Consumer News: The six things experts say matter most for mental wellbeing

Researchers say different dementias require different treatments

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• University of Florida researchers have developed an AI-powered diagnostic tool that can distinguish between Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies with near-perfect accuracy.

• The tool, called Automated Imaging Differentiation for Dementia (AIDD), combines advanced MRI imaging with artificial intelligence to identify disease-specific brain changes.

• Researchers say the technology could reduce misdiagnoses, improve treatment decisions, and help clinicians provide earlier, more precise care as dementia cases continue to rise.

Baby boomers, Americas largest generation, aregetting older and doctors are bracing for a significant increase in dementia-related diseases. To help meet that challenge, researchers at the University of Florida have unveiled a new artificial intelligence-based tool designed to help physicians more accurately diagnose two of the most commonly confused forms of the disease.

The tool is called Automated Imaging Differentiation for Dementia, or AIDD. It uses specialized MRI scans and artificial intelligence algorithms to distinguish between Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, conditions that often present similar symptoms but require different treatment approaches. Researchers reported that the technology achieved near-perfect accuracy in identifying the two diseases during testing.

The development comes at a critical time. Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are expected to more than double by 2060, increasing the need for faster and more accurate diagnostic methods. Early diagnosis can help patients access appropriate treatments sooner and avoid therapies that may be ineffectiveor even harmfulfor the wrong condition.

"AI and advanced imaging technology hold significant promise for identifying patterns of brain degeneration associated with dementia," said David Vaillancourt, a distinguished professor in the University of Florida's Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and one of the study's lead researchers.

Significant differences

Although both Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies cause cognitive decline, they often affect patients differently. Alzheimer's typically begins with memory impairment, while dementia with Lewy bodies is more likely to cause problems with attention, alertness, movement and visual hallucinations. Researchers estimate that up to half of patients with dementia with Lewy bodies are initially misdiagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

To develop AIDD, the research team analyzed 519 brain scans collected from patients with Alzheimer's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and healthy control participants. A subset of 387 scans was used to train and test the AI system. The model learned to recognize subtle differences in brain tissue by analyzing MRI measurements of excess fluid in the brain, a potential indicator of cell damage and inflammation.

Researchers said the system underwent extensive validation using data gathered from multiple imaging centers and MRI scanners to ensure reliability. The tool also was tested on a separate group of 13 patients whose diagnoses had been confirmed through autopsy. According to the researchers, AIDD correctly identified every case.

While additional research will be needed before the technology becomes widely available in clinical settings, the findings suggest AI-assisted imaging could become an important tool in dementia care. Researchers believe more precise diagnosis will help clinicians match patients with the most effective treatments and improve long-term outcomes.

So far, US consumers are being shielded from the worst of the oil market chaos

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• U.S. gasoline prices are falling even as crude oil prices rise because refiners are producing ample supplies of gasoline and consumer demand remains relatively soft.

• Global oil markets are reacting to escalating tensions in the Middle East, but the impact on gasoline prices is being offset by strong refinery output and healthy inventories.

• Analysts say motorists could continue to see lower prices at the pump unless geopolitical tensions begin disrupting actual oil production or shipping routes.

Motorists are starting the week with continued relief at the gas pump. AAA reports the national average price of regular gas is $4.16 a gallon, down 16 cents in the last seven days.

But the Iran war continues, with a major escalation over the weekend, and oil prices continue to rise. So, is there something else going on?

The apparent contradiction reflects the complex relationship between crude oil and gasoline, which do not always move in lockstep.

Crude oil is the primary ingredient used to make gasoline, and rising oil prices generally lead to higher fuel costs. Recent gains in oil prices have been driven largely by concerns that escalating conflict in the Middle East could threaten global supplies.

Traders are closely watching developments in a region that produces roughly one-third of the world's oil and includes critical shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Why gas prices are falling

Despite those concerns, gasoline prices have been moving in the opposite direction. One reason is that U.S. refineries are operating at high utilization rates, producing ample quantities of gasoline and other fuels. The increase in supply has helped offset the impact of higher crude costs. In addition, gasoline inventories remain comfortable in many parts of the country, reducing the risk of short-term shortages that can push prices higher.

Demand is also playing a role. While Americans continue to drive, gasoline consumption has been weaker than many analysts expected. Improved vehicle fuel efficiency, the growing number of electric vehicles on the road, and cautious consumer spending have all contributed to softer demand growth. When demand fails to keep pace with supply, gasoline prices tend to ease.

Another factor is timing. Changes in crude oil prices typically take several weeks to fully work their way through the supply chain. Gasoline currently being sold at retail stations may have been refined from oil purchased before recent price increases occurred. As a result, pump prices often lag movements in the oil market.

Perception vs. reality

Market analysts note that the recent rise in crude prices has been driven more by fears of potential supply disruptions than by actual losses of oil production. Unless fighting in the Middle East begins affecting oil fields, pipelines, or shipping lanes, those fears may not translate into significantly higher gasoline prices.

The result is an unusual but welcome situation for motorists: lower fuel bills even as geopolitical risks push oil prices higher.

But consumers shouldnt get complacent. A major disruption to oil exports from the Middle East would likely tighten global supplies and eventually increase both crude and gasoline prices. Until then, strong refinery production and adequate fuel inventories are helping shield consumers from the volatility affecting the oil market.

Researchers have lately focused on how they are made

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• New research suggests the health risks of ultra-processed foods may stem not only from ingredients such as sugar, salt and fat, but also from the industrial methods used to manufacture them.

• Scientists found that food matrix changes caused by intensive processing can alter how the body digests and absorbs nutrients.

• The findings could reshape how regulators, researchers and consumers evaluate the health effects of ultra-processed foods.

For a long time, nutritionists have cautioned consumers about consuming too much ultra-processed food -- things like chips, crackers and frozen meals.That concern has largely focused on what they contain excess sugar, sodium, unhealthy fats and a long list of additives. But emerging research suggests another factor may be just as important: how those foods are made.

According to new findings cited by researchers, the industrial processes used to create ultra-processed foods may fundamentally change the structure of ingredients in ways that affect how the body responds to them. The research points to the possibility that manufacturing techniques themselves contribute to health risks associated with heavily processed foods.

Ultra-processed foods have been linked in numerous studies to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and other chronic health conditions. While scientists have long suspected that high levels of sugar, salt, saturated fat and additives play a major role, the latest work suggests the physical transformation of food during processing may also be significant.

Researchers say intensive manufacturing methods can alter a foods matrix the physical structure that affects how nutrients are packaged within the food. When those structures are broken down and rebuilt through industrial processing, foods may become easier and faster to consume and digest, potentially encouraging overeating and changing metabolic responses.

Designed to stimulate the brain

Scientists note that many ultra-processed foods are designed to be highly palatable and convenient, often combining ingredients in ways that stimulate the brains reward system. Some research suggests these products can be consumed more quickly and may provide less satiety than minimally processed foods, even when nutritional content appears similar on a label.

The findings add another layer to an ongoing debate over how ultra-processed foods should be defined and regulated. Public health agencies and researchers continue to examine whether health risks arise primarily from nutrient content, additives, processing techniques, or some combination of all three.

Ultra-processed foods now account for more than half of the calories consumed by the average American, making the question increasingly important for policymakers and consumers alike. Researchers say understanding the role of industrial processing could help explain why some foods with similar nutrient profiles produce different health outcomes.

The system will be used at all US locations

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• McDonalds has unveiled a new AI-powered drive-thru ordering system, dubbed ArchIQ, that is currently being tested at five U.S. restaurants.

• Developed with Google, the technology can take orders in English and Spanish and has reportedly handled more than one million transactions with about 90% completed without human intervention.

• The initiative follows the companys decision to end an earlier AI ordering partnership with IBM in 2024 after a series of high-profile ordering errors.

McDonalds is once again turning to artificial intelligence in an effort to modernize its restaurants and improve customer service, announcing a new AI-powered drive-thru ordering system that could eventually be deployed across the United States.

The fast-food giant recently unveiled "ArchIQ," an AI platform designed to take drive-thru orders, assist restaurant managers, and improve operational efficiency. The system is currently being tested at five U.S. locations as part of the company's broader growth strategy, known as "McDonald's > NEXT."

According to reports, the AI assistantnicknamed "Archy"can process orders in both English and Spanish and has already handled more than one million transactions. McDonald's says approximately 90% of those orders were completed without requiring assistance from a human employee.

First attempt ended in failure

The move represents McDonald's latest attempt to automate portions of its drive-thru business, which accounts for a significant share of sales. The company previously partnered with IBM to test AI ordering technology at more than 100 restaurants but ended the pilot program in 2024 after customers reported a number of ordering mistakes that gained attention on social media.

This time, McDonald's is working with Google to develop the technology. Beyond taking customer orders, ArchIQ is designed to monitor restaurant operations, identify potential bottlenecks, and alert managers to emerging issues before they affect service. Company officials say the goal is to reduce employee workload while improving speed and accuracy.

The AI initiative is part of a larger technology overhaul that includes digital menu enhancements, expanded mobile-order capabilities, and additional drive-thru improvements. McDonald's has not announced a timetable for a broader rollout of ArchIQ, but the company says it views artificial intelligence as a key component of its future growth strategy.

As more restaurant chains experiment with AI-powered ordering systems, McDonald's latest effort will be closely watched by both competitors and consumers eager to see whether the technology can deliver faster service without sacrificing accuracy.

The outbreak has sickened at least 119 people in 36 states

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Total Nutrition has expanded a nationwide recall of two moringa supplement brands over possible Salmonella contamination.

• The newly expanded recall adds lot 2748 to both TNVitamins and Doctors Pride Ultra Potent Complete Green Superfood Moringa Capsules.

• Federal health officials are investigating an outbreak that has sickened 119 people across 36 states and hospitalized 32.

Total Nutrition Inc. has expanded its recall of TNVitamins and Doctors Pride Ultra Potent Complete Green Superfood Moringa Capsules after federal investigators linked the products to an ongoing multistate Salmonella outbreak.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports the expanded recall includes an additional production lot after a traceability review identified a common raw material shared with previously recalled products. The newly added lot, 2748, affects both TNVitamins Ultra Potent Complete Green Superfood Moringa 10,000 mg capsules and Doctors Pride Complete Green Superfood Ultra Potent Moringa 10,000 mg capsules.

The supplements were sold nationwide through online retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target and TikTok Shop, as well as the companies own websites. The products are packaged in white bottles containing 120 capsules filled with green moringa powder.

Expanded investigation

The recall follows notification from the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that the supplements may be associated with an ongoing investigation into moringa-containing dietary supplements contaminated with Salmonella. Total Nutrition said it has halted distribution and sales of the affected products and is working with regulators as the investigation continues.

Affected TNVitamins products include lots 2507199, 2512-304, 2793 and the newly added lot 2748. The recall also covers Doctors Pride products from lots 2507199 and 2748. Consumers are advised to stop using the products immediately and dispose of them. Refunds are available through the company.

Federal officials say the broader outbreak has resulted in 119 reported illnesses across 36 states, with 32 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported.

Most infected individuals reported consuming moringa-containing supplements before becoming ill.

Salmonella infections can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness. Health officials advise anyone who has consumed the recalled supplements and develops symptoms to seek medical attention.