As the global population ages, the prevalence of Parkinson’s continues to rise, with an estimated 25 million people expected to be living with the neurological disease by 2050.

The incurable progressive disorder affects motor abilities and other nervous system functions, typically causing stiffness, tremors, balance problems and slowed movement, along with mood changes, cognitive decline and sleep disturbances.

Although Parkinson’s usually emerges after age 60, some early-onset cases do occur.

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While aging has been shown to be the biggest driver — and family history also increases the risk — research has shown that some lifestyle behaviors can help ward off or slow the onset of the disease.

"Today, even though it’s not possible to prevent Parkinson’s disease, maintaining a healthy lifestyle — staying physically active, eating well and getting enough sleep — can help protect overall brain health and may reduce the risk of various neurological disorders," Prof. Dr. Pulat Akın Sabancı, professor of Neurosurgery at Istanbul University, told Fox News Digital.

Below, experts shared some of the most impactful prevention methods.

Regular exercise is strongly linked to a decreased risk of Parkinson's disease, according to Dr. Mary Ann Picone, the medical director at Holy Name Medical Center's MS Center in New Jersey.

"Aerobic exercise can be neuroprotective and improve motor function," she told Fox News Digital, as studies have shown that it lowers risk by 50%.

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Picone recommends engaging in moderate- to high-intensity activities, such as walking or cycling, for a significant amount of time each week — at least 30 minutes daily.

"Aerobic exercise increases heart rate and helps brain neurons to maintain old connections and form new connections," she noted.

Weight training and resistance exercises are also beneficial, as well as activities that combine balance, agility and coordination, like Tai Chi or dancing, according to the expert.

"Research shows that getting the blood pumping helps the brain tissue build up protective mechanisms and do better on both cognitive and muscle control tests and often live longer," she said.

Picone recommends eating a diet rich in antioxidants and plant-based protein sources — especially beans, nuts and tofu — as well as foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids. It is best to avoid processed foods, she advised.

A Mediterranean or MIND-style diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil and whole grains, has been linked to a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease.

"Foods that contain antioxidants, such as purple, red and blue grapes; blueberries; red berries, like strawberries; green, leafy vegetables, like broccoli, kale and spinach; and sweet potatoes, acorn or butternut squash are recommended," Picone said.

Coffee and tea drinkers have a lower risk of Parkinson's disease, the doctor noted.

Exposure to certain environmental toxins, like pesticides and heavy metals, can damage neurons and increase the risk of Parkinson’s, according to Dr. George Michalopoulos, founder and chairman of The Neurologic Wellness Institute in Chicago.

"While it’s impossible to avoid all toxins, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure," he told Fox News Digital. "Choose organic produce when possible, use protective gear if you’re working with chemicals, and drink filtered water to avoid contaminants."

During deep sleep, the brain clears out waste products and repairs itself, Michalopoulos noted.

"Chronic sleep deprivation or conditions like sleep apnea can increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s," he said. "Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, avoid screens before bed and create a calming bedtime routine."

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Dr. Vibhash Sharma, a neurologist and medical director of UT Southwestern’s neuromodulation movement disorders clinic in Dallas, Texas, reiterated the importance of quality sleep for Parkinson’s prevention.

"As poor sleep quality and chronic sleep deprivation are associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative disease, quality and adequate sleep is important for supporting brain repair and clearing abnormal proteins linked to Parkinson’s disease," he told Fox News Digital.

Stress is a part of life, but chronic levels can take a toll on your brain, Picone cautioned.

"It’s been linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are thought to play a role in Parkinson’s," she said. "Finding ways to manage stress can help protect your brain and improve your overall health. Try mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing or even a daily walk in nature."

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Keeping your brain active and staying connected with others can help build "cognitive reserve," which may protect against neurodegeneration, according to Michalopoulos.

"Activities that challenge your brain — like doing puzzles, reading or learning a new skill — are great for keeping sharp," he told Fox News Digital.

Sabanci reiterated that lifelong learning, social connection and purposeful activity support brain resilience.

Smoking and heavy drinking have been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s, Michalopoulos warned.

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"Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake can go a long way toward protecting your brain," he said.

The experts agreed, however, that none of these behavioral changes completely guarantees protection from Parkinson’s.

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"But taken together, they form a practical, low-risk approach to support brain longevity," Sabancı said.

"Anyone with motor changes, loss of smell, REM sleep behavior disorder or persistent constipation should seek medical evaluation early."

Why does hair turn gray? And how is that common hallmark of aging connected to a life-threatening disease? 

A new study may have pinpointed how going gray is connected to one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University, led by Dr. Emi K. Nishimura, found that pigment-producing stem cells in hair follicles respond to stress in dramatically different ways.

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Depending on their environment, those cells can either die off, which leads to gray hair, or survive and multiply in ways that could trigger melanoma, according to a university press release.

The findings were published Oct. 6 in the journal Nature Cell Biology.

The team studied melanocyte stem cells, the cells that give hair and skin their color, using mouse models and tissue samples. In exposing these cells to forms of stress that damage DNA — such as chemicals that mimic UV exposure — the scientists observed how the cells behaved inside their natural setting.

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Some of the cells responded to the damage by stopping their normal self-renewal process and turning into mature pigment cells that soon died. This left the hair without its source of color, producing graying.

But when the researchers altered the surrounding tissue to encourage cell survival, the damaged stem cells began dividing again instead of shutting down. Those surviving cells accumulated more genetic damage, and, in some cases, started behaving like cancer cells.

Additional experiments showed that certain signals from the cells’ environment — including one molecule called KIT ligand, which promotes cell growth — helped determine which way the cells went, the release stated.

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In other words, the same kind of cell could either fade out harmlessly or become the seed of melanoma, depending on the cues it received from nearby tissue.

"It reframes hair graying and melanoma not as unrelated events, but as divergent outcomes of stem cell stress responses," Nishimura said in the release.

Nishimura’s team described the process as a biological trade-off between aging and cancer, but that doesn't mean gray hair prevents cancer.

Instead, it shows that when pigment cells stop dividing and die off, it’s the body’s way of getting rid of damaged cells, the researchers noted. If that process doesn’t happen and the damaged cells stick around, they could turn into cancer.

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The study was conducted in mice, but its implications could help scientists understand why some people develop melanoma without obvious warning signs, and how the natural mechanisms of aging could actually protect against cancer.

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For now, the researchers say the discovery shows how finely balanced the body’s cellular responses are and how small changes in that balance can mean the difference between a harmless sign of aging and a life-threatening disease.

Jeffrey Mittman knows how to turn life’s toughest battles into opportunities for others.

The Indianapolis-based veteran has worn many hats — Army service member, survivor, leader, and now, a freshly appointed member of the U.S. AbilityOne Commission.

The Virginia-based commission is an independent federal agency that oversees the AbilityOne Program, which creates meaningful employment opportunities for people who are blind or have significant disabilities.

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Mittman served in the Army for over 20 years before a tragic incident left him blind and changed the trajectory of his life. 

As an infantry soldier starting in 1989, Mittman traveled throughout the U.S., U.K., Germany and Korea, and completed four combat tours.

The father of two daughters recently told Fox News Digital that during his last tour, he served as an advisor to an Iraqi unit.

"I was moving out on the morning of July 7, 2005, and we were ambushed and hit by an improvised explosive device," he said. 

"That immediately knocked me unconscious, and I woke up a month later at the old Walter Reed [hospital] in Washington, D.C., unable to see, speak or walk."

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Mittman said his wife was by his side when he awoke. "I couldn't figure out what she was doing in Baghdad, because that was my last memory, being in Baghdad, and then I woke up in a hospital in Washington, D.C."

He spent five years recovering in and out of the hospital, undergoing about 40 different operations before he began working again.

"When I was injured, it never relieved me of my responsibilities as a husband and father," he said. "I realized I had to adjust. My career was over in the military, obviously, and I had to figure out what I was going to do."

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Mittman said he began looking for other vets who had lost their vision through veterans’ organizations and blind rehabilitation programs with the VA.

In 2019, Mittman became CEO of Bosma Enterprises in Indianapolis, an AbilityOne-affiliated agency that creates employment opportunities for blind or visually impaired individuals. There are about 2,500 disabled veterans in the AbilityOne program.

"I was able to do it because I had the Army behind me, I had the VA behind me," he said. "I had my family, my friends and my community, and organizations like the AbilityOne program were out there."

In August 2025, President Donald Trump tapped Mittman to serve on the U.S. AbilityOne Commission.

Among veterans who sustained blast-related traumatic brain injuries, over 65% experienced vision problems, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Hearing issues, including tinnitus, are the most prevalent service-connected disabilities among veterans.

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Mittman encourages companies to strive to offer accommodations, such as teleworking options and mental health assistance, to the visually impaired.

Bosma Enterprises has a free 24/7 assistance program that allows employees to call and speak to people other than their direct bosses or employers.

"I think it is really important that they have that outlet that they do not believe will affect their career," Mittman noted.

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Mittman knows firsthand what it is like to transition into the civilian market — and said he wants to help the program grow.

"As the program becomes more efficient, more opportunities will come along — [as well as] more training and more resources for people who are blind or significantly disabled," he added.

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During a Monday press conference about various autism topics, federal health officials noted the potential for an existing cancer drug to double as therapy for the neurodevelopmental condition.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz discussed research suggesting that leucovorin, a prescription vitamin used to treat cancer and anemia, is effective in off-label use for children with autism.

The FDA plans to approve prescription leucovorin as a "potential treatment for speech-related deficits associated with ASD," according to a press release from HHS. The agency will update the label for leucovorin to indicate treatment for cerebral folate deficiency, which has been associated with autism.

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After the label update, state Medicaid programs will be able to cover the drug for autism treatment, the release stated. 

The NIH will also launch new research initiatives into leucovorin's safety and effectiveness.

Studies have shown that leucovorin could help some non-verbal children gain the ability to speak.

Leucovorin functions similarly to folic acid, helping to restore folate levels in patients who may have difficulty absorbing or using it, according to Katy Dubinsky, a New York pharmacist and the CEO and co-founder of Vitalize, a private supplement company.

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"Leucovorin is FDA-approved to reduce the toxic effects of high-dose methotrexate in cancer treatment and to prevent or treat certain types of anemia caused by folate deficiency," Dubinsky previously told Fox News Digital.

While leucovorin isn’t yet prescribed for the treatment of autism, some families have found that its off-label use has led to significant improvements in autistic children’s communication skills, experts say.

Richard E. Frye, M.D., Ph.D., a behavioral child neurologist in Arizona, has studied the drug in his research of experimental treatments for children with autism spectrum disorder.

"Leucovorin is a special form of vitamin B9 that is water-soluble and does not build up in your body," he previously told Fox News Digital. 

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"Folates have been found to be safe long-term for many years and that is why we supplement our food with folate."

Leucovorin's main benefit for children with autism is improvement in language, Frye said, but other advantages may include enhanced social function, reduced repetitive behaviors and stronger attention skills.

"We do find that leucovorin helps a substantial number of children with autism," he said. "Language is one of the most obvious things, so that is what we measured in our clinical trial."

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News' senior medical analyst, also spoke to Fox News Digital about why the drug may have this positive impact.

"Central folate deficiency is a lack of folate in the brain, which can interfere with neurological function," he said earlier this year. "A high percentage of children with autism spectrum disorder have been found to have antibodies against folic receptor alpha in the brain."

Leucovorin is converted to folate in the brain by a different pathway, Siegel said.

"Small studies are showing that it improves neurological function and communication skills in kids with ASD, but larger studies need to be done."

The fact that leucovorin has already been used long-term helps to reduce the associated risk, doctors say.

"One of the advantages of using leucovorin is that it's been used for decades to protect the body from the effects of chemotherapy, so we know what dose to use and any side effects it may produce," Frye told Fox News Digital.

However, some children do become "extremely hyperactive," do not respond to leucovorin and need alternative treatments, the doctor noted.

It’s important for families to work with a medical professional when exploring the use of leucovorin for autism, he advised.

"Leucovorin is given at much higher doses than regular vitamins, so it’s very important to work with a doctor knowledgeable in how to prescribe it," Frye said. 

While leucovorin is available at pharmacies, Frye said some children need a compounded form because they are sensitive to some of the additives in commercial products.

"Our goal is to get leucovorin approved by the FDA for autism so it can be widely prescribed to children as one of the first treatments once they are diagnosed," he previously said.

Dubinsky agreed physicians may prescribe the "widely used and well-tolerated drug" for autism treatment based on their "clinical judgment and emerging evidence" — but also stressed the importance of clinical trials.

"FDA approval would provide stronger medical backing, making it a recognized treatment rather than just an off-label option," she told Fox News Digital. 

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"This could lead to insurance coverage, standardized dosing guidelines and broader acceptance in the medical community."

Siegel added that leucovorin is a "safe drug" and should be considered for large-scale use based on the findings of recent research.

Frye said there is "no magic bullet" for autism, with many children benefiting from a combination of multiple treatments. 

"It is unlikely that leucovorin will be used alone — it must be used with behavioral and speech therapy," he said. "We believe that leucovorin can improve outcomes for these therapies."

Andy Shih, Ph.D., chief science officer of Autism Speaks in New York, noted that every child’s experience with autism is unique.

"There is little evidence to suggest that the benefits observed [in individual cases] can be generalized to the broader autistic community," he previously told Fox News Digital. 

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"While some small studies have explored leucovorin as a potential treatment for people with autism, larger controlled clinical trials are needed to determine its efficacy and safety. We urge families to consult with their doctors before considering off-label treatments."

Dubinsky added that if larger studies confirm leucovorin’s effectiveness, it could become a more accessible treatment for children with autism who may benefit from it.

For older adults, minor falls can pose major threats, as their risk of death after a fall has tripled in the U.S. over the last 30 years.

Some experts believe that certain medications — a category called fall risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs) — could be to blame.

Dr. Thomas A. Farley, a Washington, D.C.–based public health expert, writes in the medical publication JAMA that lifestyle changes alone can’t explain the spike.

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"There is plenty of reason to believe that the surge in fall deaths may be tied to the soaring use of certain prescription drugs," he writes.

Farley noted that these drugs are widely used among older adults, and their use has grown over the past few decades.

"Cutting back on unnecessary FRIDs could be a simple but powerful way to reduce fall rates and help seniors remain safe, independent and active as they age," the researchers wrote in the study, published in BMC Geriatrics.

FRIDs could make people more likely to fall because they can cause drowsiness, dizziness, slower reaction times or problems with balance and coordination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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This category of medications includes common drugs such as beta-blockers (often used for heart conditions), anticholinergics (used for allergies, bladder issues or depression), and even proton pump inhibitors (for acid reflux), which may not directly cause falls, but can make injuries worse if a fall happens.

The most concerning FRIDs, according to Farley, are those that act on the brain and nervous system, including the following.

"The easiest way to think of medications that increase the risk of falls is any medication that changes a person’s ability to clearly perceive and navigate the world," Dr. Kenneth J. Perry, a physician based in South Carolina, told Fox News Digital. "Standing or walking without falling takes a great deal of coordination between different parts of a person’s body."

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Previous studies of FRIDs suggest a link to an increased risk of falling.

In one Swiss study last year, a group of seniors 74 and older were tracked over three years. Those taking any FRID at all were 13% more likely to fall, 15% more likely to suffer an injurious fall and 12% more likely to fall multiple times.

For those taking multiple FRIDs, the risks were even higher, with 22% more total falls and 33% more injurious falls.

There are some limitations to these studies, according to Perry.

"Many times, there are obvious associations between the two items, but that does not mean that there is a specific causation," he told Fox News Digital. "Although what appears to be a logical conclusion of FRIDs being the cause of the increased falls, it is difficult to truly make such a statement without further study."

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Perry emphasized that seniors shouldn't necessarily avoid the medications altogether.

"There is always a risk associated with taking any medication, but the intent is to make sure that the benefits outweigh the risks," he said. "The discussion of risk versus benefit is best to be had with a primary care physician who truly knows the patient and their specific risk factors."

For many college students, back-to-school prep isn’t just about dorm decor and classroom supplies. A growing number of parents are reportedly sending their kids back to school with Narcan.

Narcan is a popular brand name for naloxone, a medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose.

Once a prescription medication, it is now available over the counter for anywhere from $40 to $80, according to industry sources.

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In a TikTok video shared on a Wednesday episode of "Outnumbered," a mother detailed the "college health kit" she made for her daughter to take to college. 

"If anyone is ever at a party, or if anyone is in the dorm and has an overdose, it's probably good to throw in some Narcan," she said, holding up the nasal spray.

The "Outnumbered" hosts discussed the potential risks of students administering Narcan.

A recent article in the BU School of Public Health reported that few college students actually know how to administer the nasal spray, said Molly Line, Fox News correspondent.

"This huge comprehensive study was done a few years ago, and it talked about [how] just 15% or so could actually administer it effectively and be able to reverse the actual effects of the opioids in the case," she continued. 

Some students could be concerned about being held responsible in the event of an overdose, Line also noted.

"Some universities have put in place what's called a ‘good Samaritan policy’ … In the event of someone having a drug overdose or alcohol issues, it’s OK to step in and to do something," she said. 

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Anchor and host Harris Faulker noted that some parents wouldn't choose for their children to receive Narcan. 

"Maybe they would want somebody to call 911 first," she said. "I know you don't have a lot of time for a fentanyl, for example, overdose, but maybe your choice would be, no, you don't empower the kids to do this. You have somebody on hand who's a pro."

Paul Mauro, a Fox News contributor, said he supports college kids taking Narcan back to school, "just because the stakes are so high. You have people who could die … in seconds." 

He also pointed out that most college students are 18 and can make their own decisions.

"You can go fight in a war. You can do all kinds of other stuff. Let's not infantilize them. Go out, be an adult now. These are the metrics. These are things you need to worry about. Go forth and make your own choices."

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Co-host Emily Compagno noted that the U.S. has been "totally afflicted" by fentanyl poisonings.

"This isn't our college anymore. This isn't a Bud Light in a bottle anymore. Things could get really scary," she said. "So you need to be aware before you make those choices of putting something up your nose or in your mouth."

Kayleigh McEnany reiterated that "the stakes are so high and Narcan saves lives," calling it a "miracle drug."

"Obviously, we also need to continue fighting the fentanyl and opioid crisis," she said. "We need to fight the cause of these overdoses."

The panelists also noted that on some campuses, there will be people who are trained to use Narcan, and there could even be dispensers in dorms.

Mell McCracken, a certified alcohol and drug counselor and also executive director of No Matter What Recovery in Los Angeles, has seen more parents focusing on safety and education when it comes to substance use.

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"This kind of open dialogue is prevention, and has already shown real benefits in addressing the opioid crisis," the expert told Fox News Digital. "Narcan saves lives."

McCracken recommends that kids and parents receive Narcan training, which is "very simple, accessible and straightforward."

"Kids and parents can complete a short, five-minute online course to learn how to administer it correctly," the counselor said. 

"It is very low-risk, especially compared to the risk of not giving it during an overdose. If someone isn’t actually overdosing on opioids, giving Narcan won’t hurt them."

McCracken counters the idea that talking to kids about Narcan encourages substance use. 

"If anything, education and honest information about substance abuse is prevention. It’s these conversations that save lives."

Cases of dengue virus continue to surge in Hawaii, with the state recently reporting the 12th case so far this year.

One case was confirmed on the island of Maui, with the remaining 11 occurring on Oahu.

In the latest case, the person was exposed while traveling in a region where dengue is common, the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) reported.

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Dengue fever is a virus spread through bites from an infected mosquito. 

It is common in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Islands, as well as many Caribbean destinations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Other countries reporting spikes in dengue fever include Mexico, Fiji, French Polynesia, Tonga, Samoa, the Philippines, Colombia and Brazil. Puerto Rico also has an ongoing dengue outbreak, along with American Samoa. 

In 2024, there were 1,984 dengue cases in the U.S., according to CDC data.

While mosquitoes carrying dengue may be present in Hawaii, the disease is "not endemic" in the state, the DOH stated, adding that "cases are currently limited to travelers."

Typical symptoms of dengue include aches and pains (in the eyes, muscles, joints, or bones), nausea, vomiting and rash — usually experienced within two weeks of being bitten.

Most people experience symptoms for two to seven days before recovering.

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"It’s typically a more mild illness, but can be severe, causing headaches, joint pain, fever, abdominal pain and even death," Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director of International SOS, a leading medical and security services company, previously told Fox News Digital. 

There is not currently any medication to treat dengue, according to the CDC. 

Infected people are advised to rest, take acetaminophen for pain and fever, stay hydrated and see a doctor.

There is a vaccine available for U.S. children between 9 and 16 years of age who have previously tested positive for dengue and are living in areas where the infection is common.

In its alert, the Hawaii DOH called for travelers returning from dengue-endemic areas to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks.

"If dengue symptoms develop within two weeks of return, travelers should seek medical evaluation," the health agency advised.

Experts also recommend eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. Some examples include buckets, water-catching plants (such as bromeliads), small containers, planters, rain barrels and even cups left outside, per the DOH. 

"Pouring out containers of standing water can significantly reduce the potential for mosquito breeding," the agency stated.

Fischer added, "It’s important to wear insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or lemon and eucalyptus oil, as these ingredients are the most effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects."

"Those who live in areas with mosquito populations should try to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially at dusk and in the evening, when mosquitoes are most active, to avoid getting bitten on exposed skin."

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Keeping screens on windows and doors is also a good way to prevent insects from entering and potentially causing the spread of disease, he said. 

"If you live in an area that has a high level of mosquito-borne diseases, you should use mosquito nets when sleeping and eliminate any standing water in and around the home, since still bodies of water are breeding grounds for the insects," Fischer added.

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Experts recommend using EPA-registered insect repellent when spending time outdoors in areas where mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent.

Those who are spending prolonged time outdoors should consider treating their clothing with permethrin, which helps to repel insects.

Colorectal cancer rates have soared among younger Americans, new research has found — and there might not always be obvious symptoms.

The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) is one in 24 for men and one in 26 for women, according to the American Cancer Society.

It is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth in women, but is the second most common cause when the numbers for men and women are combined.

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While there may be no symptoms of CRC before diagnosis, especially in the early stages, the following signs and symptoms should not be overlooked, experts say.

According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, some symptoms of the disease can be similar to other causes, like hemorrhoids, infection or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

But a change in bowel habits — including diarrhea, constipation, narrow stools or feeling like your bowels are full even after a movement — can be a sign of CRC.

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Fight Colorectal Cancer, a leading patient advocacy group, noted on its website how bowel movements can change due to diet, infections, medications and other medical issues.

A change in bowel movement schedule or stool appearance could also signal CRC.

Fight CRC recommends calling a doctor if your stool is consistently abnormal, if you have sudden urges to pass stool but can’t control it, if the stool is black, clay-colored, red or white, or if there is mucus or pus in the stool.

Skinny, thin or pencil-like stool may also indicate an obstruction in the colon, like a tumor, but can also be caused by other harmless, temporary conditions.

Persistent discomfort in the abdomen is another CRC symptom, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance reported on its site.

This can include feelings of pain, nausea, cramping, bloating or feeling unusually full, even after not eating much.

Severe, "knife-in-my-stomach type" abdominal pains warrant a visit to the emergency room, Fight CRC instructed — but even mild pains shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Blood in the stool, toilet or when wiping with toilet paper can be a major sign of colorectal cancer.

Fight CRC stressed that any amount of rectal bleeding is not normal and should be brought to a doctor’s attention for proper diagnosis.

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Since blood in the stool is a common symptom, Fight CRC instructed paying attention to where the blood is found, how often it occurs and whether bowel movements are painful.

Unexplained weight loss can sometimes be caused by cancer and should be brought to the attention of a doctor, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

Weight loss is the result of cancer cells "consuming the body’s energy" as they multiply, Fight CRC explained, as the immune system expends more energy to fight and destroy cancer cells.

This can also lead to feeling fatigue, weakness or shortness of breath.

These symptoms may also be a sign of anemia, which can develop from bleeding somewhere inside the body, like from a cancerous tumor.

Weight loss can also be caused by a tumor blocking the colon or intestinal tract, which prevents proper nutrient absorption.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Paul Oberstein, M.D., medical oncologist at NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, commented that the most concerning symptoms are those that are persistent or recurrent.

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"These include pain in the abdomen, changes in bowel habits (including thin, pencil-like stools), diarrhea or new constipation, though these symptoms are very general and are usually only concerning if they are sustained," he said.

Alarming symptoms that warrant prompt medical attention include any sign of rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, unintentional weight loss, or new fatigue that is accompanied by evidence of anemia or low blood counts, according to the doctor. 

Researchers have uncovered a new factor that could contribute to Alzheimer’s disease development.

A study by Harvard Medical School has identified low lithium levels in the brain as a possible trigger for the common dementia.

Lithium is known to have many functions in the brain, including balancing mood-regulating chemicals, protecting neurons and managing emotional processing. It has also been used to treat bipolar disorder and depression.

ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCHERS SAY TARGETING BRAIN SUGAR COULD HELP PROTECT AGAINST DEMENTIA

Now, new findings show that the metal could be a "missing link" in Alzheimer’s risk, according to a Harvard press release.

The researchers tested lithium’s effects in mice, as well as human brain tissue and blood samples.

The human brain samples were obtained in partnership with the Rush Memory and Aging Project in Chicago, which maintains post-mortem brain tissue from thousands of donors. 

The samples represented the full spectrum of cognitive health, ranging from no sign of disease to mild cognitive impairment to advanced Alzheimer’s, the release stated.

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They discovered that lithium levels became lower as signs of the disease increased, showing as "greatly diminished" in advanced Alzheimer’s patients.

As toxic amyloid plaques build up in the brain — a hallmark of Alzheimer's — they begin to attach to lithium, keeping it from performing its protective functions.

When the mice were fed a "lithium-restricted diet," their brains' lithium levels decreased, causing accelerated aging, formation of amyloid-beta plaques, greater inflammation, memory loss and cognitive decline.

"Lithium turns out to be like other nutrients we get from the environment, such as iron and vitamin C," said senior author Bruce Yankner, professor of genetics and neurology in the Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School, in the release.

"It’s the first time anyone’s shown that lithium exists at a natural level that’s biologically meaningful without giving it as a drug."

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The researchers also discovered a new type of lithium compound — lithium orotate — that did not bind to amyloid. When mice drank water containing this compound, it helped to restore memory and reverse brain damage, even for those who had advanced signs of disease.

The findings were published in the journal Nature.

"What impresses me the most about lithium is the widespread effect it has on the various manifestations of Alzheimer’s," said Yanker. "I really have not seen anything quite like it in all my years of working on this disease."

"The idea that lithium deficiency could be a cause of Alzheimer’s disease is new and suggests a different therapeutic approach."

While the study did suggest that the amount of lithium in the brain could be related to amyloid beta buildup, it did have some obvious limitations, according to Ozama Ismail, Ph.D., director of scientific programs for the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago.

"Animal models do not directly replicate Alzheimer’s in humans; rather, they can provide some insights into the biology of disease progression and development," Ismail, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

"The mouse models have been modified to accumulate amyloid beta, a hallmark protein that builds up in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s."

While studies in mouse models are a "vital early step" in therapeutic research, Ismail emphasized that much more research is needed to understand the health effects of lithium levels in the brain.

"Understanding if lithium can be therapeutic for Alzheimer's requires large clinical trials in representative populations," he said.

Much like other major diseases, it is likely that Alzheimer's treatment will require multiple approaches combining medication and lifestyle changes, Ismail predicted.

The researchers agreed that more research in human clinical trials is needed.

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"You have to be careful about extrapolating from mouse models, and you never know until you try it in a controlled human clinical trial," Yankner noted. "But so far, the results are very encouraging."

If future studies confirm these findings, the scientists say that routine blood tests could potentially screen for lithium levels and identify people at risk.

In the meantime, Yankner cautioned against people taking lithium compounds "on their own."

"My hope is that lithium will do something more fundamental than anti-amyloid or anti-tau therapies, not just lessening but reversing cognitive decline and improving patients’ lives," he said.

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The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Ludwig Family Foundation, the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research and the Aging Mind Foundation.