Very interesting Advert , to sensitize people about Alzheimer
In the end , on her death bed, my late mother Kritya could no more understand what was happening . She was already brain damaged.
She was still telling me her feet is feeling pain, while the 'injury' was at her Chest, breast.
I still do not know IF AT NIGHT they pulled OFF the artificial breathing or she died naturally in her sleep. In the morning they call me to tell me 'my baby' was dead.
Naegleria fowleri is a free-living, thermophilic amoeba found in warm freshwater and soil. It causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but almost always fatal brain infection (Visvesvara et al., 2007; Capewell et al., 2015). Despite being colloquially termed a "brain-eating amoeba," it does not feed on brain tissue directly; rather, it destroys it during its pathogenesis.
The amoeba is not spread person-to-person (CDC, 2024). Instead, infection occurs when contaminated water enters the body through the nasal passages. The process is as follows:
Entry point:
During swimming, diving, or performing nasal irrigation (e.g., neti pots) with contaminated freshwater.
It cannot infect through drinking contaminated water (Martinez & Visvesvara, 1997).
Nasal colonization:
The trophozoite form of N. fowleri attaches to the olfactory epithelium in the nasal cavity.
Migration to the brain:
It penetrates the cribriform plate and travels along the olfactory nerves to the olfactory bulbs of the brain (Grace et al., 2015).
Brain damage:
Once in the central nervous system, the amoeba triggers intense inflammation, necrosis, and cerebral edema, leading to PAM.
Warm freshwater (lakes, rivers, hot springs, poorly chlorinated swimming pools).
High temperatures (thrives at 30–45°C; Keim et al., 2020).
Stagnant water with low chlorine levels.
Because PAM is almost always fatal (mortality >97%), prevention is critical (Capewell et al., 2015). Recommended measures include:
Do not swim or dive in warm freshwater during high summer temperatures.
If unavoidable, use nose clips to prevent water from entering nasal passages (Yoder et al., 2010).
Chlorination: Municipal water supplies and swimming pools should be adequately chlorinated. The CDC recommends ≥1 ppm of free chlorine for swimming pools (CDC, 2024).
Nasal irrigation safety: Always use sterile water, boiled and cooled water, or distilled water when cleaning nasal passages (e.g., neti pots). Tap water should not be used directly.
Monitoring freshwater systems for N. fowleri in endemic regions.
Public education campaigns to raise awareness of risks (Capewell et al., 2015).
While no guaranteed cure exists, early diagnosis and experimental use of drugs such as amphotericin B, miltefosine, and azoles have shown limited success (Cope & Ali, 2016).
Thus, reducing exposure remains the main preventive strategy.
The brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) spreads when contaminated freshwater enters the nasal cavity, allowing the pathogen to travel to the brain and cause fatal PAM. Since there is no effective cure, prevention focuses on avoiding nasal exposure to contaminated water, ensuring proper chlorination, and using sterile water for nasal rinsing. Public awareness and water management are essential for minimizing risk.
Capewell, L. G., Harris, A. M., Yoder, J. S., Cope, J. R., & Eddy, B. A. (2015). The epidemiology of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in the USA, 1962–2013. Epidemiology & Infection, 143(10), 2105–2114.
CDC. (2024). Naegleria fowleri—Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/naegleria
Cope, J. R., & Ali, I. K. (2016). Primary amebic meningoencephalitis: what have we learned in the last five years? Current Infectious Disease Reports, 18(10), 31.
Grace, E., Asbill, S., & Virga, K. (2015). Naegleria fowleri: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment options. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 59(11), 6677–6681.
Keim, P. S., Wagner, D. M., & White, C. F. (2020). Emerging infectious diseases: Naegleria fowleri. Annual Review of Microbiology, 74, 309–330.
Martinez, A. J., & Visvesvara, G. S. (1997). Free-living, amphizoic and opportunistic amebas. Brain Pathology, 7(1), 583–598.
Visvesvara, G. S., Moura, H., & Schuster, F. L. (2007). Pathogenic and opportunistic free-living amoebae: Naegleria, Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia, and Sappinia. FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology, 50(1), 1–26.
Yoder, J. S., Eddy, B. A., Visvesvara, G. S., Capewell, L., & Beach, M. J. (2010). The epidemiology of Naegleria fowleri infections in the United States, 1962–2008. Epidemiology & Infection, 138(7), 968–975.
McVary KT, Carrier S, Wessells H; Subcommittee on Smoking and Erectile Dysfunction Socioeconomic Committee, Sexual Medicine Society of North America. Smoking and erectile dysfunction: evidence based analysis. J Urol. 2001 Nov;166(5):1624-32. PMID: 11586190.
Dr. Kevin T. McVary, Dr. S. Carrier, and Dr. H. Wessells co-authored a seminal study titled "Smoking and Erectile Dysfunction: Evidence-Based Analysis," published in The Journal of Urology in 2001. His comprehensive review critically examines the relationship between cigarette smoking and erectile dysfunction (ED), integrating clinical, epidemiological, and pathophysiological evidence to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and implications for public health.
The authors highlight that both ED and smoking share common pathophysiological pathways, particularly endothelial dysfunction. Smoking impairs endothelium-dependent smooth muscle relaxation, a critical process for penile erection. This impairment is analogous to the vascular damage observed in coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis, conditions that are also prevalent among smokers. The study underscores that the association between smoking and ED is likely due to the consistency of the relationship between smoking and endothelial disease, and the strength of the association of ED with other endothelial diseases.
The research indicates that smoking may increase the likelihood of moderate or complete ED by approximately two-fold. Notably, the prevalence of ED among former smokers is comparable to that of individuals who have never smoked, suggesting that smoking cessation may mitigate the risk of developing ED. This finding emphasizes the potential for recovery of erectile function upon cessation of smoking.
The study advocates for the inclusion of smoking cessation programs in the management strategies for ED. Given the reversible nature of smoking-induced endothelial dysfunction, healthcare providers are encouraged to incorporate smoking cessation counseling into routine urological care. Additionally, the authors recommend that clinicians assess smoking status in patients presenting with ED and consider it a modifiable risk factor in the overall management plan.
McVary, Carrier, and Wessells' research provides compelling evidence linking smoking to erectile dysfunction through shared vascular mechanisms. The study not only enhances the understanding of the pathophysiology of ED but also underscores the importance of smoking cessation in the prevention and management of this condition. By integrating these findings into clinical practice, healthcare providers can offer more effective, evidence-based interventions to improve patient outcomes.
McVary, K. T., Carrier, S., & Wessells, H. (2001). Smoking and erectile dysfunction: Evidence-based analysis. The Journal of Urology, 166(5), 1624–1632. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ju.0000077797.30013.0d
Extensive research has established a robust association between cigarette smoking and erectile dysfunction (ED), highlighting both physiological mechanisms and epidemiological evidence. Below is a synthesis of key findings from peer-reviewed studies, with a focus on the nitric oxide (NO) pathway, dose-response relationships, and the potential for recovery upon smoking cessation.
The primary physiological mechanism linking smoking to ED involves the impairment of the NO signaling pathway, which is crucial for penile vasodilation. Cigarette smoke components inhibit both neuronal and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS), leading to decreased NO production. Additionally, reactive oxygen species generated by smoking can degrade NO, further compromising vascular function and contributing to ED (PMC).
Numerous studies have demonstrated a significant association between smoking and ED. For instance, a meta-analysis indicated that smokers have a higher risk of developing ED compared to non-smokers, with a dose-response relationship observed—meaning the risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked (PMC).
The risk of ED is positively correlated with both the quantity and duration of smoking. Heavier smokers, particularly those consuming more than 20 cigarettes per day, exhibit a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing severe ED compared to lighter smokers (PMC).
Smoking cessation has been shown to improve erectile function, especially when initiated early in the course of ED. However, the extent of recovery may be limited in individuals with prolonged and heavy smoking histories, suggesting that early intervention is crucial (PMC).
Healthcare providers should consider smoking as a modifiable risk factor in the management of ED. Encouraging smoking cessation and addressing vascular health can be integral components of ED treatment strategies.
Kovac, J. R., Labbate, C., Ramasamy, R., Tang, D., & Lipshultz, L. I. (2015). Effects of cigarette smoking on erectile dysfunction. Andrologia, 47(10), 1087–1092. https://doi.org/10.1111/and.12393
Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide, with profound effects on sexual health, reproductive outcomes, and the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and stroke. This overview synthesises current evidence on the negative impacts of smoking, with a focus on its effects on men’s sexuality, women’s reproductive health, and the health of children, supported by academic references.
Smoking is a significant risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco cause vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow to the penis. This impairment in vascular function increases the risk of ED, with the severity correlating with the duration and intensity of smoking. Studies have shown that men who smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day have double the risk of severe ED compared to non-smokers (Verywell Health).
Smoking adversely affects sperm quality, leading to lower sperm count, increased sperm DNA fragmentation, and reduced motility. These factors contribute to male infertility and can increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects in offspring. The detrimental effects on sperm health are dose-dependent, with heavier smoking leading to more significant impairments (American Cancer Society).
Smoking impairs female fertility by affecting hormone levels and damaging reproductive organs. It increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and complications during pregnancy, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Women who smoke are also more likely to experience early menopause (CDC).
Cigarette smoking is a well-established risk factor for cervical cancer. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke can cause mutations in cervical cells, increasing the likelihood of developing cancer. Women who smoke are at a higher risk of persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is a necessary step in the development of cervical cancer (Better Health Channel).
Women over 35 who smoke and use oral contraceptives have a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke and heart attack. The combination of smoking and hormonal contraception exacerbates the adverse effects on vascular health (Better Health Channel).
Maternal smoking during pregnancy exposes the fetus to harmful chemicals, leading to developmental issues such as low birth weight, premature birth, and respiratory problems. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is also more common among infants exposed to maternal smoking (Cancer.gov).
Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk of respiratory infections, asthma, and developmental delays. Passive smoke exposure can also affect cognitive development and increase the likelihood of behavioral problems (World Health Organization).
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and is associated with cancers of the mouth, throat, pancreas, bladder, kidney, and cervix. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke cause DNA damage, leading to mutations that initiate cancer development. The risk of developing cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and the duration of smoking (PMC).
Smoking accelerates the development of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to narrowed and hardened blood vessels. This condition increases the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are more likely to suffer from peripheral artery disease and heart attacks due to the adverse effects of smoking on vascular health (Medical News Today).
Cigarette smoking poses significant health risks across all stages of life, affecting sexual and reproductive health, increasing the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and harming children both prenatally and through secondhand smoke exposure. Public health initiatives aimed at smoking prevention and cessation are critical in mitigating these risks and improving overall health outcomes.
American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Health Risks of Smoking Tobacco. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/health-risks-of-smoking-tobacco.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Smoking and Reproductive Health. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/about/cigarettes-and-reproductive-health.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Smoking, Pregnancy, and Babies. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/pregnancy.html
Medical News Today. (2018). 13 Effects of Smoking Cigarettes. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324644
National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Harms of Cigarette Smoking and Health Benefits of Quitting. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/tobacco/cessation-fact-sheet
PubMed Central. (2009). Cigarette Smoke and Adverse Health Effects. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2733016/
World Health Organization. (2023). Effects of Tobacco on Health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/effects-of-tobacco-on-health
Introduction
I recently witness an act of VIOLENCE on AN ELDERLY PERSON, and I remined the 'youths' that it is a serious Criminal Offense and punishable by the law.
Below is a summarized table of some laws in various countries :
|
Country |
Primary statute(s) for elder protection |
Who is protected / key definitions |
Core duties & remedies |
Reporting / enforcement |
|
Mauritius |
Protection of Elderly Persons Act 2005 (as amended 2016) |
Establishes a protection network and administrative
framework for assistance and protection of elderly persons |
Enables protective services and coordination mechanisms;
implemented nationally |
Act operational since Sept 1, 2006; Protection Network and
ministry oversight manage complaints/interventions. (International
Labour Organization, OHCHR,
socialsecurity.govmu.org) |
|
India |
Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act
2007 (+ allied criminal & DV laws) |
Senior citizens (60+) and parents can claim maintenance;
protection from neglect/abandonment |
Fast-track maintenance via tribunals; cancellation of
property transfers made under undue influence/non-care; penalties for
abandonment/neglect |
District tribunals enforce orders; active case law and
administration show increasing use (e.g., Pune/Nagpur rulings). (PRS
Legislative Research, Wikipedia,
The
Times of India) |
|
UK (England & Wales) |
Care Act 2014 (adult safeguarding); Domestic Abuse Act
2021; Criminal Justice & Courts Act 2015 (wilful neglect) |
“Adults at risk” of abuse/neglect; domestic abuse now
explicitly includes economic abuse and post-separation coercive control |
Local authorities must run Safeguarding Adults Boards;
Section 42 inquiries; criminal offences for ill-treatment/wilful neglect by
care workers |
Multi-agency safeguarding is statutory; coercive control
offence expanded beyond cohabitation in 2023; CPS guidance applies. (Legislation.gov.uk,
PMC, GOV.UK, Crown
Prosecution Service) |
|
UK (Scotland) |
Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 |
Adults “at risk of harm” (not age-limited) |
Councils must make inquiries; can seek protection orders;
Adult Protection Committees mandatory |
Broad information-sharing/reporting duties across public
bodies; powers to visit, examine records, arrange medical exams. (Legislation.gov.uk,
Care Information
Scotland, IRISS) |
|
United States |
Elder Justice Act (2010, ACA Title XX); Older Americans
Act Title VII (elder rights); state elder-abuse & APS laws |
Definitions vary by state; generally covers 60+/65+ or
“vulnerable adults” |
Federal support/coordination (EJCC, grants); states run Adult
Protective Services (APS) investigating abuse/neglect/exploitation |
Mandatory reporting rules differ by state; APS exists in
every state/territory; OAA Title VII funds elder-rights protection. (Congress.gov,
eldermistreatment.usc.edu,
napsa-now.org) |
|
South Africa |
Older Persons Act 13 of 2006 (+ regs); Domestic Violence
Act 116 of 1998 & 2021 amendments |
“Older person”: men 65+, women 60+; abuse criminalised |
Offence to abuse an older person; register of persons
convicted of abuse; DV Act expanded (2023 commencement) |
Reporting pathways via Dept. of Social Development;
police/courts issue protection orders; national protocols reference s.29–30
(investigations, prohibition). (Justice Department, South African Government, Fasken,
Parliament
of South Africa) |
|
Australia |
Aged Care Act 1997 + Serious Incident Response Scheme
(SIRS, 2021); national elder-abuse strategies; state/territory family
violence laws |
Residents receiving Commonwealth-funded aged care; elder
abuse framed via WHO definition in policy |
Providers must prevent, manage, and report serious
incidents to the regulator (Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission) |
Mandatory provider-level reporting under SIRS; broader
elder abuse addressed via state DV/family-violence laws and national policy.
(Health, Disability and Ageing
Department, agedcarequality.gov.au, AustLII, Attorney-General's
Department) |
In May 2020, 75-year-old veteran Norman Bledsoe was violently attacked in his room at Westwood Rehabilitation Nursing Center in Detroit by 20-year-old Jaden T. Hayden, another resident. The assault was video-recorded by Hayden on his phone and later posted on social media.(fox59.com, Global News)
The footage shows Hayden repeatedly punching Bledsoe, who is left covered in blood and suffering serious injuries including four broken fingers, broken ribs, and a broken jaw.(Global News, Tapworthy Happenings)
Hayden allegedly shouted “Get the f*** off my bed” during the attack.(fox59.com, Tapworthy Happenings)
Hayden was charged with:
Two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder
Larceny in a building
Two counts of stealing/retaining a financial transaction device (i.e., credit cards)(fox59.com, cbs4indy.com)
He pleaded not guilty, and a high cash bond was set.(cbs4indy.com)
Following the assault, Bledsoe reportedly became depressed, lost his appetite, and experienced significant weight loss.(Patch, Global News)
He died approximately two months later, a death his family attributes at least in part to the trauma and its aftermath.(Patch, Tapworthy Happenings)
Hayden was evaluated and ultimately deemed incompetent to stand trial. As a result, the charges were dismissed, though technically the case remains open and could be reinstated (“without prejudice”) if his competency changes.(The GOP Times, Tapworthy Happenings)
The assault video went viral and drew national attention—even President Trump commented on it, expressing shock on Twitter.(Global News, Tapworthy Happenings)
Hayden’s father cited autism and schizophrenia when discussing why his son should not face prison, calling into question the system’s handling of individuals with severe mental health issues.(Global News, Tapworthy Happenings)
The nursing home’s actions were also scrutinized—criticized for having placed a person with mental-health challenges and COVID-19 in the same room as a vulnerable elder.(Tapworthy Happenings)
Some online commentary picked up on racial dynamics: Hayden is Black and Bledsoe was White. A few summaries emphasized this, though most official reports did not highlight a racist motive.(The GOP Times, Reddit)
This case raises profound concerns about care facility decision-making—particularly around room assignments. Under crisis conditions (like COVID-19), people with known violent or mental health issues were housed alongside vulnerable seniors, with tragic results.(Tapworthy Happenings)
The fact that the assault was filmed by the perpetrator himself suggests gaps in monitoring and supervision—especially critical in high-risk environments like nursing home rooms.
The dismissal based on competency to stand trial leaves open challenging ethical questions:
How does the justice system balance mental incapacity with public safety and victim accountability?
The "without prejudice" dismissal leaves a pathway for future action if competency changes.
The nursing home and local health authorities are facing scrutiny and potential legal action—the victim’s family has filed suit against the facility.(Tapworthy Happenings)
This case underscores the need for clearer policies regarding mental health placement and staff training for risk assessment.
Viral social media content and high-profile reactions (including political figures) can drive public attention—but meaningful systemic change requires sustained legal and regulatory follow-through.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Norman Bledsoe, 75-year-old Army veteran |
| Perpetrator | Jaden Hayden, 20, also a resident |
| Incident | Recorded assault in nursing home |
| Injuries | Broken jaw, ribs, fingers; depression; death ~2 months later |
| Charges | Assault, larceny, credit card theft |
| Legal Outcome | Not guilty plea; later found incompetent—charges dismissed |
| Key Issues | Mental health, caregiving protocols, competency law, facility accountability |
Overdose happens when a person takes more of a substance than the body can safely process, leading to toxic effects that may cause severe illness, organ failure, or death. It can occur with prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, alcohol, or illicit substances.
Excessive dosage: Taking more than the prescribed or safe amount.
Mixing substances: Combining drugs (e.g., opioids + alcohol or benzodiazepines + opioids) can dangerously suppress breathing.
Tolerance changes: People with prior drug use may relapse after a break and take their old “usual” dose, which is now too strong.
Accidental misuse: Double-dosing by mistake, children accessing medications, or misunderstanding prescription instructions.
Metabolic issues: Liver or kidney disease can slow drug breakdown, increasing toxicity.
Effect: Suppress breathing and heart rate.
Symptoms: Pinpoint pupils, unconsciousness, respiratory depression.
Risk: High overdose risk, especially with fentanyl due to its potency.
Effect: Sedatives used for anxiety, seizures, or insomnia.
Symptoms of overdose: Confusion, extreme drowsiness, slurred speech, poor coordination, slowed breathing (especially when combined with alcohol or opioids).
Risk: Rarely fatal alone, but dangerous when mixed with other depressants.
Effect: Overstimulation of heart and nervous system.
Symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, overheating, seizures, paranoia.
Risk: Stroke, heart attack, sudden death.
Effect: Central nervous system depressant.
Symptoms: Vomiting, slowed breathing, coma, risk of aspiration.
Risk: Dangerous when combined with other sedatives.
Acetaminophen (paracetamol/Tylenol): Safe at prescribed doses, but overdose can cause severe liver damage.
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen): Overdose can cause stomach bleeding, kidney failure, seizures.
Drug class: Benzodiazepine.
Prescription use: Anxiety, panic disorders.
Toxic effects:
Drowsiness
Confusion
Impaired coordination
Slowed reflexes
Severe: low blood pressure, respiratory depression, coma
Fatal risk: Much higher if combined with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives.
Treatment:
Supportive care (airway management, IV fluids).
Flumazenil (a benzodiazepine antidote) may be used, but cautiously, as it can cause seizures.
✅ Most Common Medications Linked to Overdose (globally):
Opioids (leading cause of drug overdose deaths).
Benzodiazepines (often in combination overdoses).
Acetaminophen (leading cause of acute liver failure).
Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants).
Alcohol (when mixed with other drugs).