A new study has suggested that older adults experiencing daytime sleepiness or a lack of enthusiasm for activities due to sleep issues may be at higher risk of developing motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome, a condition that can precede dementia.

The new research, published on Wednesday in the journal Neurology, found that among participants who experienced excessive daytime sleepiness and a lack of enthusiasm, 35.5% developed MRC syndrome compared with 6.7% of people without those problems.

MCR is a predementia syndrome characterized by slow gait speed and cognitive complaints among older people who don’t already have dementia or a mobility disability. The risk of developing dementia more than doubles in people with this syndrome.

During the study, researchers examined data on 445 adults who were 76 years old on average and had no history of dementia. Participants took questionnaires for sleep and were asked about memory issues. Their walking speed was tested on a treadmill and then once a year for an average of three years.

The researchers assessed the participants’ sleep quality and quantity using the seven components of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

The index included subjective sleep quality, time it takes to fall asleep, sleep duration, sleep efficiency (ratio of total hours asleep to total hours in bed), sleep disturbances, use of sleep-inducing medication, and daytime dysfunction, such as having trouble staying awake during activities or feeling less enthusiasm to get things done.

The researchers found that 177 participants met the definition of poor sleepers, while 268 were considered good sleepers. 42 people had MCR at the start of the study, and another 36 developed it.

The study found that people with excessive daytime sleepiness and a lack of enthusiasm for activities were more than 3 times more likely to develop MCR syndrome than people who didn’t have these sleep-related problems.

However, Tara Spires-Jones, professor of neurodegeneration and director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, said the study has a few “serious” limitations.

“The sleep measurements were self-reported, not measured by a scientist, and these self-reports could be biased by people with memory issues,” Tara said.

“The participants in the study were also largely white, and the group was much smaller than similar single-timepoint studies, so the results will be stronger if confirmed in future studies.”

Victoire Leroy, the study author, said “more research needs to be done to look at the relationship between sleep issues and cognitive decline and the role played by motoric cognitive risk syndrome”.

“We also need studies to explain the mechanisms that link these sleep disturbances to motoric cognitive risk syndrome and cognitive decline,” Leroy, who has an MD, and PhD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, added.

What you eat first thing in the morning sets the tone for your day. After a night of fasting, your body is ready for the right kind of fuel to boost your energy and get your metabolism going.

However, some foods can cause discomfort, bloating, or irritation when eaten on an empty stomach—especially acidic ones that can be tough on your stomach lining.

On the flip side, starting your day with a balanced breakfast that includes protein, healthy fats, and fibre can keep your blood sugar steady, sharpen your focus, and give you energy that lasts.

Here are eight foods you should skip on an empty stomach:

1. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making them great for your health. But when eaten on an empty stomach, their high acidity can irritate your stomach lining. This can lead to acid reflux, bloating, or even heartburn. Plus, their tangy flavour can trigger your stomach to produce too much gastric acid, which may cause discomfort. 

2. Coffee
For many, coffee is a morning ritual. However, drinking it on an empty stomach can be harsh on your digestive system. The caffeine in coffee can ramp up stomach acid production, which may cause acid reflux, heartburn, or even gastritis if there’s nothing in your stomach to balance it out. On top of that, coffee can dehydrate you, especially if it’s the first thing you drink in the morning. 

3. Spicy foods
Spicy foods like chilli or hot sauce might be delicious, but they aren’t the best idea on an empty stomach. These fiery options can increase gastric acid production, which can lead to acid reflux and heartburn. Spices can also irritate the stomach lining, leaving it more susceptible to inflammation and discomfort. 

4. Sugary foods
Sugary treats like pastries, sugary cereals, or sweetened drinks might seem like a quick way to start your day, but they can backfire. Eating them on an empty stomach causes your blood sugar to spike rapidly, giving you a short-lived energy boost followed by a crash. This crash can leave you feeling tired and cranky. Sugary foods can also disrupt digestion, causing bloating and discomfort. 

5. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is generally considered a healthy snack, but it’s not ideal for an empty stomach. The natural acidity in yoghurt can irritate sensitive stomachs and may reduce the effectiveness of the probiotics it contains. These beneficial bacteria can struggle to survive in the highly acidic environment of an empty stomach. 

6. Fried foods
Fried foods like doughnuts, French fries, or fried chicken are heavy and take longer to digest. Eating them on an empty stomach can overwhelm your digestive system, leading to bloating, indigestion, or even nausea. Their high fat content also slows down digestion, making you feel sluggish and uncomfortable. 

7. Raw vegetables

Raw vegetables are undeniably healthy, but eating them on an empty stomach can be rough on your digestive system. Their high fibre content and certain enzymes can lead to gas and bloating. Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are particularly challenging because they are harder to digest when your stomach is empty.

8. Carbonated drinks
Starting your day with soda or sparkling water isn’t the best idea. The carbon dioxide in these drinks can create gas in your stomach, leaving you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. They can also irritate your stomach lining and disrupt digestion.

Conclusion
Choosing the right foods for an empty stomach is key to starting your day on the right note. Avoiding these eight foods can help you feel more comfortable and energized. Instead, reach for options that are easy on your stomach, like oatmeal, bananas, or whole-grain toast with eggs. These choices will give you a healthy and balanced start to your day.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has granted emergency use listing (EUL) for the LC16m8 mpox vaccine.

This would be the second mpox vaccine to be supported by WHO following the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024.

The LC16m8 is a vaccine developed and manufactured by KM Biologics in Japan.

The technical advisory group (TAG) for EUL of vaccines convened to discuss the outcome of the LC16m8 vaccine review, including the product and programmatic suitability assessments.

Cases have been reported across 80 countries, including 19 countries in Africa, as of October 31, 2024.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, the hardest-hit country, recorded a majority of suspected cases — over 39,000 — as well as more than 1,000 deaths.

In a statement on Tuesday, the WHO said the move is particularly relevant as the Japanese government has announced that it will donate 3.05 million doses of the LC16m8 vaccine, alongside specialised inoculation needles, to the DRC.

“This is the largest donation package announced to date in response to the current mpox emergency,” the statement reads.

“The TAG recommended the vaccine for use in individuals over one year of age as a single dose vaccine, via a multiple puncture technique using a bifurcated needle.

“WHO’s assessment for EUL is based on information submitted by the manufacturer and review by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), the Japanese regulatory agency of record for this vaccine.

“The LC16m8 vaccine has been used in Japan during previous mpox outbreaks and was shown to be safe and effective, including in people with well-controlled HIV.

“The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization reviewed available evidence and recommended the use of LC16m8 vaccine in outbreak settings in children and others with a documented high-risk of exposure to mpox.

“However, minimally replicating vaccines, such as LC16m8, should not be used during pregnancy and in people who are immunocompromised.

“Immunocompromised persons include those with active cancer, transplant recipients, immunodeficiency, and active treatment with immunosuppressive agents.

“They also include people living with HIV with a current CD4 cell count of <200 cells µl.”