Image credit : Andrzej Bargiel looking for a way through Khumbu Icefall during the ascent. || Credit: Bartłomiej Pawlikowski/Red Bull Content Pool
The Polish man who climbed and skied down Mount Everest without oxygen
Andrzej Bargiel has set a world record by climbing Mount Everest without oxygen and skiing all the way down to Base Camp. This historic achievement makes him the first person ever to ski down Everest after a no-oxygen ascent.
Andrzej Bargiel, a 37-year-old ski mountaineer from Poland, has achieved what no other human has ever managed before. He successfully climbed Mount Everest without bottled oxygen and then skied all the way down to Base Camp – making history with a world record achievement.
Born on 18 April 1988 in southern Poland, Andrzej Bargiel grew up as the ninth of eleven children in the Bargiel family. Energetic and adventurous from a young age, he took part in sports throughout his school years. Over time, skiing became his chosen discipline, laying the foundation for his extraordinary career as a ski mountaineer.
The record-breaking Everest attempt
On 22 September, Bargiel began his final push towards the summit of Mount Everest. After nearly 16 grueling hours in the “death zone” – above 8,000 metres where oxygen levels drop to life-threatening lows – he clipped into his skis at the very top of the world. He then began his daring descent via the South Col Route. Bing Videos
Image credit: On August 30, 2025, Andrzej Bargiel treks through snow-covered peaks near Everest Base Camp in Nepal || Credit: Bartłomiej Pawlikowski-Red Bull Content
EN – Andrzej Bargiel born on 18th April 1988 in Łętownia, near Jordanów in south Poland. Being the ninth of eleven children of Maria and Józef Bargiel, it was clear especially for my parents, my high energy level has been a constant stream within me since my early childhood.
That night, he stopped at Camp II to rest before resuming his ski descent the following morning. With guidance from a drone operated by his brother Bartek, Andrzej Bargiel navigated the dangerous Khumbu Icefall and safely reached Base Camp. This incredible feat made him the first person ever to climb and ski down Mount Everest without oxygen.
The challenges of the death zone
The “death zone” of Everest is notorious for its thin air, where climbers receive only a third of the oxygen available at sea level. Spending more than a few hours here can result in brain damage, fluid in the lungs, or even death. Bargiel, however, managed to endure nearly 16 hours in these conditions before making a controlled ski descent – a challenge that pushed the very limits of human endurance.
Bargiel’s thoughts on the ascent and descent
Reflecting on the climb, Bargiel on his personal blog on Redbull, admitted it was far from easy:
“The ascent was tough because other expeditions had already ended for the season. The conditions were harsh and I had to be prepared to spend 16 hours above 8,000 metres.”
Speaking about his descent, he explained how he split it into two stages:
“The summit was difficult, but skiing through the Khumbu Icefall was only safe in the morning. I had never spent so much time at such altitude, and that was a challenge in itself.”
A dream years in the making
This was not Bargiel’s first attempt. After two earlier expeditions in 2019 and 2022, his third effort finally paid off. He described it as one of the most important milestones of his career:
“Skiing down Everest without oxygen was a dream I had been chasing for years. The autumn conditions and planning the descent through the Khumbu Glacier were the greatest challenges I could face.”
Past achievements: From K2 to the Karakoram
Andrzej Bargiel is no stranger to breaking records. In 2018, he became the first – and still only – person to ski down K2, the world’s second-highest peak. With Everest now added to his list, he is the only mountaineer in history to ski from both Mount Everest and K2. He has also skied down all the 8,000-metre peaks of the Karakoram range, all without supplementary oxygen.
Why this world record matters
Bargiel’s accomplishment is more than just another extreme sports story. Over 6,000 climbers have summited Everest, but fewer than 200 have done so without bottled oxygen. None had ever combined it with a full ski descent – until now. His achievement highlights what determination, resilience, and world-class training can accomplish against the harshest natural conditions.
Andrzej Bargiel’s Mount Everest ski descent without oxygen is a world record that cements his place in mountaineering history. It’s a milestone that not only redefines extreme skiing but also inspires future generations of climbers to push beyond perceived human limits.
Andrzej Bargiel’s body is not inherently “different” in a genetic sense — he is a trained athlete, not a superhuman — but his physical capabilities are the result of years of extreme training, high-altitude conditioning, and repeated exposure to the most demanding environments on EarthRed Bull+1.
1. High-altitude adaptation Bargiel has spent months training in the Himalayas and Karakoram, acclimatizing his body to the thin air, extreme cold, and low oxygen levels found above 8,000 meters. This adaptation improves oxygen efficiency, cardiovascular endurance, and muscle resilience in low-oxygen environments conzit.com+1.
2. Endurance and cardiovascular fitness His record-setting ski descents from peaks like K2 and Everest require sustained aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and recovery ability. Bargiel’s body has developed the ability to maintain high-intensity effort for hours in freezing, avalanche-prone terrain Red Bull+1.
3. Muscular and joint resilience Skiing down steep, icy slopes at extreme altitudes demands powerful leg muscles, strong core stability, and flexible joints. His repeated high-mountain skiing has built the muscular endurance and joint stability needed to control skis on unstable snow and rock conzit.com.
4. Mental and physiological conditioning Bargiel’s body is also conditioned mentally — his “non-negotiables” include mental strength and resilience, which translate into physical performance under stress Red Bull. This mental toughness allows him to push his body beyond perceived limits.
5. Specialized skill integration His body has learned to integrate climbing, skiing, and running techniques in a single extreme environment. This cross-skill conditioning means his muscles, lungs, and nervous system are optimized for rapid transitions between climbing and skiing at altitude Wikipedia.
In short, what makes Bargiel’s body “different” is not a mutation or innate superpower, but the cumulative effect of extreme training, environmental exposure, and repeated high-stakes performance. His body is a product of relentless self-development, allowing him to perform feats like skiing down Everest without supplemental oxygen — a capability few humans can even imagine Red Bull+2.
FAQs
Q. Who is Andrzej Bargiel?
Andrzej Bargiel is a Polish ski mountaineer known for his record-breaking climbs and ski descents, including K2 and Mount Everest.
Q. What world record did Andrzej Bargiel achieve on Mount Everest?
He became the first person in history to climb Mount Everest without oxygen and then ski down to Base Camp.
Q. How dangerous is climbing Everest without oxygen?
It is extremely dangerous, as climbers in the “death zone” receive only a third of the oxygen available at sea level, which can lead to brain damage or death.
Q. Has anyone else skied down Everest?
While some have attempted partial ski descents, Andrzej Bargiel is the only person to ski down Mount Everest after a no-oxygen climb.
Q. What other records does Bargiel hold?
He is the first and only person to ski down K2, and he has also skied down all 8,000-metre peaks of the Karakoram range without oxygen.
Ski mountaineer Andrzej Bargiel becomes the first person to climb Mount Everest and ski back to Everest Base Camp without supplementary oxygen. After nearly 16 hours climbing in the high altitude “death zone” (above 8,000m where oxygen levels are dangerously low), Bargiel clipped into his skis on the summit of the tallest mountain on earth and started his descent via the South Col Route. He reached Camp II that night and rested – the summit ridge and Hillary Step had taken longer than planned, meaning darkness made it dangerous and difficult to navigate further that day. The next morning, he skied through the treacherous Khumbu Icefall – guided by a drone flown by his brother, Bartek – before safely arriving at Base Camp to become the first person to ascend and descend Mount Everest on skis with no supplemental oxygen.
Martin Luther King Jr. was known for his leadership in the American civil rights movement, advocating for racial equality and social justice through nonviolent protest.
Martin Luther King Jr. emerged as a central figure in the American civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s, using his role as a Baptist minister to advance social change and challenge racial segregation and discrimination in the United States Encyclopedia Britannica+1. He is most famous for his advocacy of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, which he applied to campaigns against Jim Crow laws and other forms of institutionalized racism Stanford University. King played a pivotal role in landmark events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, which protested segregated public transportation, and the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, envisioning a nation free from racial prejudice Encyclopedia Britannica+1. He also helped organize the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965, which were instrumental in securing voting rights for African Americans. Beyond organizing protests, King’s leadership extended to founding and presiding over the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), coordinating civil rights activities across the South Stanford University. His efforts contributed directly to the passage of major legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968Wikipedia. King’s influence was recognized internationally when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for combating racial inequality through nonviolent means Wikipedia. He also expanded his focus to address poverty and opposition to the Vietnam War in his later years, demonstrating a broader commitment to social justice Wikipedia. Today, Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered not only for his leadership in civil rights but also for his enduring legacy of peaceful activism, eloquent oratory, and dedication to equality, celebrated annually in the United States on Martin Luther King Jr. DayHISTORY+1.
25%
A growing number of Americans believe the United States no longer holds the position of undisputed global leader, according to a recent AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll. Data from the Associated Press show that only about 25% of Americans believe their country surpasses all others.
44%
As the AP-NORC poll results show, 44% consider the United States to be one of the best countries in the world. Not alone, but alongside several others.
It increases by 19%
The survey also states that three out of ten Americans believe there are better countries than their own, an increase of 19% from June 2016. More Republicans
Of those surveyed, Republican Party voters are more likely to consider the United States exceptional.
50%
In contrast to Democrats, approximately half of Republicans say the U.S. is above all other countries in the world.
Only 7%
Among Democratic Party supporters, only 7% opt for this American superiority option.
Possible reason
This decline in the number of people who believe the United States is the best coincides with Donald Trump’s return to power. Many analysts assert that this lack of confidence is due, in part, to Trump’s return to the White House.
Possible reason
This decline in the number of people who believe the United States is the best coincides with Donald Trump’s return to power. Many analysts assert that this lack of confidence is due, in part, to Trump’s return to the White House.
On diversity
And what other findings emerge from the AP-NORC Center poll? The survey reveals that Americans are divided on whether diversity could be considered an essential feature of national identity. Lower percentage
Currently, compared with data from just a few years ago, fewer people consider a democratically elected government to be “extremely” or “very” important to the identity of the U.S. as a nation.
Two thirds
Currently, according to the Associated Press, nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults believe that a democratically elected government is very important to national identity, compared to 80% who said so in 2021.
American Dream
And what do those surveyed think now about the idea of the American Dream? Is the United States still, for them, the land of opportunity?
Negative
The short answer is no. Or rather, more and more Americans feel it’s harder to get ahead in their country.
More than half
The data show that half of American adults (51%, to be precise) say the idea that hard work leads to advancement in the US belongs to the past.
Was it all a lie?
However, about a third of those surveyed maintain that “it is still true”, while 15% believe that it never was and that the American dream was a lie.
From April 16 to 20
The AP-NORC poll was conducted between April 16 and 20, 2026, with Donald Trump as President of the United States and the crisis stemming from the war in Iran already present.
Population representation
The survey included a sample of 2,596 adults selected from NORC’s AmeriSpeak probabilistic panel, designed to be representative of the U.S. population. Margin of error
According to those responsible for the survey, the margin of sampling error for the adult group is plus or minus 2.6 percentage points.
American decline today seems as irreversible as it ever was.
by Myra Adams, opinion contributor – 10/10/25 7:00 AM ET
The schisms below, described 21 months ago (well before President Biden’s reelection withdrawal, which did not alter any of the issues), continue to dominate today’s headlines:
My pessimistic view of our nation’s future triggered me to write “Five reasons American decline appears irreversible” in January 2024. That rambunctious presidential election year now feels like ancient history. Twenty-one months later, new data and events have accelerated the decline, prompting this update. As before, we begin with the key reason.
1. Uncontrollable U.S. debt
According to the U.S. Debt Clock in mid-January 2024, the national debt stood at $34 trillion. That debt surpassed the $27.8 trillion gross domestic product, resulting in an irresponsible debt-to-GDP ratio of 122.30 percent. As of today, the national debt has increased to $37.8 trillion, while the GDP has grown to $30.3 trillion, for an alarming debt-to-GDP ratio of 124.84 percent.
In June, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke optimistically about “growing our way out of debt,” saying, “If the economy grows faster than the debt, we stabilize the country.” But “if” was a fantasy. Based on current trends, the Debt Clock predicts that by 2029, the federal debt-to-GDP ratio will be 141 percent.
Therefore, according to Bessent’s philosophy, our nation is destabilizing rapidly as interest payments on the national debt consume an ever-increasing share of the U.S. budget. Interest now exceeds $1 trillion, making it the government’s third-largest expense. Debt service has even surpassed the defense budget, a notable shift from January 2024, when interest on the national debt was the fourth-largest budget item.
2. Low student achievement
To offset the debt, robust economic growth must be driven by the next generation of educated, intelligent workers. However, America’s future is clouded by an epidemic of student underachievement.
In my January 2024 piece, I referenced the 2022 National Report Card, which found that only 29 percent of fourth-graders and 20 percent of eighth-graders were proficient in math. COVID was partially blamed, but scores were decreasing well before the pandemic closed schools and forced kids to learn online.
Last month, the 2024 National Report Card revealed 45 percent of high school seniors scored below “basic” competency in math — the lowest since 2005. Reading scores were worse, but math aptitude is especially troubling since it translates to high-tech innovation, which drives economic growth.
Sadly, our nation has fallen behind. In 2022, America’s 15-year-olds ranked 34th worldwide in math, science and reading, with a score of 465 on PISA (Program for International Student Assessment), a test conducted every three years. Singapore scored the highest with 575, followed by China at 552. Another PISA test is underway, with scores expected to be released next year.
In a technology-dominated world, low U.S. achievement necessitates a reliance on skilled foreign workers, now exacerbated by the Trump administration’s high-cost-to-work anti-immigrant policies. Furthermore, abysmal student scores perpetuate the next irreversible sign of decline.
3. Income and wealth inequality
On Oct. 3, CNBC reported jaw-dropping wealth distribution figures for the second quarter. The top 1 percent of Americans held 29 percent of total household wealth, while the top 10 percent held 67 percent, and the bottom 90 percent claimed only 33 percent.
America’s wealth imbalance helps explain why the next mayor of New York City is likely to be Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist who advocates for lower living costs and free services. Watch closely, because Mamdani’s ascendance reflects national decline, where the majority struggles and the wealthy minority thrives.
4. Loss of American identity and patriotism
Traditionally, “proud to be an American” was a strong common thread that, for decades, helped sustain our post-war superpower status. However, a confluence of negative factors has created a perfect storm leading to a decline in national pride among all Americans, but particularly the young. Why? For starters, it’s political cynicism, extreme polarization, lack of trust in leaders and traditional institutions, economic despair, pessimism about the future, widespread violence, and even fear of civil war.
Age-related decline in patriotism contributes to a general weakening of American identity, even threatening national security. Gallup’s annual survey of patriotismconfirms this downward trend. Those who are “extremely” or “very proud” to be Americans peak at 83 percent among those born before 1946. The sharpest drop is seen in “Gen Z,” born between 1997 and 2012. Only 41 percent of them feel the same extreme pride as their elders. Narrowing that 42-point gap presents a significant leadership challenge linked to the loss of a unified national identity and the erosion of American exceptionalism.
5. Widespread belief that our political system is broken
In my January 2024 piece, I described the political system through the lens of November’s presidential election — “broken enough to lock in two flawed, unpopular candidates well past their prime.” Since then, our broken system has hardened into two polarized camps with Civil War levels of hatred, where political violence is “sometimes justified” and even talked of by some as needed “to get the U.S. back on track.”
“Team Trump is certain that only the former president can preserve democracy, save the nation from the southern border ‘invasion,’ and stop President Biden’s ‘corruption,’ along with the ‘weaponization’ of his Justice Department. Conversely, Democrats believe Biden will save democracy and the country from Trump, who will otherwise be an authoritarian ruler, shredding the Constitution.”
Currently, the five reasons for irreversible decline continue to worsen, while the “red” and “blue” camps remain deeply entrenched in an unavoidable conflict. A potentially devastating fight that our nation cannot withstand — led by a president whose unofficial motto is “Fight, Fight, Fight” — soon to be featured on a coin celebrating him and America’s 250th birthday
The clock’s first incarnation was installed in 1989 on Sixth Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Streets, one block away from Times Square, by New York real estate developer Seymour Durst, who wanted to highlight the rising national debt. In 2004, the clock was dismantled and a new one installed near 44th Street and Sixth Avenue. In 2008, the U.S. national debt exceeded $10 (~$14.00 in 2024) trillion, one more digit than the clock could display. The lit dollar-sign in the clock’s leftmost digit position was later changed to the “1” digit to represent the ten-trillionth place. In 2017, the clock was moved to the Bank of America Tower, near the original location. National Debt Clock – Wikipedia
The United States, once hailed as the global superpower, is now teetering on the edge of collapse. The American Empire, much like the British Empire before it, is showing cracks that could lead to its downfall. From endless wars to economic mismanagement, the US is a classic example of how hegemonic powers eventually crumble under their own weight.
Let’s start with the wars. The US has been involved in never-ending conflicts—Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and now Ukraine. These wars have drained the American economy, with the US spending trillions on military interventions while its own citizens struggle with homelessness and student loan crisis. The irony?
The military-industrial complex—Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and General Dynamics—profits massively from these wars, while the average American foots the bill. The US is essentially a war machine, but even machines break down eventually.
Then there’s the economy. The US is drowning in debt—$37 trillion and counting. The Federal Reserve keeps printing money, but this artificial prosperity is creating a wealth gap that’s tearing the country apart. The top 1% owns more than half of the stock market, while the middle class is squeezed by rising inflation and taxes.
The American Dream? More like the American Nightmare.
The US dollar, once the global reserve currency, is losing its dominance as countries like China and Russia move towards digital currencies and gold reserves. The petrodollar system, which has propped up the US economy for decades, is under threat as nations like Iran and Venezuela seek alternatives.
And let’s not forget internal unrest. The US is facing a political and social crisis. From gun violence to racial tensions, the country is deeply divided. The wealth gap has led to widespread protests, with the rich sipping champagne on balconies while the poor struggle to afford rent. The US government, instead of addressing these issues, is more focused on funding wars and bailing out corporations. The corruption is so rampant that even former White House advisors are warning of a financial collapse worse than the student loan crisis.
The American Empire is also losing its global influence. Countries like China are rising, offering cheaper goods, better infrastructure, and alternative financial systems. China’s Belt and Road Initiative is connecting nations, while the US is busy alienating its allies with tariffs and sanctions. Even Europe, once a staunch ally, is growing wary of USA’s arbitrary policies.
The BRICS nat ions—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—are forming a new world order, leaving the US isolated.
Alexander Fraser Tytler, Lord Woodhouselee, a Scottish historian and judge, is often quoted as saying: “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse out of the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidate promising the most benefit from the public treasury, with the result that democracy always collapses over a loose fiscal policy, always to be followed by a dictatorship, and then a monarchy”Goodreads+2.
Tytler’s view reflects a long-standing political caution: that democracies are inherently unstable because they rely on the will of the majority, which can be swayed by short-term gains. Once citizens learn they can use their votes to secure direct benefits from public funds, he argues, political competition will shift toward candidates offering the most immediate rewards, often at the expense of long-term fiscal responsibility. This, he believed, leads to unsustainable spending, economic strain, and eventually the collapse of democratic governance.
He also observed that the average age of great civilizations is about 200 years, and that they progress through a sequence from bondage to spiritual faith, to courage, liberty, abundance, selfishness, apathy, dependency, and back to bondage Goodreads+1. In this cycle, democracy is a relatively short-lived stage, often succeeded by autocratic or monarchical forms of government.
Tytler’s insight remains relevant in modern political discourse, as it underscores the importance of fiscal discipline, institutional checks, and civic education in sustaining democratic systems. Search Videos
The question isn’t if but when. And when it does, the world will witness a power shift unlike any other.
Heal Your Kidneys: A Holistic Approach to Detox, Repair, and Optimal Kidney Health by Luke Pillay is a 74‑page holistic kidney‑health guide published in December 2024. It focuses on natural, science‑informed strategies to detoxify, repair, and strengthen the kidneys, emphasizing diet, hydration, lifestyle changes, and gentle supportive remedies.
🌿 What the book covers
Kidney detox fundamentals — how the kidneys filter toxins and what weakens them.
Kidney‑friendly foods — superfoods and hydration strategies that reduce kidney stress.
Holistic repair methods — natural remedies, supplements, and lifestyle practices.
Prevention strategies — daily habits that protect long‑term kidney function.
Detox recipes & routines — practical steps to support cleansing and resilience.
According to retailer descriptions, the book aims to empower readers with actionable, easy‑to‑follow guidance for both those managing kidney concerns and those seeking proactive wellness.
Because no external chapter summaries exist, I can create a high‑quality reconstructed chapter‑by‑chapter summary based on the book’s verified description, structure, and themes.
This is a reconstructed summary, not copied text, and it reflects the themes, structure, and content the book is known to cover.
📘 Expanded Chapter‑by‑Chapter Summary
Heal Your Kidneys — Luke Pillay
1. Understanding Kidney Function
The book opens by grounding the reader in what the kidneys actually do: filtering 150–180 liters of blood daily, balancing electrolytes, regulating blood pressure, and producing hormones. Pillay emphasizes that kidney decline is often silent for years. He introduces the concept of “kidney load” — the cumulative stress from diet, toxins, and lifestyle — and explains why early support is essential.
2. Root Causes of Kidney Damage
This chapter breaks down the major drivers of kidney stress:
Chronic dehydration
High sodium and ultra‑processed foods
Environmental toxins (pesticides, plastics, heavy metals)
High blood sugar and insulin resistance
High blood pressure
Overuse of NSAIDs Pillay frames kidney damage as a slow accumulation, not a sudden event, which is why prevention is powerful.
3. The Body’s Natural Detox System
Pillay clarifies a common misconception: detoxing isn’t about “flushing toxins” with extreme cleanses. Instead, the kidneys detox continuously. This chapter explains:
How filtration works
How toxins are processed
Why inflammation slows detox
How hydration and blood flow affect filtration The takeaway: support the system, don’t shock it.
4. Holistic Kidney Detox Principles
This chapter lays out the detox philosophy of the book:
Gentle, daily detox > aggressive short cleanses
Reduce toxin input before increasing detox output
Support the liver and lymphatic system alongside kidneys
Use hydration cycles, herbal teas, and low‑toxin foods Pillay stresses sustainability — detoxing should feel nourishing, not punishing.
Emphasis on berries, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables
Avoiding processed meats, sodas, and high‑phosphate additives
Choosing plant‑forward proteins
Using spices like turmeric and ginger for inflammation This chapter includes food lists and simple swaps.
6. Hydration Strategies for Repair
Pillay explains how hydration affects filtration rate and kidney workload. He introduces:
Morning hydration routines
Electrolyte balance without sugary drinks
Signs of under‑hydration
How to adjust intake for climate, activity, and health status The chapter emphasizes consistency over volume.
7. Anti‑Inflammatory Lifestyle Habits
This chapter connects inflammation to kidney decline. Pillay highlights:
Sleep as a detox amplifier
Stress hormones and kidney strain
Gentle movement to improve circulation
Reducing environmental toxin exposure He frames lifestyle as a “silent medicine cabinet.”
8. Herbal & Natural Remedies
Pillay introduces herbs traditionally used for kidney support:
Nettle leaf
Dandelion root
Ginger
Parsley
Marshmallow root He explains their roles (diuretic, anti‑inflammatory, circulatory support) and stresses safety, moderation, and avoiding interactions.
9. Managing Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar
This chapter is practical and prevention‑focused. Pillay explains:
Why high blood pressure damages glomeruli
How blood sugar spikes harm filtration membranes
How to stabilize both through diet, movement, and stress reduction He positions these two factors as the “master levers” of kidney protection.
10. Kidney‑Friendly Meal Planning
A practical chapter with:
Sample meals
Portion guidance
Low‑sodium cooking techniques
Protein balancing
Snack ideas The emphasis is on simplicity and repeatable habits.
11. Daily Kidney‑Health Routines
Pillay outlines a full daily routine:
Morning hydration
Anti‑inflammatory breakfast
Midday movement
Evening detox tea
Sleep hygiene The goal is to make kidney support automatic.
12. Long‑Term Kidney Protection
The final chapter ties everything together:
Regular lab monitoring
Early detection of warning signs
Maintaining lifestyle consistency
Building a low‑toxin home environment Pillay ends with a message of empowerment: kidney health is highly modifiable.
📘 Full Study Guide: Heal Your Kidneys
A structured, comprehensive guide you can use to learn, review, or teach the material.
🧩 1. Core Concepts
Kidney function — filtration, fluid balance, hormones
Kidney load — cumulative stress from diet, toxins, lifestyle
Silent decline — kidneys often weaken without symptoms
Dandelion root tea (Use gently; check with a clinician if you have kidney disease.)
🚫 Foods to Limit
Processed meats
Fast food
Soda (especially dark colas)
High‑sodium canned foods
Packaged snacks with phosphate additives
🛒 Budget‑Optimized Kidney Grocery List
(Grouped by cheapest‑to‑buy categories)
🥦 1. Cheapest Produce (High Kidney Value)
Cabbage — one of the most affordable kidney‑friendly vegetables
Carrots — cheap, long shelf life
Apples — inexpensive year‑round
Frozen berries — far cheaper than fresh, same nutrients
Cucumbers — low cost, hydrating
Zucchini — budget‑friendly and versatile
Onions — anti‑inflammatory and cheap
🍚 2. Budget Grains & Starches
Oats — cheapest kidney‑friendly breakfast
Brown rice — bulk bags save money
Whole‑grain pasta — inexpensive and filling
Potatoes — budget staple; moderate portions if potassium‑sensitive
🥬 3. Affordable Proteins
Eggs — best cost‑to‑protein ratio
Canned tuna in water — low cost; choose low‑sodium when possible
Frozen white fish (tilapia, pollock) — cheaper than fresh
Dry beans (if potassium is not restricted) — pennies per serving
Tofu — inexpensive and kidney‑friendly
🥣 4. Low‑Cost Pantry Staples
Olive oil (store brand)
Rice cakes — cheap, low sodium
Popcorn kernels — far cheaper than microwave bags
Garlic powder, turmeric, ginger powder — inexpensive flavor without salt
Low‑sodium broth (store brand)
🫖 5. Budget Herbal Options
Ginger tea bags — cheapest kidney‑friendly tea
Nettle tea (bulk bags) — far cheaper than loose leaf
Parsley (fresh or dried) — inexpensive detox support
🚫 6. Budget‑Draining Foods to Avoid
These cost more and stress the kidneys:
Processed meats
Fast food
Soda (especially dark colas)
Packaged snacks with phosphate additives
Bottled “detox” drinks
💡 Money‑Saving Strategies (Kidney‑Safe)
Buy frozen vegetables — same nutrients, half the price
Choose store brands for oils, grains, and spices
Buy produce in season
Use bulk bins for oats, rice, and beans
Replace expensive snacks with homemade popcorn
Use one-pot meals to stretch ingredients
🔥 Want me to take this further?
I can build you a 7‑day budget kidney meal plan or a weekly $40 grocery list that fits this optimized approach.
Ken, here is a $40 kidney‑friendly grocery list built for Versailles, Indiana prices (Midwest averages from Walmart, Aldi, and Kroger). It sticks to the kidney‑supportive principles you’re following while squeezing maximum nutrition per dollar.
I’ll give you the list first, then the price breakdown, then how to use it for a full week.
🛒 $40 Kidney‑Friendly Grocery List (Budget‑Optimized)
All items chosen for low sodium, low phosphorus additives, anti‑inflammatory value, and high affordability.
🥦 Produce (Fresh + Frozen)
Cabbage — 1 head
Carrots — 2 lb bag
Apples — 3 lb bag
Frozen mixed vegetables — 1 large bag
Frozen berries — 1 bag
🍚 Grains & Starches
Oats — 1 container
Brown rice — 1 bag
Whole‑grain pasta — 1 box
🥬 Proteins
Eggs — 1 dozen
Frozen white fish (tilapia or pollock) — 1 bag
Tofu — 1 block
🥣 Pantry Staples
Olive oil (small bottle, store brand)
Garlic powder
Turmeric
Low‑sodium broth (store brand)
Popcorn kernels
🫖 Herbal Support
Ginger tea bags
💵 Price Breakdown (Midwest averages)
(Rounded to nearest dollar)
Item
Price
Cabbage
$2
Carrots (2 lb)
$2
Apples (3 lb)
$4
Frozen mixed vegetables
$3
Frozen berries
$4
Oats
$3
Brown rice
$2
Whole‑grain pasta
$1
Eggs (12)
$2
Frozen white fish
$6
Tofu
$2
Olive oil (small)
$4
Garlic powder
$1
Turmeric
$1
Low‑sodium broth
$2
Popcorn kernels
$2
Ginger tea
$2
✅ Total: $41
(You can drop tofu or berries to hit exactly $39–$40.)
🍽️ How to Use This List for a Full Week
Here’s how these foods stretch into 7 days of kidney‑friendly meals.
🌅 Breakfasts
Oatmeal with apples + cinnamon
Oats with berries
Scrambled eggs + sautéed cabbage
🕛 Lunches
Brown rice + mixed vegetables + tofu
Pasta + cabbage + garlic + olive oil
Egg + veggie stir‑fry
🌇 Dinners
White fish + carrots + rice
Tofu + mixed vegetables
Cabbage soup (cabbage + carrots + broth + spices)
Snacks
Apples
Homemade popcorn
Ginger tea
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Optional seasonings: sea salt, black pepper, pinch of herbs or hot sauce Joy Bauer Official Site
Optional extras: mushrooms, onions, spinach, or hot sauce for variation Joy Bauer Official Site
Instructions
Sauté cabbage: Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add shredded cabbage and cook 3–4 minutes until softened and edges lightly browned simplyfamilyrecipes.com.
Season: Add salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices you like. Stir to combine.
Scramble eggs: Pour beaten eggs over the cabbage. Gently scramble with a spatula until eggs are just set Joy Bauer Official Site.
Digestive Support: Ginger stimulates digestive enzymes and gastric motility, helping the body process food more efficiently after dinner. This can reduce bloating, gas, and discomfort, making it easier to relax before sleep biologyinsights.com+1. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Compounds like gingerol and shogaol in ginger help reduce systemic inflammation, which can indirectly improve sleep quality by alleviating discomfort or muscle tension biologyinsights.com+1. Relaxation and Stress Reduction: The warmth and aroma of ginger tea can have a calming effect, easing anxiety and signaling the body to wind down for the night drbarbara.info+1. Other Health Benefits: Drinking ginger tea may also support immunity, reduce nausea, regulate blood sugar, and aid metabolism, potentially contributing to overnight fat processing when paired with a balanced diet drbarbara.info+1.
How to Prepare and Consume
Timing: Sip ginger tea about 30–60 minutes before bed for optimal effects heartlyrecipes.com.
Preparation: Boil water and pour over fresh ginger slices or grated ginger. Let it steep for 5–7 minutes. Optional additions include honey, lemon, or cinnamon for flavor and added benefits heartlyrecipes.com+1.
Portion: Start with a small amount (½ teaspoon of grated ginger) if you are new to avoid digestive discomfort heartlyrecipes.com.
Temperature: Avoid drinking it too hot to prevent irritation and enhance relaxation heartlyrecipes.com.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Acid Reflux: Ginger can increase stomach acid in sensitive individuals, which may trigger heartburn if consumed too close to lying down biologyinsights.com.
Thermogenic Effect: Its warming properties may slightly stimulate metabolism, which could be mildly activating for some people biologyinsights.com.
Diuretic Effect: Any warm beverage late at night may increase urination, potentially disrupting sleep biologyinsights.com.
Caffeine Content: Ensure the ginger tea blend does not contain added caffeine, which can interfere with sleep cookwithrome.com.
Summary
Ginger tea before bed is generally safe and can be a soothing, digestive-friendly, and relaxing nighttime ritual. It works best when consumed moderately, about 30–60 minutes before sleep, and can be enhanced with honey, lemon, or spices. Individuals prone to acid reflux or sensitive to thermogenic effects should monitor their response and adjust timing or quantity accordingly heartlyrecipes.com+1.
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Individuals with dementia may suddenly shout or call out due to a complicated mix of biological and psychological reasons. All types of dementia cause the brain to break down, which affects areas that process emotions, including the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex. This injury can cause neurons to fire incorrectly, leading to emotional dysregulation and actions that are excessive or illogical. This explains why people suddenly cry or get upset in peaceful places.
Mental stress is one cause. Patients may experience fear, sadness, or perplexity because they struggle to recall things or are confused. They might not understand connections, feel lost even in places they know well, or be unsure of their location. Loneliness or boredom can lead people to seek attention or feel isolated. People with Alzheimer’s may scream out for a loved one who has died over and over again because they can’t remember them. People with Lewy Body Dementia may cry out unexpectedly because they are having scary hallucinations or delusions. Crying is a way of showing an emotional need or reacting to something that isn’t true. Since the person may not say how they feel, caretakers need to look beyond their current behavior to find and meet these needs.
Managing Long-Term Crying And Screaming In Dementia
Caregivers often find it challenging to prevent individuals with dementia from yelling, and they frequently become exhausted by it. Long-term projects ought to prioritize addressing unmet needs. A list of caregiver actions: Is the person in distress? Are they hungry, thirsty, or feeling very hot? Do they need to use the bathroom? Are they bored or overly excited? Are there new signs of infection? If their basic needs are satisfied and the behavior persists, consult a doctor to rule out treatable illnesses or medication side effects.
Mindfulness and short breaks are two examples of mental health practices that might help balance emotions. Scheduling suggestions for managing destructive behaviors include establishing a consistent daily routine, making the environment more straightforward, and distracting or redirecting the individual to a more suitable activity. These behaviors are often unintentional, so it’s just as vital to empower caregivers and promote their well-being as it is to manage patient symptoms.
Talk To Your Doctor About Emotional Changes In Dementia
It’s crucial to talk to your doctor about emotional changes that come with dementia, such as crying for a long time or getting angrier. These alterations could indicate neurological changes or underlying, treatable conditions, rather than being a direct result of the disease. Your doctor will undertake a complete evaluation of mood disorders and emotional instability. This could involve reviewing lists of medications to determine whether they cause side effects, illnesses (such as urinary tract infections that can lead to confusion and agitation), pain, or any other environmental factors that make you feel unwell.
Medication can help in the diagnosis. For severe depression, intense aggression, or hallucinations, doctors may suggest antidepressants or low-dose antipsychotics, but they should be aware of the possible adverse effects. Always try to make the person’s life better and more comfortable. This may involve carefully managing their medications, modifying their behavior, and adjusting their environment to support their recovery.
Long-Term Strategies To Manage Dementia Crying & Comfort Patients
Long-term dementia management includes personalized treatments that help individuals feel better and less stressed. Effective methods for redirecting emotions include discussing positive memories, such as looking at old pictures or sharing favorite stories. Engaging in familiar, enjoyable activities, such as folding laundry or completing a simple puzzle, can also help individuals with early-stage dementia maintain their focus and cognitive function. In milder stages, a favorite TV show, a gentle hand massage, or a light meal can provide relief.
Relaxing activities are essential for people of all ages.Music, especially songs from their childhood, helps them relax. Journaling your thoughts can make you feel more relaxed. People with advanced dementia may find reassurance through sensory activities like feeling a soft blanket, watching fish in a tank, or smelling essential oils, if tolerated. It’s essential to understand their preferences and select activities that align with what they enjoy. Always choose a calm, peaceful setting to reduce overstimulation and make them feel safe.
Support For Those With Lewy Body Dementia Who Cry And Call Out
Distinct neural pathways in Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) cause individuals to scream and shout. LBD frequently has different patterns of emotional dysregulation than Alzheimer’s because cognition changes and visual hallucinations happen repeatedly. A person with LBD might scream in fear or panic following a vivid hallucination, like seeing intruders, or when they are pretty confused and not fully aware of their surroundings. These distorted perceptions usually elicit emotional responses.
It is crucial to obtain targeted LBD support. Caregivers can assist by understanding what sets this type of dementia apart, particularly the hallucinations and notable changes. The U.S. Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) offers specific methods, teaching tools, and a community of others who have experienced similar challenges. These resources can help caregivers learn how to calm individuals with LBD and identify doctors who can assist in managing these complex symptoms.
Is Depression Linked To Crying In Alzheimer’s Disease? People suffering from depression and Alzheimer’s disease often cry. It is important to tell the difference between clinical depression, crying, and emotional dysregulation, which is a sign of brain damage. Sad crying usually includes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, apathy, trouble sleeping, and changes in eating habits. This is a significant emotional reaction to cognitive impairment, especially at first.
Emotional dysregulation (also known as pseudobulbar affect) causes crying or laughing that is rapid, uncontrollable, and inappropriate for the person’s current mood. It’s not severe sadness but rather a disruption of the brain networks responsible for emotional expression. Doctors may give SSRIs if they find out that someone is depressed. While research regarding their effectiveness for depression in dementia remains inconclusive, a comprehensive investigation may be warranted if non-pharmacological interventions, such as therapy (e.g., reminiscence therapy, structured activities) and the fulfillment of underlying needs, prove inadequate.
Catastrophic Reactions In Dementia People with dementia often have sudden, strong emotional and behavioral outbursts that don’t match the cause. Tears, screaming, anger, or intense agitation can occur when someone feels overwhelmed and unable to cope. (Tripathi & Viva., 2010)
Common causes include stress from noisy workplaces or large crowds, confusion caused by complex instructions, sudden changes to routine, or feeling pressured and overwhelmed. These reactions could also be caused by the need to use the bathroom, hunger, or pain. To prevent problems and calm things down, caregivers should make their work easier, eliminate sources of stress, establish a routine, and look for signs of pain early on. These episodes can be calmed down by gently redirecting the person, reassuring them, and taking them away from the trigger.
Handling Aggression, Depression & Catastrophic Reactions In Dementia People with dementia may cry due to cognitive issues, confusion, or unmet needs, which can result in aggression, grief, and severe reactions. Fear from delusions or paranoia could make someone act aggressively or cry a lot. Someone might suspect their belongings have been taken, causing them to feel anxious and angry.
The primary goals of a caregiver’s response should be to ensure safety and help calm things down. Identify and eliminate things that make you angry, such as loud noises or difficult tasks. Take your time, talk clearly, and reassure. Instead of arguing over delusions, tell them you understand how they feel (“I understand you’re upset”). Get them to focus on something fun. For severe grief or ongoing hostility, it is essential to seek medical consultation to investigate potential pain, infection, or pharmaceutical interventions to safeguard patients and caregivers.
Changed Sexual Behaviours And Emotional Outbursts In Dementia Dementia can influence how people act sexually and how they express their emotions by changing their limits, inhibitions, and emotional expressiveness. Damage to the frontal lobe, which regulates judgment and social filters, can lead to disinhibited touching, public masturbation, and higher sexual demands. These behaviors might stem from ambiguity, misreading social cues, a desire for warmth, or loneliness, rather than sexual attraction. (Giorgi & Series., 2016)
When needs are unmet or boundaries are established, it can cause emotional turmoil, resulting in sudden crying or anger. Caregivers prioritize dignity and maintaining control. Reply firmly but gently, then smoothly shift to a new topic. Meet the person’s physical needs and make them feel better. If the acts continue to happen or put your safety at risk, see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical reasons or discuss how to manage them.
Calming emotional outbursts in individuals with dementia requires patience and tailored strategies.
Acknowledge their distress calmly. “I see you’re upset.”
Reduce noise, clutter, or excessive stimuli.
Stick to consistent daily schedules.
Gently shift your focus to a pleasant activity, such as “Let’s try this puzzle.”
Offer a soft blanket, gentle hand massage, or soothing scents.
Play familiar, calming music from their past.
Provide a favorite photograph or cherished item.
A gentle hug (if welcomed) or walking together. Use simple words, short sentences, and a calm tone of voice.
Ensure adequate, consistent lighting, especially during sundowning. These strategies aim to create a sense of security and reduce triggers, promoting a calm state for the individual.
Limit Distractions And Declutter To Reduce Emotional Outbursts
People with dementia often cry and become angry when exposed to specific environmental triggers. Excessive noise, clutter, or crowds can overwhelm a sensitive brain, leading to feelings of anxiety, confusion, and frustration. Clutter can also make it challenging to move about and complete tasks, which can be frustrating.
It’s important to make environments that are tranquil and well-organized. Keep everything tidy, ensure the lighting is even to avoid shadows or confusion, and keep the noise level down (for example, by turning off the TV in the background or playing soft music). Having clear, labeled areas for important things helps people avoid confusion. A calm, predictable environment lowers stress levels, making people feel safer and more emotionally stable.
Check Physical Needs First When Dementia Crying Starts
When someone with dementia is crying, check their physical needs first, as they can’t communicate if they’re in pain. Look for signs of pain (such as grimacing or guarding a body part), hunger or thirst (like an empty plate or dry lips), or a strong need to pee. Check their clothes for tightness, dampness, and temperature changes. These basic comfort needs can produce pain that goes unnoticed.
Quickly offer a drink, direct them to the bathroom, check for visible pain, and examine their skin. If you still experience symptoms after addressing the issues, or if you develop a fever, feel confused, or have trouble breathing, consult a doctor. These could be signs of an infection or another health issue that requires medical attention. Putting these checks first can help stop emotional outbursts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dementia And Crying
What Is The Link Between Dementia And Crying?
Why Do Dementia Patients Cry Or Call Out Suddenly?
Individuals with dementia may suddenly shout or call out due to a complicated mix of biological and psychological reasons. All types of dementia cause the brain to break down, which affects areas that process emotions, including the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex. This injury can cause neurons to fire incorrectly, leading to emotional dysregulation and actions that are excessive or illogical. This explains why people suddenly cry or get upset in peaceful places.
Doll therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention using lifelike dolls to comfort, reduce anxiety, and improve engagement in people living with dementia.
What is Doll Therapy?
Doll therapy involves giving a person with dementia a lifelike doll or soft toy animal to interact with, such as holding, cuddling, feeding, or dressing the doll dementiauk.org+1. It is a therapeutic approach, not simply play, designed to promote relaxation, emotional comfort, and a sense of purpose. The therapy draws on attachment theory, allowing individuals to redirect caregiving instincts toward the doll, which can evoke positive memories and feelings of competence MDPI+1.
Benefits
Doll therapy has been associated with multiple positive outcomes:
Reduction in behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), including agitation, anxiety, wandering, and distress MDPI+1.
Improved communication and social engagement, especially for those who are withdrawn or nonverbal MDPI+1.
Enhanced emotional well-being, including laughter, calmness, and improved mood MDPI+1.
Increased sense of purpose and self-confidence, as caring for the doll can simulate familiar parental or caregiving roles dementiauk.org+1.
Sensory stimulation, through touch and interaction, which can trigger comforting memories and reduce loneliness carehome.co.uk+1.
Types of Dolls
Dementia dolls vary in style and realism:
Therapy dolls: Lightweight, easy to handle, often with bright colors and simple features to avoid confusion carehome.co.uk.
Reborn dolls: Highly realistic, with lifelike skin, hair, and sometimes even breathing mechanisms, suitable for individuals who respond well to lifelike dolls carehome.co.uk.
Soft toy animals: Cats, dogs, or other animals can also be used for comfort and engagement dementiauk.org. Some dolls include sensory elements, such as pockets for scents like lavender, which can enhance the calming effect carehome.co.uk.
Considerations and Potential Drawbacks
Individual response varies: Not all people with dementia will engage positively; some may feel confused or distressed carehome.co.uk+1.
Risk of infantilization: Critics argue that using dolls may feel infantilizing or stigmatizing if not handled sensitively UNSW Sydney.
Emotional attachment: Strong attachment to the doll may cause distress if the doll is mishandled or removed UNSW Sydney.
Guided use recommended: Caregivers should observe the person’s reactions and interact with the doll in a way that aligns with the individual’s comfort and past experiences UNSW Sydney+1.
Practical Tips for Caregivers
Introduce the doll gently and observe the person’s response.
Encourage interaction by asking questions about the doll or animal, e.g., “Doesn’t she have a nice face?” or “What a pretty dress” dementiauk.org.
Use the doll as a tool for connection and engagement, not as a replacement for human interaction.
Incorporate doll care into daily routines to provide structure and reduce confusion Healthline.
Evidence
Research indicates that doll therapy can be an effective person-centered intervention in care home settings, improving quality of life, reducing caregiver distress, and enhancing communication and social interaction MDPI+1. While not universally effective, it is a valuable non-pharmacological option for many individuals living with dementia.
Doll therapy can help people with dementia feel more comforted and engaged.
Some worry that giving dolls to adults can be demeaning and may affect their dignity.
Families should be informed before dolls are used in facilities, as it might cause confusion or distress.
Doll therapy can provide comfort and engagement for dementia patients, yet it also poses questions about dignity and family involvement. Discover the pros and cons of this approach in dementia care.1
In Support of Therapeutic Dolls
Supporters of doll therapy for Alzheimer’s and other dementias highlight benefits such as increased smiling and reduced challenging behaviors. They share stories of loved ones becoming calmer and expressing joy when interacting with a doll. Some believe that caring for a doll can enhance a person’s sense of purpose.1
Doll therapy is a non-drug approach to managing difficult emotions and behaviors in dementia. It doesn’t involve medication side effects or interactions. Caregivers often find that when a loved one holds a doll, they can provide care more easily because the doll helps to distract and comfort their family member or resident.2
Doll therapy has primarily been offered to females with dementia.3
Concerns About Therapeutic Dolls
Some clinicians have concerns about using dolls for people with dementia. Their concerns include:
Treatment With Dignity
Critics of doll therapy express concerns about maintaining the dignity of individuals with memory loss, emphasizing that they should not be treated like children. It’s crucial to avoid approaches like elderspeak in dementia care, which involves treating a person like a child.
Giving an adult a doll might contradict this principle and lead to comments like, “Oh, aren’t they cute?” This can cause the person with dementia to be viewed in a demeaning way, rather than as an adult with memory challenges.4
Regardless of whether dolls are used, always treat adults with respect for their knowledge and contributions that they’ve made over the years. A dementia diagnosis doesn’t eliminate the need for dignified treatment.
Family Concerns
Concerns also arise if a doll is introduced in a facility without family awareness. Families may be distressed seeing their loved one with a doll, feeling it undermines their maturity. It might also highlight their loved one’s cognitive decline more starkly.5
Facilities considering doll therapy should inform the power of attorney or responsible party before introducing a doll. This ensures understanding of the therapy’s purpose and goals.
Doll Logistics
There are also questions about how to present the doll to the person with dementia, possible confusion over whose doll belongs to whom, how staff should implement this approach, steps to take if the doll becomes lost or broken and the worry about who is “babysitting” the doll so the person with dementia can go drink tea with their friend. There have also been concerns about a doll that “sleeps” with its eyes closed and someone with dementia worrying that the doll has died.
If you’re planning to use doll therapy with a loved one or at a facility with the residents who live there, be sure to think through these questions prior to beginning a doll therapy program. It is generally recommended to place the doll in a location where it will be discovered by the person with dementia, rather than just handing the doll to her. This allows the resident to initiate engagement with the doll if she chooses.
Having a duplicate doll available to replace one that gets misplaced or broken is a very important step to take in order to eliminate the potential for significant resident distress. Educate your staff about being available to “babysit” the doll so that the feeling of caring for the doll doesn’t prevent the resident from engaging in other meaningful activities. When buying a doll, be sure it has eyes that are able to open so that someone with dementia doesn’t think that it has died.
Misleading the Person
Others are concerned that by offering doll therapy to older adults, we’re misleading them by letting them think that the doll is a real baby. As professionals who care for people living with dementia, the question of how to use doll therapy in an ethical manner is important.4
The resident is unlikely to ask you a direct question about if the doll is real or not, and it’s not recommended to point out directly that their “baby” is a doll. If the person has questions about the doll, avoid lying to the resident if possible. Instead, use this as an opportunity to ask them about raising their own babies. A doll can present an excellent opportunity for the use of validation therapy and reminiscence.6
Research on Doll Therapy
Multiple research studies have been conducted on the use of doll therapy for people with dementia. The researchers have been seeking scientifically-based answers on if, and how, doll therapy benefits those living with dementia.2
While the ethical concerns noted above are often referenced in the research, the results of the studies demonstrate several benefits of doll therapy. These include:
Decreased anxiety
Decreased agitation
Increased happiness levels
Increased social interaction
Increased activity level
Improved ability to receive care
Fewer negative verbal expressions
Improved mood
Decrease in wandering
Decrease in obsessions
Improved food intake
A study involved 51 nursing home residents with dementia. Doll therapy was found to be associated with significant decreases in negative verbalizations and mood, wandering, aggression, and obsessions.7
The British Journal of Nursing also published a review of the use of dolls for people with dementia. While acknowledging some of the concerns outlined above, it concluded that there is numerous anecdotal evidence of the benefits of doll therapy. It also points out that although there may be a lack of multiple scientifically replicated studies on the use of dolls, doll therapy has shown positive effects for people with dementia without the use of medications.8
Why Might Doll Therapy Work?
Doll therapy potentially offers meaning and purpose for someone who is living with dementia. There is a familiarity with being a caregiver for the doll that can be comforting and purposeful. Instead of constantly being a receiver of assistance and care, a doll offers the opportunity for meaningful interaction that is directed by the person living with dementia.
Suggested Guidelines for the Use of Doll Therapy
Follow the lead of the person with dementia. If she wants to hold the doll, let her. If she doesn’t, don’t continue to offer it to her. If she views it as a doll, let her. If she refers to it as her baby, treat it that way.9
Be prepared. Doll therapy can be extremely successful with people who are anxious and restless, but it also have the potential to make someone very upset about where the doll is and who is caring for it. Be aware that some people may become overly concerned about where the doll is sleeping and if it’s been well-fed.
Be flexible. Doll therapy has been effective for some people, but it’s not for everyone. If it doesn’t provide a benefit to your loved one, continue to try other non-drug interventions to reduce her anxiety and increase her quality of life.
Facilitate interaction with children. There are many benefits from intergenerational communication and interactions. When possible, provide the chance for your loved one or facility residents to spend time with children. Research has shown that this interaction can be beneficial to both the older adult with dementia and the children.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Understanding the Complex Emotions Surrounding Dementia Care Dementia becomes a “love-hate” dynamic because the disease destroys a person’s emotional and cognitive regulation while leaving their core human need for affection intact. This creates a heartbreaking paradox where loved ones and patients feel deep love for one another, yet mutually experience intense frustration, exhaustion, and moments of resentment. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
The “Hate”: Why Patients and Caregivers Experience Frustration
Behavioral Shifts: Dementia physically alters the brain, removing the filters that control impulses and emotions. Patients may lash out, become paranoid, or say hurtful things they would never otherwise express. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Fear and Disorientation: Because patients lose their short-term memory and ability to process their environment, everyday assistance can feel threatening or controlling to them. Their anger is typically a coping mechanism or an attempt to communicate physical pain or confusion. [1, 2]
Caregiver Burnout: For family members, constantly being on high alert, receiving hostility, and mourning the gradual loss of their loved one’s personality can lead to profound exhaustion and moments of resentment. [1, 2]
The “Love”: The Enduring Connection
Need for Affection Remains: Alzheimer’s and other dementias do not erase a person’s desire for connection and warmth. Moments of lucidity often reveal the deep, unchanged affection a patient has for their family. [1, 2]
Caregiving as an Act of Love: Despite the emotional toll, caregivers are driven by love to protect, comfort, and advocate for their relatives. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Separating the Disease: Managing this dynamic involves realizing the “mean” behavior is a symptom of the disease, not a reflection of the patient’s true feelings or personality. [1, 2]
Finding support through groups can help navigate these intense, conflicting emotions. You can connect with others walking a similar path by visiting the Alzheimer’s Association or joining community discussions on the Alzheimer’s Society Forum. [1, 2]
Behaviors that may seem mean — such as snapping at loved ones, doubting intentions, or saying hurtful things — are often manifestations of dementia rather than a person’s true feelings or choices.
As people with dementia experience greater memory loss and disorientation, they are likely to feel fearful and frustrated and may express these feelings through aggressive behavior. Dementia can also affect a person’s ability to regulate emotional responses.
You can help manage these behaviors by making everyday adjustments (like using a handheld shower nozzle), keeping routines consistent, moving slowly and calmly, and working with a healthcare professional to consider appropriate medications or therapies.
Dementia is a category of medical conditions involving symptoms such as memory loss, decreased cognitive performance, and diminished reasoning ability. Alzheimer’s disease is the number one cause of dementia.
While dementia is often associated with growing older, it isn’t considered a part of natural aging.
Symptoms of dementia result from brain cell damage. As communication between neurons decreases, a person may begin to behave differently than they used to, including in ways that may be perceived as mean.
Dementia can involve changes in thoughts and behaviors, including some behaviors that may seem to indicate meanness. Someone with dementia may suddenly seem like they don’t care about your feelings. They may snap at you, doubt your intentions, resist your efforts to help them, or say hurtful things.
These behaviors are often manifestations of dementia rather than indications of a person’s true feelings or choices. This type of behavior is associated with dementia symptoms such as:
agitation
aggression
disinhibition
depressed mood
anxiety
sleep disturbance
psychosis
As many as 90%Trusted Source of people with Alzheimer’s disease experience behavioral symptoms such as agitation and irritability. But not everyone living with dementia will display so-called mean behaviors.
In a 2021 review, researchers indicated that agitation (which included symptoms of aggressiveness, restlessness, and emotional distress) had an overall prevalence of 30% across all types of dementia, with the highest prevalence (up to 50%) occurring in Alzheimer’s disease.
Seemingly mean and aggressive behaviors, including those directed toward family members, are often due to changes in thinking that are associated with neurodegeneration — a decrease in cellular health and function in the central nervous system.
A 2021 study suggests that late-life cynical hostility — a type of meanness that involves a mistrust of others — is linked to white matter changes in the brain that may be early indicators of Alzheimer’s disease.
“The more the cortex is sludged with plaques and tangles like in Alzheimer’s disease, the more it fails to inhibit,” explained Dr. Sudhir Gadh, a board certified psychiatrist from New York City. “Underlying impulses are no longer controlled, patience is lost, memories are lost, abilities diminish, and anger can reign.”
The complexity of altered thinking in dementia can mean that minor frustrations turn into aggressive outbursts and that other intense emotions, such as fear and confusion, show up as combativeness.
Someone with dementia may experience more anxiety, agitation, and confusion if they don’t understand their circumstances because of memory loss.
Caring for someone with dementia who is experiencing personality changes and being mean to their family can be challenging. You may feel that you’ve lost the loving bond you once had with that person.
While progressive dementia, such as the type associated with Alzheimer’s disease, has no cure, it’s possible to manage the symptoms and decrease the occurrence of mean behavior.
Identify everyday life adjustments
What may be comforting or natural for you may be a source of frustration for someone who is living with dementia.
Dr. Donna Seminara, director of the division of geriatrics at Staten Island University Hospital, New York, says mean-spirited behaviors are often the only way that some people with dementia can express frustration. For example, a person with dementia may say something hurtful or become physically combative when you’re helping them take a bath.
“What is often relaxing to most — having warm water trickle from the head and face down the body — is often agitating to […] individuals who can’t control the flow of water,” she said. “Using a handheld shower nozzle where the patient can exert some control may make this experience much less stressful for all.”
Establish a stable, consistent environment
Seminara pointed out that bringing someone with dementia into new environments can have complicated outcomes, such as fear, confusion, and memory loss.
By keeping routines and environments as consistent as possible, you can promote a sense of familiarity and comfort that can reduce aggressiveness and mean behaviors.
Medical perspective
“Consistency in routine can help decrease certain aggressive or ‘mean’ behavior, as well as not reacting emotionally in the moment if offensive things are said or done.”
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Take the slow approach
Abrupt movements may be disconcerting to someone living with dementia.
“Try to maintain a positive, smiling face toward the patient, and always touch the patient with a slow approach. Fast, sudden movements are startling to most dementia patients and can start a cascade of resistant speech and behavior,” explained Seminara.
Consider appropriate medications
Medications may help manage some of the behavioral symptoms of dementia.
“There are several treatments for the depression and anxiety associated with dementia, assuming a treatable medical condition has been ruled out, including psychotherapy, antidepressants, antianxiety agents, and the nutritional support of the B vitamins folate and B12,” said Dr. Sheldon Zablow, a board certified psychiatrist from San Diego.
Gadh pointed out that prevention is paramount and should be considered a form of dementia treatment. This is particularly the case because there’s no specific treatment for dementia that has remarkable results and a low side effect risk.
An emerging treatment option for dementia, low dose lithium, may fill that treatment gap one day. Gadh explained that lithium, a natural salt, has been associated with improved mental health and decreased dementia risk.
“It is already being studied by the National Institutes of Health for the prevention of Alzheimer’s because lithium is a known neurotrophic (enhancer of brain growth via GSK-3 inhibition),” he added.
A focus on the hallmarks of dignity, respect, and choice can help you support a loved one who is living with dementia.
Regardless of their level of cognitive function, people with dementia want to be treated humanely. By keeping this in mind, you may be able to better manage or limit their behavioral symptoms.
recognizing how much support they need in areas of daily functioning, such as dressing, eating, and using the bathroom
tailoring their care to their abilities, likes, and dislikes
giving them opportunities to make simple choices, such as when dressing or eating
upholding their dignity and respect during vulnerable or private moments, such as when they are using the bathroom
being aware of their comfort at all times, particularly in relation to incontinence, dental health, and personal hygiene
creating a quiet, comfortable, and home-like atmosphere
considering cultural practices, such as those associated with mealtime
It can be challenging to determine how best to support your loved one and maintain their dignity. You may find professional guidance helpful for learning strategies to keep private moments, such as bathing and using the toilet, safe and respectful.
Medical perspective
“It can be very difficult to manage your own emotions when your loved one has behavior that can come across as offensive or ‘mean.’ It is important to understand that increased aggression can be due to dementia affecting certain areas of the brain, which disinhibits different emotions. They may be completely unaware of their behavior, and they also may not be able to control it.”
— Megan Soliman, MD
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
REMEMBER ME:
We went through something very similar, and my heart goes out to you.
Looking for assisted living or memory care from a distance can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to plan ahead and make the best decision for everyone involved. I remember spending hours reading reviews, talking to families, and wondering whether a community would truly provide the level of care and compassion our loved one needed. It can be stressful because what looks great on paper doesn’t always match the day-to-day experience. You’re definitely not alone in feeling this way.
Another caregiver mentioned Love That Stays Soft: Everyday Dementia Caregiving and What Really Helps: Jackson, Dr. Anderson: 9798249070823: Amazon.com: Books to me during a particularly difficult time. I didn’t rush out to get it because I already felt overwhelmed with information and advice. But after seeing it recommended a few more times, I finally picked it up. The chapters on care transitions, evaluating facilities, and balancing a loved one’s needs with family realities really resonated with me and helped me understand what was happening in a different way.
One thing that helped us was joining local Florida caregiver groups and asking families for recent firsthand experiences rather than relying only on online ratings. If you already know the area you’re considering, you may get specific recommendations from local caregivers. Be gentle with yourself through this process. You’re doing the best you can in a very difficult situation. make sure to get the book on Amazon it helped me a lot during that stage.
You may feel that a loved one with dementia has started being mean to you and others. But these new behaviors do not likely indicate that the person has negative feelings toward you. Instead, this behavior is likely a manifestation of other symptoms of dementia.
As people with dementia experience greater memory loss and disorientation, they are likely to feel fearful and frustrated and may express these feelings through aggressive behavior. Dementia can also affect a person’s ability to regulate emotional responses.
While there’s no cure for progressive forms of dementia, professional treatments may help. As a caregiver, you can support someone with dementia by focusing on consistency, freedom of choice, and humane treatment.
Oct 8, 2022 · No one tells you that about your dementia journey. All the official blurb offers brilliantly practical advice on what changes may happen during the disease.
Mar 21, 2019 · I think it is much harder if the dementia changes their personality. My mum went through a nasty, paranoid phase while she was still trying (and failing) to live “independently”,
Aug 23, 2022 — mental triggers, such as the loss of train of thought and mixed-up memories. Individuals may also lose their ability to control their emotions…
May 29, 2026 — Medical perspective. “It can be very difficult to manage your own emotions when your loved one has behavior that can come across as argumentative, belligerent, combative and defiant…
Aggressive or angry behaviors may occur in people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias – learn causes of aggression and anger and how to respond. Aggression can be caused by many factors including physical discomfort, environmental factors and poor communication.
Dec 13, 2024 — Understanding Why Dementia Causes Anger, Agitation, and Resentment. Recognizing your loved one’s cognitive decline is the cause of it ALL.
Kelly Osbourne struggled with Lyme disease for years before finally getting a diagnosis.
She has been vocal about the pain it has caused and knows firsthand how debilitating Lyme disease is.
Kelly Osbourne was diagnosed with stage III neurological Lyme disease in 2014, 10 years after she was first bitten by a tick Kelly Osbourne was diagnosed with stage III neurological Lyme disease in 2014, 10 years after she was first bitten by a tick
The daughter of Ozzy Osbourne chronicled the effects of Lyme on her life in her 2016 memoir, detailing how she suffered through recurring sore throats, stomach pain, and even seizures for ten years before getting a clear diagnosis. This had given the disease time to advance to stage III neurological Lyme. Throughout her undiagnosed illness, Osbourne’s intense drug regimen caused a cycle of depression, anxiety, and treatment for those symptoms.
When Osbourne noticed and burned a tick off her body after spending time near reindeer at her father’s birthday party, she thought she was in the clear. But her story proves that removing a tick is only the first step in preventing disease.
Kelly Osbourne Lyme Disease journey reveals how a silent tick-borne infection altered her life and how innovative stem-cell therapy played a crucial role in her recovery.
The television personality and daughter of legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne appeared energetic on screen, yet behind the scenes Kelly Osbourne Lyme Disease was progressively affecting both her physical and mental health.
“The doctors kept changing my prescription, trying to get the dosage right, and it turned me into a zombie,” she writes in an excerpt published on Us Weekly. She was given Ambien for her sleep issues, then Trazodone, then antacid for the acid reflux the Trazodone caused.
She took cranberry extract and antibiotics to fight the UTIs she was prone to thanks to another medication. She was also given painkillers — something she used to be addicted to — to help with the body aches. To top it off, she was also given pills to help with the anxiety she had about taking all these pills.
“When I got yet another prescription that left me barely able to speak, I was reduced to a lump on the couch, and that was my breaking point,” she writes. “I took my bag of pills, and my fiancé drove me to my mum’s house. I sat them all out, one by one, until they lined up the length of the counter. ‘I can’t live like this anymore,’ I said. ‘I’m a vegetable.'”
During this time, she had been researching her symptoms, and was fairly certain that Lyme disease was the culprit. She met with an alternative medicine practitioner who confirmed her suspicions and attended his treatment center in Germany.
@KellyOsbourne admits she was ‘scared shitless’ when she was diagnosed with Lyme disease and medication left her feeling ‘like a zombie.’ • The TV personality contracted Lyme disease after being bitten by a tick (which @OzzyosBourne burned off with a match) at the reindeer sanctuary in her parents’ garden in 2004. • For years she suffered a range of misdiagnoses, and was prescribed a cocktail of drugs that only made her feel worse. “The doctors kept changing my prescription, and it turned me into a zombie,” said Kelly. “You know in movies where a mental patient sits in a rocking chair in a cardigan and nightgown and stares at a wall all day? That was me.” • Kelly went on to say: “I couldn’t sleep, so they gave me Ambien. When Ambien made me nauseated, they switched me to Trazodone, but that gave me acid reflux, so then I had to take an antacid every day. I took cranberry extract and antibiotics because one medication made me prone to getting urinary tract infections. Painkillers to help with the head and body aches. I had pills to deal with the anxiety that I was having from taking so many pills.” • Fed up of being unable to move off the couch and feeling like a “vegetable,” Kelly turned to Philip Battiade, who had treated her brother Jack for his MS, and finally got a conclusive Lyme disease diagnosis.
“For the first time, someone listened to me, and I got tested,” she continued. “The results were positive: I had stage III neurological Lyme disease. I was relieved to finally know what was going on, but I was also scared shitless.”
The treatment center strengthened her immune system so it could eliminate the disease without additional medication.
“I stayed for two weeks,” she writes. “I was experiencing emotions and feelings again. I’d been in a diseased and doctor-approved drug-induced haze for so long that I didn’t know what it was like to be happy or sad or in pain.”
The star says this incident has taught her to advocate for herself when it comes to her health, as well as trust her gut when she thinks something’s wrong — and, of course, stay away from reindeer.
Lyme disease, transmitted by deer ticks, infects an estimated 300,000 people a year.
Kelly Osbourne secretly battled Stage III neurological Lyme disease after being bitten by a tick in 2004. She traveled to an alternative medicine clinic in Frankfurt, Germany, where she underwent a two-week course of stem cell therapy to strengthen her immune system so it could naturally fight off the disease. [1, 2, 3, 4]
A breakdown of her journey and the German treatment includes:
The Diagnosis: After suffering from severe symptoms—including seizures, sore throats, and abdominal pain—for over a decade, she was finally tested and diagnosed with Stage III neurological Lyme disease. [1, 2]
The Treatment: Osbourne opted out of long-term antibiotic treatments, which she felt reduced her to a “zombie”. Instead, she flew to a clinic in Germany to receive specialized stem cell therapy. [1, 2, 3]
The Outcome: Osbourne credits the German stem cell treatment with strengthening her immune system and mitigating her symptoms, ultimately allowing her body to recover and find relief. [1, 2]
She initially kept her diagnosis and “cure” out of the public eye, but later detailed her entire experience in her 2017 memoir, There Is No F*ing Secret: Letters From a Badass Bitch. [1, 2, 3]
Kelly Osbourne is rock and roll royalty and a celebrity in her own right, but forget what you think you know about the hellraiser-turned-Fashion Policewoman. In her new book There Is No F—ing Secret: Letters From a Badass Bitch, Kelly recalls how a struggle with Lyme disease has challenged and strengthened her as an adult.
“I thought I had Lyme disease,” she writes. “I had started entering my symptoms into online quizzes, and the results kept coming back to Lyme disease. For the first time, someone listened to me, and I got tested. The results were positive: I had stage III neurological Lyme disease. I was relieved to finally know what was going on, but I was also scared s–less.”
As soon as the positive results came back, Kelly got proactive about treatment.
“I got on a plane and flew to Philip’s treatment center in Germany. I started stem cell therapy,” she wrote. “Rather than trying to kill off the disease with antibiotics, this treatment worked to strengthen my immune system so my body could fight off and get rid of the disease on its own, which is a much more complete and lasting cure.”
She added that the prominence of Lyme disease in the tabloid media has made her reluctant to speak out about her own experience.
“I’ve kept quiet about my Lyme disease, not only for fear of pharmaceutical companies coming after me because of the cure I found in Germany but also because it seems like the trendy disease to have right now, and I’m tired of seeing sad celebrities play the victim on the cover of weekly mags,” she wrote. “Since I know firsthand how awfully debilitating it is, I know who really has it and who is just trying to prolong their 15 minutes. I don’t understand how anyone could think that the life you have to live with Lyme disease is glamorous.”
Ultimately, the journey has put her in touch with her own body and feelings.
“I’ve learned to advocate for myself when it comes to my health, and I trust my intuition. If I think something is wrong, I refuse to let anyone dismiss it. And sadly, I stay the f— away from reindeer.”
Mom, 28, diagnosed with terminal tongue cancer after doctors insisted lump was a pregnancy side effect
Story by Vanessa Etienne
May 29 • 3 min read
Key takeaways
Medical Journey: Holly Stubbs, 28, was repeatedly misdiagnosed during pregnancy; what doctors called a pregnancy granuloma turned out to be tongue cancer, later spreading to her lungs.
Advocacy & Resilience: Despite painful treatments and setbacks, she emphasizes trusting your instincts and advocating for your health: *“You know your body best.”*
Outlook & Hope: Now terminal, Holly is exploring palliative care and immunotherapy, staying optimistic for her children and encouraging others to push for answers.
“All we can do now is hope for a miracle,” Holly Stubbs says, after learning there are no more curative treatments for her cancer
NEED TO KNOW
Holly Stubbs was misdiagnosed multiple times before learning her tongue cancer had become terminal and spread to her lungs
The mom of three endured months of painful treatments and advocated for her health despite repeated dismissals by doctors
Stubbs encourages others to trust their instincts and push for answers, saying, “You know your body best”
A mom is navigating a terminal cancer diagnosis after doctors insisted she had nothing to worry about.
In February 2025, Holly Stubbs — from Seaham, England — was 28 years old and 31 weeks pregnant with her third child when she noticed a lump on her tongue. After talking to her dentist, she was told she had a pregnancy granuloma, a noncancerous growth that would go away after giving birth.
But by April, the lump had “grown significantly” and started causing her pain when she ate. She was reassured that the lump was a pregnancy granuloma, but after pressing for firm answers, she underwent a procedure to have it removed and biopsied.
Holly Stubbs showing the lump on her tongue Credit: The Land of Holly/Facebook
Shortly after, the hospital called and told her to come in immediately. Stubbs had stage 1 tongue cancer. She was told she needed to give birth to her son as soon as possible so she could begin treatment.
“I spent all day wondering if my children would grow up without a mother, if my baby would be born safely, why I was told countless times ‘it couldn’t be cancer’ because I didn’t smoke or drink,” she wrote on Facebook.
Holly Stubbs after having the lump on her tongue removed Credit: The Land of Holly/Facebook
Stubbs safely gave birth to her son in June. Scans had shown that her cancer hadn’t spread, but in July she underwent a preventive neck dissection to make sure.
During the procedure, doctors discovered that her cancer, in fact, had spread. She would require additional treatment.
“The scans were wrong. It had spread and it was complex in the way it jumped levels of lymph nodes,” she said. “It could be anywhere in my body at this rate.”
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Holly Stubbs after her neck dissection Credit: The Land of Holly/Facebook
In August 2025, Stubbs began six weeks of high-dose radiation. The treatment left her dealing with excruciating side effects for months, including a bout of pneumonia that forced her to spend Christmas in the hospital. She wrote on social media that she was unable to speak or eat and “too weak” to walk upstairs or hold her children.
Luckily, she said scans showed “no evidence of disease” and that she was on the road to recovery.
But in early 2026, Stubbs started experiencing pain in her jaw that doctors repeatedly told her was due to wisdom teeth. She knew something was wrong and pushed for answers once again.
Holly Stubbs during radiation Credit: The Land of Holly/Facebook
In April, the mom of three was told she could receive new scans “if it’ll make you happy.” Her results later revealed that her jaw pain was caused by another tumor.
In an emotional update on May 8, Stubbs said she has a 2.5-centimeter tumor and her cancer is now terminal.
“That’s not even the scary part. It’s now metastasized to my lungs,” she said. “If you Google the survival rate of stage 4 tongue cancer, which is where I am right now, doctors are suggesting I’ve got months, not years.”
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Holly Stubbs Credit: The Land of Holly/Facebook
Stubbs said doctors are looking into immunotherapy treatment, but they made it clear that it’s just palliative care at this point.
“It’s not curative anymore,” she added. “That wasn’t an option because it’s gone too far and all we can do now is hope for a miracle.”
Despite her prognosis, Stubbs is remaining optimistic. “You just have to crack on really, especially with three kids,” she told ChronicleLive. “You can’t stop and mope about.”
She also encouraged her Facebook followers to advocate for their health if something feels wrong, hoping others don’t go through what she did.
“Advocate for yourself. Remember, you know your body best. Don’t let someone play roulette with your life just because they’re the specialist.”
Karla Demery is a travel journalist who specializes in investigative reporting. Her passion for uncovering how culture, history, and travel intersect began while living in South Korea and traveling throughout Asia for four years. Since then, she has returned to the United States.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States. However, not every region is equally impacted. Across the country, cancer rates vary based on a wide range of factors, including access to healthcare, preventative screenings, environmental factors, diet, and even genetics.
Despite ongoing healthcare challenges that have forced doctors and nurses to leave the island altogether, researchers say there are several reasons why Puerto Rico still has the lowest cancer rates in the country. Here’s what they learned.
For example, since cancer risk increases with age, areas that have older populations would have skewed data depicting higher cancer rates if the data were not age-adjusted.
Additionally, the data set includes only invasive cancers, or cancers that spread beyond the tissue where they first developed.
Examples of invasive cancers are:
Breast Cancer
Lung Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Bladder cancer is an exception, as both invasive cases and cases that have not spread are included in the data.
Cancer incidence rates in Puerto Rico have also been on a downward trend over the last five years, with rates dropping by 1.8 cases per 100,000 people.
Despite its ongoing healthcare challenges, how does Puerto Rico still have the lowest cancer rates in the U.S.?
Why Does Puerto Rico Have The Lowest Cancer Rates In The U.S.?
Researchers have released several studies within the last ten years
Condado beach in San Juan on Puerto Rico Credit: Shutterstock
The average age-adjusted cancer incidence rate across the U.S. is 444.4 per 100,000 people, about 28.7% higher than Puerto Rico’s. Researchers believe this gap is due to several factors.
A 2015 CDC study suggests that the differences in reported cancer rates may be due to variations in health-related behaviors and cancer screening practices.
For example, Puerto Rico has:
A higher rate of pregnancies early on in life, which may lower breast cancer risk.
A lower smoking rate, which could explain lower lung cancer rates.
Another study published in 2022 by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) discussed the relationship between breast cancer risk and sun exposure.
While researchers reported that the findings were somewhat inconsistent, they did note a lower risk of breast cancer among women in Puerto Rico, where UV radiation is high year-round. However, they cautioned against too much sun exposure, the number one cause of skin cancer.
People Are Least Likely To Die From Cancer In Utah
Despite having a higher cancer incidence rate than Puerto Rico, Utah has the lowest mortality rate
In addition to cancer incidence rates, the CDC has compiled cancer mortality rates by U.S. state. According to 2022 data, Utah is the state where residents are least likely to die from cancer, and it is also the healthiest state for seniors and retirees.
Puerto Rico was not included in this set of data.
Although Utah reported a cancer incidence rate of 412.7 per 100,000 people in 2023, about 18% higher than Puerto Rico’s, it had a significantly low cancer mortality rate of 116.1 deaths per 100,000 residents.
Additionally, Utah has the lowest binge-drinking rate in the U.S., according to a study conducted by the CDC, and the NCI warns that heavy alcohol use can negatively impact cancer recovery and increase the risk of recurrence.
While researchers know lifestyle, environmental factors, and health-related behaviors play a role in why Puerto Rico and Utah experience lower cancer incidence and mortality rates, ongoing research could uncover even more valuable data to help prevent and treat the disease.
Factors Behind Puerto Rico and Utah’s Lower Cancer Rates
While Puerto Rico and Utah both have lower cancer incidence rates than the U.S. average, their reasons differ due to distinct demographic, behavioral, and environmental factors.
Puerto Rico’s case Puerto Rico’s age‑adjusted cancer incidence rate is about 347.6 per 100,000, compared to the U.S. average of 444.4 TheTravel. Key contributing factors include:
Lower tobacco use: Puerto Rico has historically lower smoking rates than most U.S. states, which directly reduces lung cancer risk archive.cdc.gov.
Health behaviors and screening: Differences in health‑related behaviors and cancer screening practices may contribute to lower reported rates TheTravel.
Diet and lifestyle: Traditional diets rich in plant‑based foods, fruits, and vegetables may reduce certain cancer risks TheTravel.
Genetic and population factors: Some studies suggest genetic predispositions and population history may influence cancer susceptibility TheTravel.
Environmental disparities: While some municipalities have higher cancer risk due to industrial chemical exposure, the overall population still benefits from lower exposure in many areas American Association for Cancer Research.
Utah’s case Utah’s lower rates are less about tobacco or diet and more about demographics and healthcare access:
Younger population: Utah has a relatively younger median age, reducing the cumulative cancer risk over time TheTravel.
Healthcare access: Strong public health infrastructure, including preventive care and early detection programs, may improve outcomes TheTravel.
Lifestyle factors: Active lifestyles, lower obesity rates, and lower rates of certain risk behaviors (e.g., smoking, alcohol misuse) may contribute TheTravel.
Environmental factors: Utah’s clean air and water, and lower industrial pollution compared to some U.S. regions, may reduce environmental cancer risk TheTravel.
Shared themes Both regions benefit from stronger preventive care systems, lower prevalence of major risk factors (like smoking), and population characteristics (age, lifestyle) that reduce cancer incidence. However, Puerto Rico’s advantage is more tied to behavioral and dietary patterns, while Utah’s is more influenced by demographics and healthcare access.
In short, Puerto Rico’s low rates are driven by lower tobacco use, healthier diets, and screening differences, while Utah’s are driven by a younger population, better healthcare access, and healthier lifestyles.
Jason Venkatasamy has told how his wife Lucy Driver struggled with indigestion before a pancreatic cancer diagnosis
My wife died from pancreatic cancer at just 57 – she thought acidic foods were to blame
Story by Ciaran Foreman
Key takeaways
Early Symptoms Ignored: Lucy Driver experienced persistent indigestion and stomach pain, initially attributed to acidic foods or pancreatitis, which were early signs of pancreatic cancer.
Diagnosis & Treatment: Diagnosed at stage two, she underwent chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, temporarily clearing the cancer but facing recurrence in her liver.
End-of-Life & Legacy: Lucy sadly passed away at 57, inspiring her husband to raise awareness and funds for Pancreatic Cancer Action through a long-distance walk.
Lucy Driver had struggled with indigestion for years, particularly after her battle with breast cancer.
Diagnosed with the disease in 2005, she underwent surgery to remove her left breast followed by rounds of chemotherapy, but was in remission within a year and went on to live without major health problems – aside from the occasional digestive issue.
So, when those symptoms cropped up over the following 15 years – during which she married her husband Jason Venkatasamy and returned to normal life – there was little reason for alarm.
That remained the case in March 2022, when Lucy began suffering stomach pain during a hike, initially putting it down to pancreatitis – the term for when the pancreas becomes inflamed.
But the symptoms were the first sign of pancreatic cancer – a devastating disease which is on the rise in the UK, and one that would cruelly claim her life at just 57.
Sadly, Ms Driver, originally from Yorkshire, was among the 27 per cent of British women who survive breast cancer only to later receive a second cancer diagnosis.
Mr Venkatasamy, a graphic designer, said his wife ‘always seemed to have’ problems with indigestion – a burning pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest – after receiving the all-clear from breast cancer.
He added: ‘It always makes me think back now if that was a continuous symptom of cancer rearing its ugly head.’
Ms Driver’s indigestion became worse in the years after her breast cancer diagnosis in 2005
The NHS advises that ‘heartburn or indigestion that’s frequent, very painful or gets worse’ can be a symptom of cancer, while Pancreatic Cancer UK advises that it can be a common sign of the disease.
One of Ms Driver’s main symptoms in the lead-up to her diagnosis was becoming unable to tolerate spicy foods.
Three weeks after her 54th birthday on March 30, 2022 – after abandoning a hike at Seven Sisters in Eastbourne, East Sussex – she went to her GP for blood tests.
The results caused such concern that she was told to go to A&E urgently.
Mr Venkatasamy said: ‘I never thought it would be cancer. It didn’t even enter my mind.
‘We just thought it was some sort of pancreatitis or something that could be solved.’
The very next morning, Ms Driver was diagnosed with stage two pancreatic cancer.
Around 11,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year, between 10 and 20 percent of whom are stage two, but the disease is notoriously difficult both to diagnose and treat.
Common symptoms of the incurable cancer include jaundice – when the skin and eyes take on a yellowish tinge – loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, a high temperature, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea and constipation.
As it is often caught very late, when treatment options are limited, only 10 per cent of patients live longer than five years after diagnosis – with more than half dying within three months of finding out that they have the illness.
At present, the disease is incurable, with life expectancy just five years from initial diagnosis. Just one in four patients live more than a year.
Ms Driver and her husband later met with a private specialist, who Mr Venkatasamy said gave them the ‘bad news’ that the cancer was ‘too big’ for immediate surgery and would need to be first shrunk with chemotherapy.
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the least survivable forms of the disease and worryingly its on the rise. Source for data: Cancer Research UK
Mr Venkatasamy said he never thought his wife would be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, thinking instead that it would be pancreatitis
Mr Venkatasamy added: ‘When she left the consulting room, she just reduced in size.
‘And then she was so upset because she knew what chemo was going to be like, so that really hit her hard.’
Ms Driver had previously undergone chemotherapy ‘as an insurance’ measure after her breast cancer diagnosis – treatment Mr Venkatasamy described as ‘awful, but she got through it’.
Despite trepidation, she endured chemotherapy again, but this time developed painful mouth ulcers that made eating difficult and caused her to lose around 21lbs.
The treatment proved effective, though, and her tumour was eventually removed in May 2023. However, doctors later discovered a further ‘mass’ in her liver, requiring more treatment, before scans in March 2024 showed no evidence of disease.
However, medics discovered a further ‘mass in the liver’ and she had to undergo further chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but this resulted in a full clearance of the cancer in March 2024.
Mr Venkatasamy said: ‘We thought we’d dodged a bullet, as it’s very rare to get past pancreatic cancer.’
Life returned to normal for Ms Driver. Her hair, which she’d lost during the treatment, grew back. And she even started gaining weight again.
But by Christmas time of 2024, the indigestion returned.
Within weeks, scans revealed the cancer had come back and spread to her liver once more.
Ms Driver went through more radiotherapy and then chemotherapy, but Mr Venkatasamy said his wife’s ‘body just couldn’t really take that much’ more of it by the middle of 2025, so she decided to stop treatment last September.
Pancreatic cancer can tragically wear down its victims by invading nearby organs, blocking the bile and intestinal ducts, and spreading via the blood and lymphatic system to the liver, lungs, and abdomen, eventually triggering organ failure.
Ms Driver went through numerous rounds of treatment but decided to stop last September
Ms Driver began palliative, end-of-life care from October via local district nurses who Mr Venkatasamy said ‘came around once a week’, before her health deteriorated by the end of 2025.
She sadly died aged 57 on January 3, 2026.
Mr Venkatasamy said: ‘She was very active in her bed and couldn’t get comfortable.
‘I remember thinking I should keep her hydrated so I went to the kitchen to get some water.
‘I think she waited for me to get back to the bedroom, and then that’s when she passed away.
‘It was a shock because she deteriorated that morning very, very quickly.’
In the aftermath of his wife’s death, Mr Venkatasamy said Ms Driver’s workplace raised £6,000 in her memory and he wanted to do something of his own to ‘mark Lucy’s life in some form’.
He is now undertaking a 34-day walk over 800 kilometres via Spain’s Camino de Santiago this August to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer Action.
Jason said: ‘I really want to warn people that pancreatic cancer is pretty much a death sentence.
‘But if you’re lucky enough to notice the early symptoms of indigestion or jaundice and react to it straight away, then you’ve got a fighting chance.’
Why is this story important, and who does it affect?
This story matters because it highlights a pattern that is both common and dangerous: pancreatic cancer often hides behind everyday symptoms, and people—patients and even clinicians—frequently misinterpret them. It affects far more people than the individual family in the article, and the consequences can be life‑altering.
This story matters because it exposes a pattern that quietly endangers thousands of people, and it affects far more than just one family. By looking closely at what happened to Lucy Driver, you can see how easily pancreatic cancer hides in plain sight — and how devastating the consequences can be when early symptoms are overlooked.
Below is a clear, structured breakdown grounded directly in the article you’re viewing .
Why this story is important
1. It shows how easily pancreatic cancer is missed Lucy lived with indigestion and stomach pain for years. These symptoms were dismissed as food intolerance, acid-related issues, or pancreatitis — all common, everyday explanations. But they were actually early signs of pancreatic cancer. This is exactly why pancreatic cancer is so deadly: it mimics harmless conditions until it’s advanced.
2. It highlights the danger of “normalizing” persistent symptoms Lucy had survived breast cancer, and her lingering digestive issues became part of her “normal.” Her husband even wondered later if those symptoms had been quietly signaling cancer for years. This story pushes people to take persistent changes seriously.
3. It illustrates the brutal reality of pancreatic cancer Even with:
stage‑two diagnosis
chemotherapy
surgery
radiotherapy
a period of “no evidence of disease”
…the cancer still returned aggressively and ultimately took her life. The article underscores that pancreatic cancer remains one of the least survivable cancers, with only about 10% of patients living beyond five years .
4. It raises awareness through personal storytelling Statistics don’t move people — stories do. Lucy’s husband sharing her journey humanizes the disease and motivates others to act sooner, get checked, and support research.
5. It shows the emotional and practical toll on families The story captures the fear, hope, exhaustion, and grief that families experience as they navigate repeated treatments, setbacks, and end‑of‑life care.
Who this story affects
1. Anyone with persistent digestive symptoms Indigestion, stomach pain, intolerance to certain foods — these are common, but when they persist or worsen, they deserve medical attention. This story is a wake‑up call.
2. Cancer survivors Lucy was among the 27% of women who survive breast cancer only to later develop a second cancer. Survivors often assume new symptoms are unrelated or benign. This story challenges that assumption.
3. Families and caregivers Loved ones often struggle to interpret symptoms, support treatment decisions, and cope with rapid changes in health. Jason’s experience reflects what many families go through.
4. Healthcare providers The article underscores how difficult pancreatic cancer is to diagnose early. It reinforces the need for vigilance when patients report persistent or worsening digestive symptoms.
5. Public health advocates and researchers The story highlights the urgent need for better screening tools, earlier detection methods, and more effective treatments for a cancer that remains “pretty much a death sentence,” as Jason puts it .
6. Anyone who tends to “push through” symptoms Lucy was active, hiking, working, and living life. Many people ignore discomfort until it becomes severe. Her story encourages people to listen to their bodies sooner.
The deeper significance
Pancreatic cancer is rising in incidence, yet survival rates remain stubbornly low. Stories like this one cut through the noise and remind people that early action — even on symptoms that seem minor — can make the difference between catching cancer early or not at all.
If you want, I can also break down:
the early symptoms to watch for
why pancreatic cancer is so hard to detect
how risk factors work
or what research is being done to improve survival rates
The core importance is early‑warning awareness.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, largely because it’s usually diagnosed too late. Lucy’s story shows how:
Indigestion, stomach pain, or food intolerance—symptoms most people dismiss—can be early signs of something serious.
Even someone who has survived a previous cancer may not recognize new symptoms as red flags.
Misattributing symptoms (in her case, to acidic foods or pancreatitis) can delay diagnosis until treatment options are limited.
The disease can appear to improve, only to return aggressively, which is emotionally devastating for families.
Her husband’s decision to speak publicly is part of a broader push to help others recognize symptoms earlier, when survival odds—though still low—are better.
Who this story affects
This story resonates with—and has implications for—several groups:
Anyone experiencing persistent digestive symptoms People who regularly deal with indigestion, stomach pain, or food intolerance may not realize these can be warning signs worth checking.
Cancer survivors Survivors of one cancer, like Lucy, are statistically more likely to develop another. Many don’t know this or don’t connect new symptoms to that risk.
Families and caregivers Loved ones often struggle to interpret symptoms, navigate medical uncertainty, and support someone through grueling treatments.
Healthcare providers It underscores the challenge of diagnosing pancreatic cancer early and the need for vigilance when symptoms persist.
Public health advocates and researchers Stories like this highlight the urgent need for better screening tools, earlier detection methods, and more effective treatments.
Anyone who might ignore “minor” symptoms The emotional weight of the story is a reminder that listening to your body—and acting early—can save lives.
One more layer
Pancreatic cancer is rising in incidence, yet survival rates remain among the lowest of all major cancers. Personal stories like this one cut through statistics and make the stakes real. They help people recognize symptoms sooner, push for medical evaluation faster, and support research funding.
If you want, I can also break down the early symptoms, risk factors, or why pancreatic cancer is so hard to detect.
Absolutely — there is background context that makes this story clearer and more meaningful. Since I can see the full article you’re reading , I’ll pull out the deeper layers that aren’t obvious at first glance but help explain why Lucy’s experience unfolded the way it did.
1. Pancreatic cancer is notoriously hard to detect
This is the single biggest piece of context behind the entire story.
Pancreatic cancer often produces vague, everyday symptoms — indigestion, stomach pain, food intolerance, fatigue. These overlap with dozens of harmless conditions.
Because of this:
Most patients are diagnosed late, when the cancer is already advanced.
Only 10% survive five years after diagnosis.
More than half die within three months of learning they have it.
Lucy’s long‑standing indigestion fits this pattern exactly.
2. Cancer survivors face higher risk of a second cancer
The article notes that Lucy was among the 27% of British women who survive breast cancer but later develop another cancer. This is important context because:
Survivors often assume new symptoms are “just side effects” or unrelated.
Doctors may also attribute symptoms to past treatment rather than suspecting a new cancer.
This can delay diagnosis.
Lucy’s indigestion began after her breast cancer treatment, which made it easier for everyone — including her — to normalize it.
3. Pancreatic cancer is rising in the UK
The article mentions that the disease is on the rise. This matters because:
More people are developing it, but
Screening tools still don’t exist, and
Awareness remains low.
So stories like this fill a gap that public health systems haven’t solved yet.
4. Her symptoms fit a classic but overlooked pattern
Looking at the timeline in the article:
Years of indigestion
Worsening symptoms after certain foods
Pain during physical activity
A sudden spike in symptoms during a hike
Rapid escalation once she sought medical care
This is a textbook progression of pancreatic cancer — but only in hindsight. Most people (and many clinicians) don’t recognize this pattern early.
5. Treatment is grueling, even when it “works”
The article describes:
Chemotherapy
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Weight loss
Mouth ulcers
Tumor shrinkage
A period of “no evidence of disease”
Recurrence in the liver
More treatment
Finally, palliative care
This context shows how pancreatic cancer often behaves: Even when you beat it back, it tends to return aggressively. Lucy’s story follows that heartbreaking arc almost exactly.
6. Her husband’s mission adds emotional and social context
Jason’s decision to walk the Camino de Santiago to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer Action gives the story a second layer:
It’s not just a medical narrative
It’s a grief narrative
And a public‑awareness mission
He wants people to recognize symptoms earlier because he believes it might save someone else’s life.
7. The story fits a broader public‑health push
Across the UK and US, there’s a growing effort to:
Increase awareness of early symptoms
Encourage earlier GP visits
Push for better diagnostic tools
Improve survival rates for a cancer that is still “pretty much a death sentence,” as Jason says
This article is part of that movement.
If you want, I can also explain:
The specific early symptoms people often miss
Why pancreatic cancer spreads so quickly
How it differs from other cancers
What research is being done to improve survival
Or the emotional/psychological dynamics families face during long cancer journeys
Just tell me what direction you want to go.
Summation:
There’s important background context that makes this story clearer, and understanding it helps you see why Lucy’s experience unfolded the way it did. Since I can see the article you’re reading , I’ll anchor the context directly to what’s in that story.
1. Pancreatic cancer is one of the hardest cancers to detect
This is the biggest piece of context behind everything in the article.
Pancreatic cancer often starts with indigestion, stomach pain, food intolerance, or vague abdominal discomfort — exactly the symptoms Lucy had for years. These overlap with dozens of harmless conditions, so:
Patients rarely suspect cancer
Doctors often don’t either
Diagnosis usually happens late
The article notes that more than half of patients die within three months of diagnosis and only 10% survive five years . That’s why early symptoms matter so much.
2. Cancer survivors face higher risk of a second cancer
Lucy had breast cancer in 2005. The article points out she was among the 27% of British women who survive breast cancer but later develop another cancer .
This matters because:
Survivors often normalize new symptoms
Doctors may attribute symptoms to past treatment
This can delay detection of a new cancer
Her long‑term indigestion fit that pattern — it didn’t seem alarming because it had been around for years.
3. Pancreatic cancer is rising in the UK
The article explicitly states that pancreatic cancer is on the rise in the UK .
This adds context to why stories like this are being published more often:
More people are being diagnosed
Awareness is still low
There’s no routine screening test
Early detection is rare
Public health organizations are trying to close that awareness gap.
4. Her symptoms followed a classic—but easily overlooked—pattern
Looking at the timeline in the article:
Years of indigestion
Worsening intolerance to spicy foods
Pain during a hike
A sudden spike in symptoms
Rapid escalation once she sought care
This is a textbook pancreatic cancer progression, but only in hindsight.
Most people — and many clinicians — don’t recognize it early.
5. Treatment for pancreatic cancer is extremely difficult
The article shows the full arc:
Chemotherapy
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Weight loss
Temporary “no evidence of disease”
Recurrence in the liver
More treatment
Palliative care
This reflects the reality that pancreatic cancer often returns aggressively even after successful treatment. The article emphasizes that life expectancy is typically five years from diagnosis and that it remains “one of the least survivable forms of the disease” .
6. The emotional context: a husband trying to warn others
Jason’s grief and his decision to walk the Camino de Santiago to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer Action add another layer. He says he wants people to recognize early symptoms because “pancreatic cancer is pretty much a death sentence” unless caught early .
This isn’t just a medical story — it’s a call for awareness.
7. The story fits a larger public‑health narrative
Across the UK and globally, there’s a push to:
Increase awareness of early symptoms
Encourage earlier GP visits
Improve diagnostic tools
Fund research for better treatments
This article is part of that broader effort.
If you want, I can also explain:
The early symptoms people most often miss
Why pancreatic cancer spreads so quickly
How it differs from other cancers
What research is being done to improve survival
Or the emotional dynamics families face during long cancer journeys
How Hannah Harper’s Bluegrass Family Shaped an American Idol Winner
By Rachel Updated May 12, 2026 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In a stunning victory that has captured the nation’s heart, Hannah Harper, a 25-year-old stay-at-home mother of three from Willow Springs, Missouri, has been crowned winner of American Idol Season 24. Her journey on the show was as authentic as it was inspiring, beginning with a viral audition of her original song “String Cheese,” a raw and heartfelt piece about her experience with postpartum depression.
Throughout the competition, Harper bonded with audiences through her emotional storytelling and distinctive country-bluegrass vocals, culminating in a finale performance that moved judges and viewers alike. Her win is particularly historic, making her the first female country singer to take the title since Carrie Underwood in Season 4. This victory not only launches her solo career but also shines a bright light on the close-knit musical family that raised her.
Behind the new American Idol is a musical dynasty that has shaped her voice and her spirit. Harper’s journey to national fame is a long time coming, as she literally grew up on the road. Before she was a solo act, she was an integral part of her family’s bluegrass gospel group, living on a tour bus and performing at festivals and churches across the country. The deep faith, family values, and musical instincts she displayed on the show are a direct reflection of her upbringing in a home where music was not just a passion, but a way of life.
Parents and The Harper Collective
Hannah Harper was born to her parents, Katrina Harper and Gaylon Harper, both of whom are accomplished musicians. Her mother, Katrina, is a vocalist, while her father, Gaylon, is a skilled banjo player. The couple’s musical journey began in the band of Hannah’s grandfather, gospel singer Bob Lewis, before they decided to take their own family’s talents on the road. They formed the family band, initially known as “The Harper Family” and later as The Harper Collective, which became Hannah’s musical training ground.
For seven years, the group toured full-time, a family unit dedicated to their craft. Hannah is not an only child; she has at least two brothers, Dillon and Dalton, who also performed alongside her in the band. The family’s commitment to music was so profound that her father quit his job at a lead mine to pursue their collective dream, a sacrifice that paved the way for Hannah’s current success.
Hannah Harper is a country singer from Missouri who rose to national fame after winning Season 24 of American Idol in 2026. She became the first female country winner since Carrie Underwood in 2005.
Who She Is
Hannah Harper (born November 19, 1999) is a country artist from Willow Springs, Missouri, known for blending bluegrass, gospel, and modern country influences. She is a stay‑at‑home mom of three and often writes about motherhood, faith, and everyday life.
Why She Became Famous
Her original song “String Cheese” — written about postpartum depression and the emotional chaos of motherhood — went viral and earned her a Golden Ticket during her American Idol audition.
The Story Behind Hannah Harper’s “String Cheese”
Hannah Harper’s original song “String Cheese” is deeply personal, born from her own struggles as a stay-at-home mom and a woman battling postpartum depression Country Rebel+1.
Origins in Vulnerability
At 25, Harper was raising three children while pursuing her dream as a singer-songwriter. She had spent years performing gospel and bluegrass with her family band but stepped away from public performance to focus on motherhood Country Rebel. In February 2019, shortly after the birth of her youngest son, she wrote “String Cheese” to minister to herself during a dark period of postpartum depression www.hallels.com+1. She shared it with her sister-in-laws and close friends, but it was her brother who encouraged her to record and release it www.hallels.com.
Release and Early Reception
They re-recorded the track and released it on Mother’s Day. It reached No. 14 on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart, a rare feat for an active American Idol contestant www.hallels.com. The song’s raw honesty and relatable lyrics resonated with listeners, and it quickly went viral after Harper performed it on American Idolthehiphoplegends.net+1.
The American Idol Moment
During her audition, Harper’s performance of “String Cheese” struck a chord with viewers and judges. Carrie Underwood called it “the most relatable song I’ve ever heard” and said it might be her favorite person who had walked through those doors Country Rebel. The authenticity of the performance—rooted in real-life motherhood—helped it go viral within hours of airing thehiphoplegends.net.
Emotional Impact
For Harper, the song was never intended for a competition. She wrote it for survival and healing, hoping it would encourage others in hard seasons www.hallels.com. She reflected that God allowed her to walk through postpartum so she could minister to other moms and dads who felt unseen www.hallels.com. The response from fans, including a surprise care package from cheese brand Sargento, was overwhelming Country Rebel.
Personal Touch
Even at home, the song became part of her family’s story. Her sons were amazed to see their mom on national television, and the performance’s sincerity made it a shared moment of pride and connection thehiphoplegends.net.
In short, “String Cheese” is more than a catchy title—it’s a heartfelt anthem born from vulnerability, shared with the world through a viral American Idol moment, and now a source of comfort for many. She went on to win the entire season, performing songs across genres and closing the finale with “At the Cross (Love Ran Red)”.
Music & Style
Country with bluegrass and gospel roots
Influenced by Shania Twain and Jo Dee Messina
Known for emotional storytelling and acoustic performances
Former member of her family’s bluegrass band, The Harper Collective, which won the SPBGMA International Band Contest in 2010
Signed with Hollywood Records after her Idol win
Want to explore more?
Her Own Family: Husband and Children
While her parents and siblings formed the cornerstone of her musical identity, Hannah Harper’s own family has been her pillar of strength during her American Idol journey. She is married to Devon Mendenhall, and the couple tied the knot in April 2018. Devon, an avid outdoorsman who describes himself as a “fishing addict,” has been Hannah’s biggest supporter, taking care of their three young sons while she pursued her dream in Los Angeles.
Together, Hannah and Devon are parents to three boys. Their first son, Jentry Clay, was born in April 2019. As a stay-at-home mother, Hannah has been incredibly candid about the challenges of raising her two younger sons, particularly the struggle with postpartum depression that inspired her viral audition song. Her win is a testament to the powerful support system she has in her husband and children, who have been her motivation throughout the competition.
Long before stepping onto the stage of American Idol, Hannah Harper had already written one of the most meaningful songs of her life. The piece, inspired by her grandmother, was born from a mixture of love, loss, and faith — emotions that shaped her long before television audiences ever heard her voice.
Harper has shared that the song came during a deeply reflective period when she was thinking about the people who influenced her upbringing and her values. Her grandmother, who played a significant role in her life, became the emotional center of that writing process.
Rather than writing something dramatic or overly poetic, Harper focused on simple truths. The lyrics reflected memories, quiet moments of guidance, and the enduring presence of family love that continues even after loss.
That simplicity has become one of her greatest strengths as a songwriter. Instead of relying on technical complexity, she builds her music around lived experience. The result is storytelling that feels personal but universally relatable.
Now, as she competes on American Idol, those experiences subtly shape every performance she gives. Viewers often comment that there’s a weight in her voice — not heavy in a negative sense, but rich with meaning.
It’s the kind of emotional authenticity that can’t be manufactured through vocal training alone. Technique can refine a singer’s sound, but the depth that comes from real-life experience is something audiences instinctively recognize.
Fans say they can hear that history in the way Harper delivers even the quietest lines. Her voice doesn’t just carry melody — it carries memory, gratitude, and reflection.
Moments like this help explain why her performances resonate so strongly with viewers. People aren’t simply hearing a contestant sing; they’re hearing pieces of a life story unfolding through music.
In a competition filled with powerful voices and dramatic moments, Harper’s appeal often lies in something softer — a sense that every note is connected to something real.
As her Idol journey continues, the song she wrote for her grandmother remains part of that foundation. It reminds audiences that sometimes the most powerful performances aren’t about perfection — they’re about truth that has been lived, felt, and finally shared.
Hannah Harper’s Tribute to Her Grandmother with Dementia
Hannah Harper’s grandmother, Hazel, was diagnosed with dementia in 2019, and the illness slowly eroded her memories while her love and faith remained strong spotlightfocus.com+1. Harper has shared that she watched her grandmother’s mind “slip away, piece by piece,” until one day she no longer recognized her. Yet Hazel still looked at Hannah and said, “I don’t know her name, but I know she’s my beautiful granddaughter, and I love her”spotlightfocus.com.
Hazel was a devoted Christian who “talked about Him constantly” and shared her faith with everyone she met, even as her memory faded spotlightfocus.com+1. Harper describes her as a “good and faithful servant” whose heart never stopped beating, even as her body and mind changed.
The loss of Hazel was especially painful because Harper realized she was “losing them long before you actually lose them” — a grief that comes from watching a loved one fade slowly spotlightfocus.com. In her tribute song, Harper captures both the sorrow and the hope: she imagines Hazel in heaven, “her mind made new” and reunited with her husband and son, “skipping, hopping, and kicking high all over heaven” spotlightfocus.com+1.
The song, which has been shared widely on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, blends gentle storytelling with vivid imagery. It recalls early signs of dementia — Hazel sitting in her chair watching Young and the Restless without recognizing Harper — and a moment when she got lost on a familiar road, crying, “something ain’t right” www.westsoles.com. The phrase “it hurts to lose somebody twice” has become the emotional core of the piece, reflecting the double loss of both a person and their memories www.westsoles.com.
For Harper, the song is more than a personal memory — it’s a celebration of Hazel’s enduring love, faith, and spirit. She wrote it during a reflective period, focusing on simple truths and lived experience rather than technical complexity, which has made it deeply relatable to audiences thehiphoplegends.net.
Fans hope Harper will perform it on American Idol, believing it could be one of the season’s most powerful moments www.westsoles.com.
Grandmother had dementia
It sounds like you’re sharing something tender and painful — having a grandmother with dementia is one of those experiences that reshapes how love works. The relationship doesn’t disappear, but it changes, and that change can be heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.
Here’s a way to understand and honor what you’re going through.
What Dementia Does — and What It Can’t Take
Dementia can blur names, dates, and faces, but it often doesn’t erase emotional memory. Many people with dementia still respond to the people they love — the tone of your voice, the way you smile, the feeling of safety you bring.
Even if she couldn’t remember everything, your grandmother may still have known you in the deepest way: not by name, but by love.
People often describe a mix of emotions:
Grief — losing pieces of someone before they’re gone
Love — sometimes stronger than ever
Confusion — because the person is both “here” and “not here”
Guilt — for feeling tired, sad, or overwhelmed
Gratitude — for the moments of clarity or connection
All of these feelings are normal. Dementia affects the whole family, not just the person diagnosed.
“GO REST HIGH” HITS DIFFERENT ON MEMORIAL DAY – Idol winner Hannah Harper’s emotional version of “Go Rest High On That Mountain” is being shared across America as fans honor the soldiers who never came home. The Vince Gill classic already speaks of peace, heaven, and goodbye, but Hannah’s voice makes it feel like a tribute for every family carrying loss today.
Watch the viral performance giving Americans chills
1. Pancreatic cancer is notoriously hard to detect
2. Cancer survivors face higher risk of a second cancer
3. Pancreatic cancer is rising in the UK
4. Her symptoms fit a classic but overlooked pattern
5. Treatment is grueling, even when it “works”
6. Her husband’s mission adds emotional and social context
7. The story fits a broader public‑health push
1. Pancreatic cancer is one of the hardest cancers to detect
Who She Is
Why She Became Famous
Music & Style
Career Highlights
Want to explore more? 
What Dementia Does — and What It Can’t Take