Health
Dementia has 2 shocking new risk factors, study finds, with total of 14 now on list
Two surprising new risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease are noted in a new study.
Untreated vision loss and high levels of LDL cholesterol have been linked to a greater chance of developing the common dementia type.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is sometimes called “bad cholesterol,” is associated with negative health effects when present in high amounts.
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Researchers from University College London led the study, published in The Lancet on Aug. 10.
The findings were also presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Philadelphia on July 31.
Vision loss and high LDL cholesterol join a list of 12 other risk factors the researchers previously identified in 2020.
Those 12 are hearing loss, lower education, smoking, hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity, depression, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, air pollution, traumatic brain injury and social isolation.
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To identify the two new risk factors, the researchers analyzed dozens of recent studies on vision loss and high cholesterol.
The 14 total factors are responsible for roughly half of dementia cases globally, the researchers stated, which means eliminating them could potentially prevent many cases.
“Some dementia risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and physical exercise, can be managed by changing your lifestyle, but many must be addressed on a societal level,” Fiona Carragher, chief policy and research officer at the Alzheimer’s Society in the U.K., said in a press release.
(The study was partly funded by the Alzheimer’s Society.)
“Social isolation, education inequalities and air pollution are beyond individuals’ control and require public health interventions and joint action between government and industry.”
“I tell patients all the time, ‘if it’s healthy for the heart, it’s healthy for the brain.’”
Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, was not involved in the study but said it “substantiates a lot of things we have known about dementia for several years.”
He told Fox News Digital, “The study in Lancet shows higher levels of LDL (the bad cholesterol) — which is often related to diet and lifestyle choices — is related to a greater chance of developing a dementia process.”
“Genetic factors can play a role in elevated levels of LDL — however, even in these patients, diet modifications can be beneficial as well.”
The neurologist was also not surprised by the link between vision loss and development of dementia.
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“We have known for years that patients who have higher levels of education and are ‘well-read’ often develop dementia at a much later age,” Murray said.
“We rely heavily upon eyesight to be able to engage in our surroundings as well as stimulate cognitive thought.”
Reducing the risk
In his practice, Murray said, he is often asked about ways to prevent or reduce the risk of developing dementia at a later age.
“Patients have a good understanding of what a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle look like,” he told Fox News Digital.
The brain is a “very vascular organ,” the doctor pointed out — which means it is closely linked to the heart.
“I tell patients all the time, ‘If it’s healthy for the heart, it’s healthy for the brain,’” Murray said.
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“This not only includes dietary changes, such as lower fat/lower cholesterol diets, but also lifestyle modifications, such as smoking and alcohol cessation.”
There is also evidence that the Mediterranean diet can be beneficial in delaying the onset of dementia, Murray noted.
“Regular exercise is beneficial from a vascular standpoint, and can also help from a mental standpoint,” he added.
Participating in cognitively stimulating activities is also known to delay the potential onset of dementia, according to Murray.
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“I tell my patients to find some cognitively challenging activity they enjoy, whether that’s working puzzles or reading challenging books,” he said.
“These activities can maintain a higher level of cognitive abilities and retard the onset of dementia.”
To prevent vision loss, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting regular eye exams, wearing protective eye wear in high-risk environments and wearing sunglasses to prevent exposure to UV rays.
Knowing your family’s eye health history, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and avoiding smoking can also prevent vision loss, the agency added.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers and the Alzheimer’s Society for additional comment.
Health
Blood banks searching for Type O blood amid emergency shortage: 'We always have a need'
Las Vegas, Nevada – The nation is facing an emergency blood shortage, according to the American Red Cross.
Extreme heat and recent natural disasters are affecting the blood supply, the nonprofit says.
Not only is there a shortage of donations across the country, but there is also a specific need for Type O blood, according to Vitalant, an Arizona-based nonprofit that operates blood banks nationwide.
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To help meet the need, Vitalant is holding more than 50 blood drives this month in parts of Nevada.
“My best friend almost died in a car accident when I was, like, 19 or 20 — so I’ve seen the power of blood donations,” blood donor Nina Duren told Fox News.
Duren has been donating blood a couple of times a year for the last 15 years.
“It’s a life-saving thing I can do that costs me nothing but an hour of my time,” she said.
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Another donor, Sheila Macdonell Spiess, is a retired trauma nurse. In the 47 years of her nursing career, she said there has always been a need for blood.
“People are always in car accidents, stabbings, unfortunately, or gunshot wounds, or [there are] people with leukemia,” she told Fox News.
“We always have a need. It doesn’t matter what time of year.”
As blood banks across the nation are running low on blood, some are placing an emphasis on one blood type over others.
“Type O is known as a universal donor,” said MacDonell Spiess. “So, if you came in, and we needed to give you blood right away … it would be O, because we don’t know if you’re A or B or AB. So we would give you O, because that’s called the universal type.”
Vitalant’s Type O supply hit an 18-month low in July.
Without Type O blood readily available, people in need may be turned away.
The organization is now working to build up a constant four-day supply.
“If you just keep lowering the number and lowering the number … that just impacts how many people you can help, and honestly, no doctor wants to have to make that choice of saying you can’t be helped today,” Mike Doria, communication manager of Vitalant’s Southwest division, told Fox News.
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The American Red Cross’ entire inventory has shrunk by 25%, and the supply of donors has not kept up with the need.
“As an example, a trauma victim may require dozens of blood products,” Dr. Baia Lasky, American Red Cross’ divisional chief medical officer, told Fox News.
“And studies have demonstrated that every minute of delay in blood products in these situations will increase the risk of death by 5%.”
That means having blood available for donation at hospitals is “absolutely critical” to give people a chance of survival after emergencies, she added.
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Blood cannot be stored long-term, which means nonprofits like American Red Cross and Vitalant consistently need donors.
Health
Gender surgeries, migraine tips, 'Zika-like' virus and more top health stories
Fox News Digital publishes an array of health pieces all week long to keep you in the know on key wellness topics: disease prevention, nutrition, medical research, health care and more. Personal stories of people and families overcoming great health obstacles are also published.
Check out some of the top stories of the week in Health that you may have missed or have been meaning to check out.
These are just a few of what’s new. There are many more to see at Fox News Health.
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Here are eight stories worth knowing.
1. Breast removal surgery performed on girls under age 12
Since 2017, hundreds of females age 12 and younger with gender dysmorphia have undergone double mastectomies, according to analysis released by the Manhattan Institute this week — and that number may be considerably higher. The risks of this “drastic intervention” are noted by experts. Click here to get the story.
2. Top 10 causes of death in US
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released the primary killers in the country. Find out where heart disease, cancer and COVID fall on the list. Click here to get the story.
3. ‘Zika-like’ virus spreads into Europe
The Oropouche virus is transmitted through bites by mosquitoes and midges, with sloths and birds acting as hosts. Check out symptoms, treatment and prevention tips. Click here to get the story.
4. Avoiding tragedy on the water
Alcohol was involved in 17% of boating fatalities, according to new data from the U.S. Coast Guard. Experts reveal tips on preventing these tragedies. Click here to get the story.
5. Screen time limits benefit kids
Kids who had only a certain number of hours of screen time each week showed improvements in mental health, communication and behavioral difficulties. Click here to get the story.
6. What to do when a migraine hits
A doctor notes the most important steps to take to reduce headache pain and curb anxiety about the condition. Click here to get the story.
7. Lance Bass announces Type 1.5 diabetes diagnosis
Here’s what to know about the condition, which is often mistaken for type 2 diabetes, experts say. Click here to get the story.
8. Chiropractic cure for colic in babies?
An Ohio couple claims that chiropractic adjustments “transformed” their fussy infant. Doctors weigh in on the potential benefits and risks of performing the treatment on babies. Click here to get the story.
Health
Ketamine dangers in spotlight after arrests made in actor Matthew Perry’s death
Recent arrests made in actor Matthew Perry’s death have cast new light on the dangers of ketamine abuse.
Perry’s Oct. 28th death — which initially appeared to be a drowning in a hot tub at his California home — was later attributed to the “acute effects of ketamine,” as ruled by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
Several people are now charged in connection with the 54-year-old actor’s overdose death — including Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who allegedly administered excessive amounts of ketamine — as well as multiple physicians and dealers, who are said to have provided the drug.
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On the day of Perry’s death, the “Friends” star received three ketamine injections, according to information in the assistant’s plea agreement.
Here’s a deeper dive into ketamine and the issues around it.
What is ketamine?
Intended for use as an anesthetic to be handled by medical doctors and veterinarians, ketamine is also used illegally as a recreational drug.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) describes ketamine as a “dissociative drug,” which means it causes people to feel “separated or detached” from their bodies or physical surroundings.
For some, it can cause hallucinations and alter people’s thoughts and emotions, according to the ADF.
“Ketamine is in the PCP (phencyclidine) family,” Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, told Fox News Digital.
(PCP is a dissociative, mind-altering drug that may lead to hallucinations.)
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The off-label use of ketamine has “skyrocketed” in recent years, “despite limited data supporting the safety and efficacy of that practice,” according to a report from Yale School of Medicine.
The drug is usually sold as a colorless, odorless liquid or as a white or off-white powder, according to the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) website.
When used in a powder or liquid form, it is often mixed with beverages or smoked with marijuana or tobacco.
The powder form can also be snorted or pressed into tablets.
As a liquid, ketamine can be injected, the NDIC states.
Ketamine approved for depression in health care setting
In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ketamine in a nasal spray format (Spravato, or S-ketamine) for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation.
It is intended to be used in combination with antidepressant pills only under the supervision of a medical professional.
“S-ketamine is regulated very tightly,” the Yale report stated. “It has to be delivered intranasally, in a certified health care setting under the supervision of a health care professional, and patients must remain in the facility for two hours after dosing.”
Ketamine is more commonly used for treatment of severe depression and for pain management, according to Siegel.
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Dr. Justin Gerstner, psychiatrist and chief medical officer at Ellie Mental Health in Minnesota, uses ketamine therapy in his own practice, saying the response from clients has been “great,” as Fox News Digital previously reported.
Ketamine therapy eliminates the need for patients to take medication every day, according to the doctor.
Gerstner’s practice usually administers ketamine to clients via IV injection in two- to three-hour sessions, partnered with psychotherapy before and after treatment, he said. While ketamine can work as a “really powerful anti-depressant and anti-suicidal drug,” it is “not the right answer for everybody or everything,” he previously told Fox News Digital.
When does ketamine become deadly?
There are risks and limitations involved, Gerstner warned — including the potential for ketamine to be abused.
There isn’t too much regulation surrounding how ketamine treatments are administered, Gerstner noted, since the drug was previously approved for anesthetic use.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health
“The field is wide open, and it’s a little bit like the Wild West,” he said. “This is a really powerful medication and the way that it’s used can vary quite drastically.”
At high doses, the drug can cause adverse health issues that affect cardiovascular, respiratory and neurologic function, which can be fatal, said the American Addiction Centers website.
“Common causes of overdose death include excess sedation, respiratory failure, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, coma and seizures.”
Some of the risks include elevated blood pressure, difficulty breathing, amnesia, seizures, addiction, problems with judgment and coordination, and a lower urinary tract irritation called ulcerative cystitis, according to the same source.
“Common causes of overdose death include excess sedation, respiratory failure, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, coma and seizures,” said Siegel.
In Perry’s case, the report stated that given the high levels of ketamine found in his blood, “the main lethal effects” from the ketamine included “cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression.”
Angelica Stabile of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.
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