Eye Problems Indicate Dementia Risk Before Symptoms Appear - Jordan News
Researchers have found that subtle changes in the blood vessels of the eye may serve as a window through which we can predict the likelihood of dementia years before traditional symptoms manifest. اضافة اعلان These groundbreaking results, published in the journal Alzheimer's Disease, could drastically change early detection methods for this devastating disease. This discovery is led by a research team from the University of Otago, which analyzed data from thousands of eye exams as part of a long-term New Zealand study. The researchers identified three specific changes in the eye that are closely linked to an increased risk of dementia: narrowing of the small arteries (arterioles), widening of the small veins (venules), and thinning of the nerve fiber layer in the retina. These subtle changes could appear even before any other signs of cognitive decline. Dr. Ashley Barrett-Young, the lead researcher in the study, explains: "The retina is a direct extension of the central nervous system, and what we see in it actually reflects what is happening in the brain." She adds, "The tiny blood vessels in the eye give us a precise image of the health of the blood vessels in the brain, making them a unique biological marker." This discovery comes at a time when our understanding of dementia is undergoing a revolution. Previous studies have shown that vision sensitivity tests can predict dementia up to 12 years before diagnosis. What's new here is the potential for early detection through a simple, non-invasive eye exam, which could become routine in eye doctors' clinics.
Despite these promising results, researchers caution that we are still in the early stages of this scientific path. Barrett-Young says, "We can't currently predict an individual's risk just by looking at an eye scan, but we are working on developing artificial intelligence algorithms that may make this possible in the near future." (New York Post)
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In a surprising twist for lovers of Eastern flavors, a new scientific study from the University of Mississippi has revealed that cinnamon, widely praised for its health benefits, may negatively affect the effectiveness of certain prescribed medications. اضافة اعلان According to researchers, cinnamaldehyde—the main compound in cinnamon—can activate receptors in the body that speed up the breakdown of medications, reducing their therapeutic impact. A Little Is Fine—But Caution Is Key While small amounts of cinnamon—like a sprinkle on your coffee—aren't considered dangerous, the study warns against high doses, especially when taken as dietary supplements without medical supervision, as reported by the New York Post. 'Overuse of cinnamon supplements can push the body to metabolize medications too quickly, reducing their therapeutic benefit significantly,' said Dr. Shabana Khan, lead researcher of the study. Cassia vs. True Cinnamon Not all cinnamon is the same. Cinnamon oil, used in flavorings and personal care, poses little risk. Cassia cinnamon—the common, cheaper type sold in stores—contains coumarin, a compound known to thin the blood and potentially dangerous in large quantities. 'True cinnamon from Sri Lanka is safer, as it contains much lower levels of coumarin,' said Dr. Amir Chitepalli, Deputy Director of the National Center for Natural Products Research. 'It's a better option for people taking blood thinners.' Special Warning for People with Chronic Conditions The study recommends extra caution for individuals with chronic illnesses such as: Diabetes Hypertension Obesity Cancer Asthma Depression 'The best advice is to consult your doctor before combining any supplement with medications,' Dr. Khan emphasized. 'Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's safe.' Final Takeaway While cinnamon still holds valuable health benefits when consumed in moderation, this study highlights the importance of medical awareness and caution even with the most common natural ingredients.
Jordan News
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Eye Problems Indicate Dementia Risk Before Symptoms Appear - Jordan News
Researchers have found that subtle changes in the blood vessels of the eye may serve as a window through which we can predict the likelihood of dementia years before traditional symptoms manifest. اضافة اعلان These groundbreaking results, published in the journal Alzheimer's Disease, could drastically change early detection methods for this devastating disease. This discovery is led by a research team from the University of Otago, which analyzed data from thousands of eye exams as part of a long-term New Zealand study. The researchers identified three specific changes in the eye that are closely linked to an increased risk of dementia: narrowing of the small arteries (arterioles), widening of the small veins (venules), and thinning of the nerve fiber layer in the retina. These subtle changes could appear even before any other signs of cognitive decline. Dr. Ashley Barrett-Young, the lead researcher in the study, explains: "The retina is a direct extension of the central nervous system, and what we see in it actually reflects what is happening in the brain." She adds, "The tiny blood vessels in the eye give us a precise image of the health of the blood vessels in the brain, making them a unique biological marker." This discovery comes at a time when our understanding of dementia is undergoing a revolution. Previous studies have shown that vision sensitivity tests can predict dementia up to 12 years before diagnosis. What's new here is the potential for early detection through a simple, non-invasive eye exam, which could become routine in eye doctors' clinics. Despite these promising results, researchers caution that we are still in the early stages of this scientific path. Barrett-Young says, "We can't currently predict an individual's risk just by looking at an eye scan, but we are working on developing artificial intelligence algorithms that may make this possible in the near future." (New York Post)
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Weight Loss Medications May Cause Vision Loss!
اضافة اعلان In recent times, many medications and injections that promise rapid weight loss have become widely available, leading many individuals to rely on them to shed excess pounds. However, a report by the *New York Post* has revealed that some of these popular weight loss drugs may lead to sudden vision report shared the story of 56-year-old James Norris, who experienced gradual vision loss after using the medication *Mounjaro* in March 2023 to help lose report confirmed that James successfully lost 40 kilograms over the course of a year while using *Mounjaro*. His health improved, and he was able to stop taking medications for high blood pressure and March 2024, Norris's doctor increased his dosage of *Mounjaro* to 2.5 milligrams (from an initial dose of 1.5 milligrams). One morning, he woke up to find his vision in his left eye had become blurry. Two weeks later, the vision in his right eye began to blur as described his experience, stating: "After undergoing a CT scan and visiting a neuro-ophthalmologist, I was diagnosed with ischemic optic neuropathy," a condition where the optic nerve loses its blood supply, leading to sudden vision stopping *Mounjaro* in July 2024, Norris continues to suffer from severe vision King, Norris's attorney, mentioned that his office had received hundreds of lawsuits related to weight loss medications and their link to vision January of this year, researchers from the *John A. Moran Eye Center* at the *University of Utah* published a study indicating that patients who had taken medications containing *semaglutide* or *tirzepatide*, two active ingredients found in some weight loss drugs, developed conditions that affected the optic nerve and caused blindness.
