I’m 73 years outdated and I feel I could have Asperger's syndrome. Ever since I used to be younger, I’ve been extraordinarily picky about meals and have all the time most well-liked my very own firm. Do you assume I could have this dysfunction?
Dr. Allie's reply: Docs now not use the time period Aspergers, however traditionally it was used to explain folks with 'excessive functioning' autism – and it impacts hundreds of individuals within the UK, a lot of whom go undiagnosed.
Individuals with autism have problem speaking and understanding different folks and social conditions. They could be bothered by an excessive amount of stimulation, for instance flashing lights and loud noises, which makes them really feel distressed. Individuals with autism could have repetitive behaviour patterns, repeating the identical routine time and again, akin to strolling a selected strolling route or solely consuming a sure model of cereal.
Round 750,000 folks within the UK have undiagnosed autism, analysis suggests
Importantly, many individuals with autism have studying difficulties, which implies they’ve problem coping at college or, in extreme instances, require full-time care. Nevertheless, a big variety of folks even have a gentle type.
They could have problem socialising, dislike noisy locations or be restricted in a specific space of ​​curiosity. However they don’t have studying issues and are in a position to lead profitable, impartial lives.
Analysis reveals that round 750,000 folks within the U.Okay. have undiagnosed autism. Beforehand, folks with delicate autism – these with regular ranges of language and intelligence – had been identified as having Asperger's.
Nevertheless, the medical world has moved away from this analysis as a result of it creates the impression that Asperger's and autism are two separate circumstances, which isn’t the case. There is no such thing as a remedy or remedy for autism – and it isn’t thought-about a illness.
However some folks imagine that getting a analysis might be useful, as a result of it helps them perceive themselves higher.
Many individuals report that their autistic traits turn out to be extra apparent as they age, or are exacerbated by different points akin to grief or melancholy. Assist teams and charities such because the Nationwide Autistic Society can supply recommendation on subjects akin to communication, psychological well being and schooling. Should you assume you’ll have autism, and would really like a analysis, speak to your GP about an autism evaluation. They need to be capable of refer you to a psychiatrist.
My father, who’s 89, had shingles 18 months in the past and nonetheless has quite a lot of ache. He has been prescribed the painkiller pregabalin, which supplies him some aid. What else can he do to scale back his ache?
Dr. Allie's reply: Shingles is a painful situation that may final for months in some instances. It’s brought on by a virus referred to as varicella-zoster, which additionally causes chickenpox.
Most individuals get chickenpox throughout childhood. Nevertheless, the virus stays within the physique endlessly, even after the rash has healed.
It normally doesn’t trigger any signs or sickness, nonetheless, the virus could reactivate later and manifest as shingles.
Shingles normally seems as a rash, redness and blisters in a selected a part of the physique and might be very painful. It normally impacts folks over the age of 65.
Sadly, in as much as a fifth of sufferers, shingles may also trigger neuralgia — nerve ache that may final for months.
Over-the-counter painkillers akin to paracetamol and ibuprofen are normally ineffective in opposition to neuralgia, which is why GPs typically prescribe specialist painkillers akin to gabapentin, amitriptyline or pregabalin. If pregabalin appears to be working, it could be attainable to extend the dose.
Nevertheless, this could solely be performed below the cautious supervision of a doctor, particularly for aged sufferers, who’re liable to negative effects akin to dizziness.
I’m a 75 yr outdated man And I've been instructed I'll want B12 injections each 4 months. Why are so many individuals poor in B12 – and will it have something to do with the COVID vaccine?
Dr. Allie's reply: Vitamin B12 is essential for the physique as a result of it retains our crimson blood cells wholesome and helps the nervous system perform correctly. We get most of our B12 from animal merchandise akin to meat, fish, milk and cheese.
This is the reason many individuals who comply with a vegan weight-reduction plan — which doesn’t embody animal merchandise of any sort — are suggested to take vitamin B12 dietary supplements.
Nevertheless, the commonest kind of B12 deficiency is brought on by one thing referred to as pernicious anaemia. That is an autoimmune situation the place the physique mistakenly makes defensive antibodies that assault the abdomen and stop it from absorbing vitamin B12. Pernicious anaemia happens mostly in older folks. One in ten Britons over the age of 75 is affected.
On condition that Covid vaccines had been accessible for folks of all ages, however vitamin B12 deficiency primarily impacts older folks, it’s unlikely that the vaccines themselves triggered the rise in the issue.
