A study of frozen blood samples has turned up a trove of proteins that may predict several forms of dementia more than 10 years before the disease is diagnosed, researchers from the U.K. and China reported on Monday.

The study, published in the journal Nature Aging, is part of ongoing research from multiple teams to identify patients at risk for dementia using a simple blood test, an advance many scientists believe will accelerate the development of new treatments.

Currently, brain scans can detect abnormal levels of a protein called beta amyloid many years before Alzheimer’s dementia develops, but the tests are costly and often not covered by insurance.

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“Based on this study, it does seem likely that blood tests will be developed that can predict risk for developing dementia over the next 10 years, although individuals at higher risk often have difficulty knowing how to respond,” said Dr. Suzanne Schindler, an Alzheimer’s researcher at Washington University in St. Louis, who was not involved in the research.

Study author Jian-Feng Feng of Fudan University in Shanghai said such tests are critical in aging populations such as China’s, and noted that he is in talks for potential commercial development of a blood test based on their research.

In the study, researchers at the University of Warwick and Fudan University studied 52,645 blood samples from the U.K.’s Biobank research repository, collected between 2006 and 2010 from people who had no signs of dementia at the time.

Of these, 1,417 people eventually developed Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia or dementia from any cause. The researchers studied protein signatures common in these individuals and turned up 1,463 proteins associated with dementia and ranked these according to how likely they were to predict dementia.

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They found that people whose blood carried higher levels of the proteins GFAP, NEFL, GDF15 and LTBP2 were consistently more likely to have developed Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia or dementia from any cause. People with elevated levels of GFAP were 2.32 times more likely to develop dementia, confirming findings from smaller studies that had pointed to the contribution of this protein.

The authors noted that their research has not been independently validated.

One protein that performed well in predicting dementia, neurofilament light, is already used in the clinic for diagnosing and monitoring some conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Schindler said in an email.

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“This study did not include clinically available blood tests for Alzheimer disease, which likely would even better predict development of dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease,” she said.  

Such tests are already being used in identifying candidates for clinical trials testing treatments in patients with early-stage or even presymptomatic disease, such as Eisai and Biogen’s Leqembi. The drug recently won regulatory approval in the United States, Japan and China.

If you notice your gums are bleeding after you brush your teeth, you could have other symptoms as well, such as tenderness and swelling. 

Oral health is very important — and if your gums bleed, you should bring this up with your dental professional. 

“Gums may start to look swollen and turn reddish in color prior to gum bleeding,” said Alice G. Boghosian, DDS, consumer adviser and spokesperson for the American Dental Association. She practices at Hagopian & Boghosian Dentistry in Glenview, Illinois. 

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“If you notice blood in the sink when you brush your teeth, and you experience it for more than two weeks, you should consult your dentist, as it’s possible you may be at risk for gum disease.”  

Fox News Digital interviewed dental experts about how to stay healthy, protect your pearly whites and your gums — read on. 

What causes bleeding gums?

There are many potential reasons for bleeding gums, medical experts say. 

“In some cases, bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease,” said Sally J. Cram, DDS, consumer adviser and spokesperson for the American Dental Association. She is a periodontist with a practice in Washington, D.C.  

“Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and bone that surround your teeth, and is caused by a buildup of plaque.” 

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In addition to gums that bleed easily, symptoms of gum disease in its early stages may include red, swollen and tender gums as well as bad breath, she said.

Many women develop bleeding and swollen gums during puberty, pregnancy, menopause and during their monthly menstrual cycle. 

Additionally, Dr. Cram said many women develop bleeding and swollen gums during puberty, pregnancy, menopause and during their monthly menstrual cycle. 

“This is due to increased hormone levels, which make the gums more sensitive to plaque and bacteria,” she said. 

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Another potential cause of bleeding gums? It might be a new flossing routine, which may cause gums to bleed at first as they get used to the cleaning between the teeth, said Dr. Cram. 

“This goes away on its own within about a week,” she said. 

In addition to bleeding gums, if you have symptoms like bad breath or swollen, tender gums, and have experienced symptoms for longer than two weeks, it’s best to visit your dentist or periodontist.  (iStock)

Lastly, brushing too hard or incorrectly may cause bleeding gums. 

“It’s always wise to ask your dentist and dental hygienist to suggest the right toothbrush for you and to review how to use it correctly,” Dr. Cram suggested.

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Many causes are temporary, like implementing a new flossing routine, or can easily be adjusted, like brushing too hard or using the wrong toothbrush.

Yet if you have additional symptoms like bad breath or swollen, tender gums, and you have experienced symptoms for longer than two weeks, you should visit your dentist or periodontist, Dr. Cram advised.

What are other factors that can put patients at risk?

Dr. Boghosian with Hagopian & Boghosian said these issues may also raise the risk of gum disease:

• Poor dental care
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Genetics
• Crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• The use of certain medications, including steroids, some anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives

Why should bleeding gums be brought up to a dentist?

It’s possible that bleeding gums can be a symptom of gum disease, an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. 

“Bacteria in the mouth and gum disease have been implicated in higher risks of oral cancer — and although it is not very common, persistent red, bleeding gums can also be a sign of certain blood disorders such as leukemia.”  (iStock)

“Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults,” periodontist Dr. Cram said. 

Additional warning signs of gum disease, she said, include red, tender gums; gums that have begun to pull away from the teeth; persistent bad breath; permanent teeth that are loose or separating; any changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite; or any changes in the fit of partial dentures. 

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“If these symptoms persist for two weeks, you should visit your dentist or periodontist,” Dr. Cram cautioned.

When can bleeding gums signify a more severe medical issue?

Research between systemic diseases and periodontal diseases is ongoing, said Dr. Cram. 

“While a link is not conclusive, some studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as diabetes or stroke,” she indicated.

“Bacteria in the mouth and gum disease have also been implicated in higher risks of oral cancer, and although it is not very common, persistent red, bleeding gums can also be a sign of certain blood disorders such as leukemia.” 

Regular dental checkups and periodontal exams are advised. 

“It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, eat a balanced diet, schedule regular dental visits and avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.” (iStock)

What will a dentist do to evaluate?

Treatment of periodontitis can be non-surgical or surgical. 

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Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed, Boghosian at Hagopian & Boghosian said.

What can people do at home?

Good dental care at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring.  

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“To help prevent periodontal disease, it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, eat a balanced diet, schedule regular dental visits and avoid smoking or chewing tobacco,” Boghosian recommended. 

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He is perhaps best known for his honesty — but a lesser-known fact about Abraham Lincoln is that the 16th president of the United States battled severe depression during his lifetime.

Dr. Chris Tuell, a clinical psychotherapist and a chemical and behavioral addiction specialist at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, has studied Lincoln’s mental health struggles extensively.

“Though the history books play a significant role in our perception and understanding of the ‘rail splitter’ from Illinois, it often becomes easy for us to forget that Abraham Lincoln was very human,” Tuell told Fox News Digital.

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“Lincoln led this nation through its worst crisis, while at the same time battling his own internal war of chronic depression.”

Here’s what to know. 

Signs of Lincoln’s depression

At age 32, in a letter to John Stuart in 1841, Lincoln wrote, “I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would not be one cheerful face on earth. Whether I shall ever be better, I cannot tell; I awfully forebode I shall not; to remain as I am is impossible.” 

Lincoln scholars have “clear evidence” that he suffered from depressive episodes beginning in his 20s, Tuell noted.

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“Lincoln’s school teacher, Mentor Graham, stated, ‘Lincoln told me that he felt like committing suicide often,’” Tuell said.  

“Law partner and biographer William Herndon stated, ‘He was a sad-looking man, gloomy and melancholic. His melancholy dripped from him as he walked.’”

Contributing factors to Lincoln’s depression

The president’s mental health condition can be attributed to both genetics and traumatic experiences, according to the book “Lincoln’s Melancholy” by Joshua Wolf Shenk.

Lincoln is said to have had a family history of depression.

Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the U.S., battled severe depression. (Library of Congress Prints and Photographs)

“Historical records indicate that Lincoln’s mother and father were disposed to melancholy and that one side of the family ‘was thick with mental disease,'” said Tuell. 

“Bereavement in childhood can be one of the most significant factors in the development of depressive illness in later life.”

As a child, Lincoln lost several close family members. 

After his brother died in infancy, Lincoln’s mother, aunt and uncle all died when he was just 9 years old. A decade later, his sister died while delivering a stillborn infant.

Later, Lincoln experienced the loss of his first love, Ann Rutledge, in 1835. 

As a father, he experienced the death of two young sons, Eddie and Willie. 

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“According to mental health professionals, bereavement in childhood can be one of the most significant factors in the development of depressive illness in later life,” Tuell said. 

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, said that Lincoln’s melancholy may have been tied to his “intellectual prowess and [his tendency to] see and feel things deeply.”

How Lincoln dealt with depression

Before the age of psychotherapy and antidepressant medications, Lincoln learned to live with his depressive disposition, Tuell said. 

“He would frequently use humor and storytelling to elevate his mood and distract himself from his depression,” the psychologist told Fox News Digital.  

Abraham Lincoln is depicted at the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which gave enslaved people their freedom.  (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

“Only his closest friends had any insight concerning the extent of his condition.”

In a time period when mental health treatment was not available, Tuell noted that learning how to manage his life with his depression was Lincoln’s only choice.  

“The only other option would have been for him to succumb to these adversities,” he said. 

“He managed to overcome it and the Civil War to become our greatest president, by most people’s estimation.”

“It does not appear that it was in the 16th president’s persona to acquiesce. Lincoln persevered and served this country eloquently.”

Siegel noted that in Lincoln’s time, depression was referred to as “melancholy” and was typically treated with opium, a highly addictive narcotic drug that is extracted from the poppy plant.

“It does not appear that it was in the 16th president’s persona to acquiesce,” a psychologist said. “Lincoln persevered and served this country eloquently.” (AP)

Historians have noted that Lincoln’s sons brought him periods of happiness despite his ongoing depression.

“We are so used to seeing Abraham Lincoln looking depressed and sad, that we forget — and the historical record is clear on this — he would break down in laughter when playing with his boys or observing the mayhem they created,” Raymond Arroyo, a Fox News contributor and bestselling author, previously told Fox News Digital. 

He is the author of the book, “The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln,” part of his Turnabout Tales series of books. 

What to know about depression

Depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. 

There are different types of depressive disorders, according to Tuell.

These may include major depression, dysthymia (an ongoing, low-grade depression) and bipolar (mood swings of depression and mania).

Depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.  (iStock)

“Depression can affect every aspect of one’s life — physical health, sleep [habits], eating habits, job and your relationships with friends and family,” said Tuell. “It affects thoughts, feelings and behaviors.”

While depression is one of the most serious mental health issues facing people today, Tuell noted that it’s also one of the most treatable.

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Lincoln’s perseverance in the face of severe depression was something to be admired, Tuell and Siegel agreed.

“We can only speculate what Lincoln would say or do about our current state of political affairs, or even what thoughts he may have toward the new millennium’s understanding of depression and mental health,” Tuell said.  

President Abraham Lincoln with General George B. McClellan at his headquarters at Antietam, Oct. 3, 1862. From left: General George W. Morell, Colonel Alexander S. Webb, General McClellan, scout Adams, Dr. Jonathan Letterman, unidentified officer, President Lincoln, Colonel Henry Hunt, General Fitz, John Porter, unidentified officer. (Getty Images)

“But now, some 159 years later, Lincoln’s historical persona continues to belong to the ages.”  

Lincoln believed in the human spirit and spoke of the role people must have toward one another, Tuell noted. 

“This was no more clearly expressed than through Lincoln’s own words, ‘With malice toward none; with charity for all,’” he said.

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Lincoln’s battle with depression can be regarded as an “inspiration to all who suffer from this dreaded disease or feel stigmatized by it,” Siegel added.

“He managed to overcome it and the Civil War to become our greatest president, by most people’s estimation.”

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You win some, you lose some — and the Super Bowl every year is no exception.

As the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers went head-to-head in Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday night, fans were headed either for a victory dance or a major let-down — and we all know the dramatic outcome by now, with the Chiefs taking it in overtime by a score of 25-22.  

So what happens when your favorite team loses? Experts say a loss could lead to sports fan depression.

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Although not clinically recognized as a medical condition, sports fan depression is a “very real experience for avid sports fans,” said licensed professional counselor Jill Lamar, who is based in Pennsylvania.

“Sports fan depression occurs when your team or favorite player loses to the competition,” she told Fox News Digital.

“For those who are overly invested in the outcome of sporting events — especially something as titanic as the Super Bowl — their emotional attachment to their hometown or favorite team can get in the way of their happiness and mental health.”

Lamar, who provides counseling services at Thriveworks in Philadelphia, noted that sports fan depression can leave people with feelings of sadness, frustration, numbness and lack of interest in activities they previously enjoyed.

These emotions can last for two weeks or more after the game ends, she said.

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“You may be distracted at work or withdraw socially, especially now that the season that brought you together with your fellow fans has ended,” she said.

Christopher La Lima, PhD, a licensed psychologist at NYU Langone, also discussed the condition with Fox News Digital, noting how much goes into being a sports fan.

Chiefs fan “KC Mike” yells out to Chiefs players during warmups before a game against the Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 16, 2021. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

“Time, effort, money,” he said. “Being a sports fan can involve a shared common cause and building of a community.”

The psychologist echoed that sports fans may experience feelings of loss and grief when their team loses.

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“Loss can be experienced in many ways, such as through the loss of a loved one, a relationship, aspects of health, a job or a role where someone feels a sense of purpose,” he said. 

“While sports fan depression is not a formal mental health diagnosis, the emotional distress is real.”

Clocking the warning signs

The friends and partners of sports fans are “most likely well aware of the impending reactions to their team losing,” according to Lamar.

Some warning signs of sports fan depression include becoming frustrated and upset when your team drops a ball, a field goal bounces off the goal post or a play is thwarted by the opposition, Lamar said.

Frustration during a game can build until it becomes a “frightening rage,” a psychologist said. (iStock)

This condition most often appears in men, although it is not exclusive to one gender alone. 

“Everyone who cares about sports is rooting for someone or a particular team,” she said. “And their disappointment will show — a sigh, the occasional frustrated outburst, a sad face at the end of the game as they leave the bar or turn off the game.” 

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“If these reactions continue to grow into sadness and irritability way past the last whistle, it could be a sign of sports fan depression.”

Frustration during a game can build until it becomes a “frightening rage,” according to Lamar.

But after the game, sports fan depression turns that anger “inward” and can “become debilitating,” she said.

Jessica Rodriguez and her husband Tony Rodriguez of Concord, California, react while watching the San Francisco 49ers play the Kansas City Chiefs during a Super Bowl watch party at SPIN San Francisco on Feb. 2, 2020, in San Francisco, California. (Philip Pacheco/Getty Images)

While the typical response of a sports fan after a big loss is a few days of complaints and sadness, people experiencing sports fan depression can experience symptoms for months.

LaLima stressed the importance of making the distinction between sports fan depression and recognized depressive disorders.

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“Clinical depression, and more specifically major depressive disorder, involves specific diagnostic criteria and persisting symptoms that cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning,” he said.

Some major depressive disorder symptoms can include depressed mood, loss of interest in activities, significant changes in appetite or weight, fatigue, changes in sleep, and feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, according to La Lima.

How to cope

Since not everyone can be a winner, Lamar and La Lima offered some tips on how to cope with the initial wave of sadness after a loss.

Lamar suggested that “putting things into perspective can help shift a sports fan’s view of the outcome, whether it’s good or bad.”

People experiencing sports fan depression can see symptoms continue for months, according to experts. (iStock)

“With many platforms showing games 24/7, it’s easy to let a preoccupation with sports become a mind-numbing habit bordering on addiction,” she said. 

“Don’t let your interest in sports overtake the other more important aspects of your life.”

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Lamar encouraged sports fans to “take a deep breath” and list their goals and the “priorities necessary to realize them.”

While people tend to think in “black and white terms” when experiencing negative emotions, La Lima advised sports fans to think more flexibly.

“Problem-solving and impulse control can improve when these negative emotions become less intense,” he said. 

“Don’t let your interest in sports overtake the other more important aspects of your life,” advised a licensed mental health counselor. (iStock)

“When acting in these moments, I like to think, ‘Cool the iron before you get burned.’”

Other coping skills can include taking a brief separation from sports, seeking out other distractions and using self-soothing techniques like deep breathing and self-care, La Lima said.

“Tackle feelings of emptiness after a big loss by identifying where you feel purpose, [such as] in relationships with family and friends, and in your interests and community,” he said.

Fans should make different use of the time previously dedicated to the sport, said an expert. 

“Sports can provide a structure for socializing … It can be helpful to stay socially connected and lean into social support,” noted La Lima.

Lamar also suggested making an effort to connect with friends who love the same sport — as well as with those who don’t.

San Francisco 49ers fans cheer in the first quarter of their NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Jan. 19, 2020. (Ray Chavez/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images)

And when the season is over, Lamar said, fans should make different use of the time previously dedicated to the sport.

“Learn a new skill, pick up chess, take a cooking class, join a MeetUp group — anything that sounds interesting,” she suggested.

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LaLima added that difficult feelings often need to be spoken about, as “holding onto them can make us feel like a shaken soda bottle.”

“Rather than letting pressure build and opening it all at once, loosen the cap a little at a time,” he advised. “Talk about day-to-day thoughts and feelings in real time.” 

Christopher Nicholas La Lima, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone. (NYU Langone)

The psychologist reiterated that depressive disorders often require evaluation and treatment from mental health professionals.

“Those concerned should seek professional mental health support in this regard,” he said.

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Before Sunday night’s game — which saw the Chiefs take the win in dramatic fashion in overtime — Lamar joked ahead of the final outcome on Sunday night that fans should “wave to Taylor Swift,” no matter what. 

“She’s made one helluva effort to get there,” she said.

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