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 Programs for care home residents may not achieve their goals
November 7, 2008
Helping residents in care homes maintain quality of life and physical functioning is a worthy goal. But what is the best way to achieve it? A new study shows that one activity program did not have much impact and, indeed, even made those with cognitive impairment more depressed.
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Doctors often give their patients placebo treatments
November 7, 2008
The use of placebo treatments in medicine is surprisingly common, according to a new survey of doctors. Often, vitamins and analgesics are prescribed as placebos. And the doctor does not always tell the patient that a placebo is being used.
Drug may help in diabetes complication
November 7, 2008
Diabetic retinopathy is a significant complication of type 2 diabetes. A new clinical trial shows that the drug candesartan can slow progression of this condition and so may protect against loss of vision.
Biomarker affects response to new cancer therapy
November 7, 2008
Antibody therapy is the latest form of treatment for cancer. A new study reveals that mutations in a gene involved in a cancer biochemical pathway affect response to cetuximab. This opens the door to a more personalized approach to cancer treatment,
Diabetes treatment becoming more complex, costly
November 7, 2008
The treatment of diabetes is becoming more costly and more complex, as new treatments emerge and the numbers with the condition increase. We now need to know if this trend is accompanied by better outcomes for those with diabetes.
Air pollution is linked to appendicitis
October 24, 2008
A study sheds new light on the cause of appendicitis, which was previously unknown. A link between high levels of air pollution and appendicitis has been uncovered by environmental researchers in Canada.
Does caffeine increase breast cancer risk?
October 24, 2008
Caffeine has previously been suspected of increasing the risk of breast cancer. In a new study, no overall risk is found with increasing levels of caffeine consumption. However, caffeine does slightly increase the risk of hormone-negative breast cancer and also of larger breast tumors and further research is needed into the underlying mechanisms.
Smoking robs men of a decade of life
October 24, 2008
A study from Finland, which has followed a group of smokers long-term, shows that those who have never smoked live on average ten years longer than heavy smokers. Quitting still has an impact on life expectancy and health-related quality of life, although the number of cigarettes smoked has a direct impact on harm done - the less you smoke, the better your chances.
Diabetes increases risk of eye problems
October 24, 2008
People with diabetes are known to be at risk of retinopathy. A new study shows they are also more likely to have eye disease of any kind. Around 11 percent of those with diabetes had eye problems, compared to just six percent of those without diabetes.
Study uncovers link between vitamin D deficiency and Parkinson's disease
October 24, 2008
Patients with Parkinson's disease have lower levels of vitamin D, according to a new study. Therefore, levels of vitamin D ought to be checked in older patients as deficiency is also a risk factor for other conditions, such as osteoporosis.
Is bisphenol a toxic chemical?
October 10, 2008
New evidence suggests that an everyday chemical called bisphenol A is linked with metabolic abnormalities that could trigger diabetes. It may be time for regulatory authorities to link human exposure to this substance.
Hormone may be able to rejuvenate the skin
October 10, 2008
Use of a hormone create could restore collagen production in aging skin. But the effect was only seen where there had not been sun exposure. So maybe collagen can rejuvenate skin, but not when the sun has been there first.
No need for repeat colonoscopy within five years
October 10, 2008
It has not been clear what the best interval between colonoscopy exams might be. A new study shows that people with a negative result are very unlikely to develop cancer during the next five years. This suggests the interval between colonoscopy screens can be at least five years.
Family history of brain tumor increases brain cancer risk
October 10, 2008
Brain tumors tend to run in families but it is not clear whether the influences are genetic or environmental. A study of a population database now reveals that a family history of glioblastoma and astrocytoma does increase the risk of brain cancer and opens up the possibility of identifying some of the genes involved.
Factors associated with poor weight loss after surgery revealed
October 10, 2008
Some patients do not lose weight effectively after bariatric surgery. A study of a group undergoing gastric bypass surgery has now revealed that having diabetes and having a larger stomach pouch left after surgery are associated with a less successful weight loss result.
Mild cognitive impairment may be a further complication of diabetes
September 26, 2008
Diabetes may lead to mild cognitive impairment, according to a new study. The risk appears to increase with duration of diabetes and is higher among those with diabetic retinopathy.
Tips to remember when eating at a Chinese restaurant
September 26, 2008
DChinese food is a popular choice when eating out. But it can be high in fat, salt and sugar. But just follow a few tips, and you need not ditch your healthy eating principles.
Running may help you live longer
September 26, 2008
Older runners enjoy reduced rates of disability and a survival advantage. This encouraging result comes from a new study of over-50s in a running club.
Chewing gum aids recovery from colon surgery
September 26, 2008
It takes the intestines a while to return to normal after abdominal, including colon, surgery. A new review shows that gum chewing helps resolve this post-operative problem sooner.
Thyrotropin is linked to Alzheimer's disease
September 26, 2008
A new study shows that levels of thyrotropin, a hormone which influences the thyroid gland, is linked to risk of Alzheimer's disease. This adds weight to previous work showing that an under or overactive thyroid gland may lead to cognitive problems.
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