Latest news with #DepartmentofNeurology
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Ozempic May Help Prevent This Medical Emergency, According To New Research
You've probably heard by now that Ozempic may do much more than *just* help you lose weight and manage your blood sugar. Along with lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease, tamping down PCOS symptoms, and combating a slew of other serious health conditions, three new studies suggest that the medication could help prevent and treat stroke. It may seem like a random link, but doctors say it actually makes a lot of sense. We tapped two neurologists and a doctor who prescribes Ozempic for more details. Meet the experts: Clifford Segil, DO, is a neurologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA; Amit Sachdev, MD, is the medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University; Mir Ali, MD, is medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA What do the studies say? All three studies were recently presented at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery's annual meeting, and they have a common theme. The first was published in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery. For the study, researchers analyzed data from a global database and a database from the University of Wisconsin, looking at more than 2 million people who had a stroke. Of those, nearly 44,000 were also on Ozempic. The researchers found that people who took Ozempic were less likely to die from stroke, and the differences were huge. In the global database, 5.26 percent of Ozempic users initially died from their strokes, compared to 21.6 percent of those who didn't take the medication. The University of Wisconsin group had similar results: 5.26 percent of Ozempic users died from stroke compared to 26.6 percent of those who didn't take the medication. The next study was also published in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery. It looked at ER records for people who had a stroke and those who were likely using Ozempic. (The researchers looked at medical codes that usually suggest a patient is on Ozempic, but couldn't definitively say they were taking the medication.) The researchers found that people who likely used Ozempic had both a lower risk of stroke and a lower risk of dying from any cause compared to those who didn't take the medication. For the final study, researchers analyzed patient records from six months and 12 months after people had a brain hemorrhage, and a year and two years after having a stroke. The researchers discovered that people who used a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication like Ozempic had a lower risk of cognitive side effects, seizures, future brain bleeds, and death after a brain hemorrhage and stroke. Why might Ozempic help prevent or treat stroke? All of these studies found a link between people who took Ozempic and a lower risk of having stroke or serious complications from a stroke. But it's important to point out that they didn't prove taking Ozempic will have this effect. That said, there are a few reasons why Ozempic may have this impact. It could simply be tied to weight, says Amit Sachdev, MD, medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University. 'Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular health,' he says. 'Reducing excess weight is expected to have a clear and positive impact on overall health, including cardiovascular health.' Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, agrees. 'Lowering a person's weight lowers a person's fats circulating through their blood or their lipid level,' he explains. 'High lipid levels, or fats, circulating through your blood can cause clogged pipes in your brain or an ischemic stroke.' But Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists also help improve a range of health conditions that are linked with stroke, points out Mir Ali, MD, medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. 'It's hard to say if this is due to improvement in blood sugar control, weight loss, or other health conditions,' he says. More ways to lower your risk of stroke Taking Ozempic isn't for everyone, and doctors stress that we're not quite there yet with actually recommending the medication to lower your risk of stroke. If you want to lower your risk of stroke, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking these steps: Focus on your diet. That means eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and minimizing foods high in saturated fats, trans fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Try to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or having obesity increases the risk of stroke, Dr. Ali points out. Move regularly. Getting at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity can help. Don't smoke. Smoking is a big risk factor for stroke. Limit . Men should have no more than two drinks a day, while women should have no more than one, per the CDC. However, doctors generally recommend having even less. Do your best to manage underlying health conditions. That includes cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure, and heart disease—all of which are risk factors for stroke. Of course, if you have a family history of stroke or personal risk factors, it's important to talk to a healthcare professional. They can offer personalized guidance to help keep you healthy. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
New York Post
04-08-2025
- Health
- New York Post
I've traveled the world to study brain health — here are 2 secrets to protecting against dementia
I'm going the extra mile for myelin. I travel the world to deliver neurological care in places with limited resources. Along the way, I have learned several important lessons about protecting brain health and preventing brain disease. My perspective was forever altered on one of my first trips to Uganda for the Department of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Advertisement I met a 14-year-old boy unable to move the left side of his body. Our medical team discovered the teen had undiagnosed and undetected HIV since birth. I was surprised to learn that HIV could be associated with stroke because it is an advanced feature of the virus that is infrequent in the US now. That knowledge changed my perceptions and attitudes towards brain health. Here is some wisdom from my visits to Uganda and Ghana, including two simple steps to halt and reverse brain damage. US vs the world The biggest difference in brain health challenges in the US and places like Ghana is simply access to care. Advertisement 3 Dr. Jaydeep Bhatt, director of the Division of Global Health for the Department of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, reveals two major lessons for preventing brain disease. Most Americans can see their primary care physician to screen for risk factors leading to brain disease. Most Ghanaians do not have this level of access, so they are silently living with many risk factors. That leads to brain disease manifesting as a stroke or some other preventable brain disorder. A major, under-the-radar risk factor One risk factor for dementia that doesn't get a lot of attention is undetected hearing loss. Hearing loss is common with age. The problem is that good hearing is crucial for feeding the language centers, primarily located in the left hemisphere of the brain, with the proper information to produce language. Advertisement If hearing loss is not detected in a timely fashion, there might be improper funneling of information to this language area, increasing the risk of memory loss and dementia. Screening timetables Patients should be screened for brain-related conditions such as cognitive decline and stroke risk at least once a year. A preventative primary care physician will measure blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol levels. Cardiovascular brain damage is tricky because it often has no immediate warning signs. High blood pressure is known in medicine as a 'silent killer' because you don't feel it as you're walking around. Advertisement 3 Bhatt visited Ghana and Uganda to study brain health. High blood pressure causes arteries and veins to narrow, which decreases nourishment and blood flow to the brain. This leads to changes detectable by modern MRI. Thankfully, these changes are in silent regions of the brain, so you will not have a disability. However, over time, memory loss, dementia and other harmful brain diseases can develop. High cholesterol, along with high blood pressure, contributes to these very same changes because it leads to blockages in important arteries that feed your brain with blood. Physical inactivity fuels high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other cardiovascular risk factors. Fortunately, brain damage from poor cardiovascular health can be stalled and even reversed. The traditional risk factors of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking are addressed by two behaviors — diet and exercise. Two ways to protect brain health When I traveled to Uganda and Ghana, one aspect of their diet that surprised me was their natural portion control. Advertisement The average Ghanaian and Ugandan meal is half or one-third the size of what we would expect of a meal in the US. American restaurants offer huge portions based on the idea that bigger is better, especially because it's more value for your money. But these larger meal sizes are just not meant for one person. So much of brain health is linked to the quality of your diet, including the amount you consume in one sitting. 3 The traditional risk factors of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking are addressed by two behaviors — diet and exercise. Advertisement Smaller portions and a lack of snacking between meals are inherent to cultures in Uganda and Ghana. Just by making more modest food choices at home, you can lessen your risk of brain disease. The right type of diet is not specific to one culture. Dietary approaches to stop hypertension or Mediterranean diets are rich in fruits and whole grains with low salt and less saturated fat. Exercise, which can occur in many different forms, is also essential to brain health. Advertisement No matter what neurological disease you may have heard of, the rate and severity of that disease are lessened with regular exercise. Exercise crosses cultures — I've seen it manifested in different ways as I've traveled the world and delivered neurological care. The other aspect of the culture in Uganda and Ghana that really struck me — in a good way — was the lack of alcohol and cigarette use. Drinking less alcohol and smoking less are well-established behaviors that lead to better brain health. The vast majority of both populations do not regularly partake in these activities. Advertisement Follow these recommendations to protect your brain as you age — and consult your physician with any concerns. Dr. Jaydeep Bhatt is the director of the Division of Global Health for the Department of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
News18
22-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Brain Fog Explained: What Causes It And How To Clear Your Mind
Brain fog is a real and valid symptom, one that deserves attention, not dismissal Our brains are incredible: Designed to think clearly and process information quickly. But sometimes that smooth operation gets disrupted, leaving us with a frustrating sense of mental haziness—what many refer to as 'brain fog." While it may seem like a minor annoyance, brain fog is actually a cluster of subtle changes in how we think, and it deserves a closer look to understand what's causing it. One major concern that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic was brain fog. A significant proportion of people with Long COVID frequently between 20 and 40 percent, or even more experience persistent cognitive impairment, including brain fog, months after an acute infection. This was highlighted in studies published in Nature Medicine (2023), emphasizing how viral infections can lead to lasting neurological symptoms. Though common, brain fog is not a formal medical diagnosis. Rather, it's a symptom, a signal that something may be off with your brain's usual sharp performance. Dr. Mahendra JV, HOD & Consultant, Department of Neurology, Ramaiah Institute of Neurosciences, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital shares all you need to know: Recognizing Brain Fog: More Than Just Forgetfulness Brain fog isn't simply about forgetting where you left your keys. It's a collection of subtle, often frustrating cognitive changes that can impact your daily life. You might struggle to focus on tasks, feel mentally sluggish, or experience frequent 'tip-of-the-tongue" moments. It can also present as poor decision-making, a reduced sense of clarity, and increased forgetfulness. If routine tasks begin to feel overwhelming or mentally exhausting, it's likely your brain is trying to send you a signal. Common Medical Causes of Brain Fog From a medical perspective, brain fog often results from underlying issues that disrupt the brain's balance and performance. It's rarely caused by just one factor. Here are some of the most common causes: Chronic Stress: Long-term elevated cortisol levels can damage brain cells and cause inflammation, impairing cognitive function. Poor Sleep Quality: Inadequate sleep prevents the brain from clearing out metabolic waste, leading to mental sluggishness. Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins like B12 and D, and omega-3 fatty acids, can impair brain function. Inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation often caused by poor diet or gastrointestinal issues can directly affect brain function. Hormonal Imbalances: Changes in estrogen or thyroid hormone levels can significantly alter cognitive performance. Medications: Many prescription drugs can cause cognitive side effects, including drowsiness and mental cloudiness. Underlying Medical Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases: These can trigger systemic inflammation affecting the brain. Post-Viral Syndromes: Conditions like Long COVID often include persistent brain fog. Gut Health Issues: Inflammatory bowel conditions like IBS or SIBO may impact brain function through the gut-brain axis. How to Clear Brain Fog The good news? Brain fog is often reversible especially when its root causes are identified and treated. Here are expert-recommended steps to boost mental clarity: Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your brain to rest, detox, and repair. Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet: Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables to reduce inflammation and provide essential nutrients. Manage Stress Effectively: Incorporate mindfulness practices such as yoga, deep breathing, or meditation to reduce cortisol levels. Exercise Regularly: Even short walks improve blood flow to the brain and encourage the formation of new brain cells. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can affect memory, concentration, and mood. Keep Your Brain Engaged: Puzzles, reading, or learning new skills can sharpen cognitive function over time. If you suspect that brain fog may be caused by an underlying medical issue, hormonal imbalance, or side effects from medication, consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. Brain fog is a real and valid symptom, one that deserves attention, not dismissal. Understanding its causes and adopting proven strategies can help clear the haze and restore clarity. If symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, don't hesitate to seek medical guidance. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 More The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Euractiv
14-07-2025
- Health
- Euractiv
Europe's Alzheimer's research needs generational renewal, warns neurology expert
Despite promising strides in European dementia research, Hungarian neurologist Tibor Kovács warns that turning science into patient care still depends too heavily on national systems. In an interview with Euractiv during the 'Mind the Future' summit in Milan, Tibor Kovács, Full Professor and Deputy Director at the Department of Neurology at Semmelweis University in Budapest, welcomed the growing momentum behind international cooperation on dementia. But he also issued a warning: cooperation is not the problem - implementation is. 'There is extensive collaboration through various European and international grants,' Kovács said, welcoming the increasing involvement of less-resourced partners in cutting-edge research through inclusive application systems. 'The trend is clearly moving in a positive direction, which is promising for the future.' However, turning research into patient care remains a much tougher task. 'When it comes to translating that research into clinical practice, things become much more dependent on national contexts,' he explained. In other words, supranational efforts may push the frontier of discovery, but clinical neuroscience still lives - and often stalls - within domestic borders. Keep it local Any common European regulation, he added, would still need to be adapted to local realities: 'Applied and clinical research must be grounded in specific national circumstances.' Despite these challenges, Kovács remains cautiously hopeful: more funding, he said, could help smaller institutions take part in research at the highest level. And in Hungary, that kind of shift is sorely needed. While the country has long had a strong tradition in neuroscience, Kovács pointed out that this strength lies mainly in basic science, not in clinical applications. 'We still face a lot of handicaps,' he said, particularly when it comes to the use of new biomarkers for early diagnosis of degenerative dementias. A few centres in Hungary are conducting high-level clinical research on dementias and movement disorders, but staffing shortages and limited resources continue to slow progress. For Kovács, the solution must begin with generational renewal: 'We need to attract young researchers into the field, starting from university years.' The challenge isn't a lack of talent - quite the opposite. Many Hungarian researchers, he said, are working on neurodegenerative diseases abroad. 'The idea,' he added, 'is to bring those brains back and improve the local research environment.' Until then, the gap between what is discovered and what is delivered will remain. And for countries like Hungary, bridging that gap is now the real frontier. Alessia Peretti, Cesare Ceccato [Edited By Brian Maguire | Euractiv's Advocacy Lab ]
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Study Finds That A Blood Test For Diabetes Might Actually Predict Alzheimer's Progression
A new study suggests a simple blood test could tell who is at higher risk for rapid cognitive decline with Alzheimer's. The study found that people with higher insulin resistance were up to four times more likely to have rapid cognitive decline. Here's what to know about the test and how to get one. Historically, it has been quite difficult for doctors to predict how fast patients will experience cognitive decline with Alzheimer's disease, especially since the neurodegenerative disease impacts people differently based on a slew of factors. But new research has discovered that a specific blood test may help doctors get more answers, which could, in theory, help them respond more quickly with appropriate treatment and providing patients with more information. (But of course, experts first need to gather more data and perform further studies on the test.) The test measures insulin resistance, a condition where the body's cells don't respond properly to insulin, a hormone that helps escort blood sugar into cells for energy. The latest study finds a link between insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease progression, helping doctors and patients glean more information about what may be in store. Here's what the study found, plus what neurologists want you to know. Meet the experts: Clifford Segil, DO, is a neurologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA; Amit Sachdev, MD, MS, is the medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University. The study, which was presented at the European Academy of Neurology Congress 2025, analyzed health records of 315 people without diabetes who had cognitive deficits. Of those, 200 had confirmed cases of Alzheimer's disease. All of the patients had their insulin resistance checked using something called the Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) index, a way to check insulin resistance, based on fasting triglyceride (a type of fat in the blood) and blood sugar levels, at the start of the study and three years later. The researchers discovered that patients in the mild cognitive impairment group with higher TyG levels had their cognitive health deteriorate a lot faster than those who were lower on the TyG index. Ultimately, the researchers found that people with higher TyG levels were up to four times more likely to have rapid cognitive decline compared to those who were lower on the scale. For starters, this type of blood test isn't actually new. We're just discovering new ways it can be used. The TyG index is already used to look for insulin resistance in people, so technically, you could get this test now if your doctor thought that it was medically appropriate. Just know that it's usually used in the context of diabetes or when your doctor suspects you might have diabetes. The test appears to be pretty accurate in predicting rapid mental decline. The researchers found that people with high TyG ended up losing more than 2.5 points on the Mini Mental State Examination per year, which is a standardized test used to look at cognitive function in older adults. In Alzheimer's disease, insulin resistance is thought to interfere with how the brain uses glucose (blood sugar). It's also believed to promote the build-up of amyloid, or proteins deposits in the brain that are linked with Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, insulin resistance can disrupt the blood-brain barrier and fuel inflammation in the brain. All of these are linked with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. 'Insulin resistance often reflects features of overall health," says Amit Sachdev, MD, MS, medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University, pointing out that a major contributor to insulin resistance is higher bodyweight. 'If the overall health of the body is not optimal, then the brain will not be well supported and can be less resilient.' But the link between insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease is still being explored, says Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. So, while it's clear that it seems to play some role, it's hard to tell what it's specifically doing as it relates to brain health. Your doctor can order one of these tests for you. However, neurologists say there are better options right now if you're concerned about Alzheimer's disease development and are looking for answers. 'Some tests that are more specific for Alzheimer's are serum amyloid and tau levels,' Dr. Sachdev sys. 'Tests that help predict risk for the anti-amyloid therapies used in Alzheimer's is the APO-E genotype. These studies are useful today in understand risk of dementia, type of dementia, and risk of treatment.' Dr. Segil says that doctors are 'extremely cautious' about using blood tests like TyG to determine if someone is at risk for developing dementia in the first place. 'There remains an extremely high number of false positive results in patients receiving various blood tests being marketed to determine if you are at risk for getting dementia,' he says. However, this specific study is exploring the test to see how quickly someone who already has cognitive decline will progress—and that usage is still being explored. All of this doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't get a TyG test. Just know that your doctor is more likely to use it while checking you for early signs of diabetes versus Alzheimer's disease right now. 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