Um estudo publicado no Jornal da Associação de Alzheimer mostra que ondas cerebrais lentas durante a vigília (wSW), registradas no exame EEG (eletroencefalograma), podem servir como biomarcadores precoces para a neuro degeneração e para identificar estágios iniciais da doença de Alzheimer.
O resultado mostra que um exame rápido de EEG, de cerca de 2 minutos, pode ajudar no diagnóstico precoce, antes mesmo do surgimento de sintomas clínicos de declínio cognitivo.
A pesquisa foi realizada por cientistas do Instituto do Cérebro de Paris, Universidade Sorbonne, Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière e do Instituto da Memória e da Doença de Alzheimer.
As ondas lentas de vigília (wSW) são oscilações lentas semelhantes às ondas observadas durante o sono, mas que surgem no eletroencefalograma (EEG) enquanto a pessoa está acordada.
No estudo, as medições de wSW são associadas como biomarcadores precoces para o depósito de amiloide e para a neuro degeneração – o que possibilita a identificação de idosos em risco nos estágios iniciais da doença.
No Alzheimer, o depósito de proteína amiloide e o processo de neuro degeneração constituem duas das principais lesões e marcas biológicas da patologia.
Para o estudo, foram observados 314 idosos, entre 70 e 85 anos, com queixas de memória durante 2 anos.
Cochilar frequentemente, passar por dificuldades financeiras, ter problemas emocionais e respirar um ar poluído são fatores, além do tabagismo e álcool, que podem estar associados ao risco de desenvolvimento do Alzheimer.
A associação está presente em um estudo desenvolvido por pesquisadores da Harvard, publicado na revista Alzheimer’s & Dementia, da Alzheimer’s Association, na edição de outubro. Os cientistas avaliaram cerca de 500 mil britânicos, entre 40 e 69 anos, do banco de dados UK Biobank, acompanhados por mais de 10 anos.
Ao todo, foram analisados 193 tipos de exposição divididos em cinco grupos (social, estilo de vida, químico, físico e ecossistema). Durante o período, 8.881 participantes, cerca de 1,77%, desenvolveram Alzheimer ou outro tipo de demência relacionada.
Dos fatores analisados, 76 apresentaram associação com a doença. Destes, 45 apresentaram risco e 31 apresentaram proteção.
Veja o índice:
Entre as condições destacadas como predispostas, estão:
Cochilar frequentemente: altera os padrões do sono e compromete a eficiência do sistema glinfático – via responsável por eliminar e limpar metabólitos e proteínas neurotóxicas do cérebro durante o descanso profundo.
Dificuldades financeiras: gera estresse contínuo, piora a qualidade de vida e limita o acesso a cuidados preventivos de saúde.
Polifarmácia: o número de remédios utilizados foi o preditor individual mais forte do modelo do estudo. O fator reflete a uma carga elevada de múltiplas doenças crônicas simultâneas (que podem contribuir), e não aos efeitos diretos dos medicamentos.
Problemas emocionais: depressão, ansiedade, solidão e oscilações do humor ativam respostas de estresse biológicas e sustentam um estado de neuroinflamação que acelera a degradação neurológica.
Ar poluído: a inalação de dióxido de nitrogênio e partículas finas está associada a maior risco e é apontada como agente neurotóxico, que pode causar inflamação no sistema nervoso central.
Cigarro e álcool: fumar atualmente, a exposição à fumaça de tabaco dentro de casa e o consumo inadequado de álcool também aparecem entre os fatores de risco.
Por outro lado, 31 fatores apareceram como associados à redução do risco de desenvolvimento das doenças.
Veja a seguir alguns dos fatores:
Exercícios físicos regulares, atividades manuais e caminhadas: atuam por meio de mecanismos neuroprotetores diretos que podem preservar a idade do cérebro.
Convivência a dois: diminui o isolamento social, a solidão e o estresse, ajudando a promover o estímulo cognitivo. Quem mora com um parceiro teve risco 22% menor em relação a quem mora com outras pessoas.
Renda e segurança financeira: diminui a carga de estresse ligada à degradação do cérebro.
Consumo de ovos: pessoas que nunca comeram ovos apresentaram um risco 76% maior de desenvolver a doença.
Tecnologias digitais: o uso de computador e de celular foi associado a menor risco, o que reflete na estimulação cognitiva e na saúde do cérebro.
O estudo é observacional, ou seja, mostra associações e não comprova os fatores que causam a doença.
A doença de Alzheimer (DA) é um transtorno neurodegenerativo que ataca a memória e a capacidade cognitiva, comprometendo as atividades diárias e o comportamento do paciente.
Segundo a Febraz (Federação Brasileira das Associações de Alzheimer), cerca de 2 milhões de brasileiros vivem com demência, número que pode triplicar até 2030. No mundo, o índice chega a mais de 50 milhões de pessoas convivendo com a doença.
O Alzheimer é uma doença sem cura e não se sabe qual é a sua causa. Apesar disso, existem diversos estudos que tentam identificar fatores de risco que não são atribuídos apenas à genética, como no caso da pesquisa feita pelos cientistas de Harvard.
Have you ever found something you wanted to buy, only to wonder whether the price might drop next week? Maybe it's a new pair of headphones, a kitchen appliance or a gift you've had your eye on. You could keep checking the website every day, but who has time for that?
Here's something you may not realize. Your phone can help watch prices for you. Apple's Safari browser has a feature that monitors website changes, while Google's shopping tools offer price tracking on supported products.
That means you can spend less time refreshing product listings and more time deciding whether a deal is actually worth your money. I'll show you how to set up these alerts on an Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel.
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How to get price-drop alerts on iPhone running iOS 27
Apple introduced a feature called Notify Me in Safari with iOS 27. Instead of returning to a website to see whether something has changed, you can tell Safari what to watch. For example, you might ask Safari to notify you when a pair of headphones drops below $150. You could also monitor a sold-out item and get an alert when the website indicates it's available again.
Unlike a traditional price tracker, Safari can look for other changes on a webpage, too. However, the feature doesn't work with every website, and alerts depend on Safari detecting the requested change.
Important: Notify Me requires Apple Intelligence. It works on compatible models, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 or later. The standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus do not support Apple Intelligence.
Steps to set up Safari Notify Me
Open Safari on your iPhone.
Visit the product page you want to monitor.
Tap the Page Menu button in the address bar. It may appear as a puzzle piece.
Select Notify Me.
Choose a suggested request or enter what you want Safari to watch, such as "Notify me when the price drops below $150."
To change how often Safari checks the webpage, tap Edit and select your preferred interval.
Tap the checkmark to finish.
Allow notifications if your iPhone asks for permission.
Safari checks the page at your selected interval and sends a notification when it detects the change you requested. The available checking intervals include hourly, daily, weekly and monthly options. You can also use Notify Me for something other than shopping, such as watching for event tickets or a registration page to open. Just remember that updates are not necessarily instantaneous.
Can you track prices on an iPhone without Apple Intelligence?
Yes. If you have a standard iPhone 15 or another model that doesn't support Safari Notify Me, you can use Google Chrome instead. Google offers Chrome price tracking on iPhones running iOS 15 or later, including iOS 27. It works on supported product pages and requires a signed-in Google Account, history synchronization and the necessary browsing settings.
Steps to track prices using Chrome on iPhone
Open Google Chrome on your iPhone.
Visit the webpage of the product you want to track.
Tap the three-dot More menu.
Look for and select Track Price, if available.
Scroll through the available products and select the one you want.
Tap Track, then Done.
Allow Chrome notifications when prompted.
To manage tracked products, look for Track Price in Chrome's three-dot menu. You may also find alert controls under Chrome > three-dot menu > Settings > Notifications. The exact options can vary by Chrome version and account.
Don't see Track Price? The option may not be available for that product or your account. You can also try searching for the product in the Google app and looking for a price-tracking option in its shopping results.
How to get price-drop alerts on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel
Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel owners can use Google's shopping tools to track products and receive alerts when prices fall. The easiest place to start is the Google app, which works similarly on both phones. Chrome may also show price-drop indicators on shopping pages you've left open.
How to track a product using the Google app
Open the Google app on your Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel.
Tap the search bar at the top of the screen.
Type the name of a product you want to buy, such as Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro, then tap Search.
Look for a picture of the product with its name and price in the search results. You may need to scroll down.
Tap the product's picture or name to see more details.
Look for Track price or a bell-shaped price-tracking icon and tap it if available.
Select your preferred size, color or other options if asked.
Choose the price you want to pay if Google gives you that option.
Tap OK to confirm.
Google can send you a notification on your phone or an email when the product reaches your selected price. Make sure you're signed into your Google Account and have notifications enabled.
Don't see Track price? Go back to your search results and tap Shopping near the top of the screen. Select the product you want and look for Track price again. Google doesn't offer price tracking for every product, and the option may not appear for every account.
How to track prices directly in Chrome on Android
There's another handy option for Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel owners. Chrome can actively track prices on supported product pages and alert you when they drop. That means you don't have to leave a shopping tab open and keep checking it yourself.
Here's how to get started:
Open Chrome on your Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel.
Visit the product page you want to monitor.
Tap the three-dot More menu in the upper-right corner.
Select Track prices, if available.
If Chrome displays a first-time introduction, tap Show me.
Follow any remaining prompts to enable tracking.
You can find your tracked items under Chrome > three-dot menu > Bookmarks > Tracked products. To manage alerts, go to Chrome > three-dot menu > Settings > Google services > Getprice tracking notifications. From there, you can adjust mobile and email notifications. Keep in mind that this feature only works on supported product pages. You'll also need to be signed into Chrome with your Google Account, enable syncing for tabs and browsing history and turn on Make searches and browsing better.
Google's new Universal Cart adds another way to track prices
Google introduced Universal Cart in the United States earlier this month. The feature is rolling out across Google Search and the Gemini app, giving shoppers another way to keep track of products without constantly checking different websites. Universal Cart lets you save items from multiple retailers in one place. Once you've added a product, Google's shopping tools can monitor its price and alert you when the cost drops or an out-of-stock item becomes available again. The cart can also identify promotional codes and suggest payment options that may help you save money.
For example, if you're shopping for a new TV, you can save models from different stores and let Google watch for price changes. When you're ready to buy, you can complete eligible purchases through Google Pay or finish checkout directly on the retailer's website. Universal Cart is rolling out in the U.S., so it may not appear in every account immediately. It's another option worth checking if you already use Google Search or Gemini to shop.
Why your phone might not show the price-tracking option
If you don't see Notify Me or Track price, the feature may be unavailable for your phone, account or shopping website. Start by checking that your apps and browser are updated. On iPhone, Safari Notify Me requires a compatible device with Apple Intelligence enabled. For Google's shopping tools, make sure you're signed into your Google Account. Chrome may also require additional browsing or synchronization settings for certain shopping features.
Some product pages simply don't support tracking. In that case, try another retailer's listing for the same item. Google's price-tracking features are available in supported countries, including the United States, although availability varies by product and account.
Three things to check before buying after a price alert
A lower price can be tempting, especially when a notification pops up while you're doing something else. However, I wouldn't rush to check out without checking a few details.
Look at the price history. Chrome's Shopping Insights can show historical pricing on eligible products. That can help you determine whether today's discount is unusually good or fairly common.
Check the total cost. Shipping fees, taxes and optional extras can change how much you actually pay. Compare the final checkout price, not just the advertised discount.
Make sure you're buying the right version. A lower price might apply to a different storage capacity, color, model year or product condition. Check the details before placing an order.
A price alert tells you something has changed. It doesn't necessarily mean you've found the lowest available price.
A quick privacy consideration
Price tracking comes with a privacy trade-off worth understanding. Google's shopping tools use your Google Account to manage tracked products and alerts. Certain Chrome shopping features may also require additional browsing information or settings, including Make searches and browsing better. You should review those options before enabling them.
That setting allows Chrome to share browsing-related information with Google to improve its services. You can review these options under Chrome > 3 dots in the upper right >Settings > Google services. Apple's Safari Notify Me uses Apple Intelligence to monitor webpages for requested changes. Before enabling either feature, consider whether the convenience is worth the information and permissions involved.
One more shopping safety tip
Be careful about clicking price-drop alerts or shopping links from unfamiliar senders. Scammers can create fake sale notifications that lead to fraudulent websites. Strong antivirus software can provide an additional layer of protection by helping detect malicious links, phishing attempts and other online threats. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.
Kurt's key takeaways
I've lost count of how many times I've looked at something online, decided to wait and then completely forgotten to check whether the price dropped. That's why I like having my phone do some of the watching for me. With Safari's Notify Me feature in iOS 27, compatible iPhones can monitor more than just prices.
Meanwhile, Google's shopping tools can help Samsung Galaxy and Pixel owners follow prices on supported products, while Chrome offers additional shopping features on compatible devices. My advice is to start with something you actually need, especially a larger purchase where a price drop could save you a meaningful amount. Set up an alert and see what happens. You might save some money without spending your evenings hunting through shopping websites.
Have you ever bought something only to see the price drop a few days later? Would you trust your phone to watch prices for you, or do you prefer hunting for deals yourself? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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LEWISTON, MAINE – Former Sen. Joe Manchin, a longtime Democrat turned independent, took aim at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday for trying to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, calling his former party leader's efforts "crazy" as he joined Collins on the campaign trail in her high-stakes re-election race.
Collins, a moderate Republican who at times has voted against President Donald Trump and her party, is fighting for her political life as she runs for a sixth six-year term representing blue-leaning Maine in the Senate. She is the only GOP senator seeking re-election in a state Trump lost in the 2024 election.
The race between Collins and Troy Jackson, a former state Senate president, is a top flip opportunity for Democrats as they try to win back the Senate majority from Republicans in the midterm elections. The latest public opinion polls indicate a margin-of-error showdown, and the latest Fox News Power Rankings rate the race as a toss-up, as do leading nonpartisan political handicappers the Cook Political Report, Inside Elections and Sabato's Crystal Ball.
Manchin, who worked closely with Collins during his years in the Senate, was asked by Fox News Digital how his campaigning with his former colleague would sit with Schumer, the top Democrat in the chamber.
"Chuck Schumer would not be surprised of me being with my dear friend. There is no surprise there at all. I told him he was crazy in 2020 from working against her so hard and he’s crazy now to work against her," Manchin said, as he referred to unsuccessful efforts by Democrats to defeat Collins in her re-election six years ago, and their current push to oust her.
Manchin emphasized, "This is not right. She is the soul of America. She is the soul of the Senate, and he knows he needs more Susan Collins, no matter what side of the aisle they’re on. This is ridiculous."
Fox News Digital reached out to Schumer's political team and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee for a comment but did not receive a response at the time this story was published.
A former West Virginia governor who served in the Senate from 2010 to 2025, Manchin frequently broke with his party, frustrating Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, as well as Schumer and other Senate Democratic leaders.
As he works to oust Collins from the Senate, Jackson has repeatedly tried to anchor the senator to Trump, who has seen his approval ratings in Maine and across the country drop further underwater.
But Manchin said that Collins is "not a Trump senator. She's not a Republican senator or a Democrat senator. She's an American senator that represents her state of Maine ... the most independent minded person I've ever met."
Collins noted that "Joe and I were part of every bipartisan initiative that passed the Senate and became law during the years that we worked together ... I just so enjoy our partnership in getting things done for Maine, for West Virginia and for America."
Manchin and Collins spoke with reporters after meeting with restaurant workers and customers at Simones' Hot Dog Stand, a famed local eatery in downtown Lewiston that's been serving customers for a century. It was the first of two campaign stops in Maine's 2nd Congressional District, a key swing district.
Collins and Jackson last week faced off on the debate stage for the fourth and final time. The senator used the debates to showcase how her Senate seniority has helped her deliver federal funding for Maine. Meanwhile, Jackson used the showdowns to position himself as an outsider who understands the struggles and frustrations of working-class voters.
Jackson won a special nominating convention in late July to claim the party's Senate nomination, which was left vacant after primary winner Graham Platner ended his campaign following allegations he raped a woman he previously dated. Platner denied the allegations but dropped out.
Jackson, who earlier this year unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, had campaigned alongside Platner during the primary campaign.
Collins, meanwhile, has a history of surviving Democratic efforts to unseat her.
Six years ago, she trailed Democratic challenger Sara Gideon, the Maine House speaker at the time, but Collins won re-election by nearly nine points while former President Joe Biden carried the state by a similar margin.
Fox News' Kailey Schuyler contributed to this story.
Developers of the PHP programming language said they had identified two critical vulnerabilities, and urged users to update their sites as soon as a fix was released.
Developers of the PHP programming language said they had identified two critical vulnerabilities, and urged users to update their sites as soon as a fix was released.
El nuevo proyecto ofrece una propuesta centrada en la despensa del Pacífico Sur y la cocina tradicional de Chile, país en el que vive desde hace seis años. Reconoce sentir la presión y mira atrás más para aprender de los errores que para arrepentirse de nada. "Me creí empresario y no lo era", dice en alusión al cierre de Arola Gastro, su dos estrellas Michelin de la capital Leer
El nuevo proyecto ofrece una propuesta centrada en la despensa del Pacífico Sur y la cocina tradicional de Chile, país en el que vive desde hace seis años. Reconoce sentir la presión y mira atrás más para aprender de los errores que para arrepentirse de nada. "Me creí empresario y no lo era", dice en alusión al cierre de Arola Gastro, su dos estrellas Michelin de la capital
To discuss the tensions between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, Geoff Bennett spoke with David Kramer. He held a number of senior positions at the State Department during the George W. Bush administration. He's now the executive director of the George W. Bush Institute in Dallas, Texas.
Investor Bill Ackman called the Democratic Party "crazy, radicalized and anti-American" during an interview on Tuesday, arguing that the party is "in a very bad place."
"I think the Democratic Party is in the worst place it's ever been, in the 250-year history of the country," Ackman told Katie Miller, host of the "Katie Miller Podcast." "I think it's become like this crazy, radicalized, you know, anti-American thing. I think it's — and by the way, I think there's some very high-quality Democrats, you know, senators and, sure, some congressmen — but the party itself, I think, is in a very bad place."
Ackman specifically named Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., as someone he used to be friendly with but now believes has "compromised" on his values.
"And I think the problem with people who've chosen to be a politician for a career, you either have to get with the party in order to continue, or you get primaries," Ackman said. "You know, actually, Senator Schumer, I had a good relationship with him over the years. I thought he was a good man. But in recent years, I felt he's just trying to keep his job."
"And, you know, that's the really low point for politicians when they'll compromise on their values, and they'll support, you know, a quasi-terrorist, perhaps running for Senate in Michigan, because they have to for the party," Ackman said. "Stuff like that to me is, or terrorist supporter, is not, that's, I find that pretty, deeply concerning."
Schumer's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
"Chuck Schumer has been in Washington long enough to know exactly what’s happening to his party. The question isn’t whether he sees it. It’s whether he’s willing to do anything about it," Y. David Scharf, chair of Morrison Cohen’s government strategies and controversies practice, told Fox News Digital of Ackman's remarks.
"There’s something remarkable about watching one of the most powerful Jewish Democrats in America struggle to stand up to the very people in his party who are alienating Jewish voters," he continued. "Bill Ackman isn’t asking Schumer to become a Republican. He’s asking him to act like the Democrat he spent decades telling us he was."
Ackman appeared to reference Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who has faced questions over his family's alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.
El-Sayed's campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
The controversy followed a Washington Free Beacon report about social media posts in which El-Sayed's half-sister, Eman Abdelhadi, described her family's history with the Muslim Brotherhood.
In one 2012 post, Abdelhadi described a conversation with her and El-Sayed's mother, Fatten Elkomy, about her involvement with the organization during college in Egypt.
"Had an amazing talk with my mom about her activism in the Muslim Brotherhood during the early '70s while she was in college #respect," she posted to X.
El-Sayed has denied any family connections to the group. During a recent interview with NBC's "Meet the Press," El-Sayed rejected the assertions when asked to set the record straight.
"I have no ties; we have no ties," El-Sayed said.
During a town hall on Saturday, El-Sayed responded to a man identified as Tommy, asking him whether he would disavow the Muslim Brotherhood.
"Sure," El-Sayed said. "Yeah, absolutely. But I want to ask the question that you're asking: Why are you asking the question?"
Ackman has also previously voiced his opposition to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, criticizing his policies as harmful to the city.
"I'm not a fan," he responded. "He's very smart, very charismatic, very good at politics, but I think the decisions he's making are very bad for New York."
When asked if he'd consider running for mayor, Ackman responded, "I would say possibly, but I think I could achieve a lot more by helping a very talented person do that job."
Amy Schumer shared a glimpse of her recent family vacation in Turks and Caicos, where she posed in a floral one-piece swimsuit before heading out on a scuba-diving excursion.
The 45-year-old comedian posted photos from her time at the beach resort, including several shots aboard a boat and footage of her exploring the ocean underwater.
In one photo, Schumer stood sideways on a boat, holding onto a metal railing as she looked over her shoulder toward the camera. Her swimsuit featured pink roses and green leaves against a cream-colored background, with lace-up detailing along the back.
She completed the look with oversized tinted sunglasses, while her blonde hair was pulled into a casual ponytail.
Another image showed the "Trainwreck" star facing the camera in the same swimsuit, adjusting her sunglasses while holding a large orange buoy attached to a yellow rope.
Schumer also gave followers a glimpse of her underwater adventure, sharing footage of herself scuba diving in tropical waters.
"Our family had the time of our lives at @beachesresorts in Turks and Caicos," Schumer captioned the Instagram post.
"2 best decisions of my life are becoming a mom and getting certified to dive by PADI," she continued. "If you're like me and have always wanted to dive, don't wait!"
The actress, who shares 7-year-old son Gene with ex-husband Chris Fischer, also thanked the resort staff and credited TA3 for her swimsuit.
Schumer's vacation photos drew encouragement from several famous friends.
"Legs McGee. 🔥," actor Cheyenne Jackson commented.
Actress Leslie Mann chimed in with "Babe," while Lindsay Lohan and Krysten Ritter left heart emojis.
The tropical getaway also included some unexpected entertainment.
In an exclusive interview with People published Wednesday, Schumer recalled attending an impromptu wedding celebration after discovering a ceremony taking place on the beach near her family's accommodations.
The comedian said she and Gene watched the vows from nearby lounge chairs before she joined the festivities and photobombed the newlyweds.
Schumer also described scuba diving as a highlight of the vacation, explaining that she had the opportunity to explore reefs and see a variety of fish.
Her son, meanwhile, enjoyed the resort's water park, where the family spent time together during their stay.
Schumer, who previously revealed she had been diagnosed with Cushing syndrome, explained that her health had been a major factor in her physical transformation.
She also acknowledged using Mounjaro, a medication she had previously praised after experiencing severe side effects with another weight-loss drug.
Christina Applegate was diagnosed with MS in 2021. She recently learned she was misdiagnosed — and feels like she's "back to square one" with treatment.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Christina Applegate recently learned that she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Applegate was first diagnosed in 2021 after multiple tests and worsening symptoms.
About 15% of MS patients are believed to be misdiagnosed, given how complex the disorder is.
After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2021, living with severe symptoms, and becoming one of the most famous celebrities with the disorder, Christina Applegate learned some shocking news: She doesn't actually have MS.
In an October 20, two-part episode of her podcast "MeSsy" with Jamie Lynn Sigler (another actor diagnosed with MS), Applegate shared that she took over half a year off from recording the podcast to process the news of her MS misdiagnosis.
According to Applegate, her doctor framed the revelation as a positive update. "She came into my room and said, 'Congratulations, you don't have MS,'" Applegate said in the podcast.
Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Applegate's co-host on the podcast, was diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis when she was filming "The Sopranos."
Paula Lobo/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. via Getty Images
But to Applegate, no longer having an explanation for the pain, balance issues, tremors, incontinence, and fatigue she'd been living with for years felt more like being "back at square one."
"You don't get misdiagnosed and then all of a sudden, I'm better," she said. "If anything, I've gotten worse, in some ways."
Applegate's story is far from a medical anomaly. MS researchers estimate that about 15% of worldwide MS patients are actually misdiagnosed, based on a 2024 meta-analysis of multiple studies.
The risks to patients are two-fold, Dr. Marwa Kaisey, an associate professor of neurology at Cedars-Sinai, who also appeared on the podcast, told Business Insider. "One is thinking you have MS — a lot of the medications we use to treat MS have side effects and risks like infections," she said. "The other category is, if you don't know what you have, then you're not getting treated for your actual diagnosis."
Kaisey and another researcher shared why MS is so challenging to diagnose — and why more people might end up with Applegate's experience in the future.
The race to diagnose a hard-to-diagnose disorder
MRIs are important diagnostic tools for diagnosing MS, but researchers say they're just one piece of the puzzle.
Paul Biris/Getty Images
There is no single blood test that can diagnose MS.
Instead, doctors often piece together an MS diagnosis using a neurological exam (testing balance and reflexes), MRI scans, a lumbar puncture (or spinal tap), and possible blood tests to rule out other conditions such as Lyme disease.
Sometimes, doctors overrely on a single diagnostic, such as an MRI finding, without performing enough other tests, Dr. Andrew J. Solomon, a professor of neurological sciences at the University of Vermont who co-authored the meta-analysis, told Business Insider.
In 2019, Solomon co-authored an MS misdiagnosis study that found that patients who were initially diagnosed with MS were later told they actually had otherconditions, such as migraine, radiologically isolated syndrome, spondylopathy, and neuropathy, which can share overlapping symptoms with MS and similar brain scan results.
In the podcast, Applegate revealed that she had a nerve test to rule out peripheral neuropathy, as well as MRIs and a lumbar puncture. While her spinal fluid test showed a low level of immune proteins that can support an MS diagnosis, she had nearly 40 brain lesions and worsening symptoms, leading doctors to diagnose her with MS.
Solomon said MS should be diagnosed by "confirming each element of our diagnostic criteria and ruling out other things," rather than assuming it must be MS if the MRIs and symptoms fit.
The problem is, both physicians and patients are eager to diagnose MS as early as possible, he said. Correctly spotting MS early can lead to better treatment results and a higher likelihood of disability prevention, according to research.
Plus, for patients dealing with a plethora of debilitating symptoms, "a period of diagnostic uncertainty is uncomfortable," he said, even though the best course of action is to wait and perform more tests.
A new testing protocol revealed Applegate's misdiagnosis
Applegate underwent several tests for MS to rule out other conditions. A more in-depth MRI finally identified the misdiagnosis.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
In the podcast, Applegate shared that her brain lesions were missing "strings" associated with MS.
It's a finding associated with a new, more accurate diagnostic tool for Kaisey, who also co-authored the 2019 study with Solomon, explained on the podcast.
The central vein sign (CVS), is an MRI biomarker that can help differentiate MS brain lesions from ones associated with other disorders. It refers to a small vein that appears as a dot or thin line through the center of a brain lesion.
CVS was only recently adopted as part of the recommended MS diagnostic criteria, in 2025 — four years after Applegate was first diagnosed with MS. Kaisey told Business Insider that part of her work is expanding education around newer diagnostic tools, noting that not all physicians are using CVS yet.
Solomon hopes more doctors will include CVS in their diagnostic protocols, especially for existing MS patients or those who switch providers without being evaluated by their current doctors. "If something doesn't fit, there's an opportunity there to reevaluate if the diagnosis is right," he said.
Many misdiagnosed MS patients feel exactly like Applegate does
After learning she doesn't have MS, Applegate has felt like she lost clarity and direction when it comes to treatment.
Phillip Faraone/Getty Images
When it comes to learning about an MS misdiagnosis, Solomon said experiences like Applegate's aren't that uncommon.
"I've heard many stories where some doctor was very enthusiastic about telling a patient they actually didn't have MS," he said. "But many of these patients are suffering, and they still have symptoms. So it's not always necessarily a happy thing."
For Applegate, her initial MS diagnosis provided clarity and direction. "That was my answer to everything that was going on," Applegate said. Some might relate to Applegate's "square one" feeling, particularly if their doctor was an MS specialist and won't see them anymore, Solomon said. Without a formal diagnosis, they might also worry about insurance coverage for treatments that have provided some relief.
There is also the emotional part of having an MS diagnosis. "I leaned into other friends, I leaned into the community," Applegate said. "I had a reason as to why my day sucked every day, and now I don't have a reason."
Knowing she doesn't have MS also made her feel like she "let everybody down" after becoming one of the "poster children for MS," she said. It made her wonder if she was somehow imagining symptoms or at fault for her pain.
Given how common MS misdiagnosis is, Solomon believes it's a good thing that Applegate is sharing her story.
"It's kind of wonderful that Ms. Applegate is public with this because if the number is really 15%, you can do the math," he said. "There are a lot of people out there who might ask their doctors about the accuracy of their diagnosis and find out that, in fact, they had something else."
A top Democratic super PAC is launching a $1.2 million ad campaign in the Mississippi Senate race, adding the deep-red state to its list of targets as the party seeks to flip the Senate in November. Senate Majority PAC (SMP) announced Tuesday that it will spend the money on television and digital ads through Election…
Republicans made their pitch to Michigan voters at a Fox News town hall Monday night, with GOP Senate nominee Mike Rogers arguing Democrat Abdul El-Sayed is vulnerable among Black and Jewish voters as one of the nation's most closely watched Senate races enters its final two weeks.
Fox News host Sean Hannity also spoke with Republican gubernatorial nominee Rep. John James and House GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain, R-Mich., as the candidates sought to tie Michigan Democrats to government spending, socialism and the party's progressive wing ahead of Nov. 3.
Early on in the night, Rogers argued that his opponent, El-Sayed, could underperform among a handful of key demographics that traditionally support Democratic candidates, presenting political opportunities for Republicans.
Casting doubt on El-Sayed's grip on Black voters in Michigan
Hannity pressed Rogers about El-Sayed's past criticism of former President Barack Obama, whom El-Sayed described as "not the right choice" to advance a progressive agenda following Obama's 2012 re-election.
"He is dismissive in Detroit. We have just dozens of black pastors that we have talked to, neighborhood leaders in the city of Detroit that we’ve talked to. They’re looking for a change," Rogers said.
Notably, Obama is scheduled to campaign with El-Sayed in Detroit on Oct. 24 and has released a video urging voters to support the Democratic nominee.
Unique opportunity for Republicans amid alienated Jewish voters
Rogers argued the Jewish community could present a unique opportunity for Republicans amid El-Sayed's criticism of Israel.
Recently, El-Sayed declined to answer whether he viewed Iran or Israel as a greater threat.
"I think both of them have proven dangerous in their own way. One, at risk of attacking us. One, getting us into wars we have no business fighting," El-Sayed said in a recent debate.
Rogers noted that if only half of Jewish Democratic voters in Michigan felt alienated by El-Sayed’s remarks enough to support his campaign, it would provide a significant boost.
"There are about 70,000 Jewish Democrats. If we get half of them to vote for us, which we think — we had an event last night. Had over 1,000 people at it. We’re fired up and excited and scared for their children, by the way. They’re afraid for their children. They’re with us, and they’re going to vote, we think, 35,000 votes out of the Jewish Democrat — these are normally solid Democratic votes."
"That’s changing the dynamic," Rogers added.
Gubernatorial hopeful promises to target fraud, trim fat on Democrat-led spending
Rep. John James, R-Mich., the state’s Republican candidate for governor, also appeared with Hannity, presenting his pitch to attendees on what he would do differently if elected.
Alongside promises to reshape education, James promised to create more scrutiny around government programs and expenses.
"Michigan is spending 50% more right now under Gretchen Whitmer than we spent under Rick Snyder’s administration, the last Republican, and $20 billion more per year than at the height of the pandemic."
"Michigan does not have a taxation problem. Michigan has a spending problem," James added.
Snyder left office in 2019.
James also raised concerns about potential fraud in Michigan, drawing comparisons to Minnesota's sprawling taxpayer-funded fraud investigations.
"If a 19-year-old journalist named Nick Shirley can find $9 billion of fraud in Minnesota, a state with 50% of our population and 60% of our budget, what do you think he can find here?" James said, referring to a videographer who had become famous for investigating Somali fraud rings.
Shirley drew national attention to suspected fraud involving Minnesota childcare providers, although he did not uncover $9 billion in fraud. That figure came from former federal prosecutor Joe Thompson, who estimated last year that fraud across 14 high-risk Medicaid programs could total $9 billion or more. Minnesota officials have disputed the estimate. Federal and state investigators in Minnesota have uncovered fraud involving taxpayer-funded childcare, food assistance and healthcare programs, including schemes in which defendants allegedly billed the government for services they never provided.
Top House Republican accuses Democrats of concealing 'Communist' agenda
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Monday called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reject a petition from a conservative political group to ease restrictions on AI-generated robocalls ahead of November’s midterm elections. “Under this change, campaigns could use their opponents’ voice to send out a message that is, at best, disingenuous and,…
Robô que classifica tumores em tempo real e análise de Alzheimer por amostra de sangue são destaques do novo Laboratório de Biomarcadores, financiado pelo PRR.
It’s been a month since the story of the Cornell Seven case became national news. Ruby Cramer documents what she describes as “an ever-expanding blast radius of online abuse, threats, and vigilantism which has touched virtually every person connected to the case, along with people who have no immediate connection to it at all.” Among those closest to the center is the accuser herself:
Jane Doe explained to the police that her phone number and address had been leaked on the internet, and that she’d been receiving harassing phone calls, including that evening. She had recorded one such call. In the recording, the man says, “I’m probably just gonna, like, pull up to your house and shoot. . . .” The caller speaks in a deep, throaty voice that at times sounds almost garbled. In response, Jane Doe says nothing. The man says, “I can hear you breathing.”
While officers were still at the family’s house, dispatch reported that the initial caller was back on the line, saying that he had an AR-15 assault rifle and was going to kill everyone at the house, then himself. About an hour later, police reported another call, this one saying that the house was on fire. In yet another phone call, a man stated that he had explosives and that the family would die—“either now, midnight, or tomorrow.” Jane Doe was receiving additional threats via text message and D.M. Her phone had hundreds of unread messages on it, but some of them she opened. “Typical white btich whore crying ‘rape,’ ” one of the messages read. “Hopefully someone does the world a favor and 🔫🔫🔫 you, nothing of value would be lost.” Officers advised her to keep her phone turned off. The next day, according to her attorney, she started taping pieces of paper over the windows at the house.
En ce mois d'Octobre rose, des actions sont menées partout sur le territoire national et dans les Outre-mer pour sensibiliser au dépistage du cancer du sein, examen essentiel mais peu pratiqué. Chaque année, 10 000 femmes meurent de cette maladie en France, soit la première cause de mortalité féminine.
Elizabeth Dunford studies food additives and their impact on health.
Elizabeth Dunford/ Getty Images
Ultra-processed foods are everywhere, but some additives are worse than others.
Elizabeth Dunford is a nutrition epidemiologist who studies additives and health issues.
She avoids two types of additives when she sees them on a food label.
Elizabeth Dunford isn't trying to make grocery shopping an impossible task.
Dunford is a nutrition epidemiologist who studies additives in ultra-processed foods and their impact on health.
It's not realistic to avoid packaged foods altogether, Dunford, who is based at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told Business Insider. They make up around 70% of the US food supply.
So, she focuses on buying foods for her family that have a low "additive load" overall.
"I try and avoid things in general that have a lot of additives, but you can't avoid everything," said Dunford, who is a mom of two. "If you pick it up, you turn it over, and you don't recognize half the ingredients, it's probably not a good choice," she said.
She has taught her kids that eating enough vegetables, protein, and calcium will "keep their brains and bodies healthy," and that there's a time and a place for treats, but it's not good to have too many. "It is the everyday food and drink choices that really matter to me," Dunford said.
Ultra-processed foods contain ingredients you wouldn't find in a regular kitchen, like emulsifiers and thickening agents. They tend to be ultrapalatable, meaning they contain an irresistible combination of sugar, salt, and fat, and have long shelf lives. They can be anything from potato chips and soda to packaged bread and yogurt.
A diet high in this type of food has been linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases, including type two diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and depression.
While she finds it unrealistic to cut out all additives, Dunford shared the two additives that she won't buy.
Synthetic dyes
Synthetic dyes are used in many different kinds of foods, not just junk food, Dunford said.
markcarper/Getty Images
Dunford avoids buying products that contain synthetic dyes for herself and her family. "I will allow it at a birthday party. That's about it. Day-to-day, they're not allowed in our house," she said.
The dyes, which are typically made from petroleum, are used to give food products colorful appearances. If you're looking out for them on a label, scan for a color and a number.
Dunford said that although the dyes are common in candy and junk foods, they can be used in anything from blueberry bagels to spinach wraps. Instead of avoiding any particular food, she checks labels to find a version without synthetic dyes.
"There are definitely enough alternatives out there that there is no need to buy products for my kids that contain synthetic dyes," she said.
Synthetic dyes are not proven to harm everyone who consumes them, but evidence suggests they can worsen hyperactivity or attention-related behavior in children who are sensitive to them. Dunford said her son is on the ADHD spectrum, and that she would notice a difference in his behavior when he had brightly colored foods.
"My son, like many kids his age on the ADHD spectrum, and I noticed he became horrible when he would have brightly colored foods," Dunford said.
In January 2025, the FDA banned Red Dye 3, a dye that gives foods like candy, frosting, and bacon a cherry red color, because it was linked to cancer in an animal study. It has not been found to cause cancer in humans, but has also been associated with behavioral issues in some children.
In April 2025, the FDA announced that it would be phasing out a number of other synthetic dyes, including Red 40, Green 3, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Blue 2.
Phosphate additives
Soda typically contains phosphate additives.
Grace Cary/Getty Images
Dunford tries to avoid buying products with phosphate additives such as phosphoric acid, dicalcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, disodium phosphate, sodium phosphate, and lecithin.
Studies suggest that phosphate-based additives are present in up to 56% of packaged foods in the US and that they raise blood phosphate levels more than the phosphate that naturally occurs in foods such as meat, seafood, and dairy. Soda, processed meats, and fast food all commonly contain phosphate additives, but they can also be used in everyday staples like yogurt and bread.
Dunford won't buy major culprits like soda at all, but for other products like yogurt, she makes sure to find versions without them.
"Children are getting really highly exposed to these additives and they can really cause a lot of problems with bone health, with kidney health," Dunford said.
The body needs phosphate, which is a mineral, for healthy bones, teeth, cells, and energy production. But too much phosphate in the blood can be harmful, especially for people with chronic kidney disease, whose kidneys are less able to remove excess phosphate.
Calcium and phosphate are both used to build bones, and the kidneys help keep their levels balanced in the bloodstream. When phosphate builds up, it can disrupt this balance and trigger hormonal changes, including higher levels of parathyroid hormone, a hormone that regulates calcium in the blood. Over time, this can cause calcium to be released from bones, weakening them.
Although studies suggest that phosphate additives can temporarily affect the phosphate-calcium balance in healthy people, more research is needed to understand if these ingredients can cause health issues over time. Regardless, Dunford prefers to err on the side of caution.
"You're not going to get it perfect. It's okay, but just take that extra step, look at the label," Dunford said.
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