What you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

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Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, is a debilitating condition that affects between 17 and 24 million people worldwide.

The condition causes a wide range of symptoms that combine to produce a difficult-to-explain feeling of extreme, chronic fatigue.

Other symptoms include difficulty sleeping, feeling unwell after exertion, and problems carrying out usual activities or concentrating. Some patients may even become bedridden.

Diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Diagnosing CFS is challenging due to the lack of diagnostic tests and biomarkers to define the affected patient. Diagnosis depends on the history and the doctor. An early diagnosis can have a big impact on the course of the disease.

In the absence of clear biomarkers, diagnoses are primarily made on the basis of questionnaires that assess a person’s perception of their fatigue.

Although a great deal of research has been done in this area, there are currently no tests to diagnose whether someone has CFS or not.

Machine Learning and CFS Diagnosis

Researchers from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya’s (UOC) doctoral program in Bioinformatics, the UOC’s Applied Data Science Lab, and the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR) have analyzed how machine learning, a type of artificial intelligence (AI), can provide a better understanding of the disease and improve diagnosis.

The researchers suggest that patients’ oxygen consumption levels should be used as a reference for diagnosing CFS.

Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There is no cure for CFS. Treatment aims at providing relief from symptoms. Medications such as antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and anxiolytics are given to treat depression, improve sleep, and provide pain relief.

Therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy and graded exercise programs can help improve daily activities and lifestyle.

It is important to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet, regular exercise regimen, and sleep-wake cycle. Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation can also be helpful.

Protecting Cognitive Health

It is important to protect cognitive health, as CFS is a growing concern among people worldwide.

Parents, caregivers, and educators can help by creating safe and nurturing environments for children. They can also provide support and resources to help adults cope with stress and adversity.

In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of understanding the effects of CFS on cognitive outcomes in older adults. By doing so, we can better protect older adults from the long-term effects of cognitive decline and dementia.

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