Research Suggests Ways to Slow Alzheimer's
A new study released at the International Conference on Prevention of Dementia on June 11th suggests that treating other health factors - like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can help slow the onset and severity of dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.
This research further links heart and brain health. Cardiovascular problems like heart attacks or stroke may also increase the onset of dementia. Taking positive actions, like treating high blood pressure, exercising, and changing diet can all help reduce dementia. (Read more about Research Suggests Ways to Slow Alzheimer's)
Related Links:
|
Lasting Effects of Migraines
A recent study reveals that migraines act as mini strokes that can have a lasting impact on the brain.
Scientists at the University of Rochester in New York and a team at the Danish pharmaceutical group Novo Noridsk have conducted studies that suggesst Migraines may have a lasting effect on the brain. Based on studies with mice, these scientists discovered that during a migraine, brain cells underwent change in the cortical spreading depression process that is similar to that of a stroke or head trauma. This left parts of the brain starved for oxygen and altered in damaging ways. (Read more about Lasting Effects of Migraines)
Related Links:
|
Health Wrap for August 18th
A new study in the medical journal the Lancet shows that all forms of tobacco exposure…namely smoking, chewing or inhaling second hand smoke increase the risk of heart attack up to three times.
Even low levels of exposure, say, a half a pack a day, doubled the risk of heart attack compared to those who never smoked.
The good news is, the risk of heart attack decreased with time after stopping smoking.
Among those who smoked less than ten cigarettes a day, there was no excess risk three to five years after quitting. But heavier smokers still had an excess risk of 22 percent even twenty years after quitting.
Bottom line, it’s best not to start.
By the way, exposure to second hand smoke of 22 hours a week or more may increase one’s risk of heart attack by 45 percent. (Read more about Health Wrap for August 18th)
Related Links:
|
CAROTID STENT AND THINKING
A procedure designed to protect the brain from strokes and mini-strokes has been shown to have an added benefit: it helps people think and remember better! (Read more about CAROTID STENT AND THINKING)
Related Links:
|
Stroke and Eye Changes
Looking deeply into someone’s eyes can be telling, beyond the eyes themselves.
There’s new promise that in some patients, doctors can see into the future…and see who is going to suffer a stroke, by performing a simple eye exam.
What’s amazing about an eye exam is that you can directly visualize the blood vessels and the nerves. So, you can see when the vessels are damaged--which turn out to portend a stroke that will happen in the future. (Read more about Stroke and Eye Changes)
Related Links:
|
INFANT STROKES
Infant stroke is something most parents-to-be would never even consider worrying about- the fact that newborn infants can suffer a stroke, and it might not be detected by the doctor.
Now, new research says strokes in children are a significant cause of long-term disability.
Believe it or not, infant strokes are a very common phenomenon. And it can happen in otherwise healthy babies. (Read more about INFANT STROKES)
Related Links:
|
NEW STROKE DRUG
New drug Cerovive could help lessen the damage once a stroke has occurred. It appears to do damage control, and limit the amount of brain affected by stroke after it’s happened. Learn more about it in this two-minute video clip. Cerovive significantly reduced disability from stroke compared to placebo in a study that involved 1700 people. It works to insulate the brain tissue that surrounds the initial area suffering a stroke, so that the damage is limited. It might be used along with other medications that reopen blood flow. (Read more about NEW STROKE DRUG)
Related Links:
|
STROKE TREATMENT FAILURES
A disturbing report out of the American Heart Association says that the vast majority of stroke patients are not getting the best possible care during, and after hospitalization.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability.
The problem really lies first in the fact that people just don’t know enough about stroke to recognize the signs of stroke. Even once they are in the emergency room, the study shows that doctors are not giving patients what they need. (Read more about STROKE TREATMENT FAILURES)
Related Links:
|
Clot Busters
Once your heart attack is diagnosed, your treatment begins immediately -- possibly right in the ambulance or emergency department. The knowledge gained in the past years regarding acute coronary syndromes and what happens in the artery during a heart attack has helped guide medical treatment. The goals of medication therapy are to break up or prevent blood clots, prevent platelets from gathering and sticking to the plaque, stabilize the plaque, and prevent further ischemia. (Read more about Clot Busters)
Related Links:
|
ANTI-STROKE STUDY
There is new research out tonight that affects the way thousands of stroke patients, or those at high risk for stroke, are treated. The issue: should these patients take aspirin or a blood thinner called coumadin?
This study looked specifically at blockages of the arteries that are inside the head, above the neck. It’s these patients who are most at risk for another stroke, and dying.
So the question is, how best to treat them long term? (Read more about ANTI-STROKE STUDY)
Related Links:
|
|