"Only about 15% of the people who are eligible get screened, unfortunately," Robinson said.

"I'm hoping that within four or five years, a screening CT scan will only be confirmatory after they have a positive blood test done at your doctor's office." That approach could make screening easier and potentially help detect more lung cancers, according to the doctor.

An experimental skin cream altered molecular markers associated with aging and inflammation in an early human trial, according to preliminary data released by its developer this week.

Rubedo Life Sciences, a biotechnology company based in Mountain View, California, tested its investigational treatment, RLS-1496, in patients with eczema and other skin conditions.

In an analysis of 11 paired skin samples from patients with atopic dermatitis, researchers reported that four weeks of treatment was associated with an average 2.1-year decrease in measured epigenetic skin age, an estimate based on age-related changes in DNA.

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Rubedo CEO Dr. Frederick Beddingfield said the "significant" early findings warrant further investigation.

"This is one of the few drugs developed for aging in general and with AI to show positive data in humans in multiple indications and to show a reduction in skin age," Beddingfield told Fox News Digital.

He believes the early results will translate into "clinical improvements with longer-term treatment."

The latest skin-aging findings have been presented at a scientific conference but have not yet been published as a full peer-reviewed study.

SCIENTISTS UNVEIL 'LIVING BANDAGE' THAT COULD DRAMATICALLY SPEED WOUND HEALING

RLS-1496 is designed to target senescent cells, aging or damaged cells that have stopped dividing but can release substances that promote inflammation.

The drug targets a protein called GPX4, which helps cells respond to stress. Researchers are studying whether blocking it can clear away damaged, aging cells while helping healthier cells survive.

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Beddingfield described the approach as targeting cellular aging rather than simply treating its outward effects.

"It's a bit like 'what does not kill you makes you stronger' for those surviving cells," he added.

Skin samples showed a 10% increase in a type of collagen that helps support the skin, according to the company. Blood tests also showed lower levels of several markers linked to inflammation, although it is not yet clear what those changes mean for patients' health.

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The preliminary findings come with several limitations. The skin-aging analysis included just 11 paired samples and measured biological signs of aging in the skin rather than whether the skin actually looked younger or functioned better.

Treatment lasted only four weeks, so it is not known whether the changes will persist. The studies were sponsored by Rubedo, and the latest skin-aging findings have not yet been published as a full peer-reviewed study.

"Our next trial will treat for several months," Beddingfield said.

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The treatment is also being tested for other skin issues. In a separate early-stage study of 22 patients with actinic keratosis, rough, precancerous skin patches caused by sun exposure, the company reported a 49% average reduction in lesions after 28 days of treatment.

The open-label study compared treated forearms with untreated forearms rather than a placebo cream.

The cream caused minimal skin irritation, and the drug was detected in the blood of very few participants, according to the company.

"With topical application, we have seen very little risk," Beddingfield said. "Local irritation is rarely seen and generally mild when it occurs, and no one has discontinued treatment to date. Very few subjects show any drug in their blood after skin application."

Rubedo is also beginning an early-stage trial of RLS-1496 for androgenetic alopecia, or pattern hair loss.

Beddingfield estimated that potential FDA approval remains three to four years away, pending larger clinical trials.

GLP-1 medications may provide health benefits that extend beyond weight loss, according to a growing body of research.

From reducing cardiovascular risks to potentially easing joint pain and inflammation, studies suggest these drugs may affect multiple systems throughout the body.

Here are seven potential benefits beyond shedding pounds.

POPULAR WEIGHT-LOSS STRATEGY SHOWS SURPRISING POTENTIAL FOR CHRONIC PAIN RELIEF

Research suggests semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy — may provide cardiovascular benefits beyond those associated with weight loss.

A major study published in The Lancet found that semaglutide reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular death among people with existing cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity. The benefits were observed across different body weights and were not fully explained by weight loss.

GLP-1 medications have been linked to reduced joint pain, although researchers are still investigating how much of the benefit comes from weight loss versus other effects.

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The STEP 9 clinical trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that semaglutide significantly reduced knee osteoarthritis pain and improved physical function among adults with obesity.

GLP-1 medications may help protect kidney function through several mechanisms, including improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure and inflammation.

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In the landmark FLOW trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, semaglutide reduced the risk of major kidney-related complications and cardiovascular death by 24% among patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

MASH, or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, is a more severe form of fatty liver disease involving inflammation and liver cell damage.

Research suggests GLP-1 medications may help improve liver health, although the extent to which these benefits occur independently of weight loss remains under investigation.

A clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that semaglutide improved liver tissue findings among patients with MASH, including reductions in inflammation and liver scarring.

Researchers found that 62.9% of semaglutide recipients experienced resolution of MASH without worsening liver fibrosis, compared with 34.3% receiving placebo.

Real-world research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress has linked GLP-1 medications to fewer asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups.

Researchers believe the drugs' potential anti-inflammatory effects may play a role, although additional studies are needed to determine whether the medications directly improve respiratory health.

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The brain contains GLP-1 receptors in regions involved in regulating appetite, emotions, motivation and responses to rewards.

Emerging research suggests semaglutide may have potential benefits for mental health and addiction.

An observational study published on the preprint server medRxiv linked semaglutide use to lower rates of substance-related and mood disorders. However, the findings have not been peer-reviewed and do not establish that the medication caused the reductions.

GLP-1-based medications are also being investigated for their potential benefits in inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis.

A clinical trial published in JAMA Dermatology found that adding tirzepatide to an existing psoriasis treatment improved skin clearance among adults with moderate to severe psoriasis and overweight or obesity.

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Researchers are continuing to investigate whether these benefits result from weight loss, reduced inflammation or a combination of factors.

The effects of GLP-1 medications can vary by drug and individual, and patients should consult a healthcare provider about potential risks and benefits.

A Maryland man claims that a popular weight-loss drug caused his total vision loss, leaving him legally blind.

Todd Engel, 63, was first prescribed Ozempic in 2023 to help manage his diabetes. The GLP-1 medication, which is approved to treat type 2 diabetes, is also commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss.

Approximately four months after starting the medication, Engel was diagnosed with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

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The condition, in which reduced blood flow damages the optic nerve, can cause sudden and permanent vision loss.

"I first noticed it on New Year's Eve, 2024. I had just gotten out of the shower, was getting ready to go to work. And I said to Shelley, ‘I can't see in my right eye. It's totally black. It's totally dark in my right eye,’" Engel told Fox News Digital during an on-camera interview.

"I was horrified. I was very, very upset that I couldn't see."

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Engel was referred for further testing, including at Johns Hopkins’ Wilmer Eye Institute. He was told he had suffered an "eye stroke," another term used for NAION.

"The blood work came back in the normal range for me. My blood pressure was fine. They said, ‘You can go back to work,’" he said.

Engel continued taking Ozempic because, according to the family's account, neither he nor his doctors knew of a possible association between semaglutide and NAION.

About 10 months later, vision loss suddenly occurred in his left eye.

"At that point in time, losing sight in both eyes, there was a tremendous amount of concern," he said.

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Doctors told Engel there was no medication or surgical procedure that could restore his vision.

Shelley Engel said that medical testing did not identify another common factor beyond Ozempic. Her husband immediately stopped taking the drug after losing vision in his second eye.

"I didn't go blind — I had my vision taken from me, which was catastrophic to me and to my family," he said.

Engel has filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, the Denmark-based manufacturer of Ozempic, alleging that the company failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about the potential risk of vision loss.

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He is among hundreds of patients currently pursuing legal action against makers of GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, over claims that the drugs caused NAION.

The lawsuits allege that manufacturers failed to provide sufficient warnings about the potential risks, although a causal relationship between the medications and the condition has not been definitively established.

At the time of his vision loss, Engel was working for Howard County Highways as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver.

He had worked in the field for about 40 years and held a commercial driver's license for nearly as long.

"I was extremely mechanically inclined with my hands and in my mind. I can't do that anymore, which is extremely upsetting to me," he said.

"People want to be able to retire on their own accord when they want to, not when a medical catastrophic injury such as this ... takes away your livelihood."

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Beyond losing his career, Engel said even ordinary activities he once took for granted have become difficult.

An avid reader before his vision loss, Engel said he can no longer read newspapers, magazines or books. Inside his home, he has learned to count steps to help navigate familiar spaces.

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"I know that coming in from our parking lot, there are 10 steps ... nine going down into our basement, 13 going up into our bedroom."

Engel said he now uses a white cane to navigate outside his home and relies on his family for help with everyday activities. His four grandchildren often guide him during family gatherings.

"They will take me by my hand and talk to me: ‘Pops, three steps straight. Then we're gonna turn right,’" he said.

"For me personally, it's embarrassing. I'm 64 years old. I shouldn't need ... my grandchildren or my wife to help me get from point A to point B."

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His wife, Shelley Engel, said her husband's vision loss has affected the entire family.

"It has completely changed every aspect of our lives," she said. "There is not one piece of our lives that hasn't changed or been touched by this throughout our whole family."

For Engel, some of the most painful losses involve the things he can no longer do with the people closest to him.

"I will never be able to see my wife's beautiful face again, be able to see children and grandchildren, be able to play ball with them," he said. "And that is very, very upsetting to me."

"I wake up in the dark, I go to sleep in the darkness."

Engel said that if he had been warned about a possible link between Ozempic and vision loss, he would not have taken the drug.

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"Had I known, had my doctor had any inkling that this could have happened ... I'm sure he would have asked me and I would have said absolutely not," he said. "I will deal with the diabetes ... I refuse to jeopardize my eyes."

The Engels said they are speaking publicly in hopes of preventing others from experiencing the same outcome.

"Do the research for yourselves to make sure that my catastrophic injuries do not happen to you or anybody else," Engel said. "If we can help one person, then that's a pleasure to Shelley and I."

The family's attorney, Jonathan Orent, said the legal team is seeking a warning on the U.S. Ozempic label similar to information provided to patients and doctors in Europe.

Orent is co-lead counsel in nationwide litigation involving GLP-1 drugs, including lawsuits alleging vision loss linked to Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound.

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"It's amazing what just a simple warning can do," he told Fox News Digital. "That's really what this case is about. It's about information."

Novo Nordisk, the Denmark-based company that makes Ozempic, has disputed that the medication causes NAION, stating that the available evidence does not establish a causal relationship between semaglutide and the eye condition.

"A causal relationship between GLP-1RAs, including semaglutide, and NAION cannot be confirmed based on the totality of data," Liz Skrbkova, head of U.S. Media and Stakeholder Relations for Novo Nordisk, told Fox News Digital.

The company pointed to an analysis of its randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials that found very few confirmed cases of NAION and no increased incidence among patients taking semaglutide.

Novo said it continues to monitor NAION as part of its routine drug-safety surveillance.

"Novo believes the personal injury lawsuits filed in the U.S. are without merit, and we are defending them in court," Skrbkova said.

Kai Trump has undergone another wrist surgery for a recent golf-related injury.

President Trump’s eldest grandchild, 19, posted an update to Instagram Wednesday, announcing that the procedure was a success. She included a selfie from her hospital bed showing her left arm in a cast and sling.

According to the statement included in the post, Trump, who is a competitive golfer on the University of Miami women’s golf team, underwent surgery to repair a wrist injury sustained during her first tournament of the season.

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"While I had hoped to avoid surgery, after talks with my family, coaches and athletic training staff, I know I made the best decision for my long-term health and my future in the game I love," she said.

"It’s certainly not how I envisioned the next few months, but sometimes the journey takes an unexpected turn, and I’m choosing to embrace this one with patience, and a whole lot of determination."

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The statement continued that recovery will "take time," but the young athlete acknowledged that she’s "incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by amazing people who continue to lift me up, encourage me, and remind me that every challenge is an opportunity to grow."

"Having the right people by your side makes all the difference, and I couldn’t be more grateful," she added.

The social media influencer also shouted out her doctors at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City, where she was treated.

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"A special thank you to Dr. Carlson and the incredible team at HSS in New York for taking such great care of me, and to my teammates, coaches, family and everyone who has supported me along the way," Kai Trump said.

"For now, it’s all about healing, and trusting the process. I can’t wait to be back with my team, doing what I love. I’ll be back before you know it, stronger and more grateful than ever! Go Canes!"

In an appearance on "Fox & Friends" in July, the president's granddaughter said she had undergone wrist surgery six months earlier.

She also admitted to being "a little nervous" about starting her freshman year and Division I golf career at the University of Miami.

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"[I'm] a little nervous, I'm not gonna lie, but I'm ready for the next chapter," she said. "And I love my siblings. I am not far away from them, like an hour and a half away."

When asked where she gets her "competitive edge," Trump pointed to her mother and the president as two likely influences.

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"My mom's competitive, too, but definitely Grandpa's very competitive," she said.

Fox News Digital’s Taylor Penley contributed to this report.

Certain medical conditions may signal early-onset Alzheimer’s disease several years before diagnosis, a new Finnish study suggests.

Researchers found that depression, vertigo, headaches and other conditions were more common during the five years preceding diagnosis, potentially offering clues for earlier detection.

The researchers analyzed medical records from 407 people with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and 4,035 people of similar age and sex without the diagnosis, focusing on the 15 years prior to diagnosis.

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The average age at diagnosis was 60. Early-onset disease is diagnosed in people under 65.

The findings were published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

The following conditions were found to be significantly more prevalent among those who were ultimately diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Differences in medical conditions were most pronounced in the five years before an early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis, the study showed.

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The researchers also found that healthcare visits increased substantially among early-onset Alzheimer’s patients immediately before and during the time of diagnosis, which may indicate emerging symptoms.

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"It is well-known that the neuropathological changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease begin at least 15 to 20 years before clinical cognitive symptoms appear," Suvi-Johanna Krüger, M.D., Ph.D., study co-author and clinical lecturer at University of Oulu, said in a press release.

"Most previous studies have focused on late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and considerably less is known about early-onset Alzheimer’s disease."

Because the study was observational, it only establishes associations and cannot demonstrate that these conditions can reliably predict Alzheimer's disease.

"Our study cannot determine whether these conditions cause early-onset Alzheimer’s disease or whether they are consequences of the underlying disease process," Krüger noted.

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"Some conditions may represent risk factors, while others may reflect early symptoms or changes occurring during the prodromal phase of the disease."

It is also possible that genetics, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors played a role in the patients’ outcomes.

Also, the researchers could not independently verify all medical diagnoses or assess the severity of the patients’ disease. Additionally, the findings may not apply to populations outside Finland.

Larger studies looking at disease biomarkers, genetics and clinical assessments could help determine whether there is a casual relationship between the medical conditions and Alzheimer’s incidence and whether these medical patterns could be used to improve early detection.

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For people experiencing any persistent medical symptoms, including issues with memory or cognition, experts say it’s important to see a healthcare provider.

"Early diagnosis is important because more treatment and support options are available in the early stages of the disease," Krüger advised.

"Early diagnosis also gives individuals and their families more time to plan for the future and access appropriate support services."