Drugs

A new study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia shows a possible association between diabetes, stroke, and heart disease with dementia.1 The study, conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, followed 2,577 seniors over a 12-year period. According to their results, those who had at least 2 cardiometabolic diseases were more likely to develop dementia.1

Research conducted as part of the NIH-funded Infant Brain Imaging Study Network used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to document crucial differences in the visual processing system in the brains of infants who went on to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism spectrum disorder is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorder that is diagnosed in

Hepatitis is a type of infection that causes liver inflammation and damage, with outbreaks documented as early as 5,000 years ago in China.1 Viral hepatitis can be caused by five different types of viruses belonging to the hepatotropic family: hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis D virus, and hepatitis E virus.1,2

Diverse communities of microorganisms live all over the human body – both inside and outside.1 These microbial cells exist in almost equal proportions to human cells, with an estimated total number of 38 trillion.1 In the human gastrointestinal tract, the resident bacteria of the gut microbiome help with digestion and are influenced by the types

A new study investigated neurodevelopment in children born to mothers who tested positive for COVID-19 during pregnancy. Despite being a respiratory virus, a growing body of research suggests that the effects of COVID-19 may go beyond the respiratory system. The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary significantly, and some people, particularly those who develop post-COVID conditions,

It’s important to keep in mind that several factors contribute to acne and the right acne treatment varies based on: 1 – the type of acne – the location – the timing of the breakouts – the age of the person What are good habits to adopt against acne? To start off there are some

Scientists are continuing to work towards understanding the long-lasting consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using artificial intelligence, a team of researchers found that multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), a post-COVID condition, induces the same immune response as Kawasaki Disease (KD) and SARS-CoV-2 infection.1  However, MIS-C is characterized by a more severe immune response than KD. Researchers hope

The legalization of recreational cannabis has increased use by youth and adults, according to a new study.1 The findings, published in Addiction, contradict claims that recreational cannabis legalization (RCL) has no impact on cannabis use. Recreational cannabis legalization has gained momentum In 2016, California, Massachusetts, Maine, and Nevada made recreational cannabis use legal.1,2 Some studies

A new study investigates whether long-term air pollution exposure is associated with increased COVID-19 severity. It’s no secret that air pollution is an issue.  Although rates of greenhouse gas emissions are declining with the implementation of new technologies and environmental regulations, air pollution levels are still significant, particularly in urban cities.1  Notably, a growing body

Approximately 25% of pregnant women will suffer significantly from stress.1 While stress can lead to poor health outcomes in the mother, it can also affect the health of the baby inside her womb. High levels of stress during pregnancy are concerning to clinicians as they may be associated with abnormal fetal brain development.2-4 In a

During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous measures were put in place in order to try to limit the spread of the virus and included: curfews, lockdowns, stay-at-home advisories, social distancing, and self-quarantining. These changes had led to reshaping of the college experience, where schools pivoted to online modes of teaching and learning—where

With the SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) pandemic heading into its third year, millions of lives have been lost, including over a million in the US. There are several vaccines now available to help slow the spread of the virus and help ease from a pandemic mindset to an endemic mindset. In terms of the efficacy of the

Bones have various roles: providing structure, protecting organs, anchoring muscles, and storing calcium. Bones are in a constant cycle of being broken down and reformed; this process, known as bone remodeling, requires sufficient levels of certain nutrients. Bone strength is dependent on bone density and quality. It is extremely important to eat foods that provide

Fibroids are the most common form of benign uterine tumors.1 In most cases, they are asymptomatic.1 But in 30% of cases, they are associated with a high health burden and seriously impact quality of life.2 For these women fibroids hurt. Depending on the fibroids weight, positioning and pressure on the pelvic organs, they can be

A new study investigated whether the COVID-19 pandemic influenced creativity changes in a population of French-speaking individuals. What is creativity?  The concept of creativity is multifaceted, and people perceive it in different ways. For example, one source describes it as the ability to come up with and recognize useful ideas and alternatives.1  According to another source,

Air pollution is a growing problem around the world as various industries produce increasing amounts of carbon dioxide, methane, and other pollutants. These pollutants have detrimental effects on climate change, air quality, and ecosystems. Air pollution can be damaging to human health as, among other things, it can trigger the development of respiratory problems. But can air

Regular exercise can be helpful in preventing cardiovascular risk factors, maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, and promoting rehabilitation after a cardiac event. Even just a single 30-minute exercise session can produce immediate benefits and exert a protective short-lasting effect on hearth health through a process called ischemic preconditioning.1 Ischemic preconditioning describes how exercise can train the

Adequate dental care is an important part of a healthy life. Brushing twice a day and flossing are well-known parts of most peoples’ daily routines. Did you know, however, that keeping a healthy set of teeth and gums may also help to keep a healthy heart? Considering that periodontal disease, or disease of the gums,

A new study investigates whether the number of neurons in the brain’s subcortical region is related to specific sleep patterns in participants with Alzheimer’s disease or progressive supranuclear palsy.  As the body’s control center, the brain is an extremely complex organ that differs slightly between everyone.  However, some types or regions of neurons, the cells in

Keeping cholesterol levels in check is necessary for the maintenance of heart health.1 According to the World Health Organization, approximately 2.6 million deaths a year are attributed to high cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease.2–4 Although cholesterol can be lowered using drug therapy, improved lifestyle changes may also help

The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed how people go about their day; a very noticeable change has been the increase in time spent on screens. This transition has been especially noticeable in children and adolescents, largely due to the increase in remote learning worldwide. A study, published in the Journal of School Health, reviewed a

Rosacea is an extremely common skin disorder. In fact, around 415 million people worldwide are impacted by rosacea.1 Studies have shown that adult populations, aged between 45-60 years old are more commonly affected by this condition.1 What are some of the best treatments for rosacea? Rosacea is more likely to affect people with lighter skin tones.2 This

Fungal nail infections can be a stressful and recurring problem in some peoples’ lives. Fungal nail infections, referred to as onychomycosis in the medical community, affect as much as 10% of the general population. And the likelihood of experiencing fungal nail infections only increases with age – with the chance of being affected rising to

A pilot study was done of a new medication on a group of adolescents. How does it work, what were the results, and were there any side effects? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects roughly 1 in 44 eight-year-olds in the United States as of 2018.1  Its manifestations can vary significantly between individuals; however, it is often

Cognition can be defined as “the process by which knowledge and understanding is developed in the mind.” 1 It is also known that cognitive state is fluid and can either improve or decline over a lifetime. 2 Mild cognitive impairment can be described as “the stage between the expected cognitive decline of normal aging and the more

E-cigarettes are a relatively new product some have claimed to be “healthier” than conventional cigarettes. However, the use of e-cigarettes may also pose health risks.  According to a newly published study, e-cigarette use was associated with a higher risk of developing prediabetes.1  Dr. Shyam Biswal, co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of these findings; “With

There are many different types of sunscreen on the market, but which ones are best for oily or acne-prone skin types?   Sunscreen is a great tool to help protect against sun damage, which can increase the risk of sunburns, early skin aging, and skin cancers.  The American Academy of Dermatology (AADA) recommends that everyone use a

Hair is a physical feature that can impact quality of life, particularly when it comes to how it makes people feel about themselves and act around others.1 People have reported feeling depressed, embarrassed, insecure, and anxious about their hair loss.1 Besides these psychological impacts, hair loss is also linked to social avoidance.1 In men, androgenic alopecia is