Trending Health

Listen as Radio

Young diabetics show early signs of Alzheimer's biomarkers

New research suggests that adolescents and young adults with diabetes may face a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado, found that young people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have elevated levels of Alzheimer's biomarkers in their blood plasma and brain areas associated with the disease. While the study was small and further research is needed to confirm the findings, experts caution that managing blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes is crucial to preventing potential cognitive issues. The Alzheimer's Association emphasizes the importance of regular cognitive screenings and brain-healthy behaviors, such as physical activity, managing diabetes and blood pressure, and following a healthy diet, to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and other dementias. sources

Published:
May 15 2024, 2 am

Alcohol Linked to Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Issues

Recent rodent studies presented at the American Heart Association’s Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2024 have highlighted the detrimental effects of alcohol on heart health, particularly in women undergoing estrogen replacement therapy and in cases of binge drinking. The first study found that female rats receiving estrogen experienced increased blood pressure and decreased cardiac function after alcohol consumption, suggesting that estrogen does not fully protect against alcohol's harmful effects. The second study revealed that over 70% of mice subjected to binge drinking developed atrial fibrillation, a serious heart arrhythmia, while those treated with the protective molecule Alda-1 did not. Experts emphasize the importance of moderating alcohol intake, especially for women on hormone therapy, and recommend adhering to guidelines that limit alcohol consumption to reduce cardiovascular risks. Further research is anticipated to explore these findings in larger animal models. sources

Published:
Jul 27 2024, 12 pm

Healthy Choices May Reduce Depression, Dementia, Stroke Risk

A recent study published in *Frontiers in Psychiatry* has revealed that healthier lifestyle choices significantly reduce the risk of late-life depression, dementia, and stroke. Analyzing data from over 355,000 participants, researchers found that each five-point increase in a "Brain Care Score," which assesses factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, nutrition, and social-emotional well-being, was linked to a 33% decrease in late-life depression risk and a 27% reduction in combined outcomes of dementia and stroke. Notably, younger participants under 50 experienced an even greater risk reduction of 59%. While the study highlights the interconnectedness of these conditions and encourages a holistic approach to brain health, researchers caution against overgeneralizing the findings due to potential biases in the UK Biobank sample. Experts emphasize the importance of practical lifestyle changes, suggesting that individuals can improve their brain health through manageable steps, fostering a sense of empowerment for healthy aging. sources

Published:
Jul 27 2024, 1 am

Oat Fiber Linked to Increased Weight Loss, Study Reveals

A recent study published in *The Journal of Nutrition* highlights the weight loss benefits of beta-glucan, a soluble fiber found in oats and cereals. Conducted on obese mice, the research revealed that beta-glucan resulted in greater weight loss and improved glucose tolerance compared to other fiber types, such as pectin and resistant starch. Experts emphasize the importance of dietary fiber for overall health, linking it to lower cholesterol, better gut health, and improved metabolic function. While the findings are promising, researchers caution that human metabolism is more complex, and further studies are needed to confirm these effects in people. Currently, around 95% of Americans fail to meet daily fiber recommendations, prompting nutritionists to encourage gradual increases in fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, as well as maintaining hydration to support digestive health. sources

Published:
Jul 26 2024, 11 pm

Study Identifies Factors That Combat Alzheimer's Cognitive Decline

A groundbreaking study from MIT, published in *Nature*, identifies critical cellular and circuit vulnerabilities in Alzheimer’s disease, shedding light on why some individuals maintain cognitive function despite the presence of disease pathology. Researchers analyzed over 1.3 million cells across six brain regions from 48 tissue donors, revealing that specific brain cells, particularly excitatory neurons in memory-related areas, are significantly depleted in Alzheimer’s patients. Co-senior author Professor Li-Huei Tsai noted that understanding pathways linked to cell vulnerability and cognitive resilience could lead to new therapeutic targets. The study also highlighted the role of astrocytes in maintaining cognitive health and suggested dietary factors, such as choline and spermidine, may bolster resilience against cognitive decline. This research underscores the complexity of Alzheimer’s and emphasizes the potential for early detection and targeted interventions, paving the way for precision medicine approaches in treating the disease. sources

Published:
Jul 26 2024, 7 pm

GLP-1 Drug Use: Impact on Diabetes Drug Shortages?

The use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists) has surged in recent years, driven by their weight loss benefits, leading to global shortages for those with type 2 diabetes who rely on these medications. A study published in *Annals of Internal Medicine* reveals that from 2011 to 2023, the number of new GLP-1 users without diabetes doubled, with off-label use of drugs like Ozempic increasing significantly. The proportion of users without FDA-approved indications rose from 0.21% in 2019 to 0.37% in 2023. Researchers noted that the largest demographic using these medications were predominantly female and non-Hispanic white. Experts warn that the current supply-demand imbalance exacerbates health disparities, as insurance coverage varies widely, limiting access for many. Solutions proposed include increasing production and addressing insurance policies to ensure equitable access to these essential treatments. sources

Published:
Jul 25 2024, 10 pm

Excess Fat in Two Areas Linked to Dementia, Parkinson's Risk

Research has revealed that the distribution of body fat, particularly in the upper arms and abdomen, may significantly influence the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. A study involving over 412,000 participants from the UK Biobank found that individuals with higher levels of belly and upper arm fat had an increased likelihood of these conditions. Conversely, greater muscle mass and bone density appeared to offer protective benefits. With dementia cases projected to reach 153 million by 2050, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy body composition through targeted interventions, including exercise and diet. While the findings are observational and caution against establishing causation, they align with previous research suggesting that improved metabolic health and reduced inflammation linked to muscle mass may mitigate risks. Overall, the study underscores the necessity of physical activity in reducing the likelihood of neurodegenerative diseases as people age. sources

Published:
Jul 25 2024, 7 pm

New Evidence: Moderate Drinking Doesn't Increase Longevity

Recent research published in the *Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs* challenges the long-held belief that moderate alcohol consumption is linked to health benefits, particularly longevity. The study suggests that previous findings supporting moderate drinking may be based on flawed and low-quality research. After analyzing 107 observational studies involving over 4.8 million participants, the authors found no significant longevity benefits associated with moderate drinking compared to abstaining from alcohol. Experts now advocate for alcohol-free lifestyles and call for a shift in public health messaging, emphasizing that no level of alcohol consumption is entirely safe. The World Health Organization has echoed this sentiment, stating that alcohol can contribute to various health risks, including cancer and heart disease. As awareness grows about the potential harms of even low-volume drinking, there is an increasing movement towards sober living, prompting healthcare professionals to reevaluate their recommendations regarding alcohol consumption. sources

Published:
Jul 25 2024, 4 pm

Pesticides Linked to Higher Risk of 6 Cancer Types

A recent nationwide study has revealed a concerning link between agricultural pesticide use in the U.S. and an increased risk of various cancers, comparable to the risks associated with smoking. The research, which analyzed county-level data, found strong associations between pesticides and cancers such as leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and pancreatic cancer. It highlighted that the combined use of multiple pesticides significantly amplifies their carcinogenic potential. While acknowledging the critical role of pesticides in ensuring food security, the study raises alarms about their health impacts, particularly in agricultural regions like Iowa and California. Senior author Isain Zapata emphasized the need for awareness and healthcare initiatives to manage exposure risks, while also calling for ongoing research into safer alternatives. The findings underscore the importance of understanding how widespread pesticide exposure contributes to cancer risk, urging a comprehensive approach to agricultural practices and public health. sources

Published:
Jul 25 2024, 11 am

Western Diet Linked to Increased IBD and Colon Cancer Risk

A recent review from researchers at the Teagasc Food Research Centre in Ireland has highlighted the detrimental effects of the Western diet on gut health, linking it to an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer. Published in *Nature Reviews Microbiology*, the study indicates that the Western diet, characterized by high levels of saturated fats, sugars, and low fiber, negatively impacts the gut microbiome, leading to reduced diversity and lower production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids. In contrast, the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, is shown to promote beneficial gut bacteria and manage chronic conditions such as IBD and cardiovascular disease. Experts stress the importance of dietary choices in improving health outcomes and suggest consulting with registered dietitians to create personalized eating plans that enhance gut health and overall well-being. sources

Published:
Jul 24 2024, 11 pm

HIIT May Provide Long-Lasting Cognitive Benefits

A recent study published in *Aging and Disease* highlights the cognitive benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for older adults, particularly in enhancing hippocampal function, which is crucial for memory. Conducted with 194 healthy participants aged 65 to 85, the research found that those engaging in HIIT demonstrated significant improvements in spatial learning and maintained these benefits for up to five years. In contrast, groups involved in low and medium-intensity exercises showed no such enhancements. The study underscores the potential of HIIT as a non-pharmacological intervention to mitigate age-related cognitive decline, especially given the increased dementia risk in older populations. While promising, the researchers caution that individual responses to exercise may vary, and further studies are needed to explore these findings across larger and more diverse groups. The implications could reshape exercise recommendations for cognitive health in aging populations. sources

Published:
Jul 24 2024, 3 am

For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews

End of news stories. Come back in an hour!