The reason dementia rates are rising is surprisingly simple
Figures like these can sound scary — and indeed, dementia projections carry some warnings. For one, they suggest the U.S. urgently needs to pour resources into growing its caregiving workforce to meet future needs. But paradoxically, this number also tells a success story.
Today, thanks to decades of social and medical progress, more Americans than ever are living long enough to get dementia; in the past, more people would have died of cardiovascular disease or cancer at earlier ages. These health advances have also delayed the condition's onset for many people.
Perhaps the most hopeful news about dementia is that there's a lot people can do to lower their chances of developing it, says Michael Fang, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and lead author of the recent study.
The new study hints at the potential disruption to families, caregivers, and the economy if nothing changes to reduce dementia risk, he says. 'But if we do do something, there is an opportunity and a potential to bend the curve a little bit.'
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The Hill
23 minutes ago
- The Hill
FDA recommends concentrated Kratom be scheduled as illicit substance
The Trump administration is recommending that a compound called 7-OH be scheduled as an illicit drug, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary announced Tuesday. The compound is a concentrated by-product of the Kratom plant whose ground leaves are sold as a dietary supplement to boost energy or provide pain relief. FDA officials said the substance has a 'high risk of addiction' and abuse in concentrated form because of its ability to bind to opioid receptors in the brain. Makary said the agency is urging the Drug Enforcement Agency to classify 7-OH as a Schedule 1 substance, placing it on list of drugs that include heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and ecstasy. 'We have a history in public health of being asleep at the wheel,' Makary said. 'Public health is supposed to prevent disasters, not just clean them up after they've killed thousands and thousands of people.' The American Kratom Association (AKA), a trade group representing the industry, applauded the recommendation to classify 7-OH as a Schedule 1 substance. 'This bold step is a critical milestone in protecting public health and consumer safety from dangerous synthetic products that masquerade as natural kratom,' the AKA said in a statement. A spokesperson for the group said that the FDA's decision shines a light on a 'massive and growing' problem in the kratom marketplace. Earlier this month, the FDA sent warning letters to seven companies regarding allegations that they are illegally marketing 7-OH products as dietary supplements or as a product that can relieve pain or manage anxiety. Department of Health and Human Services officials said during a Tuesday press conference that they have seen a 'disturbing' rise in reports of poisonings and emergency room visits linked to products containing 7-OH which can be found in tablets, gummies, mixed drinks or shots. But officials did not point to data on the scale of the rise in adverse health events. These products are often sold online or in convenience stores, gas stations and vape shops, officials said, with no 'quality control, no dosage control and no warnings.' 'This is a recipe for a public health disaster,' said Jim O'Neil, deputy secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services. 'Young people, veterans and people who suffer from chronic pain or addiction are being misled into thinking that these are safe alternatives. They're not.' Kratom has gained popularity as an alternative pain reliever amid the country's opioid epidemic with some studies suggesting that up to 15 million Americans have use it to treat chronic pain or opioid withdrawal symptoms. In small doses, Kratom can act as a stimulant but can also cause an 'opioid-like' drowsiness and euphoria, experts say. Concentrated Kratom or highly potent Kratom products can cause harmful side effects like nausea, vomiting and even seizures. Tuesday's announcement is the Trump administration's effort to prevent another 'wave of the opioid epidemic' from blindsiding the country, Makaray said. 'There's a lot we don't know. This may be the calm before the storm,' he said. 'It may be the tip of the iceberg, but let's be aggressive and proactive.' The DEA previously announced it would schedule kratom compounds as controlled substances in 2016 but opted not to after receiving intense pushback. Makary stressed that the Trump administration is targeting synthetic, concentrated kratom when asked by a reporter if officials were prepared to deal with similar pushback again.
43 minutes ago
US health officials crack down on kratom-related products after complaints from supplement industry
WASHINGTON -- U.S. health officials are warning Americans about the risks of an opioid-related ingredient increasingly added to energy drinks, gummies and supplements sold at gas stations and convenience stores, recommending a nationwide ban. The chemical, known as 7- hydroxymitragynine, is a component of kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia that has gained popularity in the U.S. as an unapproved treatment for pain, anxiety and drug dependence. In recent months, dietary supplement companies that sell kratom have been urging the Food and Drug Administration to crack down on the products containing 7-OH, portraying it as a dangerously concentrated, synthetic form of the original ingredient. The FDA action 'is not focused on natural kratom leaf products," according to a statement Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The agency said it was releasing a report to educate about the risks of '7-OH and its distinction from the kratom plant leaf.' Regulators are also recommending that the ingredient be placed on the federal government's most restrictive list of illegal drugs, which includes LSD and heroin. '7-OH is an opioid that can be more potent than morphine," said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. "We need regulation and public education to prevent another wave of the opioid epidemic.' The agency's recommendation will be reviewed by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which sets federal rules for high-risk drugs including prescription medicines and illicit substances. A federal ban wouldn't take effect until the agency drafts and finalizes new rules governing the ingredient. Federal regulators have been scrutinizing kratom for about a decade after reports of addiction, injury and overdose. But users and distributors have long opposed efforts to regulate it, saying kratom could be a safer alternative to opioid painkillers that sparked the ongoing drug addiction epidemic. Last month, the FDA issued warning letters to seven companies selling drinks, gummies and powders infused with 7-OH. Regulators said the products violated FDA rules because they have not been evaluated for safety and, in some cases, claimed to treat medical conditions, including pain, arthritis and anxiety. Supplement executives quickly applauded the move. The FDA "demonstrated the exact kind of data-driven, proactive regulatory excellence needed to safeguard unwitting consumers across the U.S.,' said Ryan Niddel of Diversified Botanics, a Utah-based company that sells kratom supplements. An industry group, the American Kratom Association, has lobbied Congress for years against restrictions on the plant. Legislation supported by the group would prohibit the FDA from regulating kratom more strictly than food and dietary supplements Nearly a decade ago, the federal government came close to banning the substance. In 2016, the DEA announced plans to add kratom to the government's most restrictive schedule 1, reserved for drugs that have no medial use and a high potential for abuse. But the plan stalled after a flood of public complaints, including a letter signed by more than 60 members of Congress. The FDA then began studying the ingredient, concluding in 2018 that kratom contains many of the same chemicals as opioids, the addictive class of drugs that includes painkillers like OxyContin as well as heroin and fentanyl. Since then, FDA regulators have continued to issue warnings about cases of injury, addiction and death with kratom supplements, which are usually sold in capsules or powders. In recent months, the FDA has also issued warnings on other unapproved drugs sold as supplements or energy drinks, including the antidepressant tianeptine. Sometimes referred to collectively as 'gas station heroin,' the drugs have been restricted by several states, but they are not scheduled at the federal level. ___
CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
These Kitchen Items Are Hiding Millions of Microplastics. Here's What to Swap Them Out For
Microplastics have invaded the world we live in. These tiny shards of plastic exist all around us these days, and have been found in food, water, and even the air we breathe. Microplastics are so small that they can't always be seen by the naked eye, and research has found them in human blood, organs, and even the brain. A recent study published in Nature Medicine and reported by CNN found significantly higher concentrations of microplastics in cadaver brain samples compared to liver and kidney tissues. Even more concerning, brain tissue from dementia patients in the study showed up to 10 times more microplastic buildup than tissue from healthy brains -- underscoring just how deeply these particles can embed themselves in our bodies. The good news is you can take steps to minimize your microplastic intake. Before you cook your next meal, let's head to the kitchen and see which items among your food and cookware may be secretly hiding microplastics. Are microplastics harmful? Microplastics have become a serious problem for pollution, and now scientists worry about the potential health effects too. An estimated 22,000,000 micro and nanoplastics are inhaled by humans each year, and that is largely because they are so hard to avoid. You are exposed to microplastics in three ways: inhalation, ingestion or touch. Microplastics have been shown to cause a number of issues in the human body. Microplastics and nanoplastics found in blood vessels have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and, in severe cases, even death. Tissue inflammation, cell death and lung and liver impacts have all been noted. In animals and marine life, it also can cause oxidative and DNA damage, as well as cancer. Mice were shown to have reduced sperm count, ovarian scarring and hereditary metabolic disorders. Much is still unknown about the exact effects of microplastics, but studies so far have been sobering. They've inspired many home chefs to reconsider what they use in the kitchen and put in their bodies. Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters. Nanoplastics are much smaller and invisible to the naked eye, ranging from 1 to 1,000 nanometers -- a fraction of the width of a human microplastics hide in your kitchen Unfortunately, microplastics are more common than you think. These are some places they may be hiding in your kitchen. Nonstick cookware A new study found that plastic and nonstick cookware released microplastics into food during cooking, heightening one's exposure to these potentially harmful pollutants. Australian researchers estimate that Teflon-coated cookware contains thousands, maybe millions, of microplastic particles, while a simple crack or fracture in your pan could mean exposure to over two million microplastic particles. Plastic food containers Your Uber delivery could inadvertently be damaging your health, and it has nothing to do with what you order. With the rise of home delivery services, plastic containers are more common than ever, but these containers can easily add microplastics to your food when heated or washed. One study found that all reusable plastic takeout containers typically used by restaurants contain microplastics. Plastic utensils Plastic utensils can leach microplastics into your food when exposed to high heat also show that plastic utensils release microplastics into your food, especially when used with hotter foods. When you ingest the food, you also ingest microplastics that settle into your body and bloodstream. Tea bags It may come as a surprise, but microplastics could be hiding in your tea bags. When you brew tea, the bag is exposed to extremely high temperatures that can release its microplastics. This comes from polypropylene, a key component in the manufacturing of tea bags. Researchers at Spain's Autonomous University of Barcelona found that billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles are released from a single tea bag for every millimeter of water it is submerged in. Research has shown that a single plastic tea bag can release billions of microplastic spices Depending on how it is packaged, that bottle of paprika could be full of microplastics. Many spices today use plastic packaging, which is concerning because one recent study found microplastics in all plastic containers tested. This can result in food contamination, which has increased in recent decades. Plastic straws Plastic straws are especially concerning because studies show that they release microplastics and nanoplastics, which can then be directly inhaled. Unfortunately, plastic straws are extremely prevalent, with about eight million metric tons of plastic found in waterways each year. Once these straws and other plastics are in the water, they can affect not just the water but also the soil and animals found in it. Canned food linings BPA was a controversial material used in the manufacturing of canned food linings that could cause serious health effects. Today, non-BPA acrylic or polyester epoxies are more commonly used, but these are not proven safe either, as they too contain microplastics. Kitchen material swaps to reduce microplastics Luckily, you have alternatives. Before putting on your apron, consider adding these items to your kitchen to lower your risk of exposure to microplastics. Wooden or stainless spatulas There are alternatives to plastic spatulas. Consider trying out a wooden utensil set or one made from stainless steel. This can significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics while upgrading your used utensils. Wooden or stainless steel utensils Instead of plastic utensils, try to use stainless steel utensils that can be better for the body and also the environment. Wooden utensils can also be a great substitute, working as a more eco-friendly option for your kitchen. Glass or stainless steel food containers You can't do much about how restaurants choose to package their food, but you can avoid using them in the future. At home, try to stick to glass, ceramic and stainless steel containers to skip the microplastics. Loose tea leaves and strainers or infusers Tea bags can be filled with plastic, but a safer alternative could be loose tea leaves. Many companies nowadays offer loose tea leaves that can be used with a stainless steel strainer or infuser, which works the same as a tea bag but can be much healthier. Spices in bulk or glass containers To avoid potential contamination from your spices, switch to glass or ceramic packaging instead. This allows your spices to remain on your shelf without being infused with potentially harmful microplastics that can seep into your food. Reusable metal or bamboo straws Plastic straws take a toll on both the environment and your body, causing serious issues for both. A better alternative would be metal or bamboo straws that can be washed and reused. Even paper straws are a better alternative than plastic ones. Reusable metal or bamboo straws are great alternatives to plastic produce or frozen produce Plastic linings in canned food can hold microplastics, so to eliminate your exposure, look for foods that are packaged in glass instead. You can also opt to use fresh and frozen foods and produce that skips the packaging altogether. Cast iron, carbon steel or stainless steel cookware Plastic cookware is common in many kitchens, but there are alternatives. Products like stainless steel skillets, frying pans and cast iron pans can all be great ways to upgrade your cookware without risking further exposure to microplastics. The bottom line Microplastics can lurk in our kitchens, hiding in our cookware and utensils and making their way into our food. Though research continues, microplastics have been shown to cause damage to the human body, causing huge concerns over the products we use and the materials used to make them. However, hope is not lost. With a few simple changes, you can lessen your exposure to microplastics, thus better protecting your health. To learn more, here are the most common foods with microplastics and tips for reducing your intake.
