A new study projects that Parkinson's disease cases will increase by 112% to 25.2 million worldwide by 2050, mainly due to population ageing. The largest number of cases is expected in East Asia, with the highest prevalence among people aged over 80.
Research suggests that resistance exercise is the most effective type for tackling insomnia in older adults, with a significant improvement in sleep quality. Aerobic and combination exercises also show promise, but to a lesser extent. The study analyzed data from 24 studies involving over 2,000 adults aged 60 and above.
The global number of postmenopausal osteoarthritis cases has risen by 130% over the past three decades, primarily due to excess weight accounting for 20% of total years lived with resulting disability globally. East Asia and high-income Asia Pacific countries experienced the fastest growth in the condition.
A survey of NCAA athletes found that nearly 1 in 5 reported experiencing abusive coaching behaviors, with a higher risk among those in team sports and with disabilities. Coaches who were attentive to athlete needs and communicated respectfully had a lower risk of being reported as abusive.
Research suggests strong synthetic opioids during surgery contribute to poor 'pain experience', encompassing emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects. Factors associated with poor pain experience include age, anxiety levels, tobacco use, and type of surgery.
A study of UK servicewomen found they face unique hurdles in accessing abortion care due to stigma, judgmental attitudes, and lack of awareness. The research calls for more information and policy on abortion provision for service personnel and military healthcare professionals.
A high dietary intake of lean and oily fish may slow the progression of disability in people with MS, according to a comparative population-based study. The anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of nutrients found in fish may be key to managing the disease.
New study suggests that BRCA2 and ATM genetic variants are major contributors to prostate cancer progression, while BRCA1 variants do not seem to play a significant role. This finding may lead to refinement of genetic testing and personalized treatment for men with prostate cancer.
Research finds a significant association between common gynaecological disorders, such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, and increased risks of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The pooled data analysis reveals a 28% higher risk among women with these conditions.
A small clinical trial found that melatonin supplementation improved oxidative DNA damage repair capacity among night shift workers. However, larger studies are needed to confirm the results and explore varying doses and long-term effects of melatonin use.
Despite increased efforts to address racism, underreporting remains a significant issue, particularly on clinical placements. Initiatives are transforming workforce experience and representation, but true equity will take time to achieve.
A panel of international experts recommends against spine injections for adults with chronic back pain, as they provide minimal pain relief. The advice is based on the latest evidence and aims to reduce the burden of these costly and potentially harmful procedures on patients.
A large study from Denmark found that certain hormonal contraceptives increase the risk of ischaemic stroke and heart attack, with oestrogen-containing products carrying the highest risks. The absolute risk remains low, but clinicians should consider these potential risks when prescribing hormonal contraceptives.
A study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that children with poor social and cognitive skills during childhood are more likely to fail their GCSE exams. The research, based on data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study, suggests that these issues may account for around 17% of exam fails among 16-year-olds.
A recent study found that around 1 in 5 UK medical students consider dropping out due to mental health issues such as emotional exhaustion, insomnia, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. The shortage of doctors worldwide and the consequences of increased workload and chronic stress further contribute to this issue.
A young woman experienced swollen kidneys and blocked urine flow after using a menstrual cup. Doctors urge proper positioning to prevent complications. Women should be better informed about the correct use of menstrual cups and potential risks.
McDonald's has won planning appeals against local authorities in deprived areas, citing healthier lifestyle benefits. The firm's tactics include deploying a GP to argue that obesity is caused by multiple factors, and threatening councils with bills for appeal costs.
A large study published in BMJ Mental Health found clear time of day patterns in frame of mind, with people generally waking up feeling best in the morning and worst around midnight. The study also revealed seasonal influences on mental health and wellbeing, with better mood during summer months.
A scoping review found women health sector leaders have a positive impact on financial performance, innovation and health outcomes, despite being underutilized. Increased investment is needed to maximize their potential and reap benefits.
A large observational study found that high levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol are associated with a heightened risk of glaucoma, particularly among those older than 55. In contrast, higher levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides are linked to a lower risk of the condition.
A Chinese trial suggests that fresh embryo transfer may have a higher live birth rate than frozen embryos in women with low IVF treatment success. The study found lower rates of pregnancy and live births in the frozen group, but no differences in birth weight or complications.
A pooled data analysis found that cancer chemotherapy is linked to persistent severe peripheral nerve pain for around 4 in every 10 patients, with platinum-based drugs and taxanes associated with the highest rates of painful neuropathy. The study analyzed data from 77 eligible studies involving 10,962 participants from 28 countries.
A pooled data analysis of 132 studies involving 52,501 participants found that 45% of people with type 2 diabetes have a micronutrient deficiency. Vitamin D was the most common deficiency, affecting 60.5% of those with the condition.
A study analyzing primary care data in England found a significant rise in the prevalence of gender dysphoria between 2011 and 2021. The condition affects fewer than 1 in 200 17-18 year olds, with high levels of anxiety, depression, and self-harm recorded. Access to timely care is a pressing concern for young people and their families.
Two pooled data analyses suggest that puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormone therapy have no conclusive evidence on their effectiveness or impact on mental and physical health. The findings echo the Hilary Cass review, concluding that the evidence is wholly inadequate to gauge the effectiveness of these treatments.
A trial published by The BMJ found that combining dapagliflozin with moderate calorie restriction led to higher rates of diabetes remission compared to calorie restriction alone. This study provides a practical strategy for achieving remission in patients with early type 2 diabetes.
Research finds that exercise and nutritional prehabilitation may reduce complications and improve recovery after surgery. The analysis of clinical trials suggests a 50% reduced risk of complications with exercise and a 38% reduced risk with nutritional support.
Research from the UK Millennium Cohort Study finds that children exposed to poverty and family adversity are more likely to carry or use a weapon and get in trouble with the law by age 17. These factors account for nearly a third of teen weapon issues and over a quarter of police contact cases.
A recent study suggests that fizzy water may help with weight loss by increasing glucose uptake and metabolism. However, the effects are minimal and should not be relied upon as a sole means of shedding pounds. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet remain essential components of sustainable weight management.
A pooled data analysis of 47,000 cancer patients found that high muscular strength and cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with a 31-46% lower risk of death from any cause. Tailored exercise programs may help increase survival rates in these patients.
Gaps in maternal health care for pregnant women in UK prisons are due to barriers, say experts. Improved provision is needed to protect the health of pregnant women and their babies while incarcerated.
Experts argue that the UK needs an overarching national strategy to tackle the harms caused by alcohol, with record numbers of deaths in England prompting calls for increased and sustained health funding. Sustained funding is needed for screening and care, as well as industry contribution.
A pooled data analysis reveals that comprehensive tobacco product advertising, promotional, and sponsorship bans are associated with a 20% lower prevalence of smoking and a 37% lower risk of smoking uptake. The findings suggest that these bans influence behavior, lending weight to calls for their wider implementation.
A shift towards less reliable 'natural' contraception methods, such as period tracking apps, has occurred among women requesting abortion in England and Wales over the past five years. The trend corresponds to a rise in abortion rates, with implications for healthcare services.
A vascular fingerprint on the retina can predict stroke risk with high accuracy, combining well with age and sex. The study analyzed 68,753 UK Biobank participants and found that specific retinal parameters were significantly associated with increased stroke risk.
A systematic review of 261 studies involving over 5 million people with dementia found that average survival from diagnosis varies widely by age, with women living up to 9 years longer than men. The study also suggests that nearly one-third of people with dementia are admitted to a nursing home within three years of diagnosis.
A Tesco pilot promoting breast milk substitutes has been called 'unethical' due to Danone's involvement. Critics say the initiative undermines women's self-efficacy and promotes formula products.
A case report warns of the dangers of overheating in saunas without proper hydration. A woman's condition led to admission and treatment for heat stroke, with a high core body temperature and organ dysfunction, emphasizing the importance of regular checks on sauna staff.
Research suggests that engaging in low to moderate levels of physical activity before a cancer diagnosis can significantly lower the risk of disease progression and death. The study analyzed data from over 28,000 participants with stage 1 cancers and found that rates of cancer progression and death were lower among those who were physi...
A study found that surgeons are quicker and more successful at completing a buzz wire game than other hospital staff, with an average completion time of 89 seconds. However, they also exhibited the highest rate of swearing during the task. Nurses showed the highest rates of audible frustration noises.
Researchers suggest that traditional fairy tales like Snow White, The Princess and the Pea, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and Peter Pan offer opportunities to discuss healthy sleep with children. These stories highlight the importance of optimising environmental conditions and managing stress for better sleep.
Leading AI chatbots exhibit mild cognitive impairment in tests for early dementia detection, performing poorly in visuospatial skills and executive tasks. This finding challenges the assumption that AI will replace human doctors and highlights a significant area of weakness that could impede their use in clinical settings.
A Scottish study of 202,237 people found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with higher rates of hospital admissions for all causes and mental illness. The researchers conclude that stricter environmental restrictions are necessary to curb the impact on secondary care.
A survey of women who had medical abortions found that many were unprepared for the intensity of the pain they experienced. The study suggests that more realistic and patient-centered information is needed to enable women to make an informed choice about abortion methods.
Experts warn Disney princesses are at risk of various health problems, including cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, and early death. The authors call on Disney to implement strategies such as mindfulness, personal protection measures, and psychotherapy to improve the princesses' wellbeing.
A randomized clinical trial found that coaching trainees just before a procedure boosts their success rate and improves patient safety. The study showed significant improvements in quality of care, including fewer complications and lower cognitive load scores.
Taxi and ambulance drivers have lower mortality rates from Alzheimer's disease compared to other occupations, possibly due to enhanced hippocampus activity. The study analyzed death certificates of nearly 9 million people and found a significant reduction in Alzheimer's deaths among these drivers.
A recent study found that childhood vaccination rates in England are consistently lower in areas of higher deprivation, with significant inequalities in vaccine uptake. The study's findings highlight the urgent need for strengthening vaccination systems, particularly in underserved populations.
A new investigation by BMJ raises concerns over the PLATO trial that approved ticagrelor, citing discrepancies in data reporting and patient deaths. The study calls for a reappraisal of guidelines recommending the drug's use.
Research published online in Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that cutting early life exposure to parental smoking may lower the risk of developing MS in those who are genetically predisposed. The study also showed an interplay between genetic and environmental risk factors for MS, associated with certain aspects of...