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A recent review by Brazilian researchers has suggested that kefir, a probiotic-rich drink, may help alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent form of dementia. The review analyzed seven studies, including one involving human participants, and found promising results, particularly highlighting a 28% improvement in cognitive function and a 66% increase in memory test scores among 13 individuals after 90 days of kefir supplementation. The study also indicated that kefir could reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, both linked to Alzheimer’s progression. While the initial findings are encouraging, experts like Dr. Peter Gliebus and Dr. Joel Salinas caution that more robust clinical research is necessary to establish kefir as a standard treatment. They emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to Alzheimer’s management, integrating dietary interventions like kefir with lifestyle changes to enhance overall brain health and well-being. 
Published: Mar 23 2025, 5 pm ISTeznews.inRecent research has sparked debate over whether red or white wine poses a greater cancer risk. A meta-analysis published in *Nutrients* examined 42 studies, concluding that neither red nor white wine significantly affects overall cancer risk. However, when isolating cohort studies, white wine was linked to an increased cancer risk, particularly in women and for skin cancer, which was not observed with red wine. The analysis found that for each additional 10 grams of ethanol, or roughly one glass of red wine consumed daily, there was a 5% increase in overall cancer risk, although this did not hold in cohort studies. Study author Dr. Eunyoung Cho emphasized that the findings challenge the perception of red wine as a healthier option due to its antioxidant content. Experts suggest further investigation is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these results, particularly concerning skin cancer associated with white wine consumption.
Published: Mar 22 2025, 2 pm ISTeznews.inA recent study involving nearly 78,000 participants with cardiometabolic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, reveals that a healthy plant-based diet significantly enhances longevity, while an unhealthy version increases mortality risks. Conducted across large-scale studies in the U.K., U.S., and China, researchers found that closely adhering to a healthful plant-based diet—rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes—was associated with a 17% to 24% lower risk of death from various causes, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Conversely, an unhealthy plant-based diet, characterized by refined grains and high sugar content, raised mortality risks by 28% to 36%. While the findings are observational and further research is needed, experts emphasize the importance of nutrient-rich foods for improving health outcomes, underscoring that not all plant-based diets offer the same benefits. This study adds to the growing evidence advocating for healthier dietary patterns in managing cardiometabolic health.
Published: Mar 22 2025, 2 am ISTeznews.inA recent study suggests that exercising beyond recommended levels may not significantly enhance lifespan, challenging previous beliefs about the benefits of physical activity. Led by Dr. Elina Sillanpää from the University of Jyväskylä, researchers analyzed health data from nearly 23,000 Finnish twins and found that those classified as sedentary or moderately active exhibited a 7% lower mortality risk compared to their more active counterparts. The study indicated that adhering to the World Health Organization's guidelines of 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise weekly suffices for health benefits, as increased intensity did not further reduce mortality risk. Experts caution that the relationship between exercise and lifespan may be influenced by other factors, such as diet and smoking habits. While the study raises questions about the longevity benefits of intense exercise, it reaffirms the importance of regular physical activity for overall health and quality of life.
Published: Mar 21 2025, 11 pm ISTeznews.inA recent study has revealed promising results for the anti-amyloid drug gantenerumab in preventing Alzheimer's disease, particularly in individuals with dominantly inherited Alzheimer's disease (DIAD), a genetic form of early-onset dementia. Participants in the study saw their risk of developing symptoms reduced by over 50% after long-term treatment, suggesting potential for delaying the onset of this debilitating condition. While gantenerumab effectively reduced amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's, researchers caution that there were no significant cognitive benefits observed compared to a placebo, as participants had not yet developed symptoms. Experts emphasize the need for further large-scale studies, especially in diverse populations, to fully understand the drug's efficacy and risks, including side effects like amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). Despite the cautious optimism surrounding these findings, the complexities of Alzheimer's disease necessitate ongoing research to explore viable treatment options.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 11 pm ISTeznews.inA groundbreaking study published in the journal *Science* has elucidated the structure and activation mechanism of the human PINK1 protein, a crucial factor linked to Parkinson’s disease. Researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, led by Dr. Sylvie Callegari, discovered that PINK1 plays a vital role in protecting mitochondria—the cell's energy sources—by marking damaged ones for removal, thereby preventing toxic buildup that can lead to neuronal cell death. The study reveals four key steps in PINK1's function: sensing mitochondrial damage, attaching to damaged mitochondria, tagging them with ubiquitin, and facilitating their disposal. Experts believe this research could pave the way for new treatments by enhancing PINK1 activity, which is impaired in individuals with mutations in the PINK1 gene. Neurologists have hailed these findings as a significant advancement toward developing targeted therapies that could slow or halt the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 2 pm ISTeznews.inNew research from the University of California, San Francisco, suggests that excessive sleepiness in women over 80 may signal a heightened risk of dementia. The study, which monitored 733 women using sleep trackers over five years, found that those experiencing increased daytime sleepiness were twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those with stable sleep patterns. While 22.4% of participants developed mild cognitive impairment and 12.7% progressed to dementia, the study did not establish a causal relationship between sleepiness and dementia, highlighting the complexities of sleep disturbances in older adults. Experts suggest that neurodegenerative changes affecting brain regions responsible for arousal could lead to increased daytime sleep, while poor sleep quality may hinder the brain's ability to clear amyloid-beta, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining healthy sleep patterns to potentially mitigate dementia risk.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 5 am ISTeznews.inA recent study published in *PLOS One* has revealed a concerning link between "night owls"—individuals who prefer to stay active at night—and a heightened risk of depression compared to "early risers." Conducted by researchers at the University of Surrey, the study surveyed 546 students aged 17 to 28, examining their sleep patterns, alcohol consumption, mindfulness, and levels of depression and anxiety. The findings indicated that night owls often experience poorer sleep quality, engage in higher alcohol use, and exhibit lower mindfulness, which collectively contribute to increased depression symptoms. Lead author Simon Evans emphasized the importance of addressing these modifiable risk factors, particularly given that around 50% of young adults identify as night owls. Experts suggest that improving mindfulness, sleep quality, and reducing alcohol consumption could significantly benefit mental health in this demographic, highlighting the need for further research and public health initiatives focused on sleep health.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 1 am ISTeznews.inRecent research highlights the potential links between viral infections, particularly the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Studies indicate that neuroinflammation may trigger cognitive impairment, with HSV-1 proteins found in postmortem brain samples linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Research suggests that common treatments, including vaccines, antibiotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin, may reduce dementia risk. A study involving over 11,000 participants found that long-term NSAID use was associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline, although this effect was not observed in genetically predisposed individuals. Experts caution against changing medication regimens without consulting healthcare providers due to potential risks. The findings underscore the need for further investigation into existing medications that could slow or prevent dementia progression, as emphasized by researchers advocating for accelerated clinical trials.
Published: Mar 19 2025, 2 am ISTeznews.inA recent narrative review published in the journal *Nutrients* has highlighted a potential link between gut health and anxiety disorders, suggesting that reduced microbial diversity in the gut may exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Researchers found that individuals with anxiety often exhibit lower levels of beneficial bacteria, particularly those producing short-chain fatty acids and neurotransmitters like GABA, which are crucial for regulating stress responses. The review indicates that probiotics, especially strains like *Lactobacillus*, could help improve gut microbiota and alleviate anxiety. While some studies reported positive effects of specific probiotic strains on anxiety and related symptoms, others showed mixed results, underscoring the need for further research. Experts emphasize the importance of understanding the gut-brain connection and suggest dietary changes alongside probiotic use to promote mental well-being. However, limitations in current studies, including small sample sizes and language restrictions, highlight the need for more comprehensive research in this area.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 11 pm IST
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