Petrodollars are simply US dollars that have been used to purchase crude oil.

How China Plans to Collapse the Petrodollar – Search

The term petrodollar should be considered as a system rather than a distinct currency. The petrodollar system has seen oil exporting countries predominantly accepting payments in US dollars, essentially earning petrodollars.

The US dollar is the most powerful and widely used currency in the world. As such, for many oil exporting countries, receiving payments in US dollars is very convenient.

The term ‘petrodollar’ gained notoriety in the 1970s when the oil crisis saw the prices of the commodity increase sharply. At the time, most oil exporting countries depended on petrodollars to finance their budgets, and suddenly, they had huge budget surpluses. But the origin of petrodollars goes a little way back.

In the early 20th century, most countries around the world used the gold standard; which meant that their currencies were backed by their gold reserves. Following the end of World War II, the US held most of the global supply of this precious metal.

At a Bretton Woods conference in 1945, many countries agreed to peg their currencies to the US dollar instead of the unstable gold commodity. That same year, the petrodollar was born when Saudi Arabia struck an agreement with the US to accept US dollars as the sole payment currency for their oil in exchange for military and business training. The Bretton Woods system was abandoned in the 1970s, but by that time, the US dollar had cemented its status as the most dominant currency in the world.

Petrodollar Recycling

Petrodollar recycling refers to the process by which oil-exporting countries, particularly those in the Gulf region, invest their surplus oil revenues into foreign assets and economies.

Most of these oil-exporting nations have limited opportunities to invest their petrodollars domestically. They are therefore driven to invest their surplus revenues in developed economies to both preserve their wealth and earn interest.

This phenomenon has significantly impacted various economies and financial markets around the world. Below are specific examples illustrating how petrodollar recycling has influenced certain economies, especially through Gulf nations’ investments in Western assets.

Oil Price Swings and the Global Ripple Effect of Petrodollar Recycling

Setup:

The global economy is deeply influenced by fluctuations in oil prices. For oil-exporting countries in the Gulf, these fluctuations can lead to significant economic surpluses or deficits. During periods of high oil prices, such as the early 2000s up to 2008, Gulf nations experienced windfall revenues. This resulted in substantial budget surpluses and the accumulation of foreign reserves.

Conversely, when oil prices plummet as they did in 2008-2009, 2014-2016, and during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, these countries faced budgetary pressures. The sudden drop in revenue forced them to adjust fiscal policies and, at times, tap into their accumulated reserves.

Action:

During High Oil Prices:

• Accumulation of Surpluses:
  • Gulf nations amassed vast reserves of petrodollars due to high oil export revenues.
  • These funds exceeded the capacity for domestic investment, prompting the need to invest abroad.
• Global Investments:
  • Sovereign wealth funds and central banks invested heavily in international financial markets.
  • Investments spanned equities, bonds, real estate, infrastructure and private equity across the U.S., Europe and Asia.
  • For example, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Qatar Investment Authority expanded their global portfolios significantly.

During Low Oil Prices:

• Budgetary Adjustments:
  • Declining revenues led to budget deficits, prompting austerity measures and spending cuts.
  • Governments prioritised essential spending and delayed or cancelled non-critical projects.
• Asset Liquidation and Reduced Investments:
  • Gulf nations drew down on their foreign reserves to cover budget shortfalls.
  • They reduced the pace of new investments and in some cases, sold off assets.
  • Saudi Arabia, for instance, liquidated over $200 billion in foreign assets between 2014 and 2016.

Outcome:

Impact on Global Financial Markets:

• During High Oil Prices:
  • Increased Liquidity:
    • The influx of petrodollars into global markets provided significant liquidity.
    • This capital contributed to rising asset prices, lower yields on government bonds, and robust market performance.
  • Strengthening Financial Ties:
    • Investments enhanced economic interdependence between Gulf nations and recipient countries.
    • They supported growth in various sectors, including finance, real estate, technology, and infrastructure.
  • During Low Oil Prices:
    • Asset Price Pressures:
      • Withdrawal of investments and asset sales by Gulf nations exerted downward pressure on asset prices.
      • Markets experienced reduced liquidity and increased volatility.
    • Global Economic Concerns:
      • The reduction in petrodollar recycling raised concerns about funding gaps in global capital markets.
      • It highlighted vulnerabilities in countries and sectors reliant on Gulf investments.

Broader Implications:

• Economic Diversification Initiatives:
  • The volatility underscored the need for Gulf countries to diversify their economies.
  • Programs like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Centennial 2071 aim to reduce dependency on oil.
  • Diversification efforts included investing in renewable energy, tourism, technology, and manufacturing.
• Changing Investment Strategies:
  • Sovereign wealth funds began seeking higher returns through alternative investments.
  • There was a shift towards emerging markets, direct investments, and strategic partnerships.
• Global Financial Stability:
  • The cyclical nature of petrodollar flows influenced global interest rates, exchange rates, and capital availability.
  • Stability in oil prices became crucial not just for energy markets but for the overall health of the global economy.

Conclusion:

The fluctuations in oil prices and the corresponding shifts in petrodollar investments by Gulf nations have profound effects on global financial markets. During times of high oil prices, the surplus petrodollars recycled into international markets stimulate growth, increase liquidity, and strengthen financial ties. Conversely, when oil prices fall, the reduction in these flows can contribute to market volatility and highlight the interconnectedness of global economies.

Understanding this dynamic is essential for policymakers, investors, and financial institutions worldwide. It emphasises the significance of petrodollar recycling as a driver of global economic trends and the importance of economic diversification for oil-exporting nations.

The Petrodollar Collapse?

It is evident that the US dollar has dominated the petrocurrency scene, but in recent years, it has faced challenges. To start with, many oil-producing nations are concerned about being overly dependent on the petrodollar. This is because the United States has exploited the petrodollar system to assert its dominance in foreign policy.

The implications of US sanctions on countries, such as Iran and Venezuela, have provided clues on why this overreliance can be very dangerous. Already, some oil-producing countries have started selling their oil in their local currencies. In 2007, the Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME) was instituted with the primary goal of providing an alternative benchmark for oil price denomination. The intention was clear, but the impact on the petrodollar was not really significant.

However, the biggest threat to the petrodollar is the potential of the petroyuan.

In early 2018, the Shanghai International Energy Exchange was instituted, marking the birth of the petroyuan. The exchange has increasingly gotten favour from countries that are favouring the de-dollarisation of the oil markets. Such countries include Venezuela, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. These are examples of countries that have been on the wrong end of US sanctions.

Other countries such as Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Yemen have also witnessed how US political interference can destabilise them and probably will not mind being ‘rescued’ from the dollar. As a country, China has famously adopted a foreign policy of political non-interference, something that will appeal to some oil-producing countries.

A recent case of US sanctions has been on Russia in 2022. The country has been in military conflict with Ukraine, and after a series of US sanctions, Russia has deepened its relations with China. Russia is a major supplier of oil within Europe and has already started receiving payments in its local currency for the commodity.

Russia-China relations also give the petroyuan impetus in its quest to fight the petrodollar. Already, Saudi Arabia has indicated that it is willing to price at least a small portion of its oil in currencies other than the US dollar. Saudi Arabia has been a major US ally, but it recently started buying arms from Russia. This does not bode well with the future of the petrodollar because Saudi Arabia’s de-dollarisation can only encourage other oil-producing nations to ‘free themselves’ from the US dollar.

Petrodollar’s Impact

The petrodollar system has propelled the US dollar to be the most dominant currency in the global economy. Oil is the most important commodity in the international markets, and this has made the United States automatically become the most decisive player in the global economy. It has allowed the country to consistently run trade deficits as well as have a high inflow of investment capital through petrodollar recycling. The US can also finance its budget deficits using low-interest financial instruments, and so the importance of the petrodollar to the US is obvious.

But deficits also come with some challenges. The global economy is constantly growing, which essentially means that the country must run deficits to prevent any potential slowdowns. However, running deficits also pose the threat of a potentially weaker US dollar.

4/01/2026

Let’s get something straight, because this hasn’t been talked about enough. And I’m tired of seeing people grabbing headlines and posts that agree with their narrative instead of doing their own research.

What’s happening right now in Iran is not Israel’s war. It’s not a Jewish vendetta, it’s not a Middle East skirmish that has nothing to do with the rest of us, and contrary to Tucker Carlson, it has nothing to do with Chabad. You need to know what’s actually going on.

Washington severed diplomatic ties with Iran under the Carter administration after Iranian students stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran and held 52 Americans hostage. That was 1979.

Since then, EVERY administration, Carter, Reagan, Bush (senior), Clinton, Bush (junior), Obama, Biden, and Trump, has said that a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable. The White House recently documented 74 separate instances of Trump making that case, calling it “longstanding, bipartisan American policy.”

This isn’t a new position. It isn’t a right-wing position. It’s what every administration has believed for half a century. So why did it take until now?

Because Iran kept moving the goalposts, and the world kept letting them.

By May 2025, the IAEA reported that Iran’s cache of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium had surged by roughly 50 percent in just three months, putting Tehran one step away from having enough material for ten nuclear weapons.

That’s not some little vague threat. That’s a countdown.

The head of U.S. Central Command testified that if Iran decided to sprint toward a nuclear weapon, it could produce enough weapons-grade material for a simple device in one week, and enough for ten weapons in three weeks.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio put it plainly: “They have everything they need to build nuclear weapons.” When you’ve built the engine, loaded the fuel, and pointed the car at the wall, it doesn’t matter much whether you’ve pressed the gas yet.

Iran spent years insisting its program was civilian. All the while, it was moving toward weapons capability. According to reporting sourced by the Institute for International Political Studies, Khamenei had authorized development of miniaturized nuclear warheads for ballistic missiles as recently as October 2025.

Now let’s talk about China,

because this piece of the picture is pretty darn critical.

China is not a bystander in this story. Iran is central to Beijing’s entire overland trade and energy strategy. Iran sits at the heart of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the infrastructure network connecting East Asia to Europe through land-based transport and Persian Gulf energy routes. Without stable access through Iranian territory, Beijing’s supply chains have no viable alternative. Iran exported more than 520 million barrels of crude oil to China in 2025 alone. Only Saudi Arabia supplied more. China buys over 80 percent of Iran’s oil. This isn’t ideological solidarity. It’s a dependency that neither side wants disrupted.

Which brings us to the Strait of Hormuz.

Roughly 13 million barrels of oil per day moved through the Strait in 2025, about 31 percent of all seaborne crude in the world.

About 45 percent of China’s oil imports pass through it. Iran has threatened to close it. And here’s what that threat actually produced: China is now in direct talks with Iran, pressing Tehran to allow crude oil and LNG vessels safe passage and to hold off on targeting tankers or key export hubs. When Beijing’s energy supply is on the line, the anti-American posturing has real limits.

Here’s what this all adds up to:

The United States didn’t stumble into this war because Israel asked nicely. It acted on a threat that five decades of American presidents acknowledged and mostly kicked down the road.

Iran was weeks away, not years, from having the material needed for nuclear weapons. It had long-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching U.S. bases and allies throughout the region. It had a weapons development program it had been lying about for years.

Calling this Israel’s war ignores fifty years of American policy, multiple rounds of failed diplomacy, and a nuclear program that was running out of road.

The world needed someone to act.

– Melissa Brodsky

#truthOnlyTRUTH #OvercomeTDS #allOfTHIS #LoveMyPresident 

#EXACTLYwhatIvotedfor #MAGA #AriesInMars #WinningSeason 

The better question isn’t why it happened. It’s why it took this long.

Former Navy SEAL rips Trump’s genocidal threat to Iran: ‘I didn’t think it was presidential’

NAVY SEAL SAYS IT WASNT PRESIDENTIAL – Search

Final Word

The petrodollar system has been very dominant in the international oil markets and has consequently led to a strong and influential US dollar. However, its future also hinges on the nature of relations that the US has with major oil producers such as Russia and Saudi Arabia, as well as major consumers such as China.
If the Petrodollar Ends, What Comes Next? Scenarios for U.S. Adaptation in a De-Dollarizing World | by Steven W. Pearce | Medium

Petrodollar System Pressure: Security Risks & Yuan Challenge in 2026 – News and Statistics – IndexBox

America’s Petrodollar ‘Secret’: Maduro’s Dollar Defiance The Real Reason Behind His Kidnapping?

What is the Petrodollar System? | How Did the US Dollar Strengthen? | Narayana IAS Academy

Can you explain to a noob what are Petrodollars and how do they work? : r/AskEconomics

Unpacking The “Petrodollar War Theory”: News Article – Independent Institute

Petrodollars and Their Impact on the U.S. Dollar and Global Economy

What Is the Petrodollar? Benefits and Drawbacks | Tony Robbins

“Iran Deal’s Sudden Collapse — Key Factors Behind the Fallout”

Search Results for Dementia | Cancer Quick Facts

This video is created to uplift your spirit, strengthen your faith, and draw you closer to God’s presence. “Jesus Is My Peace” is a powerful and emotional Christian gospel worship song that reminds us that true rest is found only in Jesus. In every storm, every battle, every tear—He is our calm, our comfort, our anchor, and our everlasting peace.

Whether you’re facing fear, anxiety, confusion, or chaos, this worship moment invites you to rest in the peace of Christ. . 🎵 May this song minister to your heart. 🙏 May His peace surround you today. ✨ Share this with someone who needs encouragement.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who in 1906 noticed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. Her symptoms included memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior. Following her death, he examined her brain and found many abnormal clumps (amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (neurofibrillary, or tau, tangles).

These plaques and tau tangles in the brain are some of the main physical features of AD. Another feature is the loss of connections between neurons that transmit messages between different parts of the brain and from the brain to muscles and organs of the body (NIA, 2023a).

Alzheimer’s disease is one of a group of disorders called dementias, which are brain failures characterized by progressive cognitive and behavioral changes.

Research the most common forms of dementia:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Vascular dementia
• Multi-infarct dementia
• Subcortical vascular dementia
• Stroke-related dementia
• Frontotemporal dementia (Pick’s disease)
• Mixed dementia (a combination of two or more types)

Other rarer conditions that can result in dementia include:

• Atypical Alzheimer’s disease
• Cadasil (a rare inherited form of vascular disease)
• Corticobasal syndrome (CBS)
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
• HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND)
• Huntington’s disease
• Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
• Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)
  (Alzheimer’s Society, 2024a)

Alzheimer’s disease results from a complex pattern of abnormal changes, develops slowly, and gradually worsens. The course of Alzheimer’s and the rate of decline vary from person to person. Alzheimer’s disease can be present for many years before there are clinical signs and symptoms of the disease. On average, a person with Alzheimer’s lives for four to eight years after diagnosis. However, some may live for as many as 20 years.

Alzheimer’s disease is reported as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. However, studies have found that it is underreported as an underlying cause of death. It is the only cause among the top 10 that cannot be prevented or cured. However, currently some treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression for a period of time (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024a).

Historical Perspective

“Senile dementia”—the loss of memory and other intellectual faculties that occurs in older adults—was recognized in the time of Hippocrates. In the centuries that followed, this condition was thought to be simply a result of old age, commonly called hardening of the arteries.

Diseases of old age, however, were considered unimportant until the second half of the 19th century. Prior to this period, people in the United States lived an average of 50 years and few reached the age of greatest risk for Alzheimer’s disease. For this reason, the disease was considered rare, and there was little scientific interest in it.

This changed as the average lifespan increased and Alzheimer’s became more common in people aged 70 and older. During this period of time, advancements in medicine and the ability to look inside the brain gave the medical community the realization that diseases could be the cause of this deterioration.

1906	German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer first described the pathology of the disease after using staining techniques to identify amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain associated with the symptoms of senile dementia.
1910	The disease was labeled Alzheimer’s disease by Emil Kraepelin.
1931	After the invention of the electron microscope, it became possible to conduct further study of the brain by viewing actual brain cells, opening the door to research into many areas of brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.
1968	The Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale was developed to measure cognitive function at baseline and to identify improvement or deterioration over time.
1976	Alzheimer’s disease was recognized as the most common form of dementia.
1980	The Alzheimer’s Association was founded.
1983	National Alzheimer’s Disease Month was declared.
1984	Beta-amyloid was identified as forming Alzheimer’s disease’s characteristic plaques, which cause reduced neurologic function. A nationwide infrastructure for Alzheimer’s research was established by the National Institute on Aging.
1986	Tau protein was identified as forming Alzheimer’s disease’s characteristic neurofibrillary tangles.
1987	The first Alzheimer’s drug trial (tacrine) was begun. The first deterministic Alzheimer’s gene, amyloid precursor protein (APP), was discovered.
1993	The first Alzheimer’s disease risk factor gene was identified, called APOE4. The first Alzheimer’s drug, tacrine (Cognex), was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
1994	President Reagan announced he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The first World Alzheimer’s Day was held.
1996	FDA approved donepezil (Aricept), a cholinesterase inhibitor, for treating Alzheimer’s-type dementia.
1999	Report published showing that injecting transgenic “Alzheimer’s” mice with beta-amyloid prevents the animals from developing plaques and other Alzheimer’s-like brain changes.
2000	FDA approved rivastigmine (Exelon), a cholinesterase inhibitor, for treating all stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
2001	FDA approved galantamine (Razadyne), a cholinesterase inhibitor, for treating mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
2003	FDA approved memantine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist that reduces certain types of brain activity by binding to NMDA receptors and blocking the activity of glutamate, which in Alzheimer’s disease can overstimulate nerve cells and kill them.
2004	A new imaging agent known as Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) was produced to be used with positron emission tomography for early detection of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative was begun to share research data worldwide.
2009	An effort was begun to standardized biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease.
2011	Alzheimer’s disease advanced to become the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the fifth leading cause of death for persons over the age of 65. Canadian scientists used a technique known as deep brain stimulation (applying electricity to regions of the brain) to reverse Alzheimer’s disease-related memory loss. Annual assessment for cognitive impairment for all Medicare recipients was implemented as part of an annual wellness visit. President Obama signed the National Alzheimer’s Project Act into law, a framework for a national strategic plan.
2012	Scientists at University College London discovered that specific antibodies that block the function of a related protein (Dkk1) are able to completely suppress the toxic effect of beta-amyloid on synapses. The first major clinical trial for prevention of Alzheimer’s disease was begun.
2013	International Genomics of Alzheimer’s Project researchers identified new genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.
2014	FDA approved donepezil combined with memantine (Namzaric) for treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. Rates of death caused by Alzheimer’s disease were found to be much higher than reported on death certificates.
2015	A UCLA study identified three distinct subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease: inflammatory, noninflammatory, and cortical (associated with significant zinc deficiency). Research began to determine if they have different underlying causes and respond differentially to potential treatments.
2017	An historic $400 million increase for federal Alzheimer’s disease research funding was signed into law, bringing annual funding to $1.4 billion.
2018	Dementia Care Practice Recommendations were developed to help professional care providers deliver optimal quality, person-centered care.
2021	Aducanumab (Aduhelm), the first therapy to address the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s disease, received accelerated approval by the FDA for limited use.
2023	Lecanemab (Leqembi), which addresses the underlying biology of AD, was approved for treatment of early AD. Donanemab (Kisunla) was approved; it removes beta-amyloid from the brain.
2024	Aducanumab (Aduhelm) was discontinued by its manufacturer, Biogen.
(Alzheimer’s Association, 2024b)

Scientists continue the search for answers regarding causes, diagnoses, and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, but developing new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease has proven difficult. Some challenges in developing new treatments include:

• Most drugs fail during testing.
• Brains are almost impenetrable and are protected by the blood-brain barrier.
• Treating a symptom isn’t treating a disease.
• There is inadequate funding for Alzheimer’s research.
• Scientists aren’t sure what causes Alzheimer’s disease.
  (Brookshire, 2024)

SCOPE OF THE DISEASE

Alzheimer’s Disease Worldwide

Every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia, and every year there are nearly 10 million new cases. Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, over 60% of whom are in low- and middle-income countries.

That number is expected to increase in 2030 to 78 million and in 2050 to 139 million. Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally. Dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death, and 65% of dementia-related deaths are in women (WHO, 2024).

A systematic review and meta-analysis done in 2020 showed that the prevalence of dementia was higher in Europe and North America than in South America, Asia, and Africa. China has surpassed all other countries to become the nation with the highest number of dementia patients.

Currently more than 15 million people ages 60 and above in China have dementia, accounting for a quarter of all dementia patients worldwide. Of this number, 9.83 million have Alzheimer’s disease. The disease is now affecting people in China at a younger age, with 21.4% being below the age of 60. AD and other dementias have become an increasingly serious public and social problem (Lv et al., 2023; Global Times, 2023).

A recent study reveals that two small Indigenous groups in the Bolivian Amazon have among the lowest rates of dementia in the world, at around 1% in people ages 60 and older (Miller, 2022).

Alzheimer’s Disease in the United States

It is estimated that as many as 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease. As the size of the U.S. population ages 65 and older continues to grow, so too will the number and proportion of Americans with AD and other dementias.

By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s may reach a projected 12.7 million unless there is a medical breakthrough to prevent or cure the disease (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024a).

The states with the highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease are in the east and southeast regions, with the highest in Maryland (12.9%), New York (12.7%), and Mississippi (12.5%). States with the highest number of people with AD were California, Florida, and Texas. Among larger counties, those with the highest prevalence of AD were Miami-Dade County in Florida, Baltimore City in Maryland, and Bronx County in New York (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024c).

BY AGE

Following is the distribution of Alzheimer’s by age in the United States:

• 65–74 years: 26.4%
• 75–84 years: 38.6%
• 85+ years: 35.4%
  (Statista, 2024a)

BY SEX

Almost two thirds of Americans with AD are women. Of the 6.9 million people ages 65 and older with AD, 4.2 million are women (11%) and 2.7 million (9%) are men. The main reason for this is that women live longer than men and older age is the biggest risk factor for this disease. Studies have been unclear whether those of female sex are more likely to develop dementia than those of male sex (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024a). (See also “Sex” under “Etiology and Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease” later in this course.)

BY RACE/ETHNICITY

African Americans are about two times more likely than White people to have Alzheimer’s and other dementias but only 34% more likely to have a diagnosis. They are also more likely to be diagnosed in later stages. Hispanics are about one and one half times more likely than White people to have Alzheimer’s and other dementias but only 18% more likely to have a diagnosis (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024d).

As many as 1 in 3 Native American older adults will develop Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia. Between 2020 and 2060, the number of American Indian/Alaska Native individuals age 65 and older living with dementia is projected to increase fourfold. More than one third of Native Americans say they do not expect to live long enough to develop Alzheimer’s, and more than half (53%) believe that significant memory or cognitive losses are a normal part of aging (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024e).

BY EDUCATION LEVEL

Research has found a high educational level to be associated with a 30% lower risk of Alzheimer’s compared with a low educational level. Combining genetic risk and education categories, individuals with a low genetic risk and a high educational level had a more than 90% lower risk of AD compared to those with a high genetic risk and low educational level (Li et al., 2023).

MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY

Before a person with Alzheimer’s dies, they live through years of morbidity as the disease progresses.

Between 2019 and 2020, the total number of deaths from Alzheimer’s disease increased 10.5%, with COVID-19 being a significant contributor. In 2022, AD was the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 120,000 deaths and an age-adjusted mortality rate of 28.9 per 100,000 people. This was a nearly 7% decline from 2021, when deaths from AD had more than doubled between 2000 and that year. Among Americans ages 65 and older, AD is the fifth-leading cause of death (Alzheimer’s Association, 2023a).

Alzheimer’s disease is associated with excess comorbidity, including hypertension, diabetes (types 1 and 2), cardiovascular disease, and depression. There is evidence that risk factors common to comorbidities and AD, such as chronic inflammation, can place individuals with comorbidities at increased risk of developing AD. The interplay between comorbidities and development and progression of AD, however, remains incompletely understood (Lanctôt et al., 2023).

Source   Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia CEU | Wild Iris Medical Education

What Nobody Tells You About Death | The Living Feel It Too… A doctor walks into a trauma room and sees a dead woman floating above a dying man. He isn’t the patient’s physician. He just felt the pull to go in. That’s how this story starts — and it gets stranger from there.

Hundreds of nurses, doctors, and everyday people have reported witnessing something at the exact moment someone dies. Not near-death experiences. Something different. They were healthy, awake, and fully conscious. Some were thousands of miles away. Researchers have now collected over 800 of these cases.

The patterns are nearly identical across cultures, ages, and belief systems — including committed atheists. What are they experiencing? And why have so many of them stayed silent for decades?
What Nobody Tells You About Death | The Living Feel It Too    

Julie McFadden hospice nurse – Search Videos  

Route 66: Why Is the World Still Obsessed With It?

Route 66 Turns 100 – Search

Route 66, the iconic “Mother Road,” celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a century of American travel, culture, and adventure.

Historical Significance.  Route 66’s 100th anniversary is not just a celebration of a road, but a tribute to a century of American exploration, community, and the enduring spirit of the open road.

Route 66 was officially designated on November 11, 1926, connecting Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, spanning 2,448 miles across eight states. Originally a mix of paved, dirt, and wooden plank roads, it became a vital corridor for westward migration, commerce, and tourism, later immortalized in literature, music, and pop culture as a symbol of freedom and the American road trip.

Route 66 Turns 100 This Year — The Part Nobody Talks About Is the California Stretch, and It’s Stunning

Centennial Celebrations
The Route 66 Centennial is a nationwide celebration running throughout 2026, featuring parades, festivals, and community events along the entire route. Key highlights include:

Opening ceremonies on April 30, 2026, marking 100 years since the route received its numerical designation.

Special events in California, including restored motels, visitor centers, and cultural installations along the Mojave Desert and Santa Monica Pier.

Amarillo, Texas, celebrating with attractions like the Big Texan Steak Ranch, Cadillac Ranch, and the Route 66 Historic District.

EAGLERIDER Centennial Tour, a 16-day motorcycle journey from Chicago to Santa Monica for 66 riders, featuring iconic stops and exclusive experiences.

Commemorative USPS Route 66 Forever stamps honoring the highway’s legacy.
https://www.route66centennial.org/

Travel and Tourism
The centennial encourages road trips, with interactive guides and maps highlighting must-see stops, accommodations, and attractions along the route. Visitors can experience a mix of nostalgia, cultural heritage, and modern amenities, from retro motels to art installations and outdoor adventures.

​​Preservation and Legacy
The centennial also emphasizes historic preservation, economic development, and cultural storytelling, with initiatives supporting local businesses, restoring landmarks, and sharing Route 66 stories through projects like the Centennial Monuments and the “I Am Route 66” storytelling program.

Route 66 Turns 100: Brand USA Invites Travelers to Discover the Mother Road’s Iconic Attractions, Flavors, and Stays | Brand USA

Route 66 Turns 100: EAGLERIDER Offers 66 Riders a Once-in-a-Century Journey for 2026’s Historic Experience

Route 66, Forever: USPS to issue stamps of ‘The Mother Road’ – NBC 7 San Diego

100 Years of Road Tripping: Amarillo Captures the Heart of Route 66 | Tour Texas

 Route 66 turns 100. Here’s how travelers can plan the ultimate road trip

Route 66 Turns 100 Susan Montoya Bryan athyn – Search

“Get Your Kick from Route 66” is a popular rhythm and blues song composed by Bobby Troup in 1946. The song celebrates the freedom and excitement of a road trip along the U.S. Route 66, which runs from Chicago to Los Angeles. Troup wrote the lyrics while on a cross-country drive with his wife, Cynthia, the song became a standard, with numerous artists recording it over the years, including Nat King Cole, Chuck Berry, Perry Como & The Rolling Stones. 

The song has been featured in various media, including the popular television show “Route 66,” The lyrics evoke the excitement of a road trip, mentioning various towns along the way, and the song has been featured in various media, including a popular television show that aired from 1960 to 1964, which further popularized the theme of the “Mother Road”.

Route 66 was called “the Mother Road” by John Steinbeck in his novel “The Grapes of Wrath” (1939). The highway served as a lifeline for families fleeing the Dust Bowl and economic turmoil in the 1930s. Steinbeck described it as the path of a people in flight, refugees from dust and shrinking land, and it became a symbol of hope and a place of refuge for many.

The road’s journey from the Midwest to the Pacific, stretching 2,448 miles, was a significant part of American history, representing the migration and resilience of the American spirit. Many ask, why have other iconic U.S. Highways survived and co-exist with the Interstate system (like U.S. Hwy. 1, 20 or 101), and Route 66 was decertified in 1985.

There were many reasons for this decision, which involved factors like safety, redundancy, and costs.  By hearing this it was by divine Intervention that in 1988, I drove the route from Bakersfield to Normal and Bloomington Illinois, which served as a major corridor for travelers heading west.

In Bloomington-Normal, the original alignment ran along Main Street and later included a bypass to the east to manage traffic flow. The route shaped the development of the Twin Cities, influencing local businesses, hotels, and motels along the Mother Road. From Normal, Illinois I drove on Illinois 9, Indiana 26 to Ohio 119 gaining an appreciation for what it was like “in those thrilling days of yesteryear”.

One of my many Highlights Traveling the MotorRoad:

In 1903, a test oil well was drilled in Claremore, but instead of finding oil, the drillers discovered a large flow of artesian mineral water. Before long, radium bath houses became the rage in the neon lite town of Claremore.

In 1907, Rogers County was created from the Cherokee Nation and was named for Clement V. Rogers, the father of Will Rogers and a member of the Constitutional Convention.

When Route 66 came through the city, it was already well established, and to service the many road travelers, motor courts, service stations, and restaurants were quickly built along the highway.

Claremore is best known as the hometown of Oklahoma’s favorite son, Will Rogers. Rogers was born nearby in a rough log cabin “halfway between Claremore and Oologah on November 4, 1879. He rose from a vaudeville career as a sideshow rope‑tricks artist to become one of the most popular humorists in America.

Today, Claremore features the Will Rogers Memorial, which includes an eight-gallery museum with theaters and items from his cowboy trick roping days to Vaudeville.

Another “must stop” is the Will Rogers Hotel. Once famous for the radium baths, it has now converted its upper floors to senior apartments. The J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum displays over 20,000 firearms. Claremore is the setting of the classic Broadway musical Oklahoma, to which the Lynn Riggs Museum is dedicated.

Belvidere Mansion, Claremore, Oklahoma.

Another interesting visit is the Belvidere Mansion, a restored turn-of-the-century home that now serves as a museum and is allegedly haunted! To round out your history-filled adventure in Claremore, visit the Oklahoma Military Academy Memorial Museum and the scores of antique stores that line its downtown streets.

Claremore also can boast of being the hometown of singer Patti Page, who sold millions of records during the 1950s and ’60s, including the now-classic “Tennessee Waltz.” Incidentally, Page graduated from Daniel Webster High School in Tulsa, which also lies along Route 66. Along with Rogers and Riggs, Page has a major street named after her in Claremore. Page died at age 85 on New Year’s Day 2013.

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Story by Lauren Durie – Business Insider

I’ve traveled all over the US and driven most of Route 66.  

These quirky towns and cities are worth the stop   

• I love the quirk and nostalgia of Route 66, also known as the Mother Road.
• I was surprised by wild burros, an ancient civilization, and a live streamed steak-eating contest.
• I’d recommend that all drivers stop in Pontiac, Illinois, and Oatman, Arizona.

Most people drive Route 66 for nostalgia — the neon signs, the diners, the echoes of road trips past.

As someone who loves seeking out things you didn’t know you wanted on your travel bucket list, I prefer ridiculous over retro, and let me tell you: The Mother Road was the mother lode of quirk. I found Route 66 to be a tribute to America’s weird, wacky, and wonderful in the best way possible.

From a town with more burros than people to the remains of a prehistoric Native American city, if you’re celebrating Route 66’s 100th anniversary this year, these are some of the unique stops I found worth pulling over for.

There are several must-visit stops in Illinois

caption tk twistee treat Lauren Durie© Lauren Durie

Route 66 may start in Chicago, but I think Pontiac, Illinois, is the best place to officially get your bearings.

The Bob Waldmire Experience, located in the same complex as the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, is the best place to learn about the road’s most famous explorer. A nomadic artist, Waldmire used a VW bus and “road yacht” — a converted double-decker school bus — as a studio on wheels, making him one of the OG van lifers.

Snap a photo with the iconic Route 66 Shield Mural before driving about two and a half hours south to Livingston, Illinois, home of the Pink Elephant Antique Mall.

This historic building, once a high school, offers just about everything you could ask for: Alongside the massive maze of trinkets and goods, you can buy sweet treats at the Mother Road Fudge-n-Candy and eat a meal at the retro Twistee Treat Diner.

I donned my best “Grease” getup and took advantage of all the photo ops there, too — including an oversize ice-cream cone, a giant UFO, and a bubblegum-pink elephant.

Keep driving toward Missouri, and you’ll approach Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I loved exploring the archaeological remains of the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico by walking the self-guided earth mound trails, then popping into the Interpretive Center to learn more.

Head to Amarillo, Texas, for steaks the size of your head and oversize art to match

caption tk Lauren Durie© Lauren Durie

For Texas-sized Route 66 fun, the Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery looks more like a small town than a restaurant.

It’s best known for the 72-ounce steak challenge, which began in the 1960s as a competition between cowboys to see who could out-carb each other. Now, the challenge is open to anyone willing to attempt the feat.

Finish the spread in under an hour, and it’s free; fail, and it’s $72. Nearly 100,000 people have tried, with roughly 10,000 succeeding. Oh, and anyone attempting the challenge is live streamed.

I kindly passed — the restaurant serves regular meals, too — but I commend anyone who gives it a shot.

There’s more to explore at Big Texan, too, including live music, a shooting gallery, and covered wagons and cabins for overnight stays.

caption tk Lauren Durie© Lauren Durie

While you’re in Amarillo, Cadillac Ranch is another must-see. The iconic public art installation features vintage Cadillacs buried in the dirt.

Everyone is encouraged to leave their mark — quite literally, with spray paint — meaning it looks a little bit different every time you go. I found it oddly therapeutic knowing whatever I added wouldn’t be permanent.

Catch a shootout reenactment and befriend wild burros in Oatman, Arizona

caption tk donkey Lauren Durie© Lauren Durie

The only traffic you’ll usually find on the stretch of Route 66 from Kingman to Oatman is of the four-legged variety. A historic ghost town where wild burros now outnumber people, Oatman actually served as an inspiration for Disney’s “Cars”.

The wild burros descend from pack animals used by miners during the Gold Rush years. Local shops sell bags of food, and if you feed them, they’ll quickly try to become your best friends. (Fair warning: They do nip, and one almost ripped my dress.)

Tourists are encouraged to feed and photograph the burros as long as they don’t have a sticker on their head, which means they’ve been tagged as a baby or as needing a special diet.

Time your visit right, and you could also end up in the middle of a reenacted shootout on Main Street — which I found equally thrilling and unhinged.

For another outlaw experience along Route 66, the Grand Canyon Railway in nearby Williams, Arizona, offers a vintage train ride to the national park with “bandits” as carmates. A road trip, after all, is only as good as the characters you meet along the way.

 Route 66 Illinois Road Trip | Chicago to St. Louis | Classic Stops & Hidden Gems: Full PBS Episode

Fred Couples revisits the ‘divine intervention’ that won him the 1992 Masters

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Alzheimer’s disease in the United States (2025 prediction) | CNN

 There is no specific timeline linked to “asking for their mom”

When a person with dementia starts calling out for their mother, it does not reliably predict how long they have left.

People can show this behavior:

• Months or even years before the end
• During moments of fear or confusion
• When they’re seeking comfort or familiarity
• When their memory has shifted back to childhood

It’s an emotional signal, not a medical indicator.

It sounds like you’re going through something painful, and I want to approach this gently.

When someone with dementia begins asking for their mom—especially if their mother has long since passed—it’s often a sign of deep confusion, fear, or a need for comfort. It does not reliably indicate how much longer they will live.

Here’s what we can say in general terms:

 What “asking for their mom” can mean

• A return to early memories as recent ones fade
• Seeking safety or reassurance
• Feeling scared, lonely, or disoriented
• Progression of cognitive decline

These behaviors can appear months or even years before the end of life, or sometimes only in moments of distress. It varies widely from person to person.

 End‑of‑life signs in dementia (general, not predictive)

People in the final stage of dementia often show:

• Very limited speech
• Sleeping most of the day
• Difficulty swallowing
• Major weight loss
• Inability to walk or sit up
• Increased infections

Even with these signs, timelines are unpredictable. Some people decline quickly; others remain stable for long periods.

 If you’re caring for someone

What matters most is comfort, safety, and connection. If someone is asking for their mom, responding with warmth—“You’re safe, I’m here with you”—can help soothe them.

If you’re worried about how close they may be to the end, a doctor, nurse, or hospice team can give you clearer guidance based on what they’re seeing.

You don’t have to carry this alone. If you want to tell me more about what’s happening with your loved one, I’m here to talk through it with you.

 What does tend to signal late‑stage or end‑of‑life dementia

While every person is different, the following changes are more closely associated with the final stage:

• Very little speech or only a few words
• Sleeping most of the day
• Trouble swallowing or refusing food
• Significant weight loss
• Inability to walk or sit up
• Repeated infections
• Cool hands/feet, changes in breathing

Even with these signs, the timeline can still range from weeks to many months.

 Why “asking for mom” happens

It often reflects:

• A need for safety
• Emotional distress
• Loss of recent memories
• Reverting to early life memories

Responding with reassurance—“You’re safe, I’m here”—can help soothe them.

 If you’re caring for someone right now

You’re carrying something heavy. If you’re noticing other changes besides calling for their mom, a doctor, nurse, or hospice team can give you a clearer sense of where they are in the progression.

If you want to tell me a bit about what your loved one is doing or how they’ve been changing, I can help you make sense of what you’re seeing.

I can walk you through this gently. Late‑stage dementia brings very real changes, and understanding them can help you prepare emotionally and practically.

Here’s a clear, compassionate overview.

 Common Symptoms of Late‑Stage Dementia

People in the final stage of dementia typically need full‑time care. The body and brain are slowing down, and several systems begin to decline.

Sundowners syndrome, also known as sundowning, is a pattern of increased confusion, agitation, and restlessness in people with dementia, typically occurring in the late afternoon and evening.

Overview
Sundowners syndrome is not a disease itself but a set of behaviors and symptoms often seen in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. It usually manifests as the sun sets, though symptoms can occur at other times as well. Approximately 20–45% of people with Alzheimer’s experience some form of sundowning during the course of their illness.

Sundowner’s syndrome: Symptoms, causes, treatment tips, and more
Behavioral changes: pacing, wandering, rocking, shadowing (following a caregiver closely), yelling, crying, or aggression

Emotional changes: anxiety, fear, irritability, sadness, restlessness
Cognitive changes: confusion, disorientation, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions
Sleep disturbances: difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, insomnia
These symptoms often worsen in the late afternoon and evening, potentially leading to increased caregiver stress and a higher risk of accidents or injury.

Causes and Triggers
The exact cause of sundowning is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute:
Disrupted circadian rhythms or internal body clock changes

Fatigue from mental or physical activity during the day

Low lighting and shadows, which can increase confusion and hallucinations

Environmental changes or unfamiliar surroundings

Stress or frustration observed in caregivers

Sleep disorders or insufficient rest
Sundowning is more common in the middle stages of dementia and may subside as the disease progresses. alz.org

Management Strategies
While sundowning cannot always be prevented, several strategies can help manage symptoms:
Maintain a consistent daily routine for waking, meals, and bedtime Web.MD

Schedule activities such as appointments, bathing, or exercise in the morning or early afternoon when the person is more alert

Optimize lighting in the home during late afternoon and evening to reduce shadows and confusion

Encourage rest and relaxation during the day to reduce fatigue

Minimize stress by remaining calm and avoiding confrontations

Medication may be considered only under a doctor’s guidance if behavioral symptoms are severe

Caregivers are encouraged to observe patterns in behavior to identify triggers and adjust the environment or routine accordingly.

Key Takeaway
Sundowners’ syndrome is a common and challenging aspect of dementia care, characterized by late-day confusion, agitation, and emotional distress. Understanding triggers, maintaining routines, and creating a supportive environment can help reduce its impact on both the individual and their caregivers.
Cleveland Clinic

 Cognitive and Communication Changes

• Very limited speech — sometimes only a few words or none at all
• Difficulty recognizing loved ones
• Loss of awareness of time, place, or surroundings
• Increased confusion, even in familiar environments

 Physical Decline

• Inability to walk; eventually unable to sit up without support
• Muscle stiffness or rigid limbs
• Trouble holding up their head
• Increased risk of falls (earlier in the stage)

 Eating and Swallowing Problems

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing (dysphagia)
• Coughing or choking while eating
• Reduced appetite
• Significant weight loss
• Dehydration

These changes often lead to discussions about comfort‑focused care.

 Changes in Sleep and Alertness

• Sleeping most of the day
• Very limited periods of wakefulness
• Low responsiveness

 Breathing and Body Changes

• Irregular breathing patterns
• Periods of rapid breaths followed by pauses
• Cool hands and feet
• Skin mottling (patchy discoloration) near the end

 Infections and Medical Complications

• Frequent infections, especially pneumonia or urinary tract infections
• Difficulty recovering from even minor illnesses

 Emotional and Behavioral Changes

• Anxiety or agitation
• Calling out for familiar people (like a parent)
• Restlessness
• Moments of calm or clarity mixed with confusion

 A gentle reminder

These symptoms don’t appear all at once, and they don’t give a precise timeline. Some people remain in late‑stage dementia for months or even years, while others decline more quickly.

If you’re seeing some of these signs in someone you love, it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. 

You’re doing something incredibly hard.

If you want, you can tell me what changes you’ve noticed, and I can help you understand what they might mean. Alzheimer’s does not always begin with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). And most MCI never becomes Alzheimer’s — it can be caused by vascular issues, depression, medication or sleep disorders. Some people with MCI stay stable; a small percentage even improve

New ‘triple threat’ cause of dementia discovered… scientists say it occurs decades before symptoms

Story by Cassidy Morrison Health Features Editor

New research points to the effects someone’s risky behavior in their 20s has on their cognitive health in their 50s and beyond.

University of Michigan researchers followed people from age 18 through their 50s and 60s, tracking people with ‘triple threat’ habits – smoking daily, binge drinking or using cannabis frequently.

A daily smoking habit in young adulthood predicted worse self-reported memory by age 50, regardless of whether the person had quit by age 35. 

For binge drinking and cannabis, the harm to memory was indirect: heavy use in young adulthood raised the odds of developing a substance use disorder by midlife, and that disorder directly damaged cognitive health. 

Dr Megan Patrick, principal investigator of the Monitoring the Future Panel Study, said: ‘Substance use has both acute and long-term effects on health and well-being. Poor memory is a common sign of early dementia.

‘Identifying the risk factors that can lead to dementia is crucial for the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline.’

Previous studies have linked midlife memory complaints to later dementia risk. The Michigan researchers did not diagnose cognitive decline. 

Rather, they asked participants how they felt about their memory, then looked back at substance use decades earlier.

The study, published in the Journal of Aging and Health, used data from the Monitoring the Future (MTF) Longitudinal Panel Study.

While the study did not administer objective cognitive tests, such as memory or executive function exams, it used poor self-rated memory as a validated early indicator of cognitive decline.

Researchers asked 16,000 Americans from age 18 into their 50s and 60s a single question: ‘Would you say your memory is excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor?’ Anyone who answered ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ was considered to have poor self-rated memory.

Participants were surveyed repeatedly between the ages of 18 and 30, with each survey period covering roughly two years. At each wave, people reported how often they drank, smoked or used cannabis. 

Researchers then counted how many of those waves a person engaged in heavy use, such as daily smoking, binge drinking or using cannabis 20 or more times a month. 

Throughout the study, researchers tracked how many of those substance use waves occurred in participants’ lives. 

By midlife, about one in 10 reported that their memory was ‘fair’ or ‘poor.’

In young adulthood, participants averaged two waves of binge drinking, defined as having five or more drinks in a row in the past two weeks. 

They averaged just over one wave of daily smoking and less than one wave of heavy alcohol use — drinking 20 or more days a month — or frequent cannabis use, which involves using 20 or more days a month.

Alcohol use disorder, meanwhile, is defined as meeting two or more diagnostic criteria for problem drinking over the past five years, including loss of control, cravings or continued use despite harm to oneself.

By age 35, more than a quarter of participants showed signs of alcohol use disorder, six percent had cannabis use disorder — meaning their use of marijuana had caused significant life problems or loss of control — and nine percent smoked a pack of cigarettes or more a day. 

The numbers might look small at first glance, but what makes them significant is that these risks did not fade after a few years. They lasted decades. 

A person who engaged in heavy alcohol use in their 20s was not just at slightly higher risk of memory problems in their 30s. Each wave of heavy drinking raised the odds by 13 percent, and that risk persisted 30 to 40 years later, when they reached their 50s and 60s. 

The study found that for binge drinking in young adulthood, the link to poor memory disappeared once researchers accounted for whether someone had developed alcohol use disorder by age 35. 

That suggests that people who binge drank in their 20s but stopped before midlife, and never developed a disorder, likely faced no lasting impact on their memory decades later. 

However, for those whose heavy drinking, whether frequent or episodic, continued into their 30s and led to alcohol use disorder by age 35, the effect was significant.

The map, unrelated to the latest study from the University of Michigan, shows the percentages of Medicare enrollees (people 65 and up) who have dementia. 

Dementia is more common in the Southeast largely because the region has higher rates of the conditions and demographics that increase dementia risk. Research consistently shows that age, chronic health problems, and social factors all cluster more heavily in this part of the U.S., which helps explain the pattern.

Below is a clear breakdown of what the evidence shows.

Which US States Have the Highest Risk of Dementia? – Newsweek

County-Level-Prevalence-AAIC-2023

 Why Dementia Is More Prevalent in the Southeast U.S.

1. Higher proportions of older adults

Age is the strongest known risk factor for dementia. Counties in the Southeast often have larger populations of adults 65+, including more people over 85, which increases overall prevalence.

2. Demographic patterns linked to higher risk

Studies show that:

• Black Americans have about 2× the risk of Alzheimer’s compared to White Americans.
• Hispanic Americans have about 1.5× the risk. These groups make up a larger share of the population in many Southeastern counties.

This demographic distribution alone raises the expected prevalence.

3. Higher rates of chronic health conditions

The Southeast has long been known as part of the “Stroke Belt” and “Diabetes Belt.” Conditions strongly associated with dementia—such as:

• Stroke
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity

are more common in this region. These illnesses increase the risk of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Lower average educational attainment

Lower levels of education are linked to higher dementia risk, likely because education builds “cognitive reserve” that protects the brain. Many high‑prevalence counties in the Southeast have lower average education levels, which contributes to higher dementia rates.

5. Lifestyle and environmental factors

Research suggests that regional lifestyle patterns—such as higher smoking rates, poorer access to preventive healthcare, and environmental stressors—may also contribute. Even after adjusting for health and demographic factors, geography itself remained a strong predictor of dementia risk in large studies.

 Summary Table

Factor	How It Raises Dementia Rates	Evidence
Older population	More people in high‑risk age groups
Higher % of Black & Hispanic residents	Groups with higher average risk
More chronic diseases	Stroke, diabetes, hypertension increase dementia risk
Lower education levels	Lower cognitive reserve
Lifestyle/environment	Smoking, limited healthcare access

If you’d like, I can also break down specific states, county‑level data, or explain how these factors might affect someone you know.

People with alcohol use disorder at 35 were 32 percent more likely to report poor memory in late midlife compared to those who drank without disorder.

People who used cannabis frequently in young adulthood were more likely to report poor memory decades later — an eight percent increase in risk for each wave of heavy use. This was the first phase of the analysis. 

But when researchers accounted for midlife cannabis use disorder, that link vanished, meaning young adult use itself wasn’t the direct cause. Rather, young adult users were more likely to develop the disorder, and that disorder caused the memory problems. 

Heavy marijuana use in one’s 20s raised the odds of developing cannabis use disorder by age 35. 

And those who developed the disorder were 36 percent more likely to report poor memory later in life compared to those who used cannabis without developing a disorder.

In other words, frequent cannabis use in young adulthood only mattered if it continued into midlife and became a disorder. If it did not, there was no lasting impact on memory.

Cigarettes were different.

People who smoked daily during more waves of young adulthood were significantly more likely to still be smoking later in life. For each additional wave of daily smoking in their 20s, they were nearly twice as likely to be smoking a pack or more a day at 35.

But cigarettes diverged from alcohol and cannabis. Even after accounting for midlife smoking, each additional wave of daily smoking in young adulthood raised the odds of poor memory decades later by about five percent. 

In other words, the damage from cigarettes appears to come from cumulative exposure in young adulthood itself, not from whether the habit continued into midlife. Quitting by age 35 did not erase the risk.

The human brain continues developing well into a person’s mid-20s, particularly in regions responsible for impulse control, decision-making and long-term planning —the functions needed for someone to recognize when a habit is becoming a problem.

During this window of heightened neuroplasticity, the brain is highly sensitive to rewards and more easily rewired by substances like alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine.

Occasional experimentation, over repeated exposure, strengthens neural pathways that reinforce compulsive use, making it harder to stop even as consequences mount. 

Roughly 28 million Americans have alcohol use disorder, nearly 19 million have cannabis use disorder and approximately 29 million smoke cigarettes, making each condition a major public health threat.

An estimated seven million Americans, meanwhile, live with Alzheimer’s Disease.

That figure is slated to double by 2060, driven by the rapid aging of the baby boomer population as well as an overall rise in the number of Americans living into old age — the leading risk factor of the disease.

Read more   New ‘triple threat’ cause of dementia discovered… as scientists say it occurs decades before symptoms | Daily Mail Online 

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 Elvis Presley performing in the TV special Elvis: The Comeback Special (1968).

Elvis Presley Bio: A Full History of Elvis, the King of | History Cooperative

Early Life
Elvis Aaron Presley was born January 8, 1935, to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a modest two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi. His twin brother, Jesse Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis as an only child. Who rose from humble beginnings to become the “King of Rock ’n’ Roll,” leaving an enduring legacy in music and popular culture. The family faced financial hardships, often relying on odd jobs and government assistance. Elvis grew up in a deeply religious household, attending the Assembly of God Church, where he was exposed to gospel music that profoundly influenced his musical style. At age 11, he received his first guitar and began teaching himself to play, performing in local talent shows and school events, gradually gaining confidence and recognition for his musical abilities

Rise to Fame
In 1948, the Presley family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where Elvis attended Humes High School. He immersed himself in the local music scene, absorbing blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues from Beale Street and regional radio stations. In 1953, he recorded a personal demo at Memphis Recording Service, which led to his first commercial recording at Sun Records in 1954, producing the groundbreaking single “That’s All Right.” His unique blend of country, blues, and gospel, combined with his energetic stage presence, quickly attracted attention.

Musical Career
Elvis signed with RCA Victor in 1955, releasing hits like “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” and “Don’t Be Cruel,” which propelled him to national fame. His provocative performances earned him the nickname “Elvis the Pelvis” and made him a cultural phenomenon. He also starred in 33 films, including Love Me Tender (1956), Jailhouse Rock (1957), and Blue Hawaii (1961), often performing the soundtracks. His 1968 television special, the ’68 Comeback Special, revitalized his career, leading to a successful Las Vegas residency and international tours, including the landmark Aloha from Hawaii concert in 1973.

Personal Life
Elvis was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958, serving in Germany, where he met Priscilla Beaulieu. They married in 1967 and had one daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, in 1968, before divorcing in 1973. Despite his fame, Elvis remained close to his family and was known for his humility and generosity. He struggled with substance abuse and health issues later in life, which affected his personal and professional life.

Legacy and Death
Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977, at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 42, primarily due to heart disease linked to prescription drug use. He sold over one billion records worldwide, won three Grammy Awards, and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36. He was posthumously inducted into multiple music halls of fame and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2018. Graceland remains a major tourist attraction, and his influence continues to inspire musicians and entertainers globally.

Cultural Impact
Elvis revolutionized popular music by blending genres and breaking racial barriers in the 1950s. His style, charisma, and performances influenced generations of artists, including The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, and Prince. Beyond music, he shaped fashion, dance, and popular culture, becoming a symbol of freedom and youthful rebellion.

Recent Portrayals
Elvis’s life continues to captivate audiences through films and documentaries. Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic Elvis and the 2026 concert documentary EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert use archival footage and newly discovered recordings to present his story in his own voice, highlighting both his public persona and personal reflections.

Elvis Presley’s grisly autopsy – constipation and hidden injury that ‘really killed him’
Mystery has always surrounded the death of Elvis Presley after his family sealed the autopsy report, but one man has seen the document and has the answers…

“We’ll meet you again, God bless, adios” ,Elvis’ last performance. If things had turned out differently, today would have been Elvis Presley’s 86th birthday. But instead The King suffered a tragic death on August 16, 1977, when he was found face down on the floor of his bathroom after years of drug abuse. He was just 42.

The once lithe star weighed in at 25 stone and had gained three and a half stone in the last few months alone after barricading himself in his bedroom and gorging on platters of cheeseburgers while his health deteriorated.

He had a full-time nurse and apparently refused to bathe throughout 1975, causing him to develop sores on his body. He suffered from chronic constipation and had compacted stool that was four months old sitting in his bowel.

Elvis Presley looks bloated as he performs in Hawaii in 1973

Elvis Presley died in 1977, but his family sealed the autopsy(Image: Getty Images)

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The singer was also on a cocktail of drugs and had been prescribed almost 9,000 pills, vials and injections in the seven months before his death.

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And it was his girlfriend Ginger Alden who found the rock and roll star’s body with his pyjama bottoms around his ankles and his bottom in the air as if he had fallen forward whilst seated on the toilet.

Of the distressing scene, Ginger, who was just 21 at the time, wrote in her memoir: “His arms lay on the ground, close to his sides, palms facing upward. “It was clear that, from the moment he landed on the floor, Elvis hadn’t moved.”

“I gently turned his face toward me. A hint of air expelled from his nose.

Elvis’ body was found by his girlfriend Ginger Alden

“The tip of his tongue was clenched between his teeth and his face was blotchy. “I gently raised one eyelid. His eyes were staring straight ahead and blood red.” An autopsy was carried out that same day but the report was immediately sealed for 50 years by the family, sparking a slew of speculation as to what killed him.

Dan Warlick, chief investigator for the Tennessee Office of the State Chief Medical Examiner, attended the autopsy and fuelled the popular theory that Elvis died while straining to go to the toilet.

He once said: “Presley’s chronic constipation – the result of years of prescription drug abuse and high-fat, high-cholesterol gorging – brought on what’s known as Valsalva’s maneuver. Put simply, the strain of attempting to defecate compressed the singer’s abdominal aorta, shutting down his heart.”

Others claimed he’d died from a drug overdose, but when the investigation was reopened in 1994, coroner Joseph Davis disagreed.

Elvis looks unwell as he performs months before his death

Elvis Presley was plagued by ill health for the last decade of his live (Image: Getty)

He explained: “The position of Elvis Presley’s body was such that he was about to sit down on the commode when the seizure occurred. He pitched forward onto the carpet, his rear in the air, and was dead by the time he hit the floor.

“If it had been a drug overdose, [Elvis] would have slipped into an increasing state of slumber. He would have pulled up his pajama bottoms and crawled to the door to seek help. It takes hours to die from drugs.”

The autopsy results are due to be unlocked in 2027, but until then, the biggest insight into the star’s mysterious death has come from prominent California physician, Forest Tennant, who actually reviewed the report while defending Elvis’ doctor, Dr. George Nichopoulos, who was later acquitted of over-prescribing drugs.

For Mr Tennant, one major clue was in the full-body deterioration of Elvis, with almost every organ plagued by ill health.

Elvis enjoyed excellent health in his younger years before everything went wrong (Image: Corbis via Getty Images)

As a young man Elvis had been extremely fit, playing football and practicing martial arts. He did start abusing drugs including amphetamines, opioids and sedatives as a teenager and is known to have had an appalling diet.

But for Tennant, that wasn’t enough to explain the long list of maladies that afflicted the rock star from the late 1960s onwards.

First he complained of vertigo, back pain, and insomnia, eye infections and headaches, and in 1973 he was rushed to hospital in a semi-coma and found to be suffering from jaundice, severe respiratory distress, marked swelling of his face, distended abdomen, constipation, a gastric, bleeding ulcer and hepatitis.

A slender Elvis Presley stands with his parents, Vernon and Gladys Presley while in the Army (Image: Getty)

He was hospitalised again in 1975 with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a condition called megacolon, whereby the large intestine becomes distended and can allow toxins to flood the body.

He also had at least four near-death overdoses that left him unconscious and in need of resuscitation, and his heart was double the normal size.

And despite having never smoked, he also suffered from emphysema. So what had caused all of these disease processes in his stomach, liver, lungs, heart, spine, eyes and bowel?

Forest believes it all stemmed back to a serious head injury he sustained in 1967 that triggered a progressive autoimmune inflammatory disorder.

Elvis Presley pictured in 1977 on a cocktail of prescription drugs(Image: Rex)

In his opinion, as shared in a 2013 medical paper, when Elvis tripped over a television cord and knocked himself out on the bathtub, the injury was so severe that it caused brain tissue to dislodge and seep into his blood circulation.

There, the body identified the matter as foreign and produced antibodies to destroy it, triggering hypogammaglobulinemia, a disorder of the body’s immune system.

At the time, little was understood about auto-immune conditions, but these days they are known to cause most of the symptoms Elvis displayed, from chronic pain, irrational behaviour, obesity and enlarged and diseased organs like hearts and bowels.

And in 2016 Garry Rodgers, a retired homicide detective and forensic coroner, told the Huffington Post that with those findings in mind, he would have attributed Elvis’ death to a heart attack caused by heart disease and drug use caused by an autoimmune disease which was sparked by a brain injury.

Elvis Presley – Bridge Over Troubled Water live, April 14,1972

DNA tests show King was prone to obesity and disease

The singer, who died at the age of 42, is known to have had an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and bad eyesight.

Elvis Presley may have died because of genetic conditions that made him prone to obesity and heart disease – rather than his lifestyle, according to a new documentary. Watch Dead Famous DNA S01:E01 – Episode 1 – Free TV Shows | Tubi

The Channel 4 programme Dead Famous DNA analysed samples of hair said to have belonged to the singing legend and found genes linked to several medical conditions. Apart from obesity and heart disease, they also found genes associated with migraines and glaucoma.

Presley, who died at the age of 42, is known to have had an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and bad eyesight. He is also known to have had headaches and suffered from fatigue and fainting and in later life his weight soared. His fondness for junk food was blamed by many for his early death.

Dr Stephen Kingsmore, director of the Centre for Paediatric Genomic Medicine at the Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, analysed the hair sample for the programme and said the findings indicated this might not be the full story.

“There had been so much speculation about the cause of death, and so much ill spoken of his lifestyle, and we had this intriguing finding that possibly Elvis had a medical illness, and all of the stuff about how he killed himself with his lifestyle might have been very unfair,” he said.

The star was found dead in 1977, slumped in a bathroom at Graceland, his mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. Presenter Mark Evans said this might have been his “genetic destiny”.

“For years, Elvis has been blamed for his own death, for overeating or overdosing on drugs,” he said. “Both of these addictions wouldn’t have helped. But it seemed Elvis had a flaw in his DNA.”

Mr Evans said that they were “very, very confident” that the sample of hair had come from the singer, after spending three years doing their research. “I’m massively confident that it is Elvis’ DNA but I can’t prove it,” he said. “I can’t tell you 100% that is Elvis’ DNA. That’s not possible.”

Elvis Presley Greatest Hits Full Album  The King of Rock N’ Roll Songs 50s 60s 70s (HQ Audio)

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The King Of Rock And Roll, Elvis Presley.The Second Black Leather Stand-Up Show (June 29th, 1968) Audio remastered by our channel. 0:00 – The Arrival Of Elvis 0:41 – Heartbreak Hotel 1:31 – Hound Dog 2:20 – All Shook Up 3:56 – Can’t Help Falling In Love 6:21 – Jailhouse Rock 8:22 – Don’t Be Cruel 9:59 – Blue Suede Shoes 13:00 – Love Me Tender 16:12 – Trouble And Guitar Man 19:38 – (Bonus) Baby, What You Want Me To Do 23:21 – (Bonus) If I Can Dream

“I lost over a decade of my life to this, but I’m getting it back and I hope my story helps others do the same,“

Forged in the fire of chronic illness.

Healing my body & mind 

Story by Alyce Collins

 Mom struggles with unexplainable symptoms for 12 years—Then gets diagnosis, woman who spent over a decade struggling with painful symptoms and had to wait helplessly as her health declined has finally discovered the cause—she never would have predicted it.

Laura Schaeffer was excited to start a new chapter 12 years ago, as she moved into a 100-year-old farmhouse and was also starting a new job. But that joy was quickly curtailed when she began experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection (without having an infection), unexplained fevers, fatigue, and mental fog.

She was in her early twenties at the time, and yet she felt utterly debilitated. Just one alcoholic drink would leave her feeling violently ill, and she kept catching viruses. She couldn’t work out why she felt so ill, but Schaeffer, of Pennsylvania, told Newsweek that she “blamed stress, a new job, and just life.”

People often talk about how drained they feel in their twenties, so perhaps this was just her reality. Schaeffer, now 34, said: “After about a year, I moved out of that farmhouse, and while some symptoms eased, over the next several years (during pregnancies, breastfeeding, more moves, and career changes), my health continued to decline.

By 2018, after moving to a small farm, things took a major downturn.”

The list of symptoms expanded to include excruciating periods, rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, palpitations, food sensitivities, air hunger, weight loss, and neurological symptoms.

The list kept growing, and yet, Schaeffer couldn’t understand what was happening.

She was in and out of the hospital and seen by urologists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists, OBGYNs, and yet nobody could “connect the dots.”

Over the years, Schaeffer underwent two colonoscopies, an endoscopy, stool tests, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, bloodwork, hormone panels, an endometriosis excision surgery, appendectomy, and perhaps most regretfully, a hysterectomy.

“I underwent excision surgery with a specialist who believed my symptoms and swollen kidney were caused by endometriosis and adenomyosis. Based on scans, she recommended removing my uterus and appendix as well. Unfortunately, the findings didn’t align with expectations,” Schaeffer said.

She continued: “I deeply regret that surgery. Unfortunately, having the hysterectomy has compounded my hormonal issues and made things even more challenging, but I’m hopeful that through treatment I will be able to get things under control. I made the best decisions I could at the time and tried to have faith in the doctors guiding me.”

Medications Schaeffer was prescribed included antibiotics, beta-blockers, suppositories, supplements, and she was urged to change her diet too. But nothing gave her any sense of relief.  Understanding Biotoxins and Chronic Illness Causes | TikTok

Laura Schaeffer having tests and treatments for suspected endometriosis at the time.   Laura Mae (@heylauramae) | TikTok

But in the fall of 2024, at last, things started to change.

“During a particularly bad flare, my functional doctor finally asked where I’d been for the last couple of days. I mentioned my home and a family member’s 200-year-old house. He suggested we test for mold—something I’d never considered. To my surprise, my mycotoxin levels were through the roof. Every major toxin was elevated,” she said.

Schaeffer was initially skeptical that mold was the cause, so she spent a few months experimenting with potential triggers. While she controlled everything except for her environment, it became clear that her symptoms got worse when she was in her historic home or the barn.

She’d notice rectal bleeding, bladder pain, fatigue, and brain fog all reappear within hours.

“That was the turning point,” she told Newsweek.

It’s believed that exposure began in the farmhouse 12 years ago, leading to a colonization of mold from inhaled spores. That in turn created a “constant source of mycotoxins” within her body, fueled further by the farm she now lives on, barns, hay, and animal bedding.

Dr. Ehsan Ali, board-certified in internal and geriatric medicine, explained to Newsweek that mold toxicity “flies under the radar for years” because it’s so hard to diagnose. It can affect people in so many ways, and it mimics so many other illnesses or complications.

“One patient might feel like they’re dealing with an autoimmune disease, another might be told it’s anxiety,” Ali, The Beverly Hills Concierge Doctor, said. “Unless someone is specifically thinking about mold and asks the right questions, environmental history, water damage in the home, musty smells, exposure, it rarely comes up in traditional medical workups.”

While there are urine mycotoxin tests and labs that check for inflammatory markers, Ali notes that they’re “not always perfect.” If medical tests don’t show anything, he suggests that sometimes the best thing for a doctor to do is zoom out and ask bigger picture questions about the patient.

“Mold toxicity is real. It doesn’t always look dramatic, but it can completely derail someone’s life,” Ali said. Since her diagnosis of mold toxicity, Schaeffer has avoided going into the barn, uses air purifiers, dehumidifiers, eats a whole foods diet, and ensures her home is always clean and dry.

Laura Schaeffer in her home and picturing hiking on the skyline trail.  We’re having fun on vacation. #motherson #healingjourney #laughte… | TikTok

“Avoiding mold has brought unbelievable relief. I haven’t had a single rectal bleeding flare in three months—after years of nearly constant suffering. I feel mentally present, my energy is better, and I finally feel like I have control over my health,” she said.

Recovery will take time, especially given how much toxin has been inside Schaeffer’s body until now. However, the progress she’s made so far is “nothing short of incredible,” and she’s finally getting her life back.

Schaeffer started documenting her experience on social media (@back.acre.iron on TikTok), and a video revealing her shock diagnosis has gone viral with over 244,100 views and 2,800 likes on TikTok at the time of writing. She has continued to share updates about the condition to raise awareness and educate others.

The online response is beyond anything she imagined, enabling her to connect with so many others who found themselves in similar situations. Now, Schaeffer’s hope is that others will be able to get a diagnosis much faster than she did.

Schaeffer said: “If you’re struggling with mystery symptoms or chronic health issues, don’t overlook your environment. Mold is the missing piece for so many people, especially when it comes to unexplained gut, bladder, hormone, neurological, or immune issues. I lost over a decade of my life to this, but I’m getting it back and I hope my story helps others do the same.”

Source:  Mom Struggles With Unexplainable Symptoms for 12 Years—Then Gets Diagnosis – Newsweek

But because of it, we have the opportunity to start again and write a new chapter with intention. Here are some practical steps for Starting a New Chapter in Life?

Here Are 7 Ways to Make the Change Positive…

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Ashley Monroe.

Kirsten Balani

Ashley Monroe on Her Musical ‘Fresh Start’ Following Cancer: ‘I’m Happy, Thankful and Feel Amazing’ (Exclusive)

“Especially after what has happened, music just has a whole new spin on it in my heart,” the country star tells PEOPLE

By Tricia Despres

Published on February 16, 2024 12:15PM EST

The eyes of Ashley Monroe turn a deeper green when she is happy.

“I am happy, I am thankful, and I feel amazing,” the 37-year-old tells PEOPLE in a recent interview about her vibrant appearance in the music video for her new single “Over Everything.” “I didn’t lose my hair at all, but I could tell around the edges, it just thinned out. My hair now came back with a whole other texture — it’s curly. It won’t be straightened. It feels like a fresh start in a lot of ways.”

Certainly, the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter is not complaining, because she knows a blessing when she feels one. Truth be told, Monroe’s eyes have seen far too much in her life thus far, from her father’s death when she was just 13 years old to her 2021 diagnosis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma also known as lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma.

“I think I was even losing some hair before I even started chemo,” continues Monroe, who finished six months of chemo treatments in December of 2021 after being diagnosed in June of that same year. “I was really anemic and looking back, I was getting dizzy all the time and feeling super tired. So now, I’ve got healthy blood pumping through my veins. I felt like it took a while to get all the toxins and stuff out of my body, but now I have energy.”

Ashley Monroe Announces Cancer Scans Came Back ‘Amazing and Normal,’ Hopes Illness Is ‘Gone Forever’ And it’s this newfound energy that is now going towards caring for her 6-year-old son Dalton.

“He’s so precious,” Monroe says of her child with her husband of 10 years, former Chicago White Sox pitcher John Danks. “Dalton is such an old soul. He loves history and he doesn’t like to lose.” She laughs, adding, “He’s got John’s competitive nature, which I don’t have, but I think it’s cool. And he’s pretty good at throwing.”

Her son also loves his new accordion.

“He plays it just by ear,” Monroe explains of Dalton’s obvious musical talents. “He hums all the time, and sometimes we make sick beats and stuff. But yeah, his melodies are really pretty, so we’ll see.”

Monroe is the first to admit that she feels somewhat relieved to see her little boy flourishing, as it was he who had to watch his mother fight blood cancer. “I would do chemo and I would come home and just go straight to bed, and it was so hard to hear Dalton in the next room. I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t hardly move.” She pauses. “I always knew in the back of my mind that I was doing this so I could be better, and I could be better for him on the other side. I have peace with that.”

Ashley Monroe Celebrates End of Chemo Treatment: ‘I’ve Never Been More Thankful’

And while the physical ramifications of her battle have begun to subside, Monroe admits that the mental challenges remain. 

“When it gets close to those days when I have to go to Vanderbilt [Ingram Cancer Center] to get checked, my body starts panicking,” says Monroe, who returns for a recheck approximately every three months. “[My body] just starts panicking that it’s going to have to go through it all over again. And every now and then, I’ll even start thinking about how I hope that doesn’t have to ever happen again. But if it does, I know I can get through it.”

Certainly, it was music that helped her get through it, and music that continues to play a vital piece in her journey to ultimate healing. 

“I’m so overwhelmed with how much I’m obsessed with what I’m currently working on,” says Monroe. “It kind of feels like that going home thing. It feels good. And especially after what has happened, music just has a whole new spin on it in my heart.”

Now having released her first single following her critically acclaimed 2021 album Rosegold, Monroe says that “Over Everything” touches on that spot in one’s life in which life might not be perfect, but it’s still beautiful. 

The Pistol Annies Say They Should ‘Thank Sia Big Time’ For Making Their Christmas Album ‘Happen’

“Sometimes your heart gets tired,” says Monroe, who has been writing with bestie (and Pistol Annies bandmate) Miranda Lambert as of late.

“There’s a lot of challenges in life. When I sing ‘Over Everything,’ it’s almost like I just give myself permission to feel tired, but hopeful in the same breath.”

Will she and Danks add to the exhaustion with an eventual second child?

“I don’t know,” she says with a somewhat deep breath. “I don’t really think about it, but I would be sad if I thought I couldn’t. I’m just at that point. I feel like… I don’t know. Probably not. But who knows. We can plan and plan and plan, but still yet, sometimes that’s not the plan.”

Country Star Ashley Monroe, 35, Gets Clean Scans, Says She Hopes Her ‘Incurable’

 Blood Cancer is ‘Gone Forever’! – SurvivorNet

Ashley Monroe | Photo by Erika Rock

Finding Strength in Surrender: Ashley Monroe on Her Rare Blood Cancer Diagnosis

Country singer Ashley Monroe never expected a routine physical to change her life, but being diagnosed with Waldenström macroglobulinemia, a rare bone marrow cancer, taught her to trust her gut, ask hard questions, and take her health one day at a time.

Can you share what first led to your diagnosis and what that moment was like for you and your loved ones?

In April or May 2021, I had routine labs for a physical, and they showed I was anemic. I thought, “Okay, I’ll just eat more hamburgers or something.” That’s what everybody thinks when you’re anemic. But when I went back later that summer, my levels were really low. They tested my iron, folic acid, and B12, and all of those were great. That’s when they said, “We’re going to do a bone marrow biopsy.”

At first, I went to Tennessee Oncology, but I wasn’t feeling the vibe. Something in my gut said, “Go to Vanderbilt. Have all your doctors under one roof.” That was one of the first times I really tuned into my gut with my care.

When I got the biopsy, I actually saw my results on the patient portal before the doctor called. I was at a friend’s farm that weekend, logged in, and saw the notes: something plasma, lymphoma. I was like, “What is this?” It turned out to be a rare cancer in my bone marrow, Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Looking back, I can see how thin I was, losing hair from being anemic. My platelets and red blood cells were so low that my doctors worried about stroke risk. It was a lot to process.

What have been some of the most important factors in your treatment journey, whether in terms of medical care, support, or resilience?

They told me I needed six months of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. I was already so anemic, and the first few months just knocked me down. I needed blood transfusions, and I had to hunker down in “warrior mode.” I’d come home from chemo, sleep for a few days, then push myself to get up and move a little, even do Pilates, just so I didn’t feel the toxicity sitting in my body.

There was a low point after my second chemo. I was in the shower, my hair was falling out, and I felt so sick. I went into my closet, got on my knees, and felt a word come to me: surrender. I felt a presence next to me. That moment helped me hand it over — to faith, to spirit, whatever people believe in. That surrender gave me strength.

I also learned to advocate for myself. My doctor wanted me to do a bone marrow biopsy midway through treatment and again at the end. I asked, “If I do this biopsy, will it change the treatment plan?” He said no, it was just for numbers. I thought, “Then why put myself through more pain?” I decided against it, and he respected that. It was empowering to realize I didn’t have to do something just because it was standard. I could ask questions and make informed decisions about my own care.

What do you wish more people understood about blood cancers, from either a patient perspective or navigating the healthcare system?

Don’t assume it can’t happen to you. I only discovered mine because of routine labs, and blood cancers can be sneaky. Keeping an eye on your health really matters.

Ashley Monroe | Photo by Erika Rock

How has connecting with other patients, advocacy groups, or resources helped you along the way?

Organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the WM Foundation reached out to me, which was wonderful. But it was interesting — sometimes people assume you want to talk to others who’ve gone through the same thing. For me, I didn’t want too many other stories weighing on mine. I didn’t want to hear someone else’s outcome and then fear it would become mine.

I did look to see if there was anyone my age with this cancer, but there wasn’t. At that point, I thought, “Okay, my journey is just going to be my journey.” I leaned into prayer and into sharing my story publicly because I do think things happen in life to help other people.

Looking back, what have you taken away from this experience that you hope others might, too?

That we are stronger than we think. This made me so thankful for health. My doctors told me, “This type will never go away,” but I refuse to give it power. I don’t sit and dwell on it — except maybe the day I go in for labs.

I think about surrender, about trusting your gut, about asking questions. I learned that doctors will listen, that you can be an active participant in your care, and that hope and faith are powerful. Cancer has taken a lot from me, but sharing my story is one way I can give something back.

What message would you like to share with others who may just be starting their own journey with blood cancer or supporting someone through it?

Try not to think about the big picture all at once. It always helped me to take things a little at a time and give myself grace. If you’re with somebody who’s going through it, give them grace, too. Give yourself grace, because it’s hard and there are a lot of emotions, but it can be gotten through, just a little at a time.

In this episode of The Stephan Hogan Podcast, Stephan sits down with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ashley Monroe, known for her work with the Pistol Annies (alongside Miranda Lambert), her acclaimed solo career, and writing chart-topping hits like “The Truth” and “Heart Like Mine.”

Beyond the accolades, Ashley opens up about her battle with cancer, her experience with addiction, and the spiritual awakening that changed everything.  

The author and her husband at the D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival, a couple of weeks after finding out she was cancer free.

A doctor claimed he knew why I got cancer. 

When he told me, I was horrified and embarrassed.

Story by Jennie Durant

Key takeaways

• Cancer Journey & Reality Check: The author, diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, initially explored holistic therapies like thermography but faced unproven claims linking cancer to COVID vaccines and “detox” products.
• Dangers of Unproven Methods: Stories like Morganne Delian’s highlight the risks of skipping standard screenings for alternative tests. Practices such as homeopathy, black salve, and coffee enemas lack scientific validation and can delay life-saving treatment.
• Trust Science & Experts: Embracing evidence-based medicine, including surgery, mammograms, MRI, and tamoxifen, proved life-saving. The piece emphasizes the importance of science over quackery in cancer care.

As a cancer survivor, watching Netflix’s new show “Apple Cider Vinegar” felt like a gut punch. The show captures the exhaustion and desperation many cancer patients feel, and the seductive allure of ditching traditional medicine for the promise of a “natural” cure.

It also exposes the dark underbelly of the alternative health industry — a world where quacks and influencers prey on the vulnerable. They speak with unwavering confidence, yet their claims are backed by zero peer-reviewed evidence.

I know this all too well … because I almost fell for it myself.  

Also Read: My Dad Was Fighting For His Life. Moments Before Surgery, He Said Something I’ll Never Forget.

I was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in December 2022. I immediately began scheduling consultations with surgeons, but most appointments were pushed to mid- or late January because of the holidays. With weeks to wait, I decided to use the time proactively — or so I thought — and met with Dr. T, an integrative medical doctor, to explore if supplements could support my health while I waited for treatment.

While Dr. T fully backed my decision to pursue surgery, she mentioned another holistic practitioner, Dr. D, who specialized in thermography. She explained that thermography — a thermal imaging technique that maps blood flow on the breast’s surface — potentially can identify areas of abnormal heat linked to inflammation or tumors.

What caught my attention, though, was her offhand remark that Dr. D had allegedly “healed” a breast cancer patient without surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. As a science writer curious about holistic medicine, I was intrigued. Could thermography detect my cancer? I decided to find out.

The author shortly before breast-conserving surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

When I arrived at Dr. D’s office, I noticed that it felt more like a spa than a medical clinic — a welcome change from the windowless rooms with fluorescent lighting where I’d gotten my breast screens.

The thermogram process involved nine thermal images taken with a special camera, followed by a “cold challenge” where I submerged my hands in icy water to test how my body responded. I was told that healthy tissue cools in sync with the brain’s signals, while cancerous or inflamed areas resist the change and show up as hot spots on the thermogram. 

Also Read: I Wrote a Dystopian Novel. It Was Supposed Be Make-Believe, But It’s All Coming True.

I was fascinated, but I couldn’t ignore the red flags: thermograms aren’t FDA approved as standalone tests for detecting breast cancer, and the technician operating the machine turned out to be the doctor’s wife.

After waiting for 30 minutes for my results — an eternity that left me uneasy — Dr. D finally called me into his office. And then, things took a bizarre turn.

First, he showed me the rainbow-colored thermogram report and acknowledged that it hadn’t detected my cancer — in fact, he seemed visibly flustered by the imaging fail. Instead, it had only revealed “extra heat” in the area, putting me in the “high-risk” category.

Then, he revealed his theory: My cancer was caused by “too many COVID vaccines,” and I shouldn’t get another. I was too stunned to respond. Not only is there zero evidence linking COVID vaccines to breast cancer or other “turbo cancers,” the claim flew in the face of my personal history.

Also Read: I Was In So Much Pain I Couldn’t Stand Upright. It Took 17 Years For A Doctor To Listen.

“What about the fact that my mom had the same type of cancer, in the same breast, at the same age?” I asked.

He dismissed this outright. “No, it’s definitely the vaccines,” he insisted, before pivoting to his next pitch: Super Mineral Water, a product he sold in his clinic, which he claimed could “detox” my body and possibly help cure me.

By then, I was equally horrified and embarrassed — not just by his quackery, but by my naiveté for walking into this mess. I grabbed my things and left as quickly as I could.

The author ringing a bell after finishing a month of radiation treatment at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

After my experience, I turned to the internet and stumbled on some comment boards about thermograms.

One post led me to the story of Morganne Delian, a believer in homeopathic medicine who opted for a thermogram instead of a mammogram to detect cancer when she felt a lump in her breast. The thermogram practitioner reportedly told Delian that he couldn’t see a lump but warned she had “mild to moderate risk of developing aggressive breast tissue.” Months later, after finally undergoing a mammogram and a biopsy, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. 

Stories like Delian’s are chilling reminders of the potential dangers posed by unproven screening tools and alternative therapies. From coffee enemas and Gerson therapy (a real-life version of the Hirsch method in “Apple Cider Vinegar”), to black salve, intravenous vitamin C, alkaline diets, homeopathy  and energy healing, these practices are aggressively marketed by doctors, chiropractors and clinicians, even though they lack the necessary scientific testing and evidence to prove they work. 

Also Read: I Was The Face Of Purity At My Small Christian College. For Years, I Told No One What My Ministry Leader Did To Me.

So why are so many people still drawn to these alternatives? Part of it, I think, is the allure of control in a moment when you feel paralyzed with terror. A cancer diagnosis strips you of your agency — your body feels like a traitor and your treatment plan is dictated by a team of experts that you’ve just met. Alternative medicine offers the illusion of empowerment and personalized care. Quacks don’t bog you down with statistics, side effects or limitations — they offer hope and simplicity. In a world where cancer treatments are scary or difficult to understand, that simplicity and hope can become irresistible.

After my diagnosis, one of the best things I did was learn to trust my cancer team and the science that guided them. I abandoned my wishful thinking — the fantasy of the “lovely healing experience,” like Milla’s tropical Hirsch retreat in “Apple Cider Vinegar.” Instead, I embraced the stark reality of white hospital walls and a windowless operating room, where my surgeon skillfully removed my tumor and left me cancer free.

Now, I get an annual mammogram and breast MRI, the recommended screening protocol for women like me who are high risk and have dense breasts. I also take tamoxifen daily, a preventative medicine that I’ll take for at least five years, or for as long as my oncologist advises. Why? Because she’s the expert — not me.

Science saved my life. It saves lives every day. Yet, we’re in a dangerous moment when people distrust the regulators and science communities tasked with protecting them, while placing blind faith in politicians and influencers who profit from our vulnerability. ”Apple Cider Vinegar” exposes the dark side of these charismatic characters — people who lie as easily as they breathe. It’s a stark reminder why we need to trust science now, more than ever.

Jennie Durant is a science writer, researcher and breast cancer survivor with a book on bee declines coming out with Island Press in 2026. Her work has appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Grist, The Conversation, Salon and other outlets. Connect with her on Liinks, jenniedurant.com or check out her research on Google Scholar.

This piece was previously published on HuffPost and is being shared again as part of HuffPost Personal’s “Best Of” series.

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The Mystery of Easter with Chris Cuomo – Search Videos

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Jessica Ericzon, 17, died approximately 40 hours after receiving her third HPV Gardasil shot. Her mother said: After the first dose, we didn’t recognize a sudden change in her health.

After the second dose, she was complaining of headaches, a pain in the lower left back of her head, feeling really tired, and her joints ached.

She went in for the third dose – Jessica was found deceased in the family bathroom, just 40 hours after taking the 3rd dose.

Why dementia rarely starts with forgetfulness: 10 early signs most people don’t recognize

Ordinary activities such as bathing or sleeping can quickly turn into a battle of wills for caregivers and people with dementia. In those exasperating moments, your loved one is trying to tell you something, experts say.

What Is End-Stage Lewy Body Dementia?
End-stage Lewy body dementia is the final stage of the progressive disease and is characterized by a worsening of cognitive symptoms, according to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc. Typically, death from Lewy body dementia occurs within five to seven years of initial diagnosis. There is no cure for the disease.

As Lewy body dementia progresses, a gradual and sometimes rapid decline occurs, notes LBDA. Behavioral and cognitive symptoms become more dramatic, generally due to infection, pain or other medical issues, although some treatments improve symptoms for a period of time.

Initially, Lewy body dementia presents as cognitive impairment, acting out dreams, visual hallucinations, sleep disturbances and motor problems such as difficulty with movement and balance, tremor, and rigidity, advises LBDA. These symptoms become progressively worse, although mental abilities can take an unpredictable course in fluctuation.

In its later stages, Lewy body dementia causes difficulty in basic self-care and daily living activities, including toileting, dressing and bathing, according to LBDA. Sufferers may have difficulty swallowing, talking and walking, or may find it difficult to participate in activities or communicate with others.

Aspiration pneumonia and weight loss are common in later stages of the disease, and the sufferer may require constant care to ensure that basic needs are met. Hospice care is often required for late-stage Lewy body dementia patients. “Dementia-related behaviors are a form of communication,” says Monica Moreno, senior director for Care and Support at the Alzheimer’s Association.

Needs, emotions or surroundings can trigger troublesome behaviors. As the person with dementia loses the ability to communicate, the caregiver has to become a detective to understand what’s really going on, Moreno says. That sleuthing requires briefly hitting the pause button when a loved one is resisting, rather than plowing ahead with a task.

Here’s how to assess and address eight common dementia-related behaviors.

1. Repeating the same questions

A loved one who asks the same question every few minutes doesn’t remember asking it, let alone your answer. But the person may remember that something is on the agenda, which can produce anxiety. Have the answers in written form to minimize questions.

“Keep a calendar or whiteboard, and write things down so that the person can refer to that,” suggests Helen C. Kales, M.D., a geriatric psychiatrist and chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California Davis Health. “Say to them, ‘We’ve talked about this and whenever you have a question, look right here.’ ”

Because boredom may be a factor, Kales suggests giving the person simple tasks like folding laundry, tearing the lettuce for a salad or setting the table.

2. Wandering

Six out of 10 people living with dementia wander at least once, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. For some, the urge to wander often occurs later in the day because of sundowning. But the reasons for wandering are generally a change in location or an unmet need, says Ardeshir Hashmi, M.D., section chief of Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Geriatric Medicine.

If you are visiting another person in their home or staying somewhere new, your loved one may find it disorienting, triggering agitation. Bring familiar objects or favorite possessions to reassure and anchor the person in a new place.

Most people with dementia can answer yes or no questions, so ask them what they need. Is it the toilet? Maybe they’re hungry or in pain. To keep the person safe, lock doors and use tracking devices that alert you by phone when the person ventures too far, Hashmi says.

3. Resistance to bathing

Struggles over bathing are often about privacy and preserving dignity, Kales says. Close the bathroom door and have towels handy to wrap the person in as soon as they get out.

“Give them a soapy washcloth to wipe themselves so they can maintain some independence,” Moreno says. 

The caregiver’s gender may be the problem. For example, a woman may prefer her daughter to bathe her instead of a male relative.

Poor depth perception or a fear of falling can also trigger resistance, so consider installing a shower seat and a hand shower for easier bathing. Family caregivers have the benefit of knowing the person’s past habits. If the person always bathed at night, preferred showers over baths and liked cooler water temperatures, try those options first.

“Bathing doesn’t have to be daily,” Hashmi says. A few times a week is fine, and they can even be sponge baths.

4. Incontinence

Someone in the middle or late stages of dementia may not know where to find the bathroom or even recognize the need to go. Proactively staying out of trouble is better than automatically using incontinence products, Hashmi says. Instead, take the person to the bathroom every few hours and have them wear easy-to-remove clothes.

If your loved one needs incontinence undergarments and resists wearing them, investigate potential causes. Is the disposable underwear causing discomfort?

“Maybe it’s rubbing … against their leg, or they don’t know how to use this undergarment,” Moreno says. “Sometimes it’s addressing their feelings about loss of independence.”

Have everything ready if they need to be changed, to keep the exercise as short as possible, and “connect to the next activity” so they know what to look forward to, Hashmi says.

5. Insomnia

Because dementia can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle, it’s important to develop good sleep habits: Allow one short nap a day, eliminate electronic devices before bedtime and put the person to bed at the same time each night. Natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, so make sure they get outside during the day, preferably in the morning, Kales says. Don’t overlook obvious culprits, such as medications or caffeine, and avoid sleeping pills because they worsen confusion and sundowning in dementia patients, Hashmi says.

6. Delusions, hallucinations and paranoia

Dementia often affects a person’s reality. They may have false beliefs contradicted by reality (delusions), hear or see things that aren’t real (hallucinations) or suspect someone is harming them (paranoia).

If the person’s reality isn’t hurting or upsetting them, move with it. “You don’t have to say it’s true, but don’t confront the person,” Kales says. If the thoughts are upsetting or harmful, see if something in the surroundings might be setting your loved one off.

Moreno recalls one woman who was frightened because she kept seeing someone in the house. The family realized it was her own reflection. When the mirrors were removed, the behavior stopped.

If the behavior endangers your loved one or anyone else, get it evaluated. Medications may be contributing factors and so can poor vision or hearing problems, says Eilon Caspi, a gerontologist and an assistant research professor at the University of Connecticut.

7. Why dementia patients think they’re always sick
Dementia patients may think they are always sick due to a combination of cognitive decline, emotional distress, and the physical symptoms associated with the disease. The brain’s shrinkage and changes in brain function can lead to confusion and a distorted perception of reality, causing individuals to feel ill or unwell. Additionally, the emotional impact of dementia, such as depression and anxiety, can exacerbate these feelings. It is essential for caregivers to understand these perceptions and work with healthcare professionals to address the underlying issues.

8. Sexual inhibitions

Lack of inhibitions can accompany dementia, and a person’s confused state of mind often makes matters worse. They may be unaware of their surroundings or confuse the caregiver for someone else.

Protecting the caregiver from harassment is paramount. Finding a caregiver whose gender doesn’t attract the person being cared for is one solution, Hashmi says. Antidepressants, which can reduce that sexuality, are another.

“Sometimes, caregivers feel squeamish about sexual behavior,” Kales says. Ask yourself who is it affecting,

9. Why does dementia patients want to go home – Search

it usually reflects a deep emotional need for safety, comfort, and familiarity rather than a literal desire to leave their current location. “I Want to Go Home”: Why People With Dementia Say It and 8 Caregiver Moves That Actually Help

Emotional and Cognitive Factors
For many people with dementia, “home” is more a feeling than a physical place. It represents security, comfort, and a sense of self that may feel lost due to cognitive decline. Dementia affects memory, perception, and emotional processing, causing patients to experience their surroundings as unfamiliar or unsafe, even in their own homes. Requests to go home often arise from anxiety, fear, loneliness, or confusion, and may increase during periods of stress, fatigue, or overstimulation.

Neurological Causes
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, damages the hippocampus and parietal lobes, which are critical for spatial awareness and navigation. The hippocampus helps build mental maps of environments, while the parietal lobe allows understanding of one’s position relative to objects. When these areas deteriorate, familiar rooms or surroundings can feel unrecognizable, prompting the patient to seek a place they perceive as safe—often expressed as wanting to go home. ScienceInsights

Behavioral and Memory Influences 

• Disorientation and Memory Loss:  Patients may believe they are still living in a previous home or time period, reflecting memories from their past.
• Wandering and Searching Behavior:  Some may physically try to leave, seeking familiar cues or satisfying unmet needs like hunger or the need to use the bathroom.
• Reliving Past Routine:  Requests may be linked to past responsibilities or routines, such as going to work or caring for children.
• Response to Overstimulation:  Loud noises, multiple conversations, or unfamiliar visitors can trigger a desire to escape to a perceived safe place.  CareYaya

  Caregiver Strategies

• Understanding that “home” is a symbol of comfort and security  allows caregivers to respond with empathy rather than correction. Effective approaches include: elderloveusa.org+1
• Validation: Acknowledge the feeling behind the words, e.g., 
• “You miss home. Tell me what you loved about it.”
• Gentle Redirection: Engage the patient in familiar activities or sensory experiences 
• Environmental Modifications: Create a calm, familiar environment to reduce anxiety.
• Routine and Familiarity:  Maintain consistent daily routines to help patients feel secure. By addressing the emotional and cognitive needs rather than focusing on the literal meaning of “home,” caregivers can reduce distress and improve quality of life for dementia patients.  HelpDementia.com
• As with managing all dementia behaviors, Kales says, “trial and error is the way to go. HelpDementia.com

10. Loss of appetite

• Chewing and swallowing become more difficult as dementia progresses. But taste buds can also change so that even favorite dishes are rejected. When you’re trying to feed your loved one a healthy meal, but they aren’t eating:
• Rule out a dental problem, like a painful tooth.
• Make mealtimes an activity and a way to connect with other people, Moreno says. Someone with dementia shouldn’t eat alone.
• Experiment with texture. Choose softer foods or those that can be cut into smaller bites.

As with managing all dementia behaviors, Kales says, “trial and error is the way to go.

Caregiver Training: Aggressive Language/Behavior | UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program

Dementia is preventable through lifestyle. Start now. | Max Lugavere | TEDxVeniceBeach

See Mikaela Shiffrin win gold at the Olympics in women’s slalom

Peace of mind was Mikaela Shiffrin’s biggest victory in 2026 Winter Olympics

Nancy Armour

USA TODAY

All the talent in the world isn’t enough.

Not when the eyes of the world are trained on you. Not when the expectations on you are bigger than the mountain you’re standing atop or the arena you’re in the middle of. You can have put in thousands of hours of physical work and, still, it won’t be enough. At some point, you will falter. You will be awash in doubt. Your body might even rebel against you.

The difference between overcoming it and being the peanut gallery’s latest object of scorn or, worse, pity, is what else you did. The work you did mentally, to prepare yourself for this moment emotionally and psychologically as well as physically.  

“Everyone used to think it’s weak to be vulnerable. And it’s actually quite the opposite. Anyone can mask anything. It’s far more courageous to stand on stage and say, ‘This is going on with me,’” said Abbey Fox, a licensed clinical psychologist who works with Mikaela Shiffrin and spoke to USA TODAY Sports with Shiffrin’s permission.

The 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics provided yet another reminder that elite athletes are neither robots nor superhuman, as well as the importance they emphasize their mental health as much as their physical health and training.

Figure skater Ilia Malinin fell apart under the weight of the pressure, not even making the podium in an event he was considered a shoo-in to win. Shiffrin, having learned from her own nightmarish experience at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, was able to tune out the external noise on her way to winning gold.

“It’s the mental aspect that pulls everything together. The performance aspect and delivering, that comes down to mental,” Simone Biles, who has become a fierce advocate for mental health after her experience with “the twisties” at the Tokyo Summer Olympics, told USA TODAY Sports.

“It’s important to let people know it’s not a walk in the park,” Biles added. “For me, it took more mental work than physical. It shouldn’t be taken lightly.”

As Shiffrin prepares for the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals that began March 21 in Lillehammer, Norway – where she could secure a record-tying sixth overall title – it’s worth looking back at how she prioritized her mental health on her way to the top of the podium, and what lessons that can provide for other athletes.

Looking for quiet in her mind

Shiffrin began working with Fox after the Beijing Winter Games at the suggestion of her mother Eileen, who is also one of her coaches.

Shiffrin, who turned 31 on March 13, has always been introspective. She has been open about her profound grief over the unexpected death of her father Jeff in February 2020. She has not shied away from her complicated feelings about the Olympics.

But there is a difference between giving voice to those things and giving them power.

“You have to live in a way that’s true to who you are and accept the discomfort of other people not always approving and sitting in that,” Fox said. “She’s someone who can say now, ‘That hurts me, I’m uncomfortable. And that’s OK.’

“What we try to avoid holds more power,” Fox added. “If we can diffuse it, it doesn’t hold power.”

Full interview: Mikaela Shiffrin on winning Olympic gold in slalom, grief after her dad’s death. (Warning: Not safe for work language in post below)

View this post on Instagram

‘Just keep skiing’: Mikaela Shiffrin recalls her Olympic journey | NBC Sports – YouTube

Shiffrin and Fox began preparing for Milano Cortina last summer. The first step was for Shiffrin to be honest about the feelings, and fears, she now has about the Olympics. With herself and then with the rest of her team.

This wasn’t about putting herself back on the podium. It’s quite obvious Shiffrin, whose 109 (and counting) World Cup victories are the most of any Alpine skier, knows how to win. But she is human, and nobody in their right mind would want to endure the abuse and vitriol she got in Beijing and afterward, especially from people who don’t understand the nuances of the sport.

“Victory and defeat live next door to each other. What she was most afraid of was having to feel that defeat publicly again and the narratives that are out of her control,” Fox said.

Fox helped Shiffrin to think of what she does (ski really fast) separately from who she is (a fiancée, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a person who likes and can play the guitar.) They also worked on focusing on what she could control: That minute or so between when she left the starting gate to when she crossed the finish line. Her turns. Her skiing.

Also, to trust in her process and those who were part of it. Her coaches. Her ski techs. Her support staff. Everything else was simply background noise. They also dug into the grief Shiffrin carries at her father not being here to see her moments of triumph. Or console her when she comes up short.

“We’ve done a lot of work around the duality of winning and joy co-existing with the pain of his loss. It’s not this either or event,” Fox said. “She didn’t have to separate herself from her relationship with her father. She could include him in it despite his absence.”

When Shiffrin arrived at the 2026 Winter Games, she seemed lighter. She made jokes about Beijing and talked about not being consumed by the opinions of others or elements beyond her control.

Then came the team combined.

Olympic ‘problem’ back in the spotlight

Shiffrin and newly-minted Olympic downhill champion Breezy Johnson were paired for the event, which they’d won when it made its debut at last year’s world championships. When Johnson won the downhill portion, the gold medal seemed like a given.

Except Shiffrin had an uncharacteristically slow run, finishing 15th out of 18 skiers and dropping her and Johnson to fourth.

Mikaela Shiffrin, Breezy Johnson miss out on combined podium | Winter Olympics 2026

She’d barely gotten her skis off when the criticism, and the psychoanalyzing, began.

“We had conversations around choking, freezing, the pressure of the Olympics – really the dark side of the criticism,” Fox said. “We really had to get strategic about coping with whatever the world was going to have to say. That’s when we shifted gears a bit.”

Mikaela Shiffrin snaps her Olympic drought, wins gold with dominating slalomMikaela Shiffrin’s Olympic gold was magnificent. Appreciate her greatnessMikaela Shiffrin won Olympic gold, then took a moment to remember her fatherSee the moment Mikaela Shiffrin wins gold in women’s slalom at OlympicsMikaela Shiffrin on the loss of her father after winning Olympic gold

Fox had traveled to Milano Cortina to work with Shiffrin and her entire team during the Olympics. They spent long hours working through what Shiffrin was feeling and how it was holding her back.  

She meditated to help her process her feelings. She (mostly) got off social media. She unsubscribed from media accounts that she knew could drag her down. She limited her circle to the people she knew had her best interests at heart.

She journaled. She wrote out mantras and stuck them on her bathroom mirror so she would see them every day.

“No matter what you do, there is always going to be someone who doesn’t like something shiny. That is out of your control and focusing on it is self-torment,” Fox said. “If we focus on those worries or what one critic said, it grows in our mind.”

Instead, Shiffrin focused on her skiing. When she got to the start gate for the women’s slalom, there were no “What ifs?” or “What will people say?” clouding her mind. Just the gates in front of her and joy that comes from carving her way down a mountain.

When she crossed the finish line, Shiffrin was Olympic champion for a third time. She won by a whopping 1.5 seconds, a gap so wide silver medalist Camille Rast was closer to the 12th-place finisher than she was to Shiffrin.

“She is just such a badass,” Simone Biles, who has become friends with Shiffrin, said, pride in her voice. “I was really proud of her. The resilience, the determination, the never giving up – people don’t understand how hard it is.

“People will say, ‘Wow, their comeback!’ But it was really a lot of mental work, things you never wanted to talk about, wounds you never wanted to re-open,” Biles said. “We had to, to get over that to have (success).

“Don’t forget about the mental work she did.”

Especially when, earlier in the Games, there was yet another cautionary tale of the toll ignoring your mental health can exact.

Malinin succumbs to pressure

Biles was at figure skating the night of the men’s free skate, when Malinin fell twice and landed only three of the seven quadruple jumps he’d planned. In first place after the short program, Malinin wound up eighth.

“I was so heartbroken for him because I could see the pain and heartbreak in his face and body. I felt really, really sad,” Biles said.

Alysa Liu, Ilia Malinin showcase Olympics figure skating gala

Looking back, there were hints of the stress Malinin was feeling. Earlier at the Olympics, he spoke of having “bad days” that “really shuts me down.” Biles reached out to him after the free skate, offering the wisdom of her experience and sharing with Malinin what had worked for her after Tokyo.

“I wanted him to know this isn’t the end all be all. You’re so much more than that and so much more than your performances. That was the mindset and conversation I tried to lead with him,” she said.

“I just wanted him to feel that he was still a champion,” Biles added. “He’s already achieved so much and to just hold your head up high. And that you’re just human. (Expletive) happens.”

No doubt Malinin was hearing that from others, too. But the words hit differently when they come from another athlete who is the very best in their sport and has had their struggles play out in public.

There is comfort in having others understand what you’re going through. “Trauma bonding,” Biles called it. What would be even better is it not happening in the first place.

When athletes like Biles and Shiffrin and Malinin put a spotlight on mental health, it’s a permission slip for other, lesser-accomplished athletes. When Biles talks about being in therapy – she still goes once a week – or Shiffrin peels back the curtain on her work with Fox, it normalizes adding mental health to your training regimen.

Just as weightlifting and getting massages and working with a nutritionist is now considered a basic necessity of elite-level training, Biles and Fox hope mental health will soon be seen that way, too.

“(Shiffrin) is in a position to invite others to take the risk to be uncomfortable and engage in the awkwardness, at times, of talking about mental health and talking about things that are difficult and knowing it can actually build some really powerful bridges,” Fox said.

“Mikaela … wanted to understand herself more and clear up some of the barriers that were in her way so she could re-up the athlete in her,” Fox said. “Not to be stuck in it, but to learn from it.”

Mikaela Shiffrin wins record-tying 6th World Cup skiing title – Search

Mikaela Shiffrin wins sixth World Cup skiing title, tying Annemarie Moser-Pröll’s record

Mikaela Shiffrin has secured a record-tying sixth women’s overall World Cup skiing title by winning the final race in Norway. She achieved this by finishing in the top 15 of a giant slalom race, holding off a challenge from German rival Emma Aicher. Shiffrin’s victory matches the record held by Annemarie Moser-Pröll, who won six titles in the 1970s. This season, Shiffrin has also dominated the slalom circuit, winning nine of the 10 World Cup slaloms, and has a record 110 victories across all disciplines, making her the most decorated alpine skier in U.S. Olympic history.

Some legacies are not written in one season. They are shaped by an athlete who raises the standard year after year.
 
With her sixth Overall World Cup globe, @mikaelashiffrin matches Atomic icon Annemarie Moser-Pröll, connecting two eras of skiing through the same standard of excellence.
 
Their impact across generations tells a story of progress shaped by women who push skiing forward, season after season.
 
Different generations.
Same drive to lead.

May we all learn from it.

Olympian Mikaela Shiffrin Shocks Bublé and Kelsea with Her Musical Talents | Voice Live

‘Nothing stopping me’: Mikaela Shiffrin on chasing more gold at fourth olympic games