Alzheimer’s Symptoms May Appear Early

NEW STUDY SAYS SIGNS MAY MATERIALIZE IN MID-20S

New research suggests that the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, may affect an individual’s cognition decades before they are actually diagnosed with the disorder. The white paper, published in Lancet Regional Health-Americas, looked at data from a national study of adolescent participants (grades 7 – 12) and then followed them for 24 years. Numerous physical and cognitive biomarkers were analyzed, using in-person interviews, cognitive tests (e.g. immediate and delayed word recall), physical exams, as well as blood samples. The list included data such as age, education, sex, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol, physical activity, and the gene variant called APOE e4 – a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers found that “key risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease are linked to cognitive function as early as ages 24–44, highlighting the need for early prevention in the US,” according to the study. Medical experts believe there are steps one can take to support brain health. They include getting exercise, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and socializing.

SCAM WATCH

AI-GENERATED TEXTS & VOICEMAILS ESCALATING

Scammers are using fraudulent texts and AI-generated voice messages with increasing frequency, according to a new warning from the FBI. In a public service announcement issued earlier this month, the agency announced that fraudsters have been impersonating current or former government employees, sending phony texts and AI-generated voice messages purportedly from “US officials.” These scams, known as “smishing” and “vishing,” are intended to “establish rapport before gaining access to personal accounts,” according to authorities. The fraudsters may ask to use a separate messaging platform by sending a malicious link, the FBI said. They may also try to “confirm” personal information or obtain funds as a part of the scheme.

Fraudulent attacks using AI are more sophisticated than ever. Scammers now pretend to be employers, family, or government officials. Tips for staying safe include the following:

• Carefully examine the origin of the message. Fraudsters often misspell words or use software to generate phone numbers that are not attributed to a specific mobile phone or subscriber.
• Scammers will go to great lengths to try to deceive individuals and gain their trust. For instance, actors can incorporate publicly available photographs in text messages or social media, use minor alterations in names and contact information, or use AI-generated voices to impersonate a known contact.
• Look for subtle imperfections in images and videos, such as distorted hands or feet, unrealistic facial features, indistinct or irregular faces, unrealistic accessories such as glasses or jewelry, inaccurate shadows, watermarks on images, voice call lag time, voice matching, and unnatural movements.
• AI-generated content has advanced to the point that it is often almost impossible to identify. When in doubt about the authenticity of a communication, check in with a trusted friend or professional, and contact law enforcement or the FBI for help.

GOVERNMENT / LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

NEW BILL ADDRESSES CRYPTOCURRENCY FRAUD

Earlier this month, the Senate considered the GENIUS Act. This is a bill that establishes federal safeguards for stablecoin holders. In essence, stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value, typically related to a currency like the US dollar. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) has proposed an amendment to this legislation, which would help prevent scammers from stealing seniors’ life savings through cryptocurrency schemes. As summarized in the senator’s press release, according to data recently released by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the losses consumers reported related to crypto-fraud increased nearly tenfold between 2020 and 2023 – from $12 million to $114 million.  And in 2023, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received nearly 2,700 crypto ATM fraud complaints from individuals aged 60 and older – more than all other age groups combined. Crypto-ATMs are largely unregulated, which make them a perfect tool for scammers. Senator Durbin’s bill outlines new requirements for these ATM operators which include: providing warnings to customers about the risk of fraud involving cryptocurrency, requiring ATM venues to develop an anti-fraud policy, new monetary limits for cryptocurrency transactions, and requiring operators to provide receipts for each transaction, including information sufficient to trace the transaction as well as the venue’s refund policy.

Ethel Caterham: World’s Oldest Person

UK RESIDENT REACHES MILESTONE AT 115

A woman from the United Kingdom has become the oldest person in the world at the age of 115, following the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, 116. Ms. Caterham was born on August 21, 1909 and is the last surviving subject of King Edward VII. When asked for the secret to her longevity, she responded “Never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like.” The title of the oldest person ever is held by French woman Jeanne Calment, who lived to 122 years 164 days, according to Guinness World Records.