My mother has Alzheimer’s

Q: My mother has Alzheimer's disease and I'm worried I'll get it too. Are there any tests to find out? Can I take any supplements or make dietary changes to reduce the chances? Joanna, 31

A: Alzheimer's attacks the nerves and brain cells, making sufferers lose mental abilities such as memory and reasoning. It's relatively common, mostly in people over 65, but it doesn't always run in families so you won't necessarily be affected.

The first symptom is short-term memory loss - not remembering things you've done that day or where you've just put something. Obviously, we all forget things, but it's more of an issue when it's happening all the time. Other early symptoms include mood swings.

Currently there's no test that can predict whether you'll be affected, but geneticists are working on it. In the meantime, reduce your risk by not smoking, only drinking in moderation, exercising and eating a healthy, balanced diet. Eating plenty of omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish is also helpful, as is keeping your mind agile by doing crosswords, sudoku, scrabble and memory games.

Q: I'm pregnant and have just been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. What is this, and will it disappear once I've had the baby? Laura, 34

A: About one in 50 women temporarily develop diabetes during pregnancy as a result of additional hormones, which oppose the normal action of insulin and allow blood sugar levels to rise. Most women don't know until routine urine testing reveals the presence of glucose. It usually begins in the second half of pregnancy and is more common in women over 30 who are overweight or have a family history of diabetes. The good news is it generally disappears after the birth.

It's important to control blood sugar during pregnancy as high levels can cause the baby to grow larger, increasing the risk of miscarriage or low blood sugar at birth. Exercise and a low-carb diet with lots of fruit and veg can help control blood sugar levels.

ASPIRIN OR A&E?

Symptom: A lump in your groin.
You worry it's: A hernia.
Don't panic: You have lots of lymph glands in your groin, so one may have swollen due to infection. If it's still there in two weeks or you feel unwell, see your GP. Hit the hospital if: You're in pain, vomiting, feel bloated or your skin has gone red around the lump. You could have a strangulated hernia, where the intestine gets wedged between muscles and cuts off blood supply, requiring immediate surgery.

HELP! I'VE... GOT FOOD POISONING

1 Get lots of rest until you've stopped being sick and needing the loo. Food poisoning makes you weak and tired, and it can take a week before you're back to normal.

2 Dehydration will make you feel worse so aim to drink 2 litres of water a day, plus 200ml every time you vomit or pass a loose stool. If an attack is severe, take rehydration fluids (available from chemists) to replenish lost sugars and salts.

3 Try to eat a little. Small meals that are easy to digest like toast, crackers and bananas are best. If you're still being sick after 24 hours see your GP, who may prescribe antibiotics to treat any bacteria in your system.

Over 850,000 people in the UK get food poisoning every year

Email your health questions to drhilary@fabulousmag.co.uk

COMPILED BY: JO UPCRAFT PHOTOGRAPHY: SCOPE BEAUTY

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