Lifestyle

Dementia research has taken a massive step forward after researchers discovered an "ideal" biomarker that detects Alzheimer's disease before the onset of symptoms. They say the way of identifying dementia before symptoms even show using brain scans is perfect as the technique is completely non-invasive Around 60 per cent of people diagnosed with dementia, will have Alzheimer’s disease, and it is the most common form of dementia in the over 65 age group. Evidence has emerged over more than a...

If you’ve spent any time as a buyer or seller on eBay, you’ll know the sinking feeling you get when you see something listed as ‘collection only’. For sellers, maybe you’ve decided not to list a large item in the knowledge that it won’t get as much attention as perhaps a listing a smaller item with the words FREE DELIVERY glaring at you will attract. When buying or selling anything larger than a parcel, it can be difficult to see...

Barnardo’s has been improving the lives of vulnerable children and young people for more than 150 years. It was the first children’s charity in England to take in vulnerable black and mixed heritage children. Today, Barnardo’s supports young carers, care leavers, foster carers and adoptive parents, training and skills or parenting classes. Last year 272,000 children, young people and families were supported through more than 1,000 services across the UK. Javed Khan, Barnardo’s Chief Executive, said: “Barnardo’s started its work...

A football fan who was left with brain damage after a brutal attack by rival fans is set to have his home renovated thanks to hit BBC show DIY SOS. Cambridge United supporter Simon Dobbin, 45, was left unable to walk or talk after being kicked and punched in the head by a gang of 13 football fans after his team drew 0-0 with Southend United FC. The father-of-three suffered permanent brain damage due to a massive stroke and bleed...

When I was younger the only thing I ever looked forward to about going back to school, was the fact that I’d have a brand new backpack across my scrawny shoulders. Every September a new bag was purchased and a huge grin beamed across my ‘innocent’ face. Alas, those care-free school days are LONG behind me, but my backpack wearing days are still very much intact. Who doesn’t love a backpack? In fact, (until recently) I had always referred to...

It seems as though they’ve only just started the new school year before the October break begins and the educational system very kindly hands your bundles of joy back home for the week. Many of us look to distant shores and new pastures during this time in a bid to combat the evitable boredom-induced mischief. However, with droves of other families thinking the same, traffic jams, tantrums and domestic chaos can soon ensue. Here are some hints to help you...

A drug that prevents the devastating damage caused by a heart attack could be on the horizon, according to new research. Scientists restored the organ's function in mice by targeting a specific set of proteins - and are hopeful the same method may work in humans. The breakthrough offers hope to the 270,000 Britons who suffer a heart attack each year, often leaving them with heart failure and shortness of breath. It could also lead to new treatments for people...

Dementia can be accurately predicted five years before symptoms develop with a simple smell test, according to new research. A study of almost 3,000 older people found those who cannot identify at least four out of five common odours were more than twice as likely to develop the disease. And the worse their sense of smell, the bigger the risk, said scientists. The aromas in order of increasing difficulty were peppermint, fish, orange, rose and leather and could be used...

The average sofa will witness 1,236 arguments, have 2,728 drink and food spillages on it – and see blokes sleeping on it after getting kicked out of bed 191 times, a study has found. Over the course of the average 11-year life of a sofa, it will also see couples kiss 2,105 times, families sit down to watch 3,135 films and 2,299 hours – almost 96 days - of phone conversations. It will also be home to people watching a...