The average person has a 40 percent lifetime risk of developing cancer. your lifestyle has something to do with your risk, but many cancers just happen.

Some of the worst — colon cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer and many others — have no symptoms and strike otherwise healthy people who have a generally healthy lifestyle. we can screen for colon, breast, and perhaps prostate cancer, but many other cancers seem to strike as randomly.

Decreased rates of smoking have reduced the rate of lung cancer, but other cancers are increasing in frequency.

Given all that, imagine if a drug company could develop a medication that reduces the risk of getting cancer by as much as 50 percent with almost no side effects. and just for good measure, this new drug also reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The drug would be a blockbuster. it would make gazillions of dollars for the lucky drug company.

As you have guessed, the medicine already exists, it is virtually free, and available over the counter at any drugstore or supermarket. as has been reported widely, our old friend aspirin is showing real promise against cancer: from prevention to death rate reduction to containment.

Three new studies in England published two weeks ago in the journal Lancet suggest that taking low-dose aspirin daily reduces the rates of cancer — in some cases by as much as 50 percent.

The studies were performed by a group of researchers from Oxford led by Dr. Peter Rothwell. they performed what is known as meta-analyses, a research process in which multiple studies of similar design are pooled to look for results that may have more statistical significance because of larger numbers of patients.

One of the studies combined 51 randomized trials that looked at patients who took low-dose aspirin for up to nine years compared to those who took a placebo. even though cancer incidence was not the outcome the studies were looking for, in retrospect the overall cancer mortality was 40 percent lower in patients that took regular aspirin for more than five years compared to patients in the control group who did not take aspirin. the benefit waned a bit with longer duration of treatment, but there was still a 22 percent lower risk of cancer in patients taking aspirin for more than 20 years.

The biggest benefit in cancer incidence was a decrease in colon cancer and other intestinal cancers where a 38 percent reduction was seen. there was also a reduction in certain types of lung cancers called adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that is more common among nonsmokers. Aspirin use also was associated with a lower rate of esophageal cancer (the reduction was more than 50 percent), pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer.

In patients who already had cancer, aspirin was associated with a lower rate of spread (metastasis), especially in patients with colon cancer.

The effect was seen with low-dose aspirin, such as the dosages commonly used for heart attack prevention. Aspirin dosages as low as 75 mg were as effective as higher doses (1500 mg or above) in preventing cancer. In other words, more was not better when it came to cancer prevention. Baby aspirin, the most common dose used for heart attack prevention is 81 mg, an effective dose for preventing cancer, according to the studies.

Speaking of heart attack prevention, according to these studies, the benefit from aspirin on cancer prevention was greater than the benefit in preventing heart attacks and strokes.

The biologic mechanism that explains how aspirin prevents cancer has not been worked out, but most experts speculate that it may have to do with aspirin’s effect of reducing inflammation. but there may be other effects that have not yet been discovered.

Aspirin does have its downsides, however. the drug is an effective anticoagulant, and it promotes bleeding. it also is a direct irritant to the stomach lining, and all of the studies showed an increased risk of stomach bleeding associated with the use of aspirin. People with bleeding risks and a history of peptic ulcer disease may not be candidates for aspirin.

Curiously, two large American studies also looked at aspirin usage and did not show a reduction in cancer rates. the Women’s Health Initiative Study and the Physician’s Health Study, which looked at more than 60,000 men and women, were primarily looking at the effect of very low-dose aspirin on heart disease and stroke, but neither study showed a reduced risk of cancer. However both studies used low-dose aspirin every other day rather than daily, perhaps explaining the difference in benefit.

As promising as this research sounds, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting aspirin therapy. even though aspirin is available over the counter and is inexpensive, it obviously has enormous biological effects and is not for everyone.

But if these findings turn out to be confirmed, the implications are stunning. much more research needs to be done before we put aspirin in the water, but it is safe to say that these studies offer a ray of hope in the battle against cancer.

Dr. Bill Elliott is assistant physician in chief for Kaiser Permanente’s Novato office and Petaluma. his column appears every third Monday.

The judge’s ruling ended more than a year of legal wrangling over the ability of the 62-year-old former gastroenterologist and Nevada state Board of Medical Examiners member to understand the charges against him and assist in his defense.

“The only impediment to competency asserted by the defendant is self-reported memory loss, secondary to two strokes, regarding facts relevant to his criminal charges,” the judge said. “Memory loss itself, even if true, is not a bar to prosecution of an otherwise competent defendant.”

Desai’s lawyer, Richard Wright, contends that Desai is incapacitated by his strokes and other physical and mental ailments, but lost a bid to get the Nevada Supreme Court to postpone trial. He did not immediately respond to messages Thursday.

The ruling cleared the way for Desai and two former employees to face a jury before another Clark County judge, Donald Mosley.

Trial is currently set for March and is expected to take several weeks. that schedule could change because Mosley is preparing to retire from the bench.

Court spokeswoman Mary Ann Price said Thursday that Mosley hasn’t announced a departure date.

Desai and nurse-anesthetists Keith Mathahs, 75, and Ronald Lakeman, 64, have pleaded not guilty to the felony charges against them, including racketeering, reckless disregard for and patient safety, insurance fraud, theft and obtaining money under false pretenses. Each remains free on bail pending trial.

The three men were accused in a 28-count indictment handed up in June 2010 of infecting at least seven patients with hepatitis C by reusing endoscopy scopes, bite plates and vials of injected anesthetic during outpatient procedures in 2007 at Desai’s Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada and Desert Shadow Endoscopy Center.

Southern Nevada Health District officials began notifying more than 50,000 Desai patients in February 2008 to be tested for hepatitis and HIV. Authorities later determined that nine people contracted hepatitis C through the unsafe practices, and said cases involving another 105 patients might have been related.

The outbreak spawned dozens of civil lawsuits in Nevada by patients seeking damages for becoming infected with hepatitis C or for being put in fear that they had been infected.

Desai also faces federal conspiracy and fraud charges on a separate indictment handed up last April in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas. Wright pleaded not guilty on Desai’s behalf and argued in federal court that Desai is not competent for trial.

The iceman cometh: Vincent Graff emerges from the Kriotherapy Chamber at Champneys Spa in Tring

The words on the document in front of me are unequivocal: this may provoke heart attacks or strokes.

Now, I’ve signed plenty of legal documents in my time — haven’t we all? — but never before have I agreed to take part in an activity that warns of this kind of lethal outcome.

But the friendly woman waving the consent form under my nose is insisting I sign before I go any further. And, of course, I do. like you always do.

As I scribble on the dotted line, a small shiver goes down my spine. Never could a reaction be more appropriate. For whatever happens, I know one thing for sure about today: There’ll be a lot more shivering.

In a few moments, I will be stepping inside a chamber that is colder than the coldest day on the coldest place on earth.

The kriotherapy room at Champneys health resort near Tring, Hertfordshire, is kept at a staggering minus 130C. The lowest naturally-occurring temperature ever recorded on the planet was a day in July 1983, when a ?thermometer at the Vostok research station in Antarctica measured minus 89C.

I must be mad. but I’ve come on a good recommendation. As the Mail revealed last week, Tony Blair was here on the last ?Saturday in January, hours before flying back to Jerusalem to resume his duties as Middle East envoy.

‘He’s been here half-a-dozen times, I ?suppose,’ confirms general manager Patrick Lemaigre. ‘mrs Blair has been here more. I think she must have convinced him.’why does he come? ‘without going into too much detail,’ says Patrick, ‘he’s obviously under a lot of pressure and I think it just helps him feel better.’

There are huge claims for kriotherapy (often called cryotherapy). Advocates claim it can assist with everything from sports injuries to psoriasis to depression and ‘general fatigue’. It is also used by some ?sufferers of multiple sclerosis who feel it lessens their symptoms.

Patrick points out optimistically: ‘It can even reduce cellulite.’ Certainly, Tony and Cherie are not the only high-profile advocates of kriotherapy. The walls of the treatment area are lined with signed photographs of previous satisfied customers. Here’s the Tottenham Hotspur squad. a few inches along, isn’t that Pamela Anderson? And what’s this — the rock legend Alice Cooper emerging from the chamber in full black eye make-up . . .

So, what’s the theory behind the therapy?

very simple, explains Renata Zejer, the enthusiastic Polish woman who runs the chamber. She’s been working in ?kriotherapy for 12 years, the first nine in her home country, where the treatment is so mainstream it is available on the local equivalent of the NHS.

Walking into the chamber is basically the opposite of going into a sauna, she explains. ‘when the cold air touches your skin, a message goes straight to the brain: “It’s ?dangerous to be here.” so your body goes into protective mode.’

Blood is diverted away from your extremities to the central organs of the body. then, when you leave, the process goes into reverse: the blood supply to the peripheries increases up to four times the normal volume. meanwhile, the brain is stimulated to release seratonin, the ‘feel-good’ hormone, and endorphins, ‘leaving you feeling really energised’.

Whoosh: inside the chamber the temperature is -130C. Icicles form inside our man’s nose and he wonders whether he will last the full three minutes

It’s not enough to quell my nerves. I’ve heard of people demanding to be let out of the kriotherapy chamber after a few seconds. ‘you will only be in there for three minutes,’ she tells me.

Will I be allowed out at any time? ‘of course.’will it hurt? ‘no, it’ll feel chilly. but no pain.’just chilly? at minus 130C?

Renata may be Polish, but she is better at understatement than the English.The worst that is likely to happen is that ‘some people feel a bit dizzy. but if that happens all you’ve got to do is relax inside’. The trick is to keep moving, but not too frantically. And I won’t be thrown into minus 130C from a standing start. ‘you go in the acclimatisation chamber for 30 seconds first.’

And what temperature is that? ‘minus 60.’ Which is still colder than any natural ?temperature ever recorded anywhere in Europe. (A home freezer is typically minus 18C.)

But the good news is, I get to wear a special outfit. I put on two pairs of fluffy cotton shorts, two pairs of gloves, two pairs of ski socks that reach up my thigh, a thick hair-band to protect my ears, a surgical-looking mask over my mouth and nose, bandages over my lower arms and legs, and a pair of white wooden clogs.

I also wear an optional T-shirt, because I am a bit of a wimp. (But no more so than rock hardman Alice Cooper, who wore one for his treatment.)

Big fan: Cherie Blair has visited the spa ‘many times’. Other visitors include Pamela Anderson and the Tottenham Hotspur squad

The outfit will protect my extremities (‘frost-nip has been reported and frostbite is possible,’ says the legal document) while letting me get cold enough for the therapy to work.

Now, at last, it’s time for the three minutes of truth. Renata flings open the bulky door to the antechamber and a huge rush of dry ice escapes. ‘Walk in slowly, it’ll be very slippery,’ she says, following me in.

The cold hits me so suddenly my instant response is pure Anglo Saxon at the top of my voice. ‘Sorry about that,’ I say.

‘Don’t worry. Lots of people swear at me,’ she says. my body has turned rigid. not because it’s frozen solid, but because I’m anxious.

‘Remember,’ says Renata. ‘Relax. And keep moving.’ she orders me to march round in a circle, without stopping. One imagines this is the sort of instruction issued by jailers on death row to their inmates.

I’m obviously very cold, but I’m alert enough to look around as I march. not much to see. The walls are lined with plank s of light wood. The floor is concrete. Renata keeps me engaged in conversation so I don’t lose my nerve. (Perhaps that’s why Cherie Blair is said to sing always Look On The Bright side of Life in here.)

Renata opens a connecting door. Another whoosh. You’d think your body might not feel the difference between extremely, very cold and colder-than-anywhere-on-earth cold. but it does. ‘keep on moving,’ says Renata.

There’s music playing — ‘It’s Chopin, I think,’ says Renata — but it’s not doing a very good job distracting me. my feet begin to ache from the cold and, about 90 seconds in, I’m feeling very uncomfortable.

Icicles have formed in my nose. Renata fiddles with my face mask to prevent further ones. every time I speak my breath literally freezes in front of my face, obscuring my view.

Something in common: both Alice Cooper (left) and Tony Blair (right) enjoy the benefits of kriotherapy, which is said to boost the release of seratonin

Yet get this. inside, this chamber does not feel like the coldest place I’ve ever encountered (though of course it is). I’ve felt more uncomfortable when I’ve been hungry in the driving wind of an icy winter’s day.Is that partly down to the fact that I know the whole experience will come to an end after three minutes?

Perhaps. not that I want to pretend this is easy — it’s not. about a minute before I’m due for release, I get a sudden attack of doubt. will I last till the end? ‘Fold your arms in front of your chest,’ says Renata, adopting something like the crash position on an aircraft. this makes a surprising difference to my level of comfort.

It’s the last few seconds that are the hardest. she counts down: Ten, nine, eight . . . at the crucial moment, an alarm sounds and Renata flings the jail door open. Another huge release of dry ice, and out we both climb.

I feel very proud of myself. I’m told it’s 20C in the main room, but it feels like I’m ?sizzling under the Caribbean sun. Renata whips off my gloves, clogs and bandages.I touch the skin on my right arm. this is the creepiest moment of the day. For about a minute or so, it is firm and fleshy but stone cold. The ?feeling has gone. It’s like touching the body of a stranger. a dead stranger.

I’ve also turned goose-?pimply and red. my veins are bulging and blue. this, says Renata, is brilliant news. The blood is rushing to my extremities, just as it should be.And this is where the magic starts. It feels like I am walking on air. this is an endorphin rush far better than anything I’ve enjoyed after a gym ?session. I’m gabbling away, full of energy, full of enthusiasm. Loving life.

I like this feeling. I’d like to come back tomorrow, please. And here’s the odd thing. The mellow, positive feeling is still with me more than 24 hours later. I’ve no idea if I’m the victim of a huge placebo-effect, but I don’t think I am.

I’m never going to sign up for Cherie Blair’s mumbo-jumbo ‘birthing’ mud baths or her bio-electric shield pendants, but I’m really rather taken with kriotherapy. I’ve even managed to put the frightening legal warning to one side. Ignoring the advice of a lawyer? now, that’s something that Tony Blair would never do . . .

The former truck driver had been experiencing unexplained incidents for 20 years.

“I kept passing out,” the 64-year-old Williams said. “I’d feel like I was sweating to death and then it would come on fast. I’d go completely out. One time I fell nine feet out of my truck. Another time, they thought it was heat exhaustion. nobody really knew what was wrong.”

In April, Williams had a “silent heart attack.” he had also had strokes on both sides of his body — a rare occurrence. during his stay at Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center in Haines City, doctors found the arteries leading to his heart were partially clogged and inserted stents.

After examining Williams and learning about his strokes, interventional cardiologist Irfan Siddiqui, M.D., wanted to learn more about how Williams’ heart was functioning.

The doctor ordered an MRI, an ultrasound and a transesophageal echocardiogram (an ultrasound image obtained via the esophagus that provided a clearer image of Williams’ atria – the two upper chambers of the heart — and his heart valves).

Results indicated Williams had three holes between the two upper chambers of his heart, a defect since birth.

“Although ASDs are present from birth, there are usually no associated symptoms, and they can go undetected until adulthood. In some patients, the defect is discovered incidentally during a chest X-ray that reveals enlargement of the right side of the heart,” he said.

Siddiqui said that by age 50, a person with an ASD might start having symptoms such as shortness of breath, fainting, irregular heart rhythms or fatigue after mild activity or exercise, and ultimately they might suffer strokes and congestive heart failure.

Siddiqui has expertise in a breakthrough procedure now being performed at Heart of Florida. Called an atrial septal defect closure, the procedure helps patients like Williams avoid the need for open-heart surgery to repair ASDs.

“After reviewing his tests, I decided to perform the catheter-based minimally invasive ASD closure using a closure device called a Gore Helex,” Siddiqui said.

“I attached the device to a catheter, which was inserted into a vein in mr. Williams’ groin and then advanced it to his heart and through the defects,” he explained. “We can guide the catheter to exactly the right spot by using fluoroscopy and intracardiac echo. as the device was slowly pushed out of the catheter, it opened up to cover each edge of the defects, sealing them closed. over time, tissue will grow over the implant and it will become part of mr. Williams’ heart.

“Once we got in to mr. Williams’ heart, we were able to see there was also a small aneurysm (bulging or weakening of the wall of a blood vessel.) we were able to correct it, as well,” Siddiqui said.

Williams is on medication to avoid blood clots and sees his doctor every three months.

“I feel much more comfortable physically, he said. “I don’t have to worry about passing out anymore.

“I believe in guardian angels now,” he said.

The Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center Physician Referral Line can be reached at 863-419-2341. The hospital’s website is heartofflorida.com.

You’re unlikely to have problems spotting a serious asthma or heart attack and stroke, particularly when you or the affected person develop symptoms quickly and are very unwell.

Most people who are seriously ill look seriously ill and so when you’re concerned that you or someone else is suffering from an acute and severe illness speak to your GP immediately or call for an ambulance. but in many cases, events may not appear quite as dramatic. 

The main danger of a heart attack is that your heart may stop beating, and so you need to treat a possible heart attack as an emergency

For example, asthma can get worse gradually and an asthma attack can sometimes look less severe than it actually is. Heart attacks and strokes may also present in quite a subtle way at times.

Spotting the warning symptoms and signs early allows you to get help quickly when appropriate.

If the blood supply to your brain gets interrupted, you suffer a stroke. it may be more apparent to those around you that you are suffering. if blood cannot reach certain areas of your brain, the affected brain cells behind the blockage can die and parts of your brain don’t function properly afterwards.

The two main types of stroke are ischaemic stroke, where a clot narrows or blocks a blood vessel in your brain, and a hemorrhagic stroke, when a blood vessel in your brain bursts causing bleeding into your brain.

A mini-stroke (also known as a transient ischaemic attack or TIA) is very similar to a stroke but does improve by itself within 24 hours.

Sometimes a TIA can be a warning sign that a more serious stroke may be imminent, which is why you need to take it as seriously as a stroke

You are at higher risk of suffering a stroke if you have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol-and an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation, or if strokes run in your family.

Your lifestyle may also contribute, if you smoke, are obese, or inactive, have a poor diet or drink too much alcohol.

You can recognise a stroke by any of the following features which may appear alone or in combination:

• The face has fallen to one side and is unable to smile properly. it may look contorted.

• One arm is noticeably weaker than the other and the arms cannot be lifted and held out in front.

• The legs are weak and cannot move properly.

• Speech is slurred.

• Sight is lost in one eye, partially or completely. if you suspect someone has had a stroke, call for an ambulance. the sooner you call for help, the better the chance of a good recovery.

In a heart attack, the blood vessels supplying your heart suddenly become blocked and your heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen. the result is usually chest pain.

The main danger of a heart attack is that your heart may stop beating, and so you need to treat a possible heart attack as an emergency, even if you still feel relatively well.

Heart attacks aren’t always easy to spot but call for an ambulance if you recognise one or more of the following typical symptoms which can occur alone or in any combination.

• You experience persistent, central chest pain that feels like a tightness or heavy pressure or like someone sitting on your chest.

• You have a pain that spreads to your neck, jaw or down one or both of your arms. sometimes the pain also spreads to your back or you feel it in your upper abdomen rather than in your chest (a bit like indigestion).

• You have pain and in addition feel breathless, nauseous and sweaty, and your skin feels cold to touch. You may even be gasping for breath or vomit.

• You have chest pain and collapse without much warning.

• You develop a pale appearance or blue lips.

• You have chest pain and notice that your heart is suddenly beating unusually fast and your pulse may be irregular. however, if you suffer from pre-existing conditions such as anxiety, a fast heart rate may be normal for you.

Shock is a serious medical condition. it means that not enough blood is pumping through your body and your vital organs, such as your brain or your heart, do not get enough oxygen. In more severe shock, people become aggressive, restless and gasp for air. Eventually they become drowsy and lose consciousness.

Finally, the heart stops beating. the skin may become clammy, cold and pale. if shock is severe the lips may appear blue and skin can appear grey or blue in colour. You may also notice excessive sweating. Important causes of shock are:

• Burns: Severe burns can cause shock when fluid evaporates from wounds.

• Heart problems: Suffering from an acute heart problem such as a heart attack can cause shock.

• Losing blood: You can develop shock if you lose large amounts of blood due to an injury.

• Losing fluid: People lose too much fluid due to excessive sweating, severe vomiting or diarrhoea.

• Poisoning: Various poisons can lead to severe problems with your circulation and can also cause shock.

• Make sure you are as comfortable as possible and are not exerting-yourself. Sit down in the ‘W’ position with your back at about 75 degrees to the ground, with your knees bent if possible, while resting your back against the headboard of a bed or wall (supported by a pillow). your heart finds pumping blood easier in this position.

• Take your medication. if you have aspirin at home and can’t think of a reason why you shouldn’t take it and assuming you are over 16 then take one 300 milligram tablet straight away if you have medication for angina also use these immediately.

Diagnosing your Health Symptoms for Dummies, by Knut Schroeder, is published by Wiley, ?16.99.

Brad Ames slipped on an icy tile (above with his 11-year-old son Ashley)

Reaching to take down the final Christmas light from the roof of the family home last January, Brad Ames slipped on an icy tile, flying backwards on to the drive below.

‘I’m still haunted by the feeling of falling as if in slow motion. I thought I was going to die,’ says the 42-year-old engineering manager from Chellaston, Derbyshire.

‘I landed on my left side  -  on the back of my head, shoulder and elbow.’

Brad’s wife Tanya, 35, had been standing at the bottom of the ladder.she says: ‘When I saw Brad falling, I felt so helpless. I thought he’d die  -  or be paralysed at the very least.

‘I’m normally pretty calm but this was so terrible my mind was in a whirl.’

But,hearing his dad screaming in pain, their 11-year-old son Ashley  -  whohad been playing across the road with his sister Hannah, ten  -  came running over and took control.

A St John Ambulance cadet, Ashley knew that as his father’s breathing was noisy, fluid such as blood or saliva could be at the back of his throat.

Putting his dad in the recovery position  -  tilting the head up slightly to help clear theairways  -  Ashley also made sure that Brad’s tongue was not blocking the air passage. He then rushed to fetch blankets to put over his fatherto prevent hypothermia or shock, as it was very cold.

As they waited for the paramedics, Ashley ran between his dad and his shocked sister checking they were both OK. When the ambulance arrived, the paramedics strapped Brad to a spinal board as a precaution.

A CT scan showed he had sustained several cracked ribs and a smashed radial head (the bone surrounding the elbow joint). Fortunately, his head, shoulder and back were undamaged, apart from plenty of bruising.

Ashley was praised by the paramedics for his quick-witted actions. He says: ‘I’m glad I could help. it was nice to be told I’d saved the day. it has made me want to be a paramedic as it must be very satisfying to help people in this way.

‘This year our house is the only one in the street with no lights on it. Dad has been banned from putting them up  -  for ever.’

It is common observation that heart diseases are on the rise and they are no longer restricted to people of a certain age or gender. every person has the potential to suffer from a cardiovascular complication. in such a situation, it is very important that people know about its causes and signs so that timely steps can be taken.

There are different types of cardiovascular diseases. the most common of them all is coronary heart disease or CHD. it develops when plaque blocks or narrows the veins or arteries of the body. Plaque is usually caused by fats, dead cells, high cholesterol and calcium deposits in the arterial walls. When arteries become completely blocked, a person can also suffer from heart attack and strokes. it has been reported by the Centre for Disease Control that sixty percent of all deaths are caused by coronary heart disease. This is due to the fact that CHD has no obvious signs and symptoms.

Another type of heart disease is congestive heart failure or CHF. When the heart is unable to pump sufficient amount of blood needed by the body, then congestive heart failure occurs. This is one of the most alarming kinds of cardiovascular diseases. its causes include hypertension, myocarditis, an infection-like disease of muscles, and coronary heart problems.

Atherosclerosis is also a form of cardiovascular disease in which arteries become hard. This is caused when high levels of cholesterol become deposited in the walls of the arteries. as these deposits grow in size, they first narrow and then completely block the arteries. This in result makes it harder for blood and oxygen to be distributed in the body. This is why some parts of the body like brain, eyes, kidneys and the guts suffer from a lack of oxygen.

The best way to prevent any type of heart disease is to exercise and to avoid foods that contain fats and lead to plaque deposits in arteries. Smoking is also injurious to health and should be stopped altogether. Add Omega 3 fish oil supplements to your diet. Checking your cholesterol levels regularly is an effective way of knowing what is happening inside your body. Try to keep your cholesterol within normal limits because this will go a long way in safeguarding you from heart disease.

How do you identify dementia symptoms versus just your everyday forgetfulness? Most people ***ociate dementia with old age but more young people who have a family history may exhibit early signs of dementia.  changes in the brain is what causes most dementia symptoms .  it may be the time to see a doctor when memory loss becomes chronic or is getting worse . Depression can also bring on dementia symptoms. here are a list of some common symptoms:

• difficulty remembering close friends and family names
• diffictulty in keeping personal care
• moodiness or difficulty in controlling behavior
• difficult in finding the right words to express yourself or name objects
• diffculty in remembering important events

Some forms of dementia develop slowly and some fast .  a common cause of dementia is blocked blood flow to the brain  .  The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease .  Dementia symptoms  are also more common among patients who suffer from Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, AIDS, Multiple Sclerosis and a few other disease that may impair blood flow to the brain or cause tiny strokes. 

 The cases of dementia will rise as people start to live longer.  . The number of people with dementia will double every two decades and reach 81.1 million by 2040 and the rate of increase is expected to be faster in developing countries which have rapidly-growing life expectancies according to Lancet magazine.  (Lancet. 2005 Dec 17;366(9503):2112-7)

Some people may experience mild cognitive impairment which means that they are aware of that they have lost memory but have normal overall mental functioning and can continue with their normal daily activities . 

Residential and adult day care centers are just starting to recognize the needs of the younger dementia patient (those that are under age 85). Memory and brain exercises such as sudoku, crosswords, and  puzzles can improve mental functioning. Relationships and taking care of your emotional health can help, too. many people find a good support group can eliminate stress and make a difference in anti-aging of the brain.

 There are several treatments that can help slow the progress of the disease even though dementia is incurable . it is important to try to remain physically and mentally healthy, eat right,  and get regular examinations with a doctor who specializes in dementia symptoms.  

By the Canadian Press

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TORONTO – A new look at last year’s flu pandemic finds that two-thirds of hospitalizations for the H1N1 flu were in a five-week period beginning at the end of October.

The study by the Canadian Institute for Health Information says that during those five weeks, H1N1 accounted for 3.4 per cent of hospitalizations across the country.

That was more than the percentage for heart attacks or for strokes.

The institute says that in Ontario, one in four emergency visits during October and November 2009 were by patients with flu-like symptoms — compared to about one in seven in previous years.

Overall, the study finds there were more than 15,000 confirmed and probable H1N1 hospitalizations from April to December — about 6,500 more patients than the number of lab-confirmed hospitalized cases previously reported.

Jeremy Veillard, vice-president of research and analysis at the institute, says the impact of the virus on hospitals was significant and much higher than originally estimated — and it’s good news that hospitals were able to weather the storm.

The estimated cost of H1N1 for hospitals was approximately $200 million, the CIHI study said, including $128 million during the busiest five weeks. the estimates don’t include physician fees.

“As the first global pandemic in more than 40 years, the response to H1N1 from public health authorities was unprecedented,” Veillard says in a statement released Tuesday.

Kathleen Morris, head of emerging issues at CIHI, says the study shows that Canada’s hospitals were able to build on what was learned during the SARS crisis in 2003, and cope with the high number of H1N1 patients.

The influx was dealt with in a number of ways, the study found.

In some cases, patients who typically would have been in intensive care units were moved to other wards and monitoring was increased.

And some hospitals delayed the admission of patients who were scheduled for elective surgery.