Researchers found that individuals with type 2 diabetes who used GLP-1 receptor agonists in combination with healthy lifestyle habits had a substantially lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Lifestyle habits that reduced cardiovascular risk included healthy eating, regular physical activity, and good stress management.
A landmark study has identified over 100 ancestry-independent regions of the genome that influence schizophrenia risk in African Americans and other ancestrally diverse populations. The findings address a long-standing gap in psychiatric genetics and offer a more inclusive view of the disease’s biological underpinnings.
The study analyzed 21,031 vascular surgeries and found that the number of procedures has continued to decrease, particularly for younger and minority patients. The drop in vascular surgeries has been attributed to various factors, including elective surgery cancellations and resource scarcity during the pandemic.
The VA has launched CIPHER, an online searchable library of EHR-based phenotypes, data mappings, and tools for data visualization. This platform aims to improve the use of complex health data, leading to better care for Veterans and others.
A new study by VA researchers found biomarkers of intestinal permeability and signs of bacteria in the blood of military breachers exposed to controlled blasts during training. The findings suggest a direct connection between blast exposure and intestinal problems, including cognitive symptoms.
A cohort study of nearly 1.65 million veterans found a 7% decline in blood pressure control during the pandemic compared to before. Longer follow-up intervals were associated with decreased likelihood of maintaining blood pressure control.
A recent VA study analyzed electronic health records of over 5.9 million veterans to provide insights into COVID-19 mortality rates. The research found that absolute numbers of deaths were higher in younger age groups and healthier individuals, despite older adults experiencing the highest rate of excess mortality.
A study found that prazosin reduced headache frequency and severity in veterans with posttraumatic headaches. Participants who received prazosin had significantly fewer headaches than those on placebo, with an average of six days of headaches per month compared to 12 days.
Researchers identified six genes associated with dementia risk in people of African ancestry, differing from those found in European populations. The study highlights the need for increased representation of non-European ancestry groups in genetic research to address health disparities.
A large VA clinical trial found that chlorthalidone (CTD) was not superior to hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) for preventing cardiovascular disease or non-cancer death. The study enrolled over 13,500 Veterans with high blood pressure and showed no difference between the two drugs in terms of effectiveness.
A VA study found nearly identical genetic variations contributing to coronary heart disease risk across major racial and ethnic backgrounds. The findings suggest that other factors like access to healthcare contribute to higher heart disease rates in certain populations.
A study found that pharmacogenomic testing can help providers avoid prescribing antidepressants with undesirable outcomes. The test, which analyzes genes related to drug metabolism, resulted in a significant improvement in depression symptoms compared to usual care.
A recent genetic study found a link between height and lower risk of coronary heart disease, as well as higher risk for peripheral neuropathy and circulatory disorders. Being tall appears to protect against cardiovascular problems, but may increase the risk of non-cardiovascular conditions.
A new study estimates the national economic burden of PTSD at $232.2 billion for 2018, with civilians accounting for 82% of the total costs. The study calls for increased awareness, effective therapies, and expanded evidence-based strategies to reduce the clinical and economic burden of PTSD.
A recent review of e-cigarette research highlights the significant health risks associated with vaping, including lung inflammation and injury. The study found that e-cigarettes can cause negative effects in multiple organs, from the brain to the bladder, and may even increase the risk of lung cancer.
A VA research team found increased risks of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, in individuals who had COVID-19 infection. The study analyzed medical records of nearly 154,000 patients with COVID-19 and compared them to over 11 million people without COVID-19.
The opioid crisis in the US has reached epidemic levels, with over 100,000 drug overdose deaths reported for the first time. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributes the rise to abuse of synthetic opioid fentanyl and the COVID-19 pandemic.
A landmark VA study found that prolonged exposure was statistically more effective than cognitive processing therapy in easing PTSD symptoms, with most Veterans showing meaningful improvement from both treatments. The researchers recommended shared decision-making between clinicians and patients to select their preferred treatment.
The study found that the Moderna vaccine offered a lower risk of documented infection (21% reduced), symptomatic COVID-19 (44% reduced), hospitalization (55% reduced), ICU admission (10% reduced), and death (2% reduced) compared to the Pfizer vaccine. The results suggest that either vaccine is effective, but Moderna may be slightly mor...
A new VA study finds a strong connection between PTSD symptom severity and anxiety sensitivity among female Veterans who experienced military sexual trauma. Treating anxiety may ease core PTSD symptoms, suggesting anxiety sensitivity as a potential target for treatment.
Researchers developed a non-invasive optical technique using spectroscopy to identify structural changes in the brain and diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The new technology has potential as a simple, completely non-invasive method of early detection and could also assess treatment effectiveness.
A study of LGB Vietnam-era veterans found that those who identify as LGBTQ+ experience a higher burden of traumatic events, including childhood abuse and assault, which contribute to poor mental health outcomes. The study suggests that early life traumas may interact with military service experiences in complex ways.
A large-scale genetic analysis of depression identified 178 loci and 223 single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with increased depression risk. The study, involving over 1.2 million participants, provides new insights into the biological basis of depression and potential drug repurposing.
Researchers have identified 19 genes and 25 corresponding proteins that may contribute to the cause of depression. These findings offer promise as potential targets for new depression treatments and could serve as biomarkers for depressive symptoms.
A new study suggests prioritizing clinical trials of drugs targeting these two proteins to manage COVID-19 in its early stages. Researchers used large-scale human genetic studies to identify existing drugs that can be repurposed for the treatment.
A recent study found that combat experience is associated with a higher risk of alcohol use to cope with PTSD symptoms, but this link weakens when adjusting for PTSD severity. The study also reveals that trauma-exposed men without combat experience are more likely than those with combat experience to report an alcohol use disorder.
A study of over 200,000 veterans found that delays in colonoscopy after an abnormal stool blood test increase the risk of colorectal cancer and death. Colonoscopy within one year of an abnormal stool test is recommended to prevent polyp progression and stage migration of colorectal cancer.
Researchers have designed a new way to deliver drugs to pancreatic tumors using nanoparticles, which effectively targets the disease while minimizing toxic side effects. The technology has shown promising results in suppressing cancer cell growth and increasing sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs.
A large-scale survey found that meditation was associated with reduced rates of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and coronary artery disease. The study controlled for other factors connected to cardiovascular risk and still showed a significant effect of meditation on cardiovascular health.
A new study from Veterans Affairs Research Communications used predictive modeling techniques on over 275,000 patients with diabetes to identify factors that impact mortality. The results placed patients in three time frames for expected death and provide a framework for clinicians to make informed treatment decisions.
A new review study found that three tests - amyloid PET, FDG-PET, and MRI - are highly accurate in distinguishing between Alzheimer's disease and other causes of dementia. These tests show promise in improving diagnosis, but more study is needed for standardization.
A VA study found that PTSD and moral injury are linked to increased risks of preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and postpartum depression in pregnant women. Women with more severe symptoms were at higher risk for pregnancy complications.
A study analyzing over 50,000 VA patients found that increasing opioid prescription doses does not improve chronic pain management. Despite higher doses, patients' pain scores showed minimal changes, indicating that clinicians should exercise caution when escalating opioid doses.
A new study using VA Million Veteran Program data identified five locations on the human genome related to anxiety risk in Americans of European descent and one in African Americans. The findings could lead to new understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders, which affect 1 in 10 Americans.
A survey of nearly 10,000 veterans found that most deal with chronic physical health conditions and a third report mental health issues. Despite this, most veterans have high vocational and social well-being, with many in relationships and employed.
A study based on over 140,000 VA health records found that non-drug therapies for chronic pain reduced the risk of alcohol and drug disorders, opioid poisoning, and suicidal thoughts. Non-drug treatments like acupuncture and massage were linked to lower risks of these adverse outcomes.
A VA-funded study found that frail surgery patients are at a significantly higher risk of mortality, even after low-risk procedures. Mortality rates were alarmingly high, with 30-day death rates ranging from 1.6% to 43%. The researchers recommend assessing frailty before any surgical procedure and focusing on pre-operative interventions.
A Veterans Affairs study found that bariatric surgery did not result in lower healthcare costs for nearly 10,000 veterans over a 10-year period. Despite the benefits of weight loss and improved health, patients required additional treatment for short-term complications, such as nausea and dehydration, which increased costs.
A study by VA Portland Health Care System and Oregon Health and Science University researchers found that early palliative care can increase survival in patients with advanced lung cancer. The study analyzed data on over 23,000 veterans and showed that palliative care provided shortly after diagnosis can lead to improved survival rates.
A study found abnormal gut microbiota in veterans with PTSD and cirrhosis is tied to poorer cognitive performance. The research also identified beneficial bacteria like Ruminococcaceae as associated with better performance.
Biofeedback has shown promise as a treatment for various conditions, including headache pain reduction, improved urinary and fecal incontinence, and aid in stroke recovery. The review highlights the benefits of biofeedback for several conditions, while also identifying areas where further research is needed.
A study of over 165,000 US military veterans has identified multiple genetic locations associated with the risk of re-experiencing traumatic memories, a hallmark symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder. The research also found genetic overlap with conditions such as hypertension and psychiatric disorders.
A study of over 900,000 VA patients found that routine blood tests with random plasma glucose levels below 200 mg/dL can accurately predict the development of diabetes. Patients with high glucose levels are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes in the future, making this test a valuable tool for early intervention and prevention.
A VA study examined over 600,000 veterans with diabetes and found that health outcomes were similar regardless of whether primary providers were physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants. The results suggest using these providers in primary care may improve healthcare efficiency.
Researchers found a link between high LDL cholesterol levels and early-onset Alzheimer's, suggesting LDL may play a causal role in the development of the disease. APOE E4 and other gene variants also explain some cases, but the study suggests cholesterol could be an independent risk factor.
A VA-led study found that veterans and service members with combat-related mild traumatic brain injuries have higher levels of abnormally fast brain waves in regions critical for consciousness. This discovery may help target brain-stimulation therapies for cognitive deficits associated with TBI.
A new study found that veterans and active-duty service members with combat-related PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury had larger amygdalas, a key region in processing emotions, compared to those with only brain injuries. The findings suggest a potential link between amygdala size and the development of PTSD symptoms.
A study found prolonged exposure therapy to be more effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and heavy drinking in veterans with both conditions. The treatment also led to higher rates of PTSD remission compared to a coping skills therapy approach.
Researchers have shown that gene transfer therapy can improve left ventricle function and glucose disposal in mice with diabetes. A single injection of a hormone called urocortin 2 increased heart function and reduced blood sugar levels, offering a potential new treatment for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers discover that conscious knowledge is key to declarative memory, a type of memory linked to facts and events. The study, using amnesic patients with MTL lesions, found impaired performance in recognizing changes in images, highlighting the role of the hippocampus in memory acquisition.