Latest news with #BMJ
Medscape
7 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Fewer Americans Developing Dementia, More Living With It
New cases of dementia declined in the United States from 2015 to 2021, possibly due to better risk factor management, but the number of individuals living with the disease continued to tick upward, likely due to the aging of the population, researchers reported. 'We're seeing encouraging signs that fewer people are being newly diagnosed with dementia each year,' Jay B. Lusk, MD, MBA, who worked on the study, said in a news release. 'At the same time, people with dementia are living longer than before, which underscores the need for long-term care planning, caregiver support, and equitable dementia care delivery,' said Lusk, preventive medicine resident at the Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and visiting research scholar at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. The study was published online on May 20 in The BMJ . More, Better Services Needed An analysis of claims data showed that between 2015 and 2021, approximately five million cases of incident dementia were documented among traditional fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries. After accounting for differences in age and sex, the overall incidence of dementia decreased 3.5% in 2015 to 2.8% in 2021. During the same period, the prevalence of dementia rose from 10.5% to 11.8%. 'Although the overall incidence of dementia decreased over the study period, prevalence increased substantially, and our results indicate that nearly 2.9 million fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries and nearly 4.5 million Medicare beneficiaries (including projections to the Medicare Advantage population) were likely living with a diagnosis of dementia in 2021,' Lusk and colleagues wrote. While the incidence of dementia was higher in men than in women in 2015 (3.5% vs 3.4%) — a difference that widened by 2021 (2.9% vs 2.6%) — most people with dementia in 2021 were women (60%), likely because more women live long enough to develop dementia. The burden of dementia was unequally distributed, with the highest incidence and prevalence of dementia among Black beneficiaries and those living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. These findings 'highlight not just the need for improvement in services for people living with dementia in communities where higher incidence and prevalence might be expected but also the need to implement policies for improvement in risk factor profiles across populations from early life onwards,' Lusk and colleagues said. Authors of a linked editorial said the findings 'highlight not just the need for improvement in services for people living with dementia in communities where higher incidence and prevalence might be expected but also the need to implement policies for improvement in risk factor profiles across populations from early life onwards.' 'Politicians and many others are calling for early detection without clear evidence of benefit. Reducing life course inequalities is probably the greatest intervention that any society can do to push morbidity from its risk factors and the syndromal presentation back as close to late life death as possible,' Sara Ahmadi-Abhari, MD, PhD, with Imperial College London, London, England, and Carol Brayne, MD, with University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, wrote.
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Business Standard
7 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Working 52+ hours a week may physically change your brain, warns new study
If you've ever bragged about 'killing it' at work by clocking long hours week after week, this might be your wake-up call. A new study titled 'Overwork and changes in brain structure: a pilot study', published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine (a BMJ publication), has found that working 52 hours or more per week may actually be altering your brain, particularly the regions responsible for memory, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Conducted by a team of South Korean researchers from Yonsei University, Chung-Ang University, and Pusan National University, the study used advanced brain imaging techniques to examine 110 healthcare workers. They found that overworked individuals showed notable structural changes in their brains, changes that could help explain the emotional and cognitive struggles often reported by people who work excessively long hours. How does working long hours affect brain structure? The researchers compared healthcare workers who routinely worked 52 hours or more a week to those who worked fewer hours. Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-based techniques, voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and atlas-based volume analysis, they found that overworked individuals had significantly increased brain volume in areas associated with executive function (like decision-making and working memory) and emotional regulation. One of the most affected regions was the left middle frontal gyrus, along with the insula and superior frontal gyrus, parts of the brain linked to emotional balance and problem-solving. While these changes might sound like brain 'growth,' they are more likely neuroadaptive responses to chronic stress and fatigue. What did the study reveal about the brain and overwork? Here are the key findings: The left caudal middle frontal gyrus showed a 19 per cent increase in volume in the overworked group. Significant volume increases were also seen in 17 other brain regions, including those tied to executive and emotional functions. These changes correlated positively with the number of hours worked each week. Even after adjusting for confounding lifestyle factors like smoking and exercise, many associations held strong. Notably, while increased grey matter is often interpreted as a sign of learning or positive adaptation, researchers caution that in the context of overwork, it may reflect compensatory or even maladaptive responses to chronic stress and lack of rest. While we already know overwork is tied to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, this research goes deeper to understand the physical and structural changes in the brain that may underlie these problems. Previous studies mostly focused on psychological and behavioural outcomes. This study adds a new layer of evidence by connecting those outcomes with biological changes in brain anatomy. Which brain functions are impacted by structural changes? The affected brain regions help regulate how we make decisions, solve problems, and manage emotions. Alterations in these areas could contribute to: Reduced cognitive efficiency Difficulty in focusing or problem-solving Emotional instability Higher susceptibility to burnout, anxiety, and depression And the consequences might not just be short-term. Over time, these changes could impact long-term brain health, including risks for cognitive decline. What workplace changes does the study recommend? The study's authors call for immediate action from employers and policymakers, especially in high-demand professions like healthcare. They emphasise, 'Our findings underscore the importance of addressing overwork as an occupational health concern and highlight the need for workplace policies that mitigate excessive working hours.' Given that the International Labour Organization (ILO) already estimates 800,000 deaths annually from overwork, the study lends urgent neurobiological weight to a public health issue that's been brewing for decades. What can employees and employers do to protect brain health? While this is a pilot study and further research is needed, it does tell us that brain health should be a priority in the conversation about work-life balance. Here are some actionable takeaways: Employers should design better shift schedules, encourage breaks, and cap weekly hours to reduce mental load. Workers should monitor their mental and emotional states, prioritise rest and recovery, and seek help when signs of burnout appear. Policymakers should set stricter guidelines around maximum work hours and implement regulations to protect employee well-being. Long hours may seem necessary sometimes, but your brain might be paying the price in ways you cannot see. The next time you're tempted to push through yet another late night at work, just remember: boundaries and balance are important for your brain health. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
News.com.au
20-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Doctor disgusts after showing two-month old McDonald's order
A doctor revolted fast-food fans after showing off an order of McDonald's that didn't show any signs of decay despite being two months old. 'This 'food' refuses to rot … and that should terrify you,' Dr Robert G. DeBease, a doctor of traditional naturopathy and chiropractic, warned in the caption to the viral clip. The physician, who is based in Georgia, in the US, then busted out the age-defying meal on camera while expressing his disbelief to his 1.2 million followers. 'I have a 62-day-old bag of McDonald's French fries and a McDonald's hamburger,' exclaimed Dr DeBease. The medic said he found these specimens disturbing as there were 'zero changes,' explaining, 'There's no mould, there's no decay. Personally, I don't get it. If this was a piece of bread, it would be the colour of Kermit the frog right now'. Why weren't these decomposing like normal? Because it's 'not real food,' according to Dr DeBease. He compared the seemingly immortal meal to a 'chemistry experiment' that's 'designed to keep it looking fresh on the outside while slowly rotting you and I on the inside'. The doctor explained in the caption that the fast food makers pump their product full of additives such as calcium propionate, BHA [butylated hydroxyanisole], and TBHQ [tert-butylhydroquinone]. These cause side effects ranging from hormone disruption to weight gain and insulin resistance, per the health professional. 'If this food doesn't rot, maybe your body doesn't know how to break it down either, right?' explained DeBease in his PSA. Viewers were understandably freaked out by the ageless dishes with one writing, 'What's insane is people are still eating this stuff even after knowing the facts'. 'Whatever they are using to make their food should be used to make a face cream to prevent it from ageing just like the burgers,' said another. This comes after a recent study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that exposure to ultra-processed foods like the Golden Arches was associated with 32 poor health outcomes, including mental, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and metabolic complications. A 62-day-old burger is a mere whippersnapper compared to some seemingly eternal noshes churned out by the Golden Arches. Perhaps the most notable is an immortal quarter-pounder in Australia that has never shown signs of decay despite being bought nearly three decades ago. It's unclear why McDonald's foods seem to defy Father Time. However, the burger merchant has attributed their products' longevity to a dry environment that inhibits the growth of mould and bacteria. 'Food prepared at home that is left to dehydrate could see similar results,' it declared. 'Look closely, the burgers you are seeing are likely dried out and dehydrated, and by no means 'the same as the day they were purchased'.'
India Today
05-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Do you really need magnesium? Your doctor might disagree
The rising popularity of magnesium supplements, largely fuelled by wellness influencers, reflects a broader shift toward proactive and self-directed supplements have suddenly exploded into the market, with dozens of influencer-backed and celebrity-backed companies promising everything from 'glowy skin' to 'increased productivity' to 'a better night's sleep.'According to the Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2024, the wellness industry reached a record $6.3 trillion in 2023 and is projected to hit $9 trillion by Where did this trend come from, and how did magnesium become the star of the supplements?While this trend has contributed to increased awareness about the importance of micronutrients like magnesium, it also raises concerns around misinformation and first, let's break down what magnesium actually does in the body, and why it's suddenly getting so much does magnesium do?Magnesium is an important mineral that is naturally present in the environment. The human body also contains a sufficient amount of magnesium that enables more than 300 enzymes to perform from the smallest to the greatest functions in the body. Magnesium is involved in protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation. () advertisementMagnesium is involved in protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation, energy production, oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis (a function that helps break down glucose) and improving sleep mineral also transports other minerals like calcium and potassium to various cells to help maintain heart an adult body contains 25 grams of magnesium, with 50% to 60% present in the bones and most of the rest in soft our bodies cannot make magnesium, we need to consume it from our much as this mineral is important for the body, a global study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Nutrition, Prevention & Health, revealed that magnesium is the second-most common deficiency after vitamin D among Indians, particularly those who have magnesium improve sleep quality?Magnesium and melatonin (sleep hormone) are closely linked when it comes to sleep regulation and circadian rhythm. Since magnesium regulates neurotransmitters in the brain, like GABA, it encourages relaxation and sleep initiation. Since magnesium regulates neurotransmitters in the brain, like GABA, it encourages relaxation and sleep initiation. () "Magnesium also supports the body's parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the body's 'rest and digest' state. Based on these mechanisms, the mineral eases mild insomnia and enhances sleep quality, particularly for individuals who have a clinical deficiency," said Dr. Navita Purohit Vyas, Consultant, Pain, Palliative & Rehabilitation Medicine, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, deficiency impairs melatonin levels and sleep quality.A randomised clinical trial published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences found that older adults who took 500 mg of magnesium daily for 8 weeks experienced increased melatonin levels, improved sleep efficiency, shorter sleep onset time, and reduced early morning Dr. Sanjay Manchanda, Chairperson, Sleep Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said despite what is being claimed by companies, there are actually very few studies about effectiveness of magnesium in providing quality sleep."It a natural element in blood pressure, diabetes, and calming of the nerves. Magnesium is being used but not being fully proved," said Dr. Manchanda, adding, "It is being dubbed as a 'magical molecule' but that's not the truth. There could be side effects like diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and nausea."advertisementHow common is low magnesium?For adults who maintain a well-balanced diet of proper nutrition, it's rare to be deficient in since diets high in processed foods, which are often low in magnesium, are common, it has led to more people being typically require between 310 mg to 420 mg of magnesium per day. If you're experiencing fatigue, contraction or spasms of muscles, numbness or tingling sensation, irritability, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea or constipation, it could mean low magnesium levels, and a simple blood test can solve this problem. Doctors have said that most adults don't have to worry about their magnesium levels, since most of this depends on symptoms.() However, if symptoms become severe, like tremors or shaking of certain muscles, mood changes, seizures, irregularities in heart rhythm, sleep disturbances, and increased stress sensitivity, then supplements are required, once a doctor checks the to Dr. Vyas, magnesium deficiency is found with tests like red blood cell (RBC) magnesium tests, magnesium loading (tolerance) tests, along with dietary histories which can help evaluation of magnesium status, especially in chronic patients or those on long-term medications known to cause magnesium diagnosis can help find out the associated deficiencies of calcium and potassium, since these deficient states frequently accompany you need magnesium supplements? Contrary to popular belief, doctors have said that most adults don't have to worry about their magnesium levels, since most of this depends on magnesium supplementation undergoes a thorough process by a doctor, who checks medical history and health tests, popping pills could lead to several problems. For adults who maintain a well-balanced diet of proper nutrition, it's rare to be dificient in magnesium. "Many influencers promote magnesium for a range of generalised benefits without sufficient evidence or disclaimers about potential risks. Such simplified messaging lacks nuance and can mislead individuals into assuming that supplements are universally beneficial and risk-free," said Dr. Vyas. Magnesium deficiency is found with tests like red blood cell (RBC) magnesium test. () advertisementThere is also a tendency to overlook the importance of clinical evaluation, dietary balance, and the root causes of Rujuta Dwivedi, in an Instagram video, said that "a single supplement as the novel cure is just that - business as usual, one that's good for profits and not for people.""Not just new diets, the weight-loss industry likes to have people on new supplements too. The business model is intriguing because the diet itself creates a market for the supplement in vogue. When eating low fat was the trend, it was calcium supplement that everyone was recommended to be on. Low fat meant lesser access to fat-soluble vitamins like D and poor assimilation of calcium."She pointed to low-carbohydrate diets as the reason for various people experiencing magnesium deficiency. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rujuta Diwekar (@ people, we need the same old things - ghar ka khana, kasrat and neend. Home-cooked meals, exercise and sleep. The magic is in not forgetting the basics," she taking magnesium supplements safe?Given magnesium's wide-ranging benefits and its influence on social media, many people end up purchasing and taking supplements over the counter or online without medical guidance."Certain medical conditions, like kidney problems, can increase the risk of magnesium build-up and toxicity. And magnesium can decrease the absorption of some medications and interact with others," according to Dr. Noorhan Nassar, a primary care doctor at Houston real question is: do you actually need a magnesium supplement to meet your daily needs?For healthy adults without a deficiency, there's no strong evidence that taking magnesium supplements offers any added Vyas said that unsupervised magnesium supplementation can lead to a range of adverse effects like gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, or nausea. For healthy adults without a deficiency, there's no strong evidence that taking magnesium supplements offers any added benefit. () More serious complications arise when excessive magnesium accumulates in the body, especially in individuals with impaired kidney can lead to a condition called hypermagnesemia, characterised by low blood pressure, confusion, slowed heart rate, and in extreme cases, respiratory distress or cardiac arrest."Magnesium has interactions with a number of over-the-counter medications as well. It will decrease the absorption of some antibiotics (such as tetracyclines and quinolones) and interact with osteoporosis drugs, thyroid medications, and certain diuretics," added Dr. also changes the action of drugs that regulate electrolyte balance, adding to the danger of overdosing on food rich in magnesium insteadThe take-home message here is to skip supplements unless prescribed by a doctor, since having a healthy diet doesn't really put you in a deficiency high in magnesium include seeds and nuts, like pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almonds and cashews, leafy greens, such as spinach, kale and collard greens, whole grains, including brown rice, oatmeal and whole grain bread, beans and legumes, including black beans, kidney beans, edamame and peanuts, dairy, such as yogurt and certain milks, including cow's milk and almond milk and fish, particularly salmon and halibut. Skip supplements unless prescribed by a doctor, since having a healthy diet doesn't really put you in a deficiency mode. () When it comes to magnesium supplements, "it is important to differentiate between educational advocacy and commercialised health marketing," said Dr. Vyas."Relying solely on social media advice for supplement decisions may lead to overuse, improper dosing, and neglect of more appropriate or necessary medical care," the expert Watch
The Herald Scotland
27-04-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
What is the latest on smartphones in Scottish schools?
In England, a recent survey of 15,000 schools found that 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools operate with some ban on phone use in schools. There have been increasing calls for the Scottish Government to legislate a ban on phones in schools, with the most recent coming from the Scottish Conservatives, who argued that banning phones can help curtail the behavioural problems in Scottish schools. The Scottish Government has not implemented a full ban on phones in schools, instead leaving the decision to individual headteachers. Despite the growing popularity of mobile phone bans, academics argue that there is not enough scientific evidence to tell us whether banning phones is a guaranteed positive for students. Many campaigners also advocate for policies that take a school and student's individual circumstances into account to avoid potentially infringing on the rights of young people. What is the Scottish Government's stance on mobile phones in schools? In August 2024, the Scottish Government published guidance on mobile phones in schools, which gave headteachers the power to impose bans directly. In explaining her stance, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said that schools need to find a balance between preparing students with the technological skills needed to succeed in the modern world and avoiding distractions to learning and teaching. "That means empowering headteachers to take the steps they see fit to limit the use of mobile phones in our schools, up to and including a full ban on the school estate during the school day, if that is their judgement." Although Ms Gilruth said she would support any school implementing a complete phone ban, she emphasised that she trusts headteachers to make the best decision for their students. What do academics say about phones in schools? Scientific studies on the impact of mobile phone bans have produced varied results. The severity of the ban–whether for the entire school day, only during classtime, or only in certain areas–impacts how well students comply and the overall impact the ban has on the school day, making it difficult to compare studies and draw conclusions. Because of this, although the Scottish Government has faced political pressures to legislate a full ban, academics tend to push a more cautious approach to the question. A group of international experts wrote in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) that blanket bans were "stop-gap solutions" and that phone-ban policies should take a rights-based approach that puts young people at the centre. They wrote: "Approaches that focus on simply restricting access to devices can undermine children's rights to technology design and education that will help them thrive as adults in today's world." Writing in The Herald this week, educational psychologist Dr Jame McTaggart said there needs to be a balance between educating young people on technological literacy and protecting them from potential harm.
