Latest news with #MassGeneralBrigham
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Harvard study reveals 17 threats to brain health that quietly boost your risk of stroke and dementia
Harvard study reveals 17 threats to brain health that quietly boost your risk of stroke and dementia Most brain disorders look sudden, but they build for years. A new review from Harvard-affiliated Mass General Brigham pinpoints 17 modifiable factors that turn up again and again in stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. Tackle even one, and you trim risk for all three; tackle several, and benefits compound. The researchers wrapped everything into a 21-point Brain Care Score so clinicians and patients can track progress just as they would blood pressure or cholesterol. Their bottom line: genes set the stage, but daily habits and treatable medical issues decide the plot. Act sooner, age better. Harvard's brain alert: 17 hidden daily habits linking poor health to stroke, dementia, late-life depression High blood pressure : Chronically elevated pressure damages the small vessels that feed brain tissue. Severe kidney disease : Toxin buildup and fluid imbalance worsen vascular injury in the brain. Diabetes : High glucose stiffens arteries and accelerates cognitive decline. Elevated fasting blood sugar (pre-diabetes) : Even sub-diabetic levels start injuring hippocampal vessels. High total cholesterol : Excess LDL promotes plaque that can trigger strokes and mini-strokes. Obesity : Visceral fat fuels inflammation linked to neuron loss. Smoking : Nicotine and tar narrow blood vessels and reduce oxygen to the brain. Excessive alcohol use : Heavy drinking shrinks grey matter and disrupts mood circuits. Unhealthy diet : Low fruit and veg, high processed foods starve neurons of antioxidants. Physical inactivity : Lack of movement weakens blood flow regulation and insulin control. Poor sleep quality or duration : Short or fragmented sleep limits nightly brain repair. Chronic stress : Prolonged cortisol exposure erodes memory-forming structures. Hearing loss : Reduced auditory input forces the brain to reallocate resources away from cognition. Chronic pain : Persistent pain signals overload networks tied to mood and attention. Social isolation : Limited human contact lowers cognitive reserve and raises depression odds. Lack of purpose in life : Absence of meaningful goals is linked to faster mental decline. Untreated depression : Ongoing depressive episodes shrink key memory regions and raise stroke risk . Why blood pressure, sugar, and kidneys top the danger list High blood pressure nearly doubles lifetime stroke risk, while elevated glucose injures tiny hippocampal vessels long before a diabetes diagnosis. Severe kidney disease compounds both problems by amplifying inflammation. All three conditions are easy to screen and widely treatable, making them the first targets on Harvard's roadmap. Quick wins that protect your brain Sleep 7–8 hours : Adding even one hour can lower stroke and depression risk in older adults. Walk briskly 150 minutes a week : Moderate exercise improves insulin control and mood within three months. Treat hearing loss early : Hearing-aid users in the ACHIEVE trial slowed cognitive decline by nearly half. Follow a MIND-style diet : Leafy greens, berries, and olive oil support healthier brain ageing. Schedule stress breaks : Daily breathing or meditation sessions cut cortisol and protect memory circuits. Related FAQs Which single factor showed the strongest link across all three diseases? High blood pressure had the largest pooled effect size in the Harvard analysis. At what age do researchers suggest baseline brain-risk screening? The team recommends starting checks for blood pressure, glucose, and hearing by age 40. What fasting-glucose range counts as 'elevated'? 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L) was flagged as a modifiable risk zone. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo How much social contact meets the protective threshold? Participating in at least one in-person activity per week—such as volunteering or a club meeting—qualifies as 'engaged.' How long do executive-function gains last after hearing-loss treatment? Early data from the ACHIEVE extension study show cognitive benefits persisting for at least three years post-fitting. Also read | The '10-10-10 rule' to manage blood sugar level, no medicines required
Medscape
2 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Dermatomyositis: Imaging Key to Detect Head and Neck Cancer
TOPLINE: Head and neck cancer (HNC) occurred in a small but distinct subgroup of patients with dermatomyositis (DM), in a retrospective study that also found that most cases presented with myositis and neck masses. METHODOLOGY: To characterize patients with DM who developed HNC living in a region not endemic for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study of 590 patients with DM (76% women; 81% White individuals) using the Research Patient Data Registry at Mass General Brigham from 1979 to 2024. Patients had at least 3 years of clinical follow-up post-DM diagnosis. Researchers identified cancer-associated DM and HNC. TAKEAWAY: Of the 126 patients (21%) with cancer, 6% had HNC, all were male and were predominantly White (86%). Squamous cell carcinoma comprised 86% of cases. Five of the tested patients with HNC were human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive. One patient from an EBV-endemic area tested positive for EBV (which has been linked to an increased risk for HNC, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma). Most patients with HNC (86%) had myositis at presentation, and 83% showed cancer-associated symptoms at the onset of DM, most commonly a neck mass. The mean interval from a DM diagnosis to a cancer diagnosis was 20 months. Lymph node involvement was present in all HNC cases, and traditional cancer screening protocols without neck imaging would have missed every case. IN PRACTICE: These results 'underscore the importance' of the new International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group guidelines for cancer screening in patients with DM, 'which include neck CT imaging for high-risk dermatomyositis patients,' the authors wrote. However, they emphasized that even if initial screenings are negative, 'further evaluation should be pursued for patients with persistent symptoms and vigilance for HPV-associated HNC is critical.' SOURCE: The study was led by Leila Shayegan, MD, Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston. It was published online on July 13 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. LIMITATIONS: Limitations included the retrospective design and small sample size. DISCLOSURES: The authors reported no funding information or relevant conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Medscape
4 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
FDA Widens Indication of Finerenone for Heart Failure Pts
The FDA has expanded the indications of finerenone to include patients with heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of at least 40%. The expanded approval for finerenone, a nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist developed by Bayer, comes on the strength of the phase 3 FINEARTS-HF trial, published last year in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study demonstrated that, alongside standard medical care, patients who received the drug achieved a 16% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular death and unplanned or urgent hospitalization due to heart failure. The benefit was driven by a reduction in worsening heart failure events; no significant effect was seen on cardiovascular death. The FDA initially approved finerenone in 2021 to reduce the risk for cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and kidney complications in adults with chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes. The latest decision expands treatment options for patients with heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. '[A] large and growing group of patients with a poor prognosis,' said Scott Solomon, MD, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of the Clinical Trials Outcomes Center at Mass General Brigham in Boston, in a statement. 'Based on the clinical efficacy we saw in the FINEARTS-HF study, finerenone can become a new pillar of comprehensive care,' added Solomon, who chaired the executive committee for the trial. Patients treated with finerenone had a higher risk for hyperkalemia. In an interview on Medscape at the time, Solomon said 'I think we can mitigate the risk for severe hyperkalemia with these drugs.' Approximately 3.7 million adults in the United States have heart failure with an LEVF of 40% or greater, according to 2024 figures from the Heart Failure Society of America. These patients face high rates of hospitalization, with each additional hospitalization associated with two-fold increased risk of death. 'Even with current treatments, 21% of patients with symptomatic heart failure escalate to hospitalization for heart failure or [cardiovascular] death, and 25% who experience hospitalization are readmitted due to heart failure within one year of discharge. Now, as a core pillar of treatment, KERENDIA can help patients reduce these risks,' Alanna Morris-Simon, MD, MSc, senior medical director of US Medical Affairs at Bayer, said in a statement. Finerenone is available in 10-, 20-, and 40-mg tablets. The drug is contraindicated for patients with hypersensitivity to the medication, adrenal insufficiency, or those taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. For more information about prescribing, click here.
India Today
4 days ago
- Health
- India Today
A complete guide to weight loss using anti-obesity GLP-1 medications
With the launch of popular GLP-1 weight loss medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in India, interest in medical weight loss is while these drugs have shown dramatic results by helping people shed 15–21% of their body weight, experts caution that relying solely on medication could come at a cost.A new publication by doctors from Mass General Brigham, the largest hospital-based research enterprise in the US and affiliated to Harvard Medical School, shows how a structured nutrition and exercise plan can aid long-term success, avoid muscle loss, and reduce unpleasant side THE MISSING LINK: MUSCLE AND MEALSWhile GLP-1 drugs work by suppressing appetite, slowing digestion, and increasing fullness, they can also cause loss of lean muscle mass, not just fat. This makes protein intake and muscle maintenance guidance advises patients to begin each meal with 20–30 grams of protein from sources such as fish, tofu, chickpeas, or eggs.A daily goal of 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight is recommended for those who are moderately active. For patients with very low appetite, protein shakes with at least 20 grams per serving may avoid energy crashes, smaller meals with healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, or unsweetened yogurt are recommended. (Credit: Harvard Medical School) Slow-digesting carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and oatmeal are preferred over refined grains and sugary fats like olive oil and avocado can also help improve satiety and nutrient EFFECT MANAGEMENT STARTS IN THE KITCHENGLP-1 medications are known to cause digestive side effects, including nausea, heartburn, and constipation. The publication outlines clear, practical tips to minimise discomfort:For nausea, avoid high-fat or greasy foods. Choose bland options like whole-grain toast and try ginger tea or heartburn, eat smaller portions and avoid lying down for 2–3 hours after constipation, increase both soluble and insoluble fibre (from oats, apples, vegetable skins, nuts), paired with plenty of for 2–3 litres of fluid daily, primarily water, along with hydrating foods like watermelon, soups, and extreme calorie restriction while on GLP-1 medications is discouraged, as it may worsen fatigue, dehydration, and nutrient authors also advise caution with highly restrictive diets, including strict vegan plans that may lack vitamin B12, iron, and EXERCISE STILL MATTERSAlthough GLP-1 drugs reduce hunger and promote weight loss, physical activity remains key to sustaining results and maintaining health. The authors recommend a three-step exercise plan:Start slow: Begin with 10 minutes of brisk walking or other moderate activity per day and build up to 150 minutes per resistance: Strength training (e.g., squats, lunges, bands, or weights) should be done 2–3 times weekly for 30 it: Continue with 30–60 minutes of daily activity, alongside regular strength structured routine helps patients retain muscle mass and improve overall well-being, something medication alone cannot guidance also includes practical tools like food tracking (through apps, photos, or diaries), and encourages continued lifestyle changes even if the medication is stopped, as this helps prevent weight regain.- EndsMust Watch
Fox News
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Fox News
Teens and phone use while driving: Why this deadly habit persists
Phones have become a constant companion for today's teens, offering entertainment, connection and navigation at their fingertips. But when it comes to driving, this convenience can quickly turn dangerous. Recent research reveals an unsettling reality: Despite widespread awareness of the risks, teens and phone use while driving remains a persistent and deadly problem. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my As of 2025, distracted driving remains a major safety concern in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. In recent years, distracted driving has contributed to over 3,200 deaths and hundreds of thousands of crashes annually in the U.S., averaging nearly 900 incidents every day. A new study led by Dr. Rebecca Robbins at Brigham and Women's Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham system, and published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention, found that teens spend an average of 21% of every car trip looking at their phones. That's roughly one out of every five minutes behind the wheel. Even more alarming, more than a quarter of teens admitted to glancing at their phones for two seconds or longer at a time, long enough to dramatically increase the risk of a crash. You might assume teens are just checking directions, but the data tells a different story: This means that the urge to stay entertained or connected often outweighs safety concerns, even when teens are aware of the risks. Researchers used the Integrated Model of Behavioral Prediction to investigate what motivates teenagers to use their phones while driving. They found that many teens believe using their phones makes driving more enjoyable or helps them multitask. Social influence also plays a significant role; when friends or family members use their phones while driving, teens are more likely to adopt the same behavior. Additionally, many teens feel confident in their ability to manage both driving and phone use, which leads them to underestimate the real dangers involved. Reducing teen phone use behind the wheel requires a combination of practical strategies, open communication and positive role modeling. Here are some effective tips to help keep young drivers focused and safe: 1. Set "Do Not Disturb": Activate "Do Not Disturb" mode before driving to block notifications and reduce temptation. 2. Keep phones out of reach: Store your phone in the glove box or back seat so it's not easily accessible. 3. Talk about risks: Parents and schools should regularly discuss the dangers of distracted driving with teens. 4. Model safe behavior: Adults should avoid using phones while driving to set a positive example. 5. Use monitoring apps: Consider apps that block phone use or track driving habits for added accountability. 6. Know the law: Understand and follow your state's rules on phone use for young drivers. The alarming truth is that teens and phone use while driving isn't just about a lack of awareness; it's about competing motivations, social pressures, and a dangerous sense of confidence. As technology evolves, so must our strategies for keeping young drivers safe. If you knew that just one glance at your phone could change your life or someone else's forever, would you still take the risk? Let us know by writing to us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
