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A recent study conducted by Japanese researchers has explored the cognitive benefits of matcha green tea in older adults, particularly those experiencing mild cognitive decline. While the study, published in *PLOS ONE*, found no significant improvements in broader cognitive functions like memory, participants consuming matcha reported enhancements in social cognition and sleep quality. The study involved 99 participants aged 60 to 85, who were monitored over 12 months, with those in the matcha group taking daily capsules containing high levels of catechins and theanine. Researchers noted that improved social acuity—specifically in recognizing facial expressions—could be linked to the anti-inflammatory properties of catechins. Experts emphasize the need for further research to understand matcha's effects more thoroughly, particularly regarding its potential role in improving sleep and mood, while cautioning against viewing it as a standalone intervention for dementia prevention. 
Published: Sep 07 2024, 12 pmeznews.inA recent study from Mass General Brigham has unveiled promising results for treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of the disease that is challenging to treat due to the absence of hormone receptors. Researchers identified a combination of two inhibitors, AKT and EZH2, which when used together, significantly reduced TNBC cell viability within four days. This dual approach appears to induce cancer cells to revert to a more vulnerable state, enhancing their susceptibility to treatment. The findings, published in *Nature*, suggest the potential for clinical trials to explore this combination as a new therapeutic strategy. Experts highlight the importance of such innovative treatments, especially following recent setbacks in targeted therapies. The study also employed machine learning to identify which patients might benefit most from this combination, indicating a shift towards personalized medicine in cancer treatment.
Published: Oct 11 2024, 10 pmeznews.inRecent research suggests that GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, may offer significant benefits for brain health beyond their established roles in weight loss and diabetes management. A new review highlights how these medications could provide neuroprotective effects by reducing chronic inflammation in the brain, a condition often exacerbated by obesity and linked to an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The review discusses how GLP-1 drugs may strengthen the blood-brain barrier and promote neuron survival by enhancing astrocyte function and attenuating neuroinflammation through microglia signaling. Experts emphasize the need for further research to explore these potential benefits, with ongoing trials investigating the efficacy of semaglutide in treating Alzheimer's disease expected to yield results by 2025. This growing body of evidence positions GLP-1 medications as a promising avenue for improving cognitive health in individuals affected by obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Published: Oct 11 2024, 11 pmeznews.inNew research suggests that the gut microbiome may play a crucial role in diagnosing and potentially treating endometriosis, a condition affecting up to 11% of women of reproductive age. Typically marked by painful symptoms due to endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus, endometriosis is often diagnosed nearly nine years after symptoms first appear. A study published in the journal *Med* indicates that measuring levels of a bacterial metabolite, 4-hydroxyindole (4HI), in stool samples could provide a non-invasive diagnostic tool, as individuals with endometriosis show significantly lower levels of this metabolite. The study also found that administering 4HI in animal models reduced inflammation and pain associated with the condition, suggesting it may serve as a future treatment. While the findings are promising, experts caution that the study's small sample size necessitates further research to confirm these results and develop practical diagnostic applications.
Published: Oct 11 2024, 10 pmeznews.inResearch from Johns Hopkins Medicine has revealed that improper arm positioning during blood pressure measurements can lead to inaccurately high readings, potentially resulting in misdiagnosis of hypertension. The study, published in *JAMA Internal Medicine*, involved 133 adults who had their blood pressure measured with their arms in different positions: supported on a desk, supported on their laps, or hanging unsupported at their sides. Findings indicated that unsupported arms led to an overestimation of systolic blood pressure by nearly 7 mmHg, while arms resting on laps resulted in a 4 mmHg increase. Lead researcher Dr. Tammy M. Brady emphasized the importance of proper arm support to ensure accurate readings, which are crucial for effective hypertension diagnosis and treatment. Experts stress that healthcare providers and patients should prioritize correct positioning to avoid unnecessary medication changes and improve overall patient care.
Published: Oct 11 2024, 5 pmeznews.inA recent study from The Jackson Laboratory and Calico Life Sciences has revealed intriguing insights into the relationship between calorie restriction and lifespan using a genetically diverse mouse model. The research, published in the journal *Nature*, found that while reducing calorie intake can extend life, the longest-lived mice were those that lost the least weight on a calorie-restricted diet. The study involved 960 female mice assigned to various dietary regimens, including caloric restriction and intermittent fasting. Surprisingly, genetic factors appeared to play a more significant role in longevity than diet alone. Mice on a 60% caloric restriction lived an average of 34 months, compared to 25 months for those with unrestricted diets. Experts emphasize that while calorie restriction can enhance lifespan, it does not guarantee longevity for individuals, highlighting the complexity of dietary impacts on health and aging.
Published: Oct 10 2024, 10 pmeznews.inA new study utilizing advanced 7T MRI technology has revealed that severe COVID-19 can cause significant damage to the brainstem, which is crucial for regulating vital functions like breathing. Researchers found distinct abnormalities in the brainstem of individuals who had been hospitalized with COVID-19, particularly in the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain, suggesting a neuroinflammatory response linked to long COVID symptoms such as breathlessness and brain fog. The study involved 30 participants scanned between 93 and 548 days post-hospitalization, compared to 51 healthy controls. Those with more severe illness exhibited greater brainstem abnormalities, indicating a correlation between inflammation and persistent symptoms. While the findings enhance understanding of COVID-19's neurological impacts, researchers acknowledge the study's limitations, including its small sample size and the need for longitudinal follow-up to assess the persistence of these changes. Further investigations aim to explore the potential of 7T MRI in studying other neurological conditions.
Published: Oct 10 2024, 11 pmeznews.inResearchers from the University of Southampton and other institutions have developed a promising experimental drug, RI-AG03, which targets two critical regions of the tau protein implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. This peptide inhibitor has shown success in preventing the accumulation of toxic tau proteins in both laboratory settings and fruit fly models, leading to a significant reduction in neurodegeneration and an extended lifespan in the flies. The study, published in *Alzheimer’s & Dementia*, highlights that RI-AG03 is the first drug to inhibit both tau aggregation hotspots simultaneously, a departure from existing treatments that focus on one. While further testing in rodents and subsequent clinical trials are planned, experts caution that drug development is complex, and the efficacy of RI-AG03 in human patients remains to be established. The findings, however, offer hope for advancing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Published: Oct 10 2024, 6 pmeznews.inRecent research highlights the Mediterranean diet's significant role in lowering the risk of heart failure, particularly among women, a demographic increasingly affected by this serious condition. Heart failure, which currently impacts 1% to 3% of the global population, is associated with high mortality and healthcare costs. A meta-analysis of six studies involving over 216,000 adults found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet correlated with a markedly reduced risk of heart failure, especially in women, where the association was statistically significant. The diet's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help mitigate factors leading to cardiovascular diseases. Experts suggest that hormonal differences and unique health risks in women, such as hypertension and diabetes, may explain this heightened vulnerability. However, researchers caution that the findings are based on observational studies, limiting their generalizability, and emphasize the need for further investigation into the diet's protective mechanisms.
Published: Oct 09 2024, 11 pmeznews.inType 2 diabetes, a chronic condition affecting over 422 million people globally, poses significant risks to multiple organ systems, including the heart, eyes, kidneys, and notably, the brain. Recent research indicates that diabetes can accelerate brain aging, potentially heightening the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. In a recent podcast episode, experts discuss lifestyle interventions that may help mitigate these effects. Dr. Thomas Barber from the University of Warwick highlights findings from two studies that suggest practical ways to slow diabetes-related cognitive decline. With projections estimating that 783 million individuals could be diagnosed with diabetes by 2045, understanding and implementing preventive measures is increasingly vital. The podcast aims to shed light on how lifestyle changes can delay the onset of diabetes and its associated cognitive challenges, offering hope for those affected by this widespread condition.
Published: Oct 09 2024, 10 pmeznews.inResearch presented at the International Psychogeriatric Association conference suggests that dronabinol, a synthetic form of THC derived from cannabis, may effectively reduce agitation in Alzheimer's disease patients. The study, involving 75 participants aged 60 to 95 over three weeks, found that those receiving dronabinol experienced a significant decrease in agitation compared to a placebo group, with no notable increase in adverse events. While the findings are promising, experts caution that dronabinol addresses only the symptoms of agitation, not the underlying disease. Limitations of the study include its small sample size and short duration, prompting calls for larger, longer-term trials. Researchers emphasize the need to explore the efficacy of cannabis products available in dispensaries, as many patients and families are already using them. The study highlights the potential role of dronabinol in clinical practice for managing agitation in Alzheimer's patients.
Published: Oct 09 2024, 6 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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