Researchers at Rush University Medical Center have identified neutral sphingomyelinase as a key player in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. By inhibiting this protein, they were able to prevent activated brain cells and beta-amyloid from killing neurons.
A study published in Neurology found that mild memory changes are caused by brain lesions associated with Alzheimer's and other dementias, contradicting the long-held notion that age is a primary factor. The study involved over 350 participants and showed a rapid decline in cognitive function in the last four to five years of life.
Researchers are testing a new drug therapy, MGAWN1, to treat individuals with West Nile fever or suspected central nervous system infection. The treatment has the potential to neutralize the virus and reduce complications associated with the disease.
A new study suggests that oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy may reduce the incidence of brain aneurysms in women. The study, conducted at Rush University Medical Center, found strong similarities between women with unruptured and ruptured aneurysms, including lower estrogen levels.
A new study led by Rush University Medical Center indicates that arthroscopic hip surgery can give athletes with hip labral tears the chance to return to their sport within nine months. Most athletes (90%) were able to compete at the same level as before, while 78% returned to their sport.
A study found that depressive symptoms barely increase before diagnosis and remain stable after diagnosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest depression may be a contributing factor to the disease rather than an early sign.
A study published in the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society found that lower performance on tests measuring learning and processing speed, as well as symptoms of depression, predicted subsequent cognitive decline in a normal population. The researchers used advanced statistical methodology to analyze multiple varia...
Fibromyalgia diagnosis to shift from tender point test to symptom-based evaluation using widespread pain index and symptom severity scale. New criteria recognize fibromyalgia beyond body pain, focusing on fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems.
Rush University Medical Center is conducting an international clinical trial to test celecoxib's effectiveness in preventing precancerous polyps in children with familial adenomatous polyposis. The five-year study aims to assess whether the drug can reduce or prevent polyp formation, offering hope for these patients.
The Rush Center for Urban Health Equity aims to promote changes to eliminate health disparities in heart and lung disease by conducting rigorous behavioral clinical trials and testing interventions. The center will focus on projects such as reducing hospitalizations in low-income heart failure patients and simultaneously controlling as...
A recent study suggests that the risk of brain hemorrhage from unruptured or accidentally discovered brain AVMs may be lower and less severe than initially believed. The Rush University Medical Center's ARUBA trial aims to determine whether a hands-off approach is sufficient for managing these malformations, or if intervention using en...
The Block by Block project aims to educate residents about diabetes, increase early diagnosis and provide resources to improve medical care and self-management for 13,000 adults. The four-year project includes household screenings, educational programs, and a case management program to help residents with diabetes organize their care.
A study by Rush University Medical Center found that flat, flexible footwear reduces the load on knee joints compared to supportive shoes. This can be a significant factor in preventing osteoarthritis, which is characterized by higher-than-normal loading on the knees during walking.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found a significant association between HIV infection and community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) rates. CA-MRSA cases were nearly six-fold higher in HIV-infected patients compared to those without HIV, highlighting the need for education and research into preventive strategies.
A new study by Rush University Medical Center researchers found that people with Alzheimer's disease experience a rate of cognitive decline four times greater than those with no cognitive impairment. The study, published in Neurology, also revealed no significant racial differences in the progression of the disease.
A study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center found elevated levels of cobalt and chromium in the offspring of mothers with metal-on-metal hip implants. The levels were significantly higher than those in a control group, suggesting that metal ions can be transferred from mother to fetus.
The WISHFIT program aims to change behavior in women who exercise sporadically or not at all, led by community 'mavens' who will design and test the program. The goal is to reduce visceral fat, a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A study at Rush University Medical Center found that belief in a concerned God improves response to medical treatment for clinical depression. Participants who scored high on the Religious Well-Being Scale were 75% more likely to experience an improvement with medication.
Researchers found that children who can pick up on non-verbal cues, recognize their meaning, and respond appropriately are more likely to have successful relationships and avoid social rejection. A second factor is being able to attach meaning to these cues, while a third factor is social problem-solving ability.
A new study suggests that adult stem cells can differentiate into heart cells to repair damage, offering a promising new treatment for heart attack patients. The Phase I trial showed significant improvements in heart function and reduced arrhythmias after administration of the stem cells.
The new TMS clinic offers a safe and effective, non-drug treatment for major depression. TMS therapy stimulates the brain linked to depression by delivering magnetic field pulses, providing an alternative for those not responding to traditional treatments.
A study at Rush University Medical Center found that advanced equipment can largely spare the hippocampus and limbic circuit from cranial radiation, minimizing memory lapses and other cognitive effects. The researchers plan to start a clinical trial to determine the new procedure's effectiveness in preventing or treating brain metastases.
Researchers are developing a new imaging technique to detect tissue damage in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Preliminary results show that the technique can identify changes in skin tissue days before severe reactions occur, potentially allowing for preventative treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers found that simvastatin reverses biochemical changes caused by Parkinson's disease in mice. The drug blocks the activity of p21Ras protein and protects neurons, normalizing neurotransmitter levels and improving motor functions.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center are mapping the gut microbiome to understand its impact on diseases like breast cancer. The study aims to identify microbes responsible for particular diseases and develop new diagnostic tests and treatments.
A national survey found that 90% of physicians were satisfied or very satisfied with chaplains' spiritual services. Physicians who endorsed religion's effect on patients and believed it was acceptable to pray with patients were more likely to be satisfied. The study also found that physicians in the Midwest were more likely to be satis...
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center identified a cellular pathway that explains the link between alcohol and cancer. Alcohol stimulates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, making cancer cells more aggressive and spreading throughout the body.
Researchers found that a program combining pelvic floor muscle exercises with pelvic health education can significantly improve urinary incontinence symptoms in elderly women. The study showed that 83% of participants experienced improved symptoms, including reduced frequency of urination, urine leakage, and increased self-confidence.
Researchers will explore epigenetic changes and their relationship with memory formation, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer's disease. The studies aim to understand how life experiences contribute to the biological changes of Alzheimer's and may lead to therapeutic interventions.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center are studying a new catheter-based procedure to treat mitral regurgitation, a serious heart disorder where blood leaks back into the left atrium. The eValve MitraClip device holds the flaps of the valve together, preventing leaking and improving heart function.
A new study links impaired kidney function to faster cognitive decline in older adults, especially in episodic, semantic, and working memory. The researchers found that poor kidney function accelerated cognitive decline equivalent to seven years of age at baseline.
Research reveals women with atrial fibrillation are more likely to experience symptomatic attacks, have higher heart rates, and increased risk of stroke due to pooling of blood in the atria. A new gender-specific approach to therapy is recommended to prevent strokes and improve quality of life.
A large-scale clinical trial aims to determine if high doses of coenzyme Q10 can slow Parkinson's disease progression. Studies have shown that Parkinson's patients have impaired mitochondrial function and low levels of coenzyme Q10, which can be protected by the enzyme.
A five-year grant will create a comprehensive research infrastructure in the Midwest, focusing on HIV prevention, detection, and treatment. The center will concentrate its investigations around three themes: HIV and women, HIV and aging, and HIV and drug abuse.
Visceral fat accumulation during menopause is strongly linked to increasing testosterone levels, according to a study published in Obesity. The research found that bioavailable testosterone was the strongest predictor of visceral fat, with estradiol levels bearing little relationship to the amount of visceral fat.
A recent study published in JAMA found that older adults who experience abuse or self-neglect are at a higher risk of premature death from all causes and heart disease. The study highlights the dire health consequences for these vulnerable individuals, emphasizing the need for early identification and reporting of suspected cases.
Research at Rush University Medical Center found that less frequent social participation is associated with a faster loss of motor function in older adults. The study, which followed 906 participants for five years, revealed that each one-point decrease in social activity was linked to a 33% more rapid decline.
A new study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that possessing a greater purpose in life is associated with lower mortality rates among older adults. The study used data from 1,238 community-dwelling elderly participants and found a substantially reduced risk of mortality among those with high purpose in life.
A new study by Rush University Medical Center researchers found that cognitive impairment is associated with reduced survival among both African-Americans and whites. The study, published in Archives of Neurology, showed that participants with mild cognitive impairment had a 50% increased risk of death compared to those without cogniti...
A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that 96 percent of cementless metal components remained securely fixed in place after 20 years. The implants showed promise, especially for younger patients, but wear-related problems were more common among those under 60.
Research at Rush University Medical Center found a strong correlation between depression and visceral fat, particularly among overweight and obese women. The study suggests that depression triggers the accumulation of visceral fat through chemical changes in the body.
Researchers are assessing a new surgical procedure for regenerating cartilage in damaged knee joints. The Cartilage Autograft Implantation System (CAIS) involves extracting healthy tissue and implanting it into the damaged area, potentially producing tougher hyaline cartilage.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center identified a key immunological defense reaction to metal debris in joint replacement devices, causing loosening of components and early failure. This study found that inflammation is triggered by localized immune reactions to tiny particles of debris released from worn-out implants.
The SAMMPRIS trial will determine if stenting or intensive medical therapy alone can reduce the risk of recurrent stroke in patients with narrowed brain arteries. The study aims to improve the management of patients at risk for stroke and provide definitive answers on the long-term benefits of stenting.
A new study by Rush University Medical Center researchers has discovered a behavioral link between insomnia and tension-type headaches. Eighty-one percent of women with tension-type headaches reported going to sleep as a way to manage their headaches, which was also the most effective self-management strategy for pain.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that a cementless metal cup design remained fixed in place in 95% of hip revision cases after 20 years. The device's bone-in-growth surface allows for long-term stability and durability, reducing the need for repeat surgeries.
A pilot trial of fenobam has shown no adverse side effects in adult patients with Fragile X syndrome, with some participants experiencing calmed behavior, reduced hyperactivity, and anxiety. Further research is needed to confirm its potential as a treatment option for the genetic disorder.
A study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center suggests that decompressive surgery without fusion for spinal stenosis offers good value and that fusion surgery for spondylolithesis offers less value. The study analyzed over 3,900 patients and found that laminectomy costs $77,000 per QALY gained, while spinal fusion surgery co...
A new study at Rush University Medical Center aims to investigate the relationship between human breast milk and improved health outcomes for very low birth weight infants. The five-year study will follow 600 infants born to racially and economically diverse mothers, with a focus on the amount and duration of human milk feedings.
The five-year study aims to determine which rehabilitation therapies are most successful in improving outcomes for patients with different types and severities of traumatic brain injuries. The researchers will analyze data from over 2,300 patients to identify effective treatments.