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Bone fracture rates vary dramatically by race

A new study found that bone fracture rates in older women differ dramatically by race, with White women having the highest risk. Hispanic women had a lower risk of 10%, while Asian-American women experienced varying fracture rates depending on their ethnicity. The study highlights the need to better understand factors behind these diff...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeSurvey·DateAug 15, 2024

Work-related stress a clear risk factor for sick leave

A University of Gothenburg study found that work-related stress, particularly job conflicts and lack of influence, significantly increase the risk of future sick leave. Women who experienced these stressors were more than twice as likely to take sick leave, with adjusted factors indicating a significant impact on their wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2024

Alcohol consumption patterns and mortality among older adults with health-related or socioeconomic risk factors

A UK cohort study reveals that even low-risk alcohol consumption is linked to increased mortality among older adults with health-related or socioeconomic risk factors. The findings suggest that healthier lifestyles may play a role in the observed attenuation of mortality for wine drinkers and those who drink only during meals.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 12, 2024

Global study predicts increases in cancer cases and deaths among men, with widening disparities based on age and countries’ economic status

A global study predicts significant increases in cancer cases and deaths among men between 2022 and 2050, with widening disparities by age and country's economic status. Disparities are projected to worsen, with poorer survival rates observed among older men and those living in low-human development index countries.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateAug 12, 2024

Mild Cognitive Impairment could be going unreported in rural areas of west Michigan, study suggests

A recent study analyzing over 1.5 million patients' electronic health records found that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is significantly underdiagnosed in rural areas of West Michigan. Researchers discovered a higher rate of MCI skippers, where patients progress directly to dementia without a prior diagnosis, in these communities.

SourceCorewell Health·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 12, 2024

Cannabis use and head and neck cancer

A cohort study found an association between cannabis-related disorder and the development of head and neck cancer. The study highlights the need for further research on the mechanism of this association and dose response to support evidence of cannabis use as a risk factor.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateAug 8, 2024

ALS diagnosis and survival linked to metals in blood, urine

A University of Michigan-led study found that higher levels of metals in blood and urine are associated with a greater risk for ALS and shorter survival. Occupational exposure to metals was also linked to increased metal levels, emphasizing the need for accounting for environmental factors when evaluating overall exposure risk.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 6, 2024

Evaluating diet quality in community café meals for individuals facing food insecurity

Research published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that meals from community cafés had significantly higher diet quality than meals not eaten at the café, measured by the Healthy Eating Index. This improvement was particularly pronounced for individuals with very low food security. The study suggests that commu...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateAug 5, 2024

Public health measures that reduce dementia risk could save up to £4bn

A new study suggests that public health interventions, such as reformulating food products and introducing low emission zones, could yield significant cost savings and QALY gains in England. The interventions studied could save up to £4bn by reducing dementia rates and helping people live longer and healthier.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 2024

Genes or environment? A new model for understanding disease risk factors

A new model developed by Penn State researchers more accurately predicts the causal relationship between genetic and environmental factors in disease development. The study found that lifestyle and environmental factors play a larger role than previously believed, offering new opportunities to mitigate disease risk.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2024

Published research from the Parkinson’s Foundation shows genetic variants are more common in people with Parkinson’s disease than originally thought

The PD GENEration study has found that 13% of participants have a genetic form of Parkinson's disease, significantly higher than previous estimates. The study, which reached its goal of 15,000 participants ahead of schedule, provides insights into the genetics of the disease and its potential for precision medicine.

SourceParkinson's Foundation·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2024

Kidney dysfunction may predict sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure

A recent study published in ESC Heart Failure found that kidney dysfunction can be used as a criterion to stratify patients requiring implantable defibrillators. The research identified two key independent predictors for the risk of sudden cardiac death: left ventricular ejection fraction and estimated glomerular filtration rate.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalESC Heart Failure·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2024

Bilateral mastectomy and breast cancer mortality

Women with bilateral mastectomy have a greatly diminished risk of contralateral breast cancer, yet experience similar mortality rates as patients treated with lumpectomy or unilateral mastectomy. The study highlights the importance of considering long-term risks and benefits in breast cancer treatment decisions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJul 25, 2024

Can anxiety increase the risk of developing dementia?

A prospective cohort study found that both chronic and new anxiety were associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. The presence of chronic anxiety was linked to a 2.8-time higher risk, while new onset anxiety was associated with a 3.2-time higher risk.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 24, 2024

New study determines incidence of and risk factors for hepatitis C virus reinfection among men with HIV, offers new insight on transmission

A new study found that the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection among men with HIV is 10-fold higher than primary infection rates in New York City. The researchers identified receiving semen in the rectum as the only risk factor for reinfection, contradicting previous assumptions about transmission routes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJul 24, 2024

Older adults want to cut back on medication, but study shows need for caution

A new University of Michigan study found that over 82% of Americans aged 50-80 take one or more prescription medications, with 80% open to stopping certain drugs. However, researchers stress the importance of personalized guidance for deprescribing older adults, particularly those taking medication for cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJul 24, 2024

Endometriosis typology and ovarian cancer risk

A study of nearly half a million women found that endometriosis was associated with a higher risk of ovarian cancer. The risk was particularly elevated among women with ovarian endometriomas or deep infiltrating endometriosis, with a 19-fold increased risk for certain types of ovarian cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 17, 2024

Living in greener neighborhoods during midlife can slow cognitive decline

A new study found that increased exposure to residential greenery during midlife can help stave off cognitive decline. Higher average exposure to greenness was linked to higher levels of cognitive function and slower cognitive decline, particularly among people living in low-socioeconomic status and highly populated neighborhoods.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

Lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg may reduce dementia risk among Black, Latino populations

A new study suggests that lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg over time may produce slight health-protective benefits against late-life dementia. The study found that middle-aged adults who lower their systolic blood pressure, particularly Black and Latino individuals, had a reduced risk of developing dementia.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2024

Movement sensors show promise in identifying horses at injury risk

Researchers used movement sensors to track thoroughbreds' stride patterns and identified miniscule changes associated with increased injury risk. The technology has been shown to prevent catastrophic injuries by alerting trainers and veterinarians to intervene before a major injury occurs, resulting in longer careers for affected horses.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateJul 11, 2024

Racial disparities in dementia determined by social factors

A new study by researchers at WashU Medicine found that people of predominantly Native American or African ancestry have a higher prevalence of dementia due to social determinants of health. These factors include lower education levels, rural residency, and high blood pressure, which raised their risk of cognitive decline.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAlzheimer’s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2024

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and 13 obesity-associated cancers in patients with type 2 diabetes

Researchers found GLP-1 receptor agonists lower risks of certain obesity-associated cancers in patients with type 2 diabetes, suggesting potential benefits for cancer prevention in high-risk populations. The study provides preliminary evidence supporting further preclinical and clinical studies to prevent specific obesity-linked cancers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 5, 2024

Heritability of body mass index among familial generations

Research emphasizes the impact of parental factors on offspring's health outcomes. The study discovered a significant association between parents' weight status at 17 and their children's risk of obesity. This finding suggests that health issues can be inherited across generations, with parental characteristics playing a crucial role.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 28, 2024

"A hearty debate" concludes plant-based meat alternatives are healthier for your heart than meat

A Canadian Journal of Cardiology review article finds that plant-based meat alternatives tend to reflect a heart-healthy dietary pattern, improving cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The authors recommend incorporating PBMAs into a healthy diet as an excellent protein source, with options lower in saturated fat and sodium.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 26, 2024

Study finds innovative cuffless blood pressure device streamlines and enhances hypertension management

A study found that a cuffless wrist monitor provides hundreds of readings in days, enabling clinicians to determine cardiovascular risk and improve hypertension care. The device's continuous readings help confirm diagnosis and guide medication titration, potentially revolutionizing hypertension management.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2024

Risk of Parkinson’s more than double for people with anxiety

A new study by UCL researchers found that people with anxiety over the age of 50 are at least twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease. The study, published in the British Journal of General Practice, also identified symptoms such as depression, sleep disturbance, and fatigue as risk factors for developing the condition.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeObservational study·DateJun 24, 2024