Search

Music and dementia: researchers are still making discoveries about how songs can help sufferers

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rebecca-atkinson-1288605">Rebecca Atkinson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/anglia-ruskin-university-1887">Anglia Ruskin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ming-hung-hsu-2215063">Ming-Hung Hsu</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/anglia-ruskin-university-1887">Anglia Ruskin University</a> Music is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. Whether it’s lifting our spirits, pushing us to run faster or soothing us to sleep, we can all <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.713818/full">recognise its power</a>. So it’s no wonder it is increasingly being used in medical treatment. As well as proving very useful in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3863265/">cancer treatment</a>, managing <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1526590022000153">chronic pain</a> and even helping the brain <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00245/full">recover after a stroke</a>, researchers have also been making great strides in using music to help patients with dementia. It reduces patients’ <a href="https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003477/full">anxiety and depression</a>, and <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(23)00401-7/fulltext">improves wellbeing</a> both for them and their carers <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/individual-music-therapy-for-depression-randomised-controlled-trial/A1CD72904929CECCB956F4F3B09605AF">by enhancing</a> everyone’s ability to adapt and cope with adversity or stress. <a href="https://www.bamt.org">Music therapy</a> in the form of playing, singing or listening to music can also have a <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1362361309105660">positive effect</a> on cognitive function – particularly for <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1472-6882-10-39">older adults</a> either with dementia or memory issues. So why does music appear to have such a powerful effect for people with dementia? <h2>Music and the brain</h2> About a decade ago, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1053811911013000">researchers discovered that</a> when people listened to music, multiple areas of the brain were involved in processing it. These included the limbic (which processes emotions and memory), cognitive (involved with perception, learning and reaction) and motor areas (responsible for voluntary movement). This challenged preconceptions that music was processed more narrowly in the brain – and helped explain why it has such a unique neurological impact. Not only that, research has shown that music might help <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306987708002880">regenerate the brain</a> and its connections. Many <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/about-dementia/causes/">causes of dementia</a> centre around cell death in the brain, raising the possibility that music could help people with dementia by mending or strengthening damaged neural connections and cells. It’s not just any music that has a regenerative effect on the brain, though. <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2016.00103/full">Familiar and favourite music</a> has been shown to have the biggest impact on the way we feel, and is closely linked with memory and emotions. This is because listening to our favourite songs <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nn.2726">releases feel-good hormones</a> that give us a sense of pleasure. Curated music playlists of favourite music could be the key in helping us deal with the <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10298649211030318">stress of everyday life</a>. This is relevant to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia because researchers have discovered that parts of the brain linked with <a href="https://academic.oup.com/brain/article/138/8/2438/330016">musical memories</a> are less affected by these conditions than other areas of the brain. This explains why memories and experiences that are linked to <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.14283/jpad.2018.19">favourite music</a> are often preserved for people with such conditions. Listening to music can also <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34346261/">help manage</a> their experiences of distress, agitation and “<a href="https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/symptoms/sundowning">sundowning</a>” – where a person is more confused in the afternoon and evening. In a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197457224002209?utm_campaign=STMJ_219742_AUTH_SERV_PA&utm_medium=email&utm_acid=224973760&SIS_ID=&dgcid=STMJ_219742_AUTH_SERV_PA&CMX_ID=&utm_in=DM500444&utm_source=AC_">small study</a> conducted by us and our colleagues at the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, we showed just how great of an effect listening to music can have for people with dementia. We found that when people with dementia repeatedly listened to their favourite music, their heart rate and movements changed in direct response. This showed that people’s physical responses were affected by musical features like rhythm and arrangement. Their heart rate also changed when they sang along to music, or when they began reminiscing about old memories or stories while listening to a song or thinking about the music. These changes are important because they show how music affects movement, emotions and memory recall. Studies have also shown that during and after listening to music, people with dementia <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/7/1103">experienced less agitation</a>, aggression and anxiety, and their general mood was improved. They even needed less medication when they had regular music sessions. Other researchers have even begun testing the effects of <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/gps.4721?casa_token=VufeKQP7aNsAAAAA%3AMSOgiwUQYKqmmrLsUFv9glmSnc5BMxoqeMmmt3HX4BJX2Fs2UKeXjnN2850o1Umz0j1NvmrpQ3W3Pw">music training programmes</a> to support cognition for people with dementia. Results have been promising so far – with adults in the study showing improved executive functioning (problem solving, emotion regulation and attention) compared to those who took part in just physical exercise. So, music is likely to continue to be a useful medical treatment for people with dementia. But based on what we know so far, it’s important that it comes from the patient’s own music collection – and is used alongside other management techniques such as using drugs that can slow the progression of dementia or help manage symptoms to support self-care and wellbeing.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/239446/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rebecca-atkinson-1288605">Rebecca Atkinson</a>, Researcher in Music Therapy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/anglia-ruskin-university-1887">Anglia Ruskin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ming-hung-hsu-2215063">Ming-Hung Hsu</a>, Senior Research Fellow, Music Therapy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/anglia-ruskin-university-1887">Anglia Ruskin University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/music-and-dementia-researchers-are-still-making-discoveries-about-how-songs-can-help-sufferers-239446">original article</a>.

Mind

“Invisible suffering”: Bella Hadid opens up about painful health battle

Bella Hadid has shared a raw update to her fans, giving them further insight into her “painful” health battle with Lyme disease. On Sunday, the model took to Instagram to share a series of photos of her ongoing health battle, including photos of her medical records. “The little me that suffered would be so proud of grown me for not giving up on myself,” she began in the caption. She then thanked her mum, Yolanda Hadid, "for keeping all of my medical records, sticking by me, never leaving my side, protecting, supporting, but most of all, believing me through all of this”. She then continued to say that since contracting Lyme, her symptoms have gotten worse over time and it’s taken a toll on her in ways that are difficult for her to explain, but remained positive despite it. “To be that sad and sick with the most blessings/privilege/opportunity/love around me was quite possibly the most confusing thing ever,” she added before reassuring fans not to worry and that she is “okay”. The model also noted that despite her painful health battle, she “wouldn’t change anything for the world” and would go through it all again, as it has shaped who she is. “The universe works in the most painful and beautiful ways but I need to say that if you are struggling- it will get better,” she added. Bella also said that despite “almost 15 years of invisible suffering” she is grateful for the experience, and has so much “gratitude for and perspective on life” that has made her able to spread ”love from a full cup” and “truly” be herself. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvmz8ilAcxx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvmz8ilAcxx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Bella 🦋 (@bellahadid)</a> </div> </blockquote> “I tried to pick the most positive pictures I could because as painful as this experience was, the outcome was the most enlightening experience of my life filled with new friends, new visions and a new brain,” she added before thanking everyone who has supported her throughout this journey. “I’ll be back when I’m ready, I miss you all so much, I love you all so much,” she concluded. The model shared a few photos of herself getting treatment with IVs sticking out of her arm. In a few other photos, the model can be seen resting on the couch as she gets a blood transfusion, with her loyal pup, “Petunia aka Beans,” never leaving her side. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvm1ImkA-89/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvm1ImkA-89/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Bella 🦋 (@bellahadid)</a> </div> </blockquote> This is the model’s first health update after she revealed she was taking time off from modelling due to a flare-up in her Lyme disease. Images: Instagram

Caring

Huge news for Alzheimer’s sufferers

An experimental new drug by Eli Lilly has demonstrated an ability to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, according to new study reports. The pharmaceutical company has said that its drug, donanemab, met each goal of their 18-month trial, successfully slowing cognitive decline by 35 per cent compared to a placebo. 1,182 individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s participated in the study, with each patient receiving monthly infusions of donanemab. After 12 months, half of the participants showed no evidence of amyloid plaques, while 48 per cent of patients in the trial had no disease progression at 12 months, compared to 29 per cent from the placebo group. In the wake of the news, experts are optimistic, but still hold concerns about the risks moving forward. Dr Ronald Petersen, a Mayo Clinic Alzheimer research, told the ABC that “Lilly's trial is the third to show removing amyloid from the brain slows progression of the disease, which could put to rest some lingering doubts about the benefits of drugs in the class and the amyloid-lowering theory. "It's modest, but I think it's real and I think it's clinically meaningful." Washington University neurologist Dr Erik Musiek noted that mounting evidence was suggesting “that these drugs do work”. He also said that the findings were reminding them of the benefits of early treatment, explaining that “it really does suggest that you need to remove these plaques early, before the tau really gets going.” When it comes to the associated risks, Eli Lilly have said that the drug’s side effects could include brain swelling as well as bleeding, with serious swelling occurring in 1.6 per cent of patients. As Dr Eric Reiman, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute’s executive director, explained, “clearly one saw benefits here, but there is some risk that needs to be considered.” From there, Lily plan to file for US approval by the end of June, and to proceed with regulars from other countries in the time after. A spokesperson for the company is confident that a decision over approval in the US should occur by the end of 2023, or early in 2024. Experts in the field want to see the study’s full results, which are likely to be presented at an Amsterdam Alzheimer’s meeting later in the year. As for the cost, the company has not yet finalised a price point, but CEO David Ricks informed CNBC that they intend for it to be similar to other therapies in the same field. Images: Getty

Caring

Barry Humphries suffers agonising fall

Barry Humphries has shared a health update with fans after a broken hip left him in "agony". The 89-year-old comedian behind the character Dame Edna Everage had a drastic fall which saw him undergo surgery, and is recovering well with the help of "very painful" but regular physiotherapy. Dubbing himself "Bionic Bazza" after receiving a titanium hip as a result of his accident, Barry says he is recovering in a clinic in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. He is well on the road to recovery, and told <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/culture/celebrity/there-s-nothing-like-a-dame-edna-for-barry-humphries-20230323-p5cuoo.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney Morning Herald</a> he is "adamant" he will be better for his one man show later this year. "I sit a lot in the show, and there's a bit of pacing... I don't think it's going to be a problem, but I do have to get on with my physio," he said. Barry described his incident as "the most ridiculous thing, like all domestic incidents are," as he recalled, "I was reaching for a book, my foot got caught on a rug or something, and down I went." Humphries said he wanted to ease his fans' fears and assure them he's "on the mend" and his "trajectory is up", and also advised them to avoid breaking their hip if possible. "The medical bills were bloody enormous," he said. "I strongly advise not breaking your hip!" Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

Pets can suffer from allergies too

Spring has well and truly sprung and if you’re suffering from some seasonal sniffles, spare a thought for you pet, too. Did you know dog and cats can suffer from seasonal allergies just as you do? “Pets can definitely suffer from seasonal allergies but the allergic response is slightly different in pets when compared to people,” says Felicia Tam, who is the PAW by Blackmores veterinarian. Dr Tam says don’t expect pets to get a bout of hayfever though as “pets are much more likely to get itchy skin and have ‘allergies’ after coming into contact with allergens such as dust mites or pollens.” Signs that your dog has a seasonal allergy Pet allergies most often take the form of skin irritation or inflammation, and according to Dr Tam, the main sign to look for is “constant itching or rubbing in your dog”. But Dr Tam reminds that allergies can look different from pet to pet. “Details like seasonality and location, age and breed can provide clues on what your dog is allergic to, whether it is something in the environment like dust mites or even the food he or she is eating,” she says. Dr Tam recommends using this helpful 10-point itch scale tool to assess your dog’s itch level. This will help you assess any improvement or deterioration from normal or after treatment. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/pets-can-suffer-from-allergies-too-graph_500x705.png" alt="" width="500" height="705" /> Allergies should be cause for concern Like us humans, allergies in pets can range from mild to severe. If not adequately controlled or managed, allergies can be a cause for concern for pet owners. As Dr Tam reminds, “an itchy dog is definitely an uncomfortable dog,” adding, “dogs will continue to scratch as long as they are itchy so can do a lot of damage to their skin if the cause of their itch isn’t addressed.” If you believe your dog has an allergy, pay a visit to your vet. It will not only give you peace of mind but the vet will be able to help you manage your pet’s allergies. “Some allergies, such as allergies to fleas or food can be easily managed by ensuring flea control is applied on time or specific foods are fed. Other allergies can be more difficult to manage but most pets can be kept comfortable as long as their owners are on board with their pet’s special needs,” says Dr Tam. How you can help your pet with seasonal allergies Dr Tam uses a concept called the “itch threshold” when thinking about our itchy pets. “The additive effect of multiple factors in the environment can tip your pet over the itch threshold,” she says. In order to stay under the itch threshold, Dr Tam recommends owners: <ul> <li>Make sure flea treatments are applied on time</li> <li>Pets are bathed regularly to make sure that the allergen load on the skin doesn’t build up</li> <li>Provide ingredients such as omega-3 and omega-6’s either topically or via supplementation to support the skin barrier to reduce the access of allergens to the immune system</li> </ul> Image: Getty Images

Family & Pets

Suicide rates reveal the silent suffering of Australia’s ageing men

Men aged 85 and older have the highest suicide rates in Australia, but the tragedy has gone relatively unnoticed. This group is growing older, feeling alone and flying under the radar. The tragedy of suicide is recognised as a major public health issue. Yet what may come as a surprise to many is data <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/causes-death/causes-death-australia/latest-release#intentional-self-harm-deaths-suicide-in-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">published</a> by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing men over 85 have suicide rates more than three times the average rate. Public perception is that men – in particular, young men – have the highest suicide risk. While this is true for the net number of suicides, if we don’t consider age-standardised rates (which account for differences in age distribution across the population) we miss a crucial finding. Adjusting for age Men aged over 85 accounted for a relatively small proportion of all male suicides (3.1%) in 2020 (the latest data available). But the age-specific suicide rate was 36.2 deaths per 100,000 (up from 32.3 per 100,000 in 2019). For women aged over 85, this rate was much lower (6.2 per 100,000). The next highest rate was for men in both the 40-44 and 50-54 age bands (27.1 per 100,000). In 2020, the overall suicide rate was 12.1 per 100,000 people. But this issue is rarely addressed in public discourse or policy directives. The <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/2020-21#psychological-distress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing</a> released last month did not include data on people older than 85. This risk is <a href="https://theconversation.com/elderly-men-have-the-highest-suicide-rate-and-ageism-stops-us-from-doing-something-about-it-46923" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not new</a>, but little has changed to address it over the past decade. In light of COVID and what it has <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.679711/full" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revealed about ageism</a> and the value of older people in our society, it is crucial to explore these issues again. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/477294/original/file-20220803-1926-uuu06d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/477294/original/file-20220803-1926-uuu06d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/477294/original/file-20220803-1926-uuu06d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/477294/original/file-20220803-1926-uuu06d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/477294/original/file-20220803-1926-uuu06d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/477294/original/file-20220803-1926-uuu06d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/477294/original/file-20220803-1926-uuu06d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/477294/original/file-20220803-1926-uuu06d.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="older man with head in hands" /></a><figcaption>All the key risk factors for suicide have become even more relevant due to COVID. <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/senior-man-covering-his-face-hands-701935606" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shutterstock</a></figcaption></figure> Preventable deaths It is startling that men who have shown resilience to survive to late life are at such risk of preventable death. Many factors contribute, including physical and material circumstances like <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28511737/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">frailty, chronic pain, bereavement</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23209090/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">financial troubles</a>. However, we cannot assume only external issues cause distress and lead to suicide. In fact, for older people, successful ageing is rarely defined purely by physical circumstances. Ageing well often implies flourishing despite hardship. The silent challenge among men aged over 85 who take their own lives is psychological and existential distress, which can <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20438238/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reinforce feelings of loneliness and worthlessness</a>. Older men at risk of suicide may feel they are “no longer needed” or perceive themselves as “burdensome” to family and community. These beliefs can overlap with major life transitions, such as retirement, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31431103/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stopping driving</a> or <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21500012/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">moving to residential care, where they are a minority</a>. Such stressful events can increase feelings of marginalisation, loss of independence and worthlessness, and also lead to social isolation. Talking about it A reluctance to express their feelings or be vulnerable has long been discussed as an important factor for men’s wellbeing, especially when they’re feeling low. Research suggests gender stereotypes and social norms linked to masculinity <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27664823/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduce help-seeking behaviours</a> and <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/2156869317725890" target="_blank" rel="noopener">can increase suicide risk</a>. Many ageing men hold restrictive and stoic beliefs about what it means to be a man. This may make them <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29019282/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">less inclined to share</a> when they aren’t coping. Yet emerging research <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27473200/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">challenges the assumption</a> men don’t talk because they can’t. One reason men are not talking about their mental health struggles is because there’s <a href="https://opus.lib.uts.edu.au/handle/10453/153516" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nowhere for them</a> to open up in a way they see as culturally and socially acceptable. Instead, older men are speaking through their actions. Suicide prevention and early intervention responses that are not tailored to the needs of older men are unlikely to be effective. We need to meet men where they are and listen to their quiet and absent voices by designing programs in partnership with them. This means better understanding men’s <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28871841/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">barriers</a> to suicide interventions. These include a lack of trust in traditional services and an aversion to “formal” supports that frame emotional distress and suicidal behaviours as mental illness. It also means exploring, developing and funding new options that are acceptable, relevant and accessible, such as gendered support, peer-led programs, community-based informal support and programs combining exercise with mental health promotion. The objective is not only to develop more suitable suicide prevention for this specific group, but also to examine broader interactions between ageing, isolation and loneliness; <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/international-psychogeriatrics/article/covid19-the-implications-for-suicide-in-older-adults/9890D02E0DA3021FCFE66B9A29F2684E" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all key risk factors</a> for suicide that have become even more relevant due to COVID. More calls for help Increased feelings of distress and loneliness produced by the pandemic can be measured by <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-04/lifeline-records-highest-daily-calls-on-record/100350522" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increased calls to services such as Lifeline</a>. And more persistent mental health problems are likely to present more slowly, <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2020-41461-001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">over longer horizons</a>, and peak after the most acute phases of the pandemic. Older people have handled much of the burden of COVID, including unprecedented <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7295320/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">restrictions and ageist sentiments</a>. We must recognise these factors – growing old, being alone and feeling unheard - underpin increasing distress felt by men aged over 85, not only during the pandemic, but more generally. This group must be seen as a priority population for suicide prevention. We must start listening and work together to find solutions so older men can access the help they need in a way that suits them. <hr /> UNSW Ageing Futures Institute would like to acknowledge the research contribution of <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/about/our-research/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lifeline Research Foundation</a>’s Dr Anna Brooks (National Manager) and Dr Tara Hunt (Research and Engagement Manager). <hr /> If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, you can call these support services, 24 hours, 7 days: <ul> <li> Lifeline: 13 11 14 </li> <li> Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 </li> <li> Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 (for people aged 5 to 25) </li> <li> MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978 </li> <li> StandBy - Support After Suicide: 1300 727 24<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/187925/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> </li> </ul> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rhys-mantell-1350710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rhys Mantell</a>, PhD Candidate, School of Population Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNSW Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adrienne-withall-1366339" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrienne Withall</a>, Senior Research Fellow, School of Population Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNSW Sydney</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/suicide-rates-reveal-the-silent-suffering-of-australias-ageing-men-187925" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original article</a>. Image: Getty Images

Mind

Son's first dance with mum suffering from motor neurone disease

An emotional wedding video of a wheelchair-bound mother severely affected by motor neurone disease (MND) dancing with her eldest son on his big day has gone viral, with people describing the moment as both heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time. Kathy Poirer was watching her eldest son Zak get married in a moving ceremony in their native Florida. Despite being unable to walk, Kathy, with the help of her other two children, was able to dance with her eldest child on his big day. The moment was captured on video and has since gone viral, as Kathy said the dance was a dream come true. “I just really wanted that moment with my son,” Poirer told Sunrise. “There are so many milestones in their life and you look forward to them and I was afraid I wouldn’t have that opportunity." “It truly is an expression of a mother and her son and their love for each other.” Kathy was diagnosed with MND more than three years ago, and has bravely fought the diagnosis and challenged the odds against her ever since. “I prayed every day that I would make it long enough to dance with him, and I fight every day for my life,” she said. Motor neurone disease is a condition that affects the body’s brain and the nerve cells called motor neurones. According to <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/what-is-mnd/what-is-motor-neurone-disease-mnd" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">MND Australia:</a> “Motor neurones normally carry messages from the brain to the muscles via the spinal cord. The messages allow people to make voluntary movements like walking, swallowing, talking and breathing." There is currently no cure for MND, and the condition is known to drastically reduce life expectancy. Kathy is devoting the rest of her life to bringing awareness to this devastating disease, while encouraging people not to take life for granted. “What I wanted to do was make people aware that this can happen to you in a heartbeat and just live every moment to the fullest - you never know when it’s gonna get taken away,” she said. Image credits: Sunrise

Caring

Long Covid sufferer applies for voluntary euthanasia

After suffering with long Covid for over two years, a Canadian woman believes she has been left with no choice but to apply for voluntary euthanasia. Tracey Thompson, a Toronto resident in her 50s, told <a href="https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-woman-enduring-effects-of-long-covid-begins-process-for-medically-assisted-death-1.5976944" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">CTV News</a> she had begun the process of applying for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), due to extreme fatigue and a lack of financial support. Tracey used to work long hours as a chef, but has been unable to work for the last 26 months, with no foreseeable end to her forced unemployment. “(MAiD) is exclusively a financial consideration,” she said. “My choices are basically to die slowly and painfully, or quickly. Those are the options that are left.” As well as a lack of financial support, Tracey has experienced long Covid symptoms such as severe fatigue, blurred vision, difficulty digesting food, difficulty breathing, an altered sense of taste and smell, and scars on her heart from swelling due to myocarditis. While health experts say long Covid is difficult to diagnosis, it is estimated that five percent of those who contract the virus will go on to have long term symptoms. Tracey also told CTV that she now struggles to get up and look after herself, which is very different to her previous fast paced life in a physically demanding job. “From being able-bodied and employed to basically bed-bound,” she said. “I can’t get up on average for 20-plus hours. I have very little capacity to expend the energy physically, mentally and emotionally, so I try to stay home all the time.” But Thompson stressed she still enjoys life and doesn’t want to die, but doesn’t think she could survive without an income. “I still enjoy life. Birds chirping, small things that make up a day are still pleasant to me, they’re still enjoyable. I still enjoy my friends. There’s a lot to enjoy in life, even if it’s small,” she said. “But I don’t relish the idea of suffering for months to come to the same conclusion." “When support is not coming, things aren’t going to change. It seems irrational to put myself through that just to die in the end.” While Tracey is unsure if she would be eligible for the Ontario Disability Support Program, she believes the maximum monthly payment would only just cover her rent, leading her to apply for the drastic action of voluntary euthanasia. In Canada, you do not need to have a terminal illness to be eligible for MAiD, but rather have an illness that “cannot be relieved under conditions that you consider acceptable”. Thompson said she was confident she would get approval. “As best I know, I would meet the criteria,” she said. "I'm very ill. There is no treatment. There is no cure." Image credits: CTV

Caring

“I have been suffering”: Rafael Nadal withdraws from Wimbledon

Rafael Nadal has officially withdrawn from Wimbledon ahead of his semi-final match against Nick Kyrgios due to an abdominal injury, prompting his Aussie competitor to sail straight into Sunday’s men’s final. Nadal confirmed the news on Friday morning (AEST) after it was reported that he suffered a 7mm abdominal tear during his quarter-final win against Taylor Fritz. “Unfortunately, as you can imagine, if I am here, I have to pull out from the tournament,” he said in a press conference. “As everybody saw yesterday, I had been suffering with pain in the abdominal. I was not OK there, as yesterday I said. That’s confirmed. I have a tear in the muscle in the abdominal. “I was thinking during the whole day about the decision to make. It doesn’t make sense to go (on), even if I try through my career to keep going. “It was very tough circumstances but it is obvious if I keep going the injury will be worse and worse. “That’s the thing I can say now and feel very sad to say that.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> We're sad to see it end this way, <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> Thank you for another year of unforgettable moments at The Championships<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> <a href="https://t.co/XadiEVxaWF">pic.twitter.com/XadiEVxaWF</a> — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wimbledon/status/1545111323926740992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2022</a></blockquote> The 36-year-old estimated it would take “three, four weeks” to recover from the injury, though a timeline for his return to competing is unclear according to multiple reports. Though he reiterated that he will continue playing, Nadal said his injury prevented him from playing at his best. “I made the decision because I believe that I can’t win two matches under the circumstances,” he said. “It is not only that I can't serve at the right speed, it is that I can't do the normal movement to serve. “After I say that, to imagine myself winning two matches, and for respect to myself in some way, I don’t want to go out there and not be competitive enough to play at the level I need to play to achieve my goals.” Nadal’s withdrawal has dashed his chances of winning his 23rd grand slam title at this year’s competition, which would have made him tie with Serena Williams on the all-time list for having the most major singles trophies. In response to his opponent’s announcement, Kyrgios took to Instagram to wish Nadal well on his recovery. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfuR8AKhwjP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfuR8AKhwjP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Nick Kyrgios (@k1ngkyrg1os)</a> </div> </blockquote> “Different players, different personalities @rafaelnadal I hope your recovery goes well and we all hope to see you healthy soon. Till next time,” the Canberran captioned a throwback photo of the pair shaking hands at the net. Kyrgios, who has become the first Australian man to make the Wimbledon singles final since Mark Philippoussis in 2003, will face Novak Djokovic or Cameron Norrie, who are due to play the other semi-final match on Friday. Image: Getty Images

News

Who is most likely to suffer from long COVID?

Despite <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">all we’ve learned about COVID-19</a> in the past two-and-a-half years, so-called <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-post-covid-19-condition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long COVID</a>, in which sufferers experience sometimes debilitating symptoms long after the disease has passed from their system, remains frustratingly difficult to analyse. Part of the problem is that most studies are carried out on a relatively small number of people. A new study has drawn on more than a million UK patient records to glean a better understanding. According to the study, the risk of long COVID is higher for women, people who had poorer mental and physical health prior to the pandemic, and people who exprerience asthma. Long COVID risk also increases with age, up until about 70 – at which point it declines. The study is described in a paper <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-30836-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a> in Nature Communications. The UK-based team of researchers examined two main sources of data: 10 longitudinal surveys from self-reported people who’d had COVID, totalling 6907 people, and healthcare records of 1.1 million people who’d been diagnosed with COVID-19. Both sources came from the UK. People who fit the technical definition of long COVID – that is, reporting symptoms more than 12 weeks after infection – comprised between 7.8% and 17% of the sample. Between 1.2% and 4.8% of people reported “debilitating” symptoms. Women were 50% more likely than men to have long COVID. Risk of long COVID also increased steadily with age, up until about 70. “In individuals aged over 70 we observed a sharp decline in long COVID risk in most LS [longitudinal survey] and the EHR [electronic health record] data,” the authors write in their paper. <div class="newsletter-box"> <div id="wpcf7-f6-p196243-o1" class="wpcf7" dir="ltr" lang="en-US" role="form"> </div> </div> “This decline in older age has been observed in other studies and may be spurious due to selective competing risk of mortality, non-response bias, lower symptom reporting in older adults, misattribution of long COVID to other illness, or a combination of these factors.” A few other demographic factors were more weakly linked to long COVID. “We found some evidence of higher long COVID reporting among individuals of white ethnicity and of higher educational attainment, which was unexpected given the common associations of these characteristics with lower morbidity more generally,” they write. The electronic health records suggested that people in least socioeconomically deprived areas were more likely to report long COVID symptoms – but this pattern wasn’t seen in the longitudinal surveys. “The stark variability in proportions of COVID-19 cases with persistent symptoms is clear from our comparison of methods of ascertaining long COVID,” write the authors. They urge for more representative population-based studies to be conducted, in order to further understand the illness. “Our data suggest that revisions of diagnostic criteria within primary care may be appropriate, particularly for demographic groups which are less in touch with healthcare services,” they write. “Although causal inferences cannot be drawn from these data, our findings justify further investigations into the role of sex difference, age-related change, and/or immunity and respiratory health in development of long COVID. “Older working individuals, with high levels of comorbidity, may particularly require support.” <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=196243&title=Who+is+most+likely+to+suffer+from+long+COVID%3F" width="1" height="1" /> <div id="contributors"> <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/long-covid-demographic-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/ellen-phiddian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ellen Phiddian</a>. Ellen Phiddian is a science journalist at Cosmos. She has a BSc (Honours) in chemistry and science communication, and an MSc in science communication, both from the Australian National University. Image: Getty Images </div>

Body

Heartwarming update for toddler who suffered catastrophic burns

The family of the boy who suffered burns to 40 per cent of his body have shared a heartwarming update. Elijah Whitton was left in critical condition after a fire ripped through the family home in Mildura, Victoria on May 1. The two-year-old was rushed to hospital where he was placed in an induced coma due to the devastating burns to 40 per cent of his body. Almost three weeks later, Elijah’s sister Alyia shared an update on his condition after his third wound debridement. “Elijiah came out of his third wound debridement surgery on May 12,” Alyia wrote on the <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/d86xr-fight-for-elijah" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page. “He has adapted well to the changes made. Elijah had skin grafting to his face and to his lower body. “His swelling has reduced and his skin has improved. His breathing tube has been removed and he is now breathing on his own. Both of his eyes have opened. “However, he is still getting used to the new changes, he's been a bit more agitated since coming out of surgery, which is expected. “He is recovering incredibly well!! “Thank you to everyone who has contributed to Elijah's fight to recovery, words will never be able to summarise how grateful we are.” Aliyia also said that Elijah had his fourth wound debridement on May 19 - she is yet to update on the progress. If you would like to donate to Elijah’s family go to the GoFundMe link <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/d86xr-fight-for-elijah" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Images: GoFundMe/7News

Caring

Toddler suffers brain damage after Easter egg hunt

A young boy who suffered brain damage after a fun weekend may lose his toes and fingers after contracting a life threatening disease. Teddie was “bouncing around” with his siblings during an exciting Easter egg hunt on Good Friday but it was two days later when he woke up with a temperature. Mother Zoe Stewart noticed a pink looking bruise on his forehead which had then spread all over his stomach. Teddie’s condition began to rapidly deteriorate and he was rushed to hospital where he was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and septicaemia. The doctors said it was too late to wait for the painkillers to kick in and they had to drill into Teddie’s shin bones. “He was starting to bleed from his mouth and his nose, it was just terrifying,” Zoe told The Mirror. “We were told what all parents never want to hear, that we needed to understand there was a chance Teddie may not make it as he has a life-threatening infection.” Teddie was transferred to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital where he spent two weeks in the ICU - all while his parents feared the worst. Eventually he was taken off life support and began breathing on his own, however, he has suffered some brain damage of which the long term effects are still unknown. A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-little-teddies-parents?qid=ac29c369ef749c5c5d13b40672d8bdf7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page has been created to help the family. Images: GoFundMe

Caring

Queen suffers major setback ahead of Jubilee

The Queen’s three horses have been removed from the Epsom Derby which renders Her Majesty’s position redundant from the race. With the Platinum Jubilee set to be held in June, the removal of the Queen’s horses causes a setback for the monarch. Queen Elizabeth has yet to win the Epsom Derby - with the closest she’s ever come to win as a horse owner was in 1953 when she came second. Her horse Reach for the Moon had 7-1 odds on winning the race but was pulled out due to not being fit enough following an injury. "In the best interests of the horse, we have decided that this race is coming too soon for him," trainer John Gosden told the Racing Post. "Consequently, he will not run in the Derby and will be pointed towards Royal Ascot." Her two other horses Educator and General Idea were also removed. The Queen might attend Trooping the Colour on Thursday June 2 and a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral on Friday June 3. Platinum Jubilee will be a four bank holiday for the UK from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June. Image: Getty

Family & Pets

Warning after child suffers horrific burn from everyday item

When it comes to using hand sanitiser, most of us don’t think twice and squeeze a little on our palms. Almost every place has hand santiser handy, but this has renewed calls to parents to keep an eye out for it around their children. Paramedic and mum-of-two Nikki took to Instagram to show the dangers of children misusing hand-sanitiser. She shared an image of a young boy named James to the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cawa4MAM34G/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tiny Hearts Education</a> page, who suffered a horrific chemical burn in his eye after using a foot pump hand sanitiser dispenser. “It took days for James to be able to open his eyes and several weeks to get the all-clear of no long-term damage,” Nikki wrote. Exposure of the chemicals in hand-sanitiser to the eye can cause minor injuries or even “complete blindness”. “These kinda accidents can occur from a whole range of chemicals. It could be acidic agents such as bleach, window cleaner, vinegar and pool chemicals, or alkali agents such as fertilisers, drain cleaners, sparklers, plaster and cement - but the list is endless!” The passionate mother warned parents in similar incidents to irrigate the area first, listing how to do so, before rushing to the emergency department. “Irrigating the eye is so important as we aim to flush out as much of the chemical as possible. It is best done with Normal Saline but when this is not available running water will do the trick.” She suggested wrapping the child “like a burrito to help keep them still”, while assisting older children over the sink. Slightly warm water should be run over the eyes as the child blinks repeatedly to help flush out the chemical. This should be done for at least 15 minutes. Nikki also warned of contacts to be removed before any process. “P.S Also a reminder - PLEASE do not let little ones use foot pump hand sanitiser dispensers!!” Image: Instagram

Caring

As pet owners suffer rental insecurity, perhaps landlords should think again

Pet owners grapple with rental insecurity, new research shows. Despite the popularity of pet ownership across countries such as <a href="http://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Pet-Ownership-in-Australia-2013-Summary-ONLINE-VER.pdf">Australia</a> (where 63% of households include a pet), the <a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/pet_ownership_statistics.html">United States</a> (62%) and <a href="http://www.pfma.org.uk/pet-population-2014">United Kingdom</a> (46%), rental policy rarely recognises pets as important members of households. Instead, landlords and property agents typically restrict the right to keep pets.Reports from animal welfare organisations suggest these policies <a href="http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/home/push-to-make-landlords-respect-renters-right-to-keep-pets/news-story/f6c24acd2c716a20d308fb5dfed5fa3d">make it difficult</a> for pet owners to find rental housing. There is also evidence of connections between rental insecurity and <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/home-property/81572944/No-pets-allowed-Rental-restrictions-see-pets-abandoned-and-families-divided">poor animal welfare outcomes</a>. Research shows that insecure housing, including difficulties finding pet-friendly rental properties, is a <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/S15327604JAWS0601_04">key factor driving people to relinquish their pets</a>.<h2>The ‘no pets’ clause</h2><a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02673037.2016.1210095">My research</a> shows that pet ownership can trigger feelings of housing insecurity for renter households. The research involved an open survey with 679 households that had rented with pets in Sydney, as well as 28 in-depth interviews.The majority of survey respondents rated finding pet-friendly housing in their suburb as difficult. They perceived that it became more difficult to find rental properties after they acquired their pet. About half of those who always declared their pets when they applied for properties had been given pet ownership as the reason their application was rejected. These figures are likely to represent only a small proportion of those who have been rejected for pet ownership as reasons for rejection are rarely provided. The <a href="http://www.domain.com.au/news/apartment-rents-continue-to-climb-in-sydney-domain-group-20160713-gq3lwu/">competitive nature of Sydney’s rental market</a>, which gives real estate agents a larger pool of tenants to choose from, was believed to have increased the challenge. A small number of households had even been offered rental housing if they got rid of their pet. These experiences led to a sense of rental insecurity and feelings of stress when participants wanted or needed to move house.<h2>Compromising on quality, cost and location</h2>In the in-depth interviews, households were asked how they found their current rental property. They explained how long lists of available rental properties would disappear when the “pet-friendly” filter was activated on popular property search websites. There was also a widespread perception that advertised pet-friendly housing was of a lower quality than housing that did not allow pets. Many described making compromises on property quality and cleanliness. Some purposefully chose less desirable properties to increase their chance of success.For example, one participant stated, "I think they call them ‘pet friendly’ because they don’t really care what happens to them. They’re probably going to pull them down eventually."Another explained, "It was quite heartbreaking when you looked at the properties, because they were pretty much all rundown and disgusting. Really sort of dark and dingy, bathrooms that you would see were, I suppose, just not up to scratch. Or houses that seriously probably haven’t had a lick of paint or anything done to them in 20, 30 years."Households also made compromises on property location and cost. These choices led to feelings of housing stress. For some it meant living in housing they considered sub-standard, including properties that were unclean or located in undesirable or unsafe areas. A number accepted longer work commutes or greater financial stress to secure a property. As one interview participant put it when explaining why they stayed in a neighbourhood they didn’t like, "My car is on the street and it’s been broken into several times and there are a few personal safety issues but they let me have the cat, so..."The vast majority of pet owners declared some or all of their pets when applying to rent a property. Those who had previously been rejected for a property because they had a pet were less likely to declare their pets. Why take this risk? In-depth interviews suggest that renter households were extremely concerned about housing security: they valued their rental property and wanted to live in it as long as they could. However, some felt that they could secure a property only if they didn’t declare their pets. Despite finding it extremely stressful to live in a rental property without permission to kept their pets, these households risked eviction so they could find somewhere to live with their pets.<h2>Are landlords’ fears justified?</h2>Tenant experiences in the research suggest that landlords are concerned about the risks to their properties that pets might bring. Sometimes these concerns are based on real experience. However, there is some evidence to suggest that landlord fears are just that. In one <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2752/089279305785594270">US study</a>, for instance, 63% of landlords who were concerned about pets in their properties didn’t have any firsthand experience of the problems they identified. Further, when damage did occur it was “far less than the average rent or the average pet deposit”.Indeed, somewhat counter-intuitively, having a pet-permitting lease may provide more protection for landlords than simply restricting pets. Pet-friendly leases do not mean all pets are automatically allowed. Landlords can ask for a “<a href="http://www.domain.com.au/news/renting-in-sydneys-a-tough-job-a-cv-makes-it-easier-20111021-1mc2d/">pet CV</a>” as well as references for the pet, such as from a local vet, neighbours or former landlord. This is a way of ensuring the pet applicant is appropriate to the property. Some jurisdictions in Australia allow for special provisions such as for <a href="http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/act/2010/42">carpets to be steam-cleaned</a> if an animal such as a cat or dog lives at the property. In others, such as in the US and some states <a href="https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection/pet-bonds">in Australia</a>, an additional pet bond can be charged to cover any potential damage.A pet-friendly lease may even bring benefits. <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2752/089279305785594270">US research </a>suggests that households with pets stayed in rental properties longer than those that did not have pets. This brings longer-term, more secure rent to property owners. These factors are worth weighing up when landlords are making property management decisions.Image credits: Getty ImagesThis article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/as-pet-owners-suffer-rental-insecurity-perhaps-landlords-should-think-again-63275" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Real Estate

Life-changing infra-red treatment for Parkinson's sufferers

Image: 7News A new treatment for Parkinson’s disease is set to be trialled in Sydney following reports of positive results using light therapy. Results from a previous light therapy trial in Adelaide published in the BMC Neurology journal, showed enhanced senses and improved cognition, mood and sleep, mobility, balance, and fine motor skills among patients. The SYMBYX trial conducted with Parkinson’s SA, used the light therapy known as photobiomodulation (PBM) on two small groups of patients, all diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The study reports no adverse side effects and that the therapy was “a safe and potentially effective treatment”. Parkinson’s disease is an incurable, progressive neurological illness which effects between 10-15 million people worldwide. It’s the world’s fastest growing neurological disease, with symptoms including tremors, muscle rigidity, difficulty walking and swallowing, loss of smell, depression and anxiety. Caused by a lack of dopamine, a chemical produced by both the brain and the gut to help promote and control body movement, the light therapy treatments work by stimulating dopamine production in the gut. For 75-year-old Parkinson’s sufferer Margaret Jarrett, who has been a participant in medical trials of the infra-red relief, the results have been a welcome relief. She used a laser light device clinically for 12 weeks, and for 40 weeks from home. “I don’t know how it’s happening, but it’s happening and that’s all I care about,” she said. “Some people regained their sense of smell, some people have improved sleep, and some people had improved microbiomes. So, improved gut health,” Parkinson’s SA executive Olivia Nassaris said of the treatment. Those already suffering with Parkinson’s don’t need to wait for the trial results, as there are light therapy products from SYMBYX already available on the market. “It is legal and regulated and it’s available for purchase”, Dr Wayne Markman, CEO of SYMBYX an Australian medical technology company told 7NEWS. Light technology is just the latest in research to support the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Mind

How hot is too hot? Here’s how to tell if your dog is suffering during the summer heat

Hot weather can be dangerous to our canine friends. Humans can sweat all over our body, but dogs can only sweat on their paw pads, which is not much use when it comes to shedding body heat. So how hot is too hot to take your dog out? It depends on the dog and their individual risk factors (more on that in a minute). For me, 33℃ is where I start to consider whether or not to take my dogs outside, and try to think of cooler places we could visit. If they were older or heavier, I might not take them out at all on days over 30℃. Dogs can struggle on very humid days so I factor that in, too. Here’s what you need to know about how to care for your dog on a hot day. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437053/original/file-20211212-23-1o3loh4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437053/original/file-20211212-23-1o3loh4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="spoodle dog" /></a> Dogs with long noses, like Fonzi, have more cooling structures. Lucy Beaumont, <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" class="license">CC BY</a> <h2>What are the risk factors?</h2> A dog’s main cooling mechanism is panting, which draws air through the nasal cavity and the mouth and over the capillaries found there. This allows for evaporative cooling, just as sweat on our skin does, but it happens inside rather than outside. It’s also a much smaller surface area than our skin, so dogs are generally not as good at shedding body heat as humans. If the dog is overweight, they may have more trouble keeping cool than if they are lean. A dog with underlying health issues such as heart problems may also be at greater risk. Very young or old dogs may have more trouble with temperature regulation. Dogs that have had a chance to get used to warmer temperatures over a month or so are less susceptible to heat distress. Because some cooling occurs in the nasal cavities, dogs with short faces have fewer of these cooling structures and are more susceptible to heat distress. Dogs with long noses have more surface area for cooling in their nasal cavities, and are theoretically more resistant to heat distress as a result. But much depends on the individual dog and its history. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437054/original/file-20211212-13-1lcms43.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437054/original/file-20211212-13-1lcms43.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="labradoodle" /></a> Dogs with thick coats, like Stella, may struggle to shed heat on a hot day. Lucy Beaumont, <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" class="license">CC BY</a> <h2>Your dog’s coat plays a role but should we shave them?</h2> Larger or heavier-bodied dogs generally shed heat more slowly than smaller dogs, as is the case across the animal kingdom. For example, smaller penguin species tend to visit warmer climates, while larger penguin species stay in colder climates. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437114/original/file-20211213-15-wxuu3h.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437114/original/file-20211213-15-wxuu3h.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> Dogs from cooler climes – like Kivi Tarro, a Finnish lapphundtend – to have heavy, insulating coats while those from warmer places tend to have thin hair. Melissa Starling, Author provided Dogs from cooler climes tend to have heavy, insulating coats while those from warmer places tend to have thin hair, which helps shed heat quickly. So, would your dog be cooler if you shaved them for summer? It’s true insulation works both ways; cold or hot air outside the body cannot easily penetrate a thick coat and affect core temperature. But a dog is always producing body heat, especially when they are active or excited, and this internal heat may escape slowly through a thick coat. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437113/original/file-20211213-13-1xxwrzi.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437113/original/file-20211213-13-1xxwrzi.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> Kivi Tarro, a Finnish lapphund, shows off his haircut. Melissa Starling, Author provided For many thick-coated, otherwise healthy dogs, it helps to keep their coat free of tangles and dead undercoat during warmer months. This reduces the insulating properties of the coat. Clipping the coat shorter can allow them to stay cool more easily. You could also consider clipping the belly and groin very short. This won’t help much when the dog is active but could help when the dog lies on a cool surface. However, be mindful not to go too short on upper parts of the coat, or the skin can be exposed to sunburn. <h2>How to ‘ask your dog’ how they’re doing</h2> We should always “ask the dog” how they are doing. Signs a dog is too hot include: <ul> <li> panting a lot during the warmer months, even when not exercising </li> <li> seeming lethargic and reluctant to exercise </li> <li> regularly seeking to cool themselves by getting wet, or lying on cool tile or wood floors with as much skin contact as possible. </li> </ul> Always consider the following rules of thumb: <ul> <li> if it’s too hot for you, it’s probably too hot for your dog </li> <li> make sure water is available for drinking or immersing the body in when exercising on hot days </li> <li> know your dog’s panting. Dogs usually have a pant cycle where they pant for a short period and then stop for a few breaths or more and then start again. If they start panting constantly, they may be struggling to cool themselves </li> <li> if they can’t hold a ball or toy anymore, froth at the mouth because they can’t easily swallow, or have trouble drinking due to panting at the same time, get your dog to some shade and let them rest. Monitor for signs of heat stress </li> <li> signs of extreme heat distress include: vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, being unsteady on their feet, or limping. Take your dog to the vet immediately if you see these signs. Heat injury can be lethal! </li> <li> pick shady, cool places to let your dog have a run if it’s warm. Go early or late in the day when the temperature has come down a bit. Early mornings are typically cooler than the late afternoon </li> <li> the lack of airflow in cars can turn them into deadly ovens within a few minutes, even if the windows are down. So never leave your dog alone in a car, even for a few minutes.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/172957/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> </li> </ul> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/melissa-starling-461103">Melissa Starling</a>, Postdoctoral researcher, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-hot-is-too-hot-heres-how-to-tell-if-your-dog-is-suffering-during-the-summer-heat-172957">original article</a>.

Family & Pets

Queen suffers more heartbreaking news

Queen Elizabeth II has endured more heartbreak after the death of Lady Farnham four days after Christmas. The <a rel="noopener" href="https://honey.nine.com.au/royals/queen-elizabeth-lady-in-waiting-diana-maxwell-lady-farnham-dies-aged-90/45c3386a-2413-4046-9c5a-18c51a0d52db" target="_blank">news</a> of Lady Farnham’s death comes mere weeks after the death of the Dowager Duchess of Grafton, Queen Elizabeth II’s most senior ladies-in-waiting and one of her closest confidants. 90-year-old Diana Maxwell - who married the 12th Baron Farnham, Barry Maxwell - served as the Queen’s Lady of the Bedchamber since 1987. She joined the monarch on multiple royal tours and services, including the Queen’s 2011 tour of the Republic of Ireland. Lady Farnham also rode with the Queen on the way to her 2012 Diamond Jubilee service. “It is very sad news for the Queen,” a royal source told The Telegraph. “Everyone loved Lady Farnham, she was always so good humoured. She was also a very glamorous and attractive woman. She was always very generous to new people joining the household. “It has not been a good year for the Queen - losing her husband and then the Duchess of Grafton and now the Lady of Farnham,” the source continued. “They were dear friends who supported the Queen on official duties. Unfortunately a sad consequence of living a long life is that you have to say goodbye to a lot of people you care about.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846567/queen-farnham1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/fca846e98ecc4df69a21785f98e1fcf2" /> Lady Farnham accompanied Queen Elizabeth II at a service celebrating her Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Image: Getty Images Lady Farnham notably sat next to the Queen during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations when her late husband, Prince Philip, was unwell and unable to attend. Born as Diana Marion Gunnis, Lady Farnham married Barry Maxwell - an Irish banker who died in 2001 - in 1959 and shared two adopted children with him: Harriet, 57, and Sophia, 54. The couple also shared three granddaughters and one grandson. Her personal service to the monarch was recognised in 1998, when the Queen appointed her Commander, Royal Victorian Order. In 2010, she was appointed Dame Commander, Royal Victorian Order - an award made by the Queen to recognise services to the sovereign. Image: Getty Images

News

New study finds vegetarians and vegans more likely to suffer from depression

Image: Getty Researchers from Queensland’s Bond University have found that a low-quality plant-based diet, compared to a diet rich in fresh produce, could lead to poorer mental health. Nutritional psychiatry researcher Megan Lee said the finding was particularly significant given the increasing popularity of vegan and vegetarian lifestyles and the proliferation of packaged foods targeted at those groups. Processed foods are high in refined vegetable oils, grains, salt and sugar. “There is a general perception that following a plant-based diet is inherently healthy but like any diet it comes down to what you put in your mouth,” Lee said. “Vegans and vegetarians are not automatically eating heaps of fruit and veg because there are all these products out there that are fully processed, fully refined.” People may inadvertently be consuming high levels of processed plant foods which is a known risk factor for increased depression. During the study, researchers looked at the diet and mental health of 219 vegans and vegetarians aged 18-44 across the country, who were then asked to complete relevant questionnaires. Researchers found those with lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains in their diet were at a lower risk of depression compared to those on low-quality diets. The link in diet and the risk of depression was likely due to the presence of complex carbohydrates, fibre, probiotics and antioxidants, which have all been found to decrease symptoms of depression, Lee said. “It seems to have more a protective role,” she said. “Our research did not find that a plant-based diet was a treatment or fix for those who were already depressed.” Vegans and vegetarians are already more vulnerable to depression than the general population, Lee added. “We think this (susceptibility to depression) might be because vegans and vegetarians tend to be more conscious about external issues—animal welfare, environmental concerns—and they can be ostracised socially because of their choice of diet,” she said. The research also found meat-eaters can also protect their mental health by consuming more fruits and vegetables.

Food & Wine

Travel bans and event cancellations: how the art market is suffering from coronavirus

The recently released <a href="https://www.artbasel.com/about/initiatives/the-art-market">The Art Market 2020</a> report provides a timely insight into how COVID-19-related disruptions are likely to impact growth and sales in the global art market. The report estimates global art market sales in 2019 were worth US$64.1 billion (A$97 billion), down 5% on 2018. This drop reflects the <a href="https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/publication/world-economic-situation-and-prospects-september-2019-briefing-no-130/">decline in global economic growth</a> driven by increasing geopolitical tensions and the trend toward trade protectionism led by the United States. In 2020, measures to control the spread of coronavirus through government restrictions on travel and large social events are already having a dramatic impact on the international art market. In the last six weeks, multiple art fairs have announced either <a href="https://news.artnet.com/market/miart-2020-1795875">postponement or cancellation</a>, including Jingart Beijing, Art Basel Hong Kong, Miaart Milan, Art Paris, Art Berlin and Art Dubai. The European Fine Art Fair in Maastricht went ahead, but reported <a href="https://news.artnet.com/market/tefaf-fair-quiet-coronavirus-fears-1795797">a 27% drop</a> in attendance of VIPs at the opening, when many major sales are traditionally made. <h2>The growing art fair market</h2> As in previous years, 2019 art market sales were highly concentrated in three major hubs. The United States, the United Kingdom and China collectively accounted for 82% of the total value of sales. The Art Market report identified a growing shift away from public auctions toward private sales. The overall auction sector (including public auctions and private sales by auction houses, online and offline) represented 42% of total market sales in 2019. The overall dealer sector (including dealer, gallery and online retail sales) represented 58% of total art market sales in 2019, with the value of sales increasing by 2%. Within this sector, dealers with turnover of more than US$1 million (A$1.5 million) experienced a much larger growth of 20%. These dealers are the fastest-growing sector and the most reliant on art fair sales. Almost half of all sales in the dealer sector were made at art fairs in 2019, amounting to US$16.5 billion (A$25 billion) – 26% of all sales made in the global art market. This concentration of sales at the top end of the dealer market is perhaps the art market’s Achilles heel when considering potential fallout from the impending COVID-19 pandemic. Dealers in this turnover bracket attended twice as many art fairs as smaller dealers, with international fairs (as opposed to local fairs) contributing to more than half their total art fair sales. For dealers with turnover of more than US$10 million (A$15.1 million), international art fairs represented a staggering 70% of their art fair sales. <h2>An unwelcome ‘distraction’</h2> Besides the sales generated at art fairs, dealers have become increasingly dependent on fairs for expanding client lists and developing their businesses. The unfolding COVID-19 pandemic represents an immediate threat to this business model. One dealer quoted in The Art Market report noted the undesirable impact disruptions from outside the art world can have on art market demand: "2020 will be a challenging year, but rather than major political dramas having a direct financial impact, their main danger for us is to distract people’s attention. Distractions and anxieties can take people away from buying art, even if the economy is booming and they’re still in a position to spend." While this dealer was more likely referring to topical political issues, such as Brexit or trade sanctions, the COVID-19 outbreak has the potential to provide a far greater “distraction” for art buyers. The impact of COVID-19 on the long-term health of the art market remains to be seen. Art fairs <a href="https://news.artnet.com/market/art-fair-saturation-1484986">had already been struggling</a> due to multiple economic headwinds in the latter part of 2019, with increasing numbers of retractions and cancellations worldwide. In 2019, Art Basel Hong Kong featured 242 galleries from 35 countries and was attended by 88,000 visitors over five days. This was a pivotal event on the regional calendar and its loss to the 2020 art market will be sorely felt. The global footprints and nimble business structures of international auction houses may help these businesses weather this storm, as <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/12/arts/christies-sothebys-auctions.html">they have done in the past</a>. But the picture is worrying for commercial galleries. Artists and galleries <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/australian-galleries-count-cost-as-coronavirus-shutters-hk-art-fair-20200207-p53yts.html">prepare for months</a> in advance of fairs and exhibitions. In a survey of the <a href="https://www.theartnewspaper.com/analysis/behind-closed-doors-how-museums-in-china-are-coping-with-coronavirus">impact of the coronavirus</a> on the art market in China, 73.8% of respondents in the visual arts industry reported their businesses will not survive for longer than three months if the current containment situation continues. <a href="https://news.artnet.com/art-world/coronavirus-hong-kong-online-gallery-platform-1794369">Creative initiatives</a> are emerging, such as Art Basel Hong Kong’s online viewing platform. But with uncertainty about how long it will be until this pandemic is under control, the future health of the global art industry is yet to be determined. Image credits: Getty Images This article was first published on <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/travel-bans-and-event-cancellations-how-the-art-market-is-suffering-from-coronavirus-133161" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>.

Art

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Music and dementia: researchers are still making discoveries about how songs can help sufferers

“Invisible suffering”: Bella Hadid opens up about painful health battle

Huge news for Alzheimer’s sufferers

Barry Humphries suffers agonising fall

Pets can suffer from allergies too

Suicide rates reveal the silent suffering of Australia’s ageing men

Son's first dance with mum suffering from motor neurone disease

Long Covid sufferer applies for voluntary euthanasia

“I have been suffering”: Rafael Nadal withdraws from Wimbledon

Who is most likely to suffer from long COVID?

Heartwarming update for toddler who suffered catastrophic burns

Toddler suffers brain damage after Easter egg hunt

Queen suffers major setback ahead of Jubilee

Warning after child suffers horrific burn from everyday item

As pet owners suffer rental insecurity, perhaps landlords should think again

Life-changing infra-red treatment for Parkinson's sufferers

How hot is too hot? Here’s how to tell if your dog is suffering during the summer heat

Queen suffers more heartbreaking news

New study finds vegetarians and vegans more likely to suffer from depression

Travel bans and event cancellations: how the art market is suffering from coronavirus