
Study links technology use to lower risk of cognitive decline
Engagement with digital technology was associated with a 58 percent reduced risk of cognitive impairment in people middle-aged and older, according to a study in the journal Nature Human Behavior.
Researchers conducted a systematic review of 57 studies to see whether exposure to technology has helped or harmed cognition among the first generation of adults with prolonged exposure to digital devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers. The studies involved more than 411,000 adults with an average age of 69.
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Health Line
an hour ago
- Health Line
What to Know About High Functioning Schizophrenia
When a person's schizophrenia symptoms do not appear to interfere with their daily life, their condition may be referred to as high functioning schizophrenia. But this is not an official diagnosis. Schizophrenia is a complex and varied psychiatric disorder that affects each person differently. Some people have relatively mild symptoms that come and go. Others experience more severe, persistent symptoms that interfere with their daily lives. When a person with schizophrenia is able to live a mostly independent life, hold a job, and maintain relationships, their condition is often referred to as 'high functioning.' Language matters The term 'high functioning' doesn't have a clear medical definition. Some clinicians use it to refer to people who require a lower level of assistance for daily activities. But terms like 'high functioning' and 'low functioning' don't account for people's unique life circumstances, abilities, and strengths. It's best to avoid using this kind of language outside of a conversation with your healthcare professional. What is high functioning schizophrenia? High functioning schizophrenia is a term used when people with schizophrenia are able to function well in daily life despite their diagnosis. They may have milder symptoms, or they may have developed good coping mechanisms despite having more severe symptoms. It's important to note that 'high functioning' is a subjective term and not a clinical diagnosis. And the label doesn't necessarily reflect the severity of a person's symptoms. People with high functioning schizophrenia may still experience significant challenges and need continuous treatment and support. A person's level of functioning can be influenced by a range of factors, including: Symptom severity: People with fewer or less severe symptoms may be able to function better in daily life than those with more severe symptoms. Treatment response: Those who get timely, appropriate treatment are more likely to maintain good functioning. Research from 2020 suggests that early intervention may be linked to better long-term outcomes. Personal coping strategies: Some people develop strong coping strategies that allow them to effectively manage their symptoms and prevent those symptoms from having a major effect on their daily life. Strong support network: Those with very supportive family and friends may be able to function better in daily life than those who don't have this support. Lack of other mental or physical health conditions: Many people with schizophrenia have other mental or physical health conditions that make it more difficult to function in daily life. People who don't have another condition may appear higher functioning. Symptoms of high functioning schizophrenia Any person with schizophrenia, whether it's considered 'high' or low' functioning, can experience the same types of symptoms. Schizophrenia symptoms are divided into positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Positive symptoms are those that 'add' to your personality (in other words, they weren't there before the condition). These symptoms include those of psychosis, such as: hallucinations delusions disorganized thoughts and speech atypical motor behavior (e.g., catatonia) Negative symptoms 'take away' from your personality and involve five key areas: alogia (reduction in the number of words spoken) anhedonia (reduced experience of pleasure) asociality (reduced social activity) avolition (reduced goal-directed activity, due to decreased motivation) blunted affect (difficulty expressing emotions, such as diminished facial expressions) Cognitive symptoms may include issues with: focus and attention span working memory executive functioning The negative symptoms of schizophrenia are often more challenging to treat than the positive symptoms. For some people with schizophrenia, these negative symptoms persist, even when positive symptoms are well managed. Research from 2020 suggests that negative symptoms are associated with poorer outlook and long-term disability. While many people with high functioning schizophrenia do have negative symptoms, these symptoms may be less severe. Diagnosing high functioning schizophrenia In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. text revision (DSM-5-TR), schizophrenia is now listed as a spectrum disorder. This more accurately represents the condition's wide range of symptoms that can change over time. It's important to note that high functioning schizophrenia is not a clinical diagnosis. So, whether a person exhibits a higher or lower level of functioning, they still have to meet the same diagnostic criteria. A diagnosis of schizophrenia must include at least two of the following symptoms, with one of these symptoms being among the first three: delusions hallucinations disorganized speech severely disorganized or catatonic behavior negative symptoms The symptoms must occur frequently for at least 1 month, with some symptoms lasting for more than 6 months. In addition, you'll need to have experienced reduced functioning in one or more important areas of life, such as personal relationships, work, or self-care. Treating schizophrenia Schizophrenia is typically treated with antipsychotic medication as well as various types of therapies and skills training. Schizophrenia may be treated with the following: Atypical antipsychotics: Atypical, or second-generation, antipsychotics are the first-line treatment for schizophrenia. These medications lower dopamine levels in the brain, which helps target symptoms of psychosis. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps people with schizophrenia identify and fix unhelpful thought processes and behaviors. Social skills training: Social skills interventions help people with schizophrenia learn social and independent living skills. These may include classes covering interpersonal skills and medication management. Cognitive remediation: This intervention focuses on skills such as attention, memory, and flexible thinking. Social cognition training: This intervention targets skills such as social perception (understanding social cues or body language), emotion perception (identifying others' emotions), and theory of mind (identifying and understanding another person's mental state). Some people with high functioning schizophrenia may have achieved symptom remission after responding well to treatment. Symptom remission means that your symptoms are mild enough to not significantly interfere with your life. Research from 2018 suggests that symptom remission is possible in 20% to 60% of people with schizophrenia, but this depends on many complex factors.


Medscape
an hour ago
- Medscape
‘Enormous Burden' Cataloged in Relapsing Polychondritis
A large multicenter prospective cohort study has expanded 'the understanding of the range of manifestations of disease in patients with relapsing polychondritis [RP]' — particularly involving the ear, nose, throat, and musculoskeletal systems — as well as a high prevalence of organ damage, near-universal use of glucocorticoids, and frequent use of additional nonbiologic or biologic immunomodulatory therapies. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a multicenter cohort study between 2017 and 2023 to evaluate clinical manifestations, treatment approaches, and the association between them in 195 patients with RP (median age, 48 years; 85.6% women). A diagnosis of RP was confirmed using comprehensive laboratory, radiographic, and other tests; all participants tested negative for proteinase 3 and myeloperoxidase. Data on clinical manifestations, organ damage, and medication history were collected at baseline study visits using standardized case report forms. Patients were grouped by treatment: Group 1 received glucocorticoids or no drugs, group 2 received nonbiologic immunosuppressive drugs (excluding JAK inhibitors) with or without glucocorticoids, and group 3 received JAK inhibitors or biologic drugs with or without nonbiologic immunosuppressives or glucocorticoids. TAKEAWAY: All patients presented with at least three clinical manifestations of RP, with a median of 11 manifestations per patient; all showed ear, nose, or airway involvement, and 83% had musculoskeletal manifestations. A substantial portion of patients (41%) developed organ damage, including sensorineural hearing loss (25%), auricular and saddle nose deformities (12% each), and subglottic stenosis (9%); among those who underwent dynamic CT of the chest, 31% had tracheomalacia, and 20% had bronchomalacia. Treatment groups 1, 2, and 3 comprised 19%, 28%, and 53% of patients, respectively; most patients (95%) received glucocorticoids, and a substantial proportion (81%) received additional immunomodulatory treatments. Patients in treatment group 3 had the highest rate of organ damage (62% vs 22% in group 2 and 15% in group 1) and were more likely to have arthritis and stenosis, whereas those in group 1 were less likely to experience nose pain. IN PRACTICE: 'Standardized assessment of disease activity is warranted for patients with RP for early detection and timely initiation of treatment. These findings also highlight the absence of a consensus approach to treatment for patients with RP and underscore the need for clinical trials and treatment guidelines in this disease to help reduce the enormous burden of disease for patients,' the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Roger Yang, MD, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was published online on May 20, 2025, in ACR Open Rheumatology . LIMITATIONS: This study did not capture data on dose and duration of immunomodulatory medications or clinical features at treatment decisions. Treatment choices were made independently by clinicians and may have been influenced by factors such as drug availability or insurance, introducing variability. Moreover, the academic referral setting may have contributed to selection bias. DISCLOSURES: Two authors reported receiving support from the Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium, Association des médecins rhumatologues du Québec, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, and other sources. This research was also supported by the Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation and other generous donors to the Penn Relapsing Polychondritis Program.

Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Radiant Med Spa Celebrates Growth and Community Trust with Expert Aesthetic Services in Fremont, California
Radiant Med Spa, founded by Monika Dhillon, is gaining recognition for its dedication to personalized, results-driven aesthetic services, emphasizing long-term client relationships and accessible treatments. Fremont, CA, U.S.A., June 6, 2025 -- Radiant Med Spa: A Commitment to Client Care and Professionalism Radiant Med Spa, located in Fremont, California, is quickly becoming a trusted name in the beauty and wellness industry. Under the leadership of founder Monika Dhillon, who transitioned from a stay-at-home mom to a successful entrepreneur, the spa offers a wide range of facial aesthetic services designed to boost client confidence and enhance overall well-being. Despite her non-medical background, Dhillon has brought her passion for beauty and wellness to the forefront, creating a space where personalized care meets professional expertise. At Radiant Med Spa, the focus is always on the needs of the client. The spa is renowned for its commitment to understanding each individual's goals, crafting treatments that help them feel radiant inside and out. The center is especially loved for its welcoming atmosphere and exceptional customer care, which has led to its five-star ratings on platforms such as Google and Yelp. 'We believe beauty starts with confidence,' says Monika Dhillon, founder of Radiant Med Spa. 'That's why we strive to make sure every client receives the highest quality care, no matter their aesthetic goals. Our focus is always on the client, not just the procedures we offer.' Award-Winning Care Recognized Across the Bay Area Radiant Med Spa's dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. Recently awarded ' Best Med Spa Across the Bay Area California in 2025 ' by the Best of Best Review, the spa has cemented its place as a premier choice for facial aesthetics in the region. This prestigious recognition reflects Radiant Med Spa's consistent commitment to high-quality services, customer satisfaction, and a patient-first approach. The Best of Best Review conducted a comprehensive evaluation of numerous med spas across the Bay Area, focusing on factors such as medical expertise, patient feedback, affordability, and overall experience. Radiant Med Spa excelled in all these categories, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the field of aesthetic care. The Radiant Med Spa Experience: Tailored Care and Lasting Relationships What truly sets Radiant Med Spa apart from other businesses in the beauty and wellness industry is its unwavering dedication to building lasting relationships with clients. The spa is a place where every individual is treated with the utmost care and respect, and treatments are customized to meet their specific needs. Radiant Med Spa offers a variety of facial aesthetic services, from skin rejuvenation and hair restoration to laser treatments, all performed by a highly trained team of registered nurses and master injectors under the supervision of Dr. Prem Tripathi, a renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. The spa prides itself on providing a warm and professional environment, where clients feel comfortable and valued throughout their entire treatment journey. 'We are honored by the trust our clients place in us,' Dhillon continues. 'Our goal is to help each person feel empowered, confident, and beautiful—whether they're looking to refresh their skin, enhance their natural glow, or maintain their skin's health as they age gracefully.' Looking Ahead: Growth, Innovation, and Continued Dedication to Client Care As Radiant Med Spa continues to expand its client base and recognition, its mission remains clear: to provide accessible, high-quality aesthetic services while maintaining a focus on patient satisfaction and individualized care. The spa is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation in the beauty and wellness industry, ensuring that each client receives the most effective and up-to-date treatments available. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit or follow Radiant Med Spa on Instagram at @radiantmedspas. About Radiant Med Spa Radiant Med Spa is a premier med spa located in Fremont, California, specializing in a range of aesthetic services. Led by founder Monika Dhillon, the spa is dedicated to providing accessible, results-driven treatments that prioritize client satisfaction and well-being. Radiant Med Spa offers personalized care in a welcoming environment, with services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Media Contact: Monika Dhillon, Founder Email: [email protected] Contact Info: Name: Monika Dhillon Email: Send Email Organization: Radiant Med Spa Website: Release ID: 89161663 In the event of encountering any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies within the content shared in this press release, we kindly request that you immediately contact us at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will be readily accessible to address your feedback within 8 hours and take appropriate measures to rectify any identified issues or facilitate press release takedowns. Ensuring accuracy and reliability are central to our commitment.