Researchers found that a new 'top-down' therapy approach significantly improved disease remission rates and reduced steroid use in Crohn's patients. The two-year study showed 60% of top-down subjects were symptom-free by week 26, compared to 36% on traditional step-up treatment.
A new Mayo Clinic study identified several gene variations that predict people at high risk for ALS and Parkinson's disease. The researchers found a high-risk prediction factor for ALS (2,000 times greater than average) and for Parkinson's disease (nearly 400 times greater than average).
Researchers analyzed medical records of 249 IPF patients and found that current smokers had longer survival times due to milder disease. However, non-smokers had better survival rates, suggesting a possible link between smoking damage and progression of lung disease.
A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found a correlation between periodontal disease and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Regular brushing and flossing can help lower this risk, according to experts from the American Academy of Periodontology.
People with restless legs syndrome are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease, according to a study published in Neurology. The risk is highest in those with RLS symptoms at least 16 times per month, where they are more than twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease.
Chronic kidney disease significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events in diabetic patients. Pioglitazone has been shown to lower this risk, particularly among those with moderate to severe renal disease. The study found that pioglitazone reduced all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and stroke by one-third.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic found that relatives of patients with Parkinson's disease are at increased risk for developing depression and anxiety disorders. The risk is particularly elevated in families where the patient develops Parkinson's before age 75.
Chronic kidney disease is more common than previously thought, affecting over 13% of the US population, primarily those with diabetes and hypertension. The study highlights the importance of blood pressure control, blood sugar management, and avoiding toxic medications to slow disease progression.
Researchers have identified two genes, ARTS1 and IL23R, that increase the risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis, a common disease causing back pain and progressive stiffness. A potential treatment for Crohn's disease may also be applied to this disease, providing a major step towards being able to treat ankylosing spondylitis.
First-degree relatives of patients with Parkinson's disease are at increased risk of developing dementia and cognitive impairment, particularly those with younger age of onset. The study suggests shared familial susceptibility factors may be driving this association.
Researchers found that initially healthy siblings of a person with left main coronary artery disease are 2.5 times more likely to develop some form of heart disease than those without the condition. This highlights the importance of family screening and prevention strategies for individuals with a history of LMD.
Researchers analyzed genes of 278 people with Parkinson's disease and found a higher prevalence of mutations in the GBA gene among those diagnosed before age 50. The study suggests that Jewish ancestry may be an important risk factor for younger-onset Parkinson's disease due to the increased presence of GBA gene mutations in this group.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that women with a family history of heart disease are less likely to quit smoking and engage in physical activity, increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease. Women with this history also tend to have higher rates of unhealthy eating habits.
Botanists at Oregon State University have discovered a single plant gene that causes resistance to one disease, while producing susceptibility to a different disease. This unusual phenomenon may help scientists better understand the pathways of genetic disease resistance and susceptibility in plants.
Researchers have discovered that combining two blood pressure-lowering drugs with enzyme replacement therapy can slow the progression of kidney disease in patients with severe Fabry disease. The study found significant reductions in proteinuria and minimal decline in kidney function after an average of two and a half years' treatment.
A new therapy, certolizumab pegol, has been found to be effective in easing symptoms of patients with active Crohn's disease. The treatment was shown to improve clinical symptoms in both short-term and long-term maintenance therapies, offering a potential new option for managing the condition.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified a gene variant associated with an increased risk of Crohn's disease in children. The study found that 64% of children with the disease had a specific variant form of the ATG16L1 gene, compared to 52% of healthy children.
Researchers developed a predictive model using Bayesian network modeling to estimate sickle cell disease severity and predict mortality risk. The model identified laboratory markers and clinical events contributing to the risk of death, providing a personalized disease severity score for therapeutic decisions.
A pooled analysis of data from previous studies suggests that cigarette smoking is associated with a reduced risk for developing Parkinson’s disease. Current and long-term smokers had the lowest risk, while those who quit smoking up to 25 years prior to diagnosis also showed a significant decrease in risk.
Researchers have made promising breakthroughs in understanding how antibodies can reduce the main hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, including memory loss and ability to learn. The study suggests that antibodies could be used to prevent protein clusters from forming, which is believed to kill nerve cells.
Women with rheumatoid arthritis receive anti-TNF treatments at a higher level of disease symptoms than men, despite similar disease activity measurements. The study suggests that physicians often rely on objective markers rather than subjective measures, leading to unequal treatment.
A new study found that most people with dementia have a combination of Alzheimer's disease and other chronic diseases in their brains. The researchers suggest that controlling blood cholesterol levels and hypertension may help prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, potentially reducing the risk of dementia.
Two studies identify interactions between heart disease and kidney disease, revealing that anemia, microalbuminuria, and declining eGFR are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The findings highlight the importance of screening and intervention for patients at high risk of kidney disease.
The global prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is estimated to grow from 26 million in 2006 to over 106 million by 2050. A significant increase in Asia is predicted, with the region accounting for 59% of worldwide cases.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a drug that slows and may halt the progression of Parkinson's disease by rejuvenating aging dopamine cells. Isradipine, a widely used hypertension medication, restores stressed-out dopamine neurons to their youthful state, potentially extending the time L-DOPA works effectively.
A new study demonstrates the value of PET/CT in diagnosing and monitoring Crohn's disease, offering a non-invasive alternative to invasive endoscopy. The scan can accurately identify active disease and detect severe lesions, reducing the need for costly and side-effect-ridden treatments.
New research explores liver biomarkers, disease complications, and novel treatments to improve outcomes in patients with liver disease. A study found that an elevated ALT/AST ratio can predict coronary atherosclerosis in women, independent of metabolic syndrome.
Researchers found that individuals with minimal motor problems at the beginning of the study were nearly five times more likely to be diagnosed with Huntington's disease a year and a half later. Those who performed worse on cognitive tests, such as psychomotor speed, were also at increased risk.
Researchers have developed an oral vaccine that can prevent mice from developing brain diseases similar to mad cow disease. The vaccine stimulates the immune system, resulting in delayed onset of symptoms even in mice with low antibody levels.
Researchers found people taking antidepressant medications were nearly twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those not taking the medication. Depression was identified as an early symptom of Parkinson's, appearing in the year before diagnosis.
Research finds people with inflammatory bowel disease are at risk for developing nerve damage, including carpal tunnel syndrome and small fiber neuropathy. Women with bowel disease are more likely to develop neurological problems than men.
Researchers have discovered that faulty DNA repair contributes to the onset of Huntington's disease. The study suggests that targeting a key enzyme in oxidative lesion repair may offer a way to slow or stop the disease.
Individuals with Parkinson's disease are less likely to smoke or consume high doses of caffeine than their family members. Smoking, caffeine consumption, and NSAID use were found to be inversely associated with Parkinson's disease, with no link between NSAID use observed.
Researchers create combination proteins that trigger a stronger immune response against Lyme disease, potentially leading to more effective vaccines. The new proteins can also be used as diagnostic reagents to distinguish between disease-causing and harmless strains of bacteria.
A study found that people who smoked and drank coffee were less likely to develop Parkinson's disease, which may be due to genetic or environmental factors. However, the risks of smoking and caffeine consumption should not be taken to avoid the disease.
A new study found that drug-eluting stents are less effective in bypassed veins with longer blockages, particularly those with diffuse disease. In patients with focal disease, the success rate was high, but those with diffuse disease had a higher need for additional procedures to treat restenosis.
A new gene, kalirin, has been discovered that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. The research suggests a biological mechanism never before linked to the disease and could lead to novel ways to treat or prevent it.
African-American and Hispanic caregivers are more likely to dismiss Alzheimer's symptoms as old age, leading to delayed diagnosis. These caregivers also tend to have a lower awareness of the risk factors for Alzheimer's disease compared to those from other racial backgrounds.
Researchers have identified several genes involved in Alzheimer's disease development, with the GALP gene showing potential in reducing brain cell tangles, a hallmark of the disease. The study, which tested over 17,000 gene variants in 4,000 volunteers, aims to provide a knowledge base for new treatments and diagnostic tests.
Researchers discovered a rare genetic mutation that causes early onset coronary artery disease in an Iranian family. The mutation, in the LRP6 gene, leads to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all risk factors for heart disease.
An international consortium, led by Professor Dominique Gauguier, aims to understand the complex causes of coronary artery disease (CAD) and develop effective treatments. The project will use advanced genomics techniques to identify biomarkers for predicting CAD risk factors, offering insights into disease diagnosis and prevention.
Researchers found that early brain degeneration can be reversed if prions are depleted in neurons, leading to improved cognitive function and reversal of neurological pathology. This discovery opens new avenues for targeting neuronal prion protein as a therapeutic approach and may enable early intervention in human prion disease.
A study of over 2,300 individuals from 1,000 families found that family members with MS tend to have similar ages at disease onset, but not disease severity. The researchers also discovered no correlation between disease progression and severity among siblings or parents and children.
Children with sickle cell disease who experienced major complications such as pain and lung disease early in life are not at greater risk for stroke or death during later childhood, according to new research. Children hospitalized for chest problems early on are more likely to see those problems recur up to adulthood.
Primary Progressive Aphasia is a mysterious neurological disease that affects speech and language abilities, with researchers discovering a genetic cause in a progranulin gene mutation. The study found the mutation in two unrelated families, providing a molecular approach to understanding the causes of the disease.
A study found that middle-aged men with shorter telomeres were more likely to develop coronary heart disease. Statin treatment reduced the risk of heart disease in these individuals, suggesting a potential biomarker for personalized medicine.
A study found that individuals with higher folate levels through diet and supplements had a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The research, published in Archives of Neurology, suggests that elevated homocysteine levels may increase the risk for Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in Neurology found that people with Parkinson disease were more likely to make safety mistakes during a driving test than those without neurological disorders. The study involved an on-road driving test of participants with mild to moderate Parkinson disease and those of similar age without neurological disorders.
A study by Yale researchers has identified a gene variant associated with Crohn's disease, which may offer new therapeutic targets for the condition. The discovery was made in collaboration with international researchers who scanned the genome of over 300,000 individuals to identify genetic components of inflammatory bowel disease.
An international team of researchers has identified a novel gene mutation linked to Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which may offer a new pathway for tracking the disease process and potential drug treatments.
Researchers found a positive association between periodontal disease and coronary heart disease, particularly in individuals under 60 with significant alveolar bone loss. The study suggests that chronic infections and inflammatory responses from periodontal disease may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Researchers discovered variations in the GATA2 gene may predispose individuals to coronary artery disease, the most common form of heart disease. The discovery could lead to genetic tests predicting an individual's risk of developing the disease, encouraging early behavior modifications.
Research found that SNCA gene variability is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson disease, explaining approximately 3% of the population's susceptibility. The study also suggests that this variation may be a common factor in the development of the disease.
Researchers have created a new genetic model for Parkinson's disease using mice with a deleted TFAM gene, which mimics the human condition. The study shows that dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain stem degenerate slowly, similar to humans with Parkinson's disease.
A small study found that starting exercise after 40 can significantly cut the chances of developing coronary artery disease. Those who exercised throughout their lives had the lowest risks, but those who started later were still around 55% less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease.
A recent study found that apathy is a core feature of Parkinson's disease and may occur in up to 51% of patients. Apathy with no depression was also present in 29% of those with Parkinson's disease, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers investigated TLR5 gene variants and their relationship to Crohn's Disease, finding effects on both Jews and non-Jews. The study highlights the importance of considering ethnicity in future investigations for better therapies.
A new genetic cause of Alzheimer's disease has been discovered, with increased amyloid precursor protein expression being a significant risk factor. The study found that genetic variations in the promoter region can increase gene expression and contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
The new guidelines provide recommendations for early diagnosis, effective therapies, and screening for depression and psychosis. Regular exercise and therapy can also help manage movement difficulties, improving overall quality of life for those with Parkinson disease.
Researchers used PET and MR imaging to show white matter volume loss precedes clinical symptoms of Huntington's disease. The study suggests a new approach to preventing the disease at an early stage by monitoring brain tissue volumes and basal ganglia dysfunction.