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New research from Spain reveals that atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart arrhythmia, increases the risk of dementia by 21%, particularly in individuals under 70 years old. The study, which analyzed data from over 2.5 million participants in Catalonia, found the strongest association for early-onset dementia, with a 36% increased risk for diagnoses before age 65. However, the risk diminished in those over 70, suggesting that other factors may contribute to cognitive decline in older age groups. While AFib is identified as an independent predictor of dementia, the study's authors emphasize the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and explore preventative strategies. As the findings are yet to be peer-reviewed, experts call for more diverse studies to confirm these results and assess the impact of early intervention in managing AFib to mitigate dementia risk. 
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Apr 03 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA recent study presented at the EHRA 2025 congress has raised concerns about the potential link between long-term antidepressant use and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Researchers from Denmark analyzed medical records of adults aged 18 to 90, finding that those who used antidepressants for 1 to 5 years had a 56% higher risk of SCD, while those using them for 6 years or more faced a 2.2 times greater risk. Notably, younger individuals, particularly those aged 30-39, exhibited the highest relative risk. Experts caution that while the findings suggest a correlation, they do not establish causality, as underlying depression itself is a known risk factor for cardiovascular issues. Physicians emphasize the importance of discussing any concerns with patients and not abruptly discontinuing medication, highlighting the need for further research to unravel the complex relationship between psychiatric disorders, antidepressant use, and cardiovascular health.
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Apr 06 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA recent study from the University of Southern California suggests that sucralose, a popular non-caloric sweetener, may increase hunger and lead to overeating. Researchers employed MRI scans to analyze brain blood flow in the hypothalamus of 75 healthy young adults after consuming drinks sweetened with either sucralose, sugar, or water. The results indicated that sucralose triggered stronger hunger signals compared to both sugar and water, particularly in individuals of healthy weight and women, who exhibited heightened brain activity in response to the sweetener. While those classified as overweight did not show significant changes, participants with obesity experienced increased hunger-related brain activity after consuming sucralose versus water. Experts suggest that these findings could influence dietary recommendations, as sucralose may disrupt the brain's appetite regulation, potentially counteracting weight management efforts for those seeking to reduce caloric intake. Further research is needed to explore these implications fully.
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Apr 05 2025, 11 ameznews.inResearch from Stanford Medicine suggests that vaccination against shingles may reduce the risk of developing dementia by 20%. Currently affecting over 57 million people worldwide, dementia cases are expected to nearly triple by 2050. The study, published in *Nature*, utilized data from a Welsh health policy that provided the shingles vaccine to those aged 79 and younger, creating a unique opportunity to compare vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. The findings revealed that those who received the vaccine had a 3.5% lower likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia over seven years. Experts emphasize the need for further research to confirm these results, particularly regarding the newer Shingrix vaccine. While the shingles vaccine is already recommended for older adults in the U.S. and U.K., these findings could potentially influence public health strategies aimed at combating dementia, which carries significant economic and social costs.
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Apr 04 2025, 10 pmeznews.inResearchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a promising new blood test that could significantly enhance the diagnosis and staging of Alzheimer’s disease. This test measures levels of a protein biomarker known as MTBR-tau243, which is linked to tau tangles in the brain, a key feature of Alzheimer’s pathology. In a study published in *Nature Medicine*, the test demonstrated 92% accuracy in reflecting the amount of tau tangles present in participants’ brains. The findings revealed that MTBR-tau243 levels were significantly elevated in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and even more pronounced in those with late-stage dementia. Experts suggest that this blood test could facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment, addressing unmet needs in Alzheimer’s care. However, further validation is necessary across diverse populations to ensure the test's reliability and specificity before it can be widely implemented in clinical settings.
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Apr 04 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA recent study has established a significant link between sleep phases and the risk of Alzheimer's disease, highlighting how reductions in specific sleep types can lead to brain atrophy in regions vulnerable to the disease. Researchers utilized polysomnography to assess sleep architecture and MRI scans to examine brain changes over a 13-17 year period. Findings revealed that decreased slow-wave and REM sleep correlated with reduced volume in key areas such as the inferior parietal and precuneus regions. These results underscore the importance of sleep in maintaining brain health, as sleep is crucial for clearing toxins linked to neurodegenerative disorders. Experts emphasize the need for further research, noting that the current study's cohort lacked diversity. Nevertheless, they advocate for prioritizing sleep hygiene, recommending consistent sleep schedules and pre-bedtime routines to enhance overall health and potentially mitigate Alzheimer's risk.
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Apr 03 2025, 6 pmeznews.inNew research from South Korean scientists indicates that maintaining low levels of LDL cholesterol, often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol, may significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia. The study analyzed data from over 12 million individuals, revealing that those with LDL levels below 70 mg/dL had a 26% lower risk of all-cause dementia and a 28% reduced risk of Alzheimer's-related dementia compared to those with higher levels. Furthermore, statin medications, which lower cholesterol, appeared to enhance this protective effect, particularly in individuals with LDL levels below 70 mg/dL. Experts caution, however, that while the findings are promising, they stem from observational research and further randomized trials are necessary to establish causation. Health professionals recommend a heart-healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, while suggesting statins only when clinically indicated.
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Apr 03 2025, 1 ameznews.inA recent study published in the *Journal of the American Heart Association* reveals that individuals who exercise primarily on weekends, dubbed "weekend warriors," can enjoy health benefits comparable to those who spread their workouts throughout the week. The research, which analyzed data from over 93,000 participants in the UK Biobank, found that both weekend warriors and those who exercise regularly have a significantly lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other causes compared to inactive individuals. Specifically, weekend warriors experienced a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality and a 21% lower risk of cancer mortality. While the findings offer hope for those with time constraints, experts caution that a sudden switch to intense weekend workouts may not suit everyone, especially those with pre-existing health conditions. Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of flexibility in exercise routines, encouraging individuals to find what works best for their lifestyles.
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Apr 02 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA recent study from the University of Colorado School of Medicine suggests that the 4:3 intermittent fasting method may be more effective for weight loss than traditional daily calorie restriction diets. Involving 165 adults with overweight or obesity, participants were randomly assigned to either the 4:3 fasting regimen—where they fasted for three nonconsecutive days while eating normally for the remaining four—or a daily calorie-restricted diet. After 12 months, those in the intermittent fasting group lost an average of 7.6% of their body weight, compared to 5% in the calorie restriction group. While more than half of the intermittent fasting participants lost at least 5% of their body weight, experts caution that results can vary greatly among individuals. They emphasize the importance of personalizing dietary approaches and consulting with healthcare professionals to ensure optimal outcomes.
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Apr 01 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA recent study published in *The Journal of Immunology* reveals a potential link between high-salt diets and depression-like symptoms, based on experiments conducted on mice. Researchers found that mice consuming a high-salt diet exhibited behaviors akin to those seen in models of depression, attributed to increased production of the cytokine IL-17A. Specifically, the study identified γδT17 cells as a significant source of IL-17A in these mice, suggesting that dietary salt may drive depression-like behavior through immune system responses. While the World Health Organization estimates that 5% of adults globally suffer from depression, experts caution that more research is needed to determine how these findings might translate to human health. The study underscores the importance of monitoring salt intake not only for physical health but also for potential mental health benefits, prompting calls for further exploration into dietary impacts on depression.
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Mar 31 2025, 11 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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