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Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Breast cancer survivors may have lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, study finds
Cancer is not typically associated with health benefits, but a new study suggests that it could reduce the risk of dementia for some patients. A study led by the Seoul National University College of Medicine suggests that breast cancer survivors could have a slightly lower chance of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those who had not undergone treatment. In the study, which was published in JAMA Network Open, data from more than 70,000 breast cancer survivors were compared to a cancer-free control group for an average of 7.3 years. Fda Approves First Ai Tool To Predict Breast Cancer Risk Overall, the breast cancer survivors — particularly those who were 65 and older — showed an 8% lower risk of dementia within the five years following treatment. Those who received radiation showed the most risk reduction, the researchers found. Read On The Fox News App The study was adjusted for other factors that could have contributed to Alzheimer's risk, including age, income levels, geographic location, body mass index, comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease) and health-related behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity), the study stated. This outcome conflicts with previous concerns about breast cancer patients experiencing cognitive decline after treatment. Bill Gates Reveals 'Next Phase Of Alzheimer's Fight' As He Shares Dad's Personal Battle Chemotherapy has previously been linked to a condition called "chemo brain," where patients experience cognitive decline. "Chemo brain refers to cognitive dysfunction, including thinking and memory problems, that occur in patients with cancer during and after chemotherapy," the researchers wrote. Rates Of Dementia Are Lower In People Who Eat This Specific Diet, Research Shows This is different from Alzheimer's, however — with "chemo brain," the cognitive impairment is described as "subtle" and doesn't keep the patient from retrieving remote memories. "Concerns about chemo brain and the long-term adverse effects of breast cancer treatment on cognition are common, but our findings suggest that this treatment does not directly lead to AD," the researchers noted. In fact, they stated, some studies have shown that certain drugs given to breast cancer patients can help to reduce the formation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins in the brain, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's. Based on the findings, the researchers recommend that breast cancer patients take steps to reduce modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's, such as smoking and diabetes, along with receiving standard cancer treatment. The study did have some limitations, the team acknowledged. Information about patients' breast cancer stage and radiation dose was not available. It is also possible that the number of Alzheimer's diagnoses was underestimated. Also, because the study focused on patients with "operable" breast cancer, it may not represent the risk of Alzheimer's among elderly patients, those with "critical comorbidities" or patients with advanced-stage disease, the researchers noted. "We could not evaluate the long-term increase in AD risk because our follow-up period was relatively short (maximum, 11 years)," they wrote. "Additional studies with long-term observation periods are warranted to examine long-term associations between AD risk and breast cancer survival duration." Maria C. Carrillo, Ph.D., Alzheimer's Association chief science officer and medical affairs lead in Chicago, pointed out that this topic of research has been explored in previous studies. "There have been many published reports from observational studies of cancer survivors with decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease, but also some that found increased risk," Carrillo, who was not involved in this most recent study, told Fox News Digital. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter The expert cautions against drawing "abrupt conclusions" based on this study. "Previous research on cancer survival and treatment and Alzheimer's risk, much of it cited by the authors of this article, has produced mixed — even contradictory — results," Carrollio said. "More research is needed — especially longer studies in more representative study populations." The most interesting aspect of this study, Carrillo said, is the finding that radiation therapy was associated with 23% Alzheimer's risk reduction, while other cancer treatments showed no risk reduction. This could be due to radiation's capability to lower inflammation levels, the expert suggested. For more Health articles, visit "Lowering inflammation in the body and brain can reduce amyloid beta or slow amyloid beta production, delaying the onset of symptomatic Alzheimer's," she said. "More research is needed to see if this is, in fact, the case." Approximately 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer's, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers for article source: Breast cancer survivors may have lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, study finds
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Housing First intervention associated with reduced opioid overdoses
Opioid use disorder (OUD) has become a mounting public health crisis in the US, often disproportionately affecting individuals in the most vulnerable socioeconomic statuses. The homeless population has recently shown particularly high rates of OUD and opioid addiction, which has provoked debates over the most effective strategies for treating substance abuse while humanely and equitably promoting public safety in afflicted areas. Among the most controversial approaches is the Housing First philosophy, which posits that providing free or low-cost living accommodations for people experiencing homelessness facilitates addiction treatment, especially if accompanied by pharmacotherapy and mental health counselling. In the June 2025 edition of JAMA Network Open, Isabelle Rao and Margaret Brandeau simulated the effects of Housing First interventions on OUD overdoses and mortality under various conditions. The study concludes that a Housing First approach to OUD patients experiencing homelessness, whether accompanied by treatment or not, leads to a reduction in both overdoses and mortality. GlobalData epidemiologists forecast growth in the 12-month diagnosed prevalent cases of opioid addiction with OUD from over 739,000 to approximately 773,000 between 2025 and 2033. Successful implementation of interventions such as Housing First may reduce severe injury or death in this growing patient pool, particularly among those experiencing housing instability or homelessness. Rao and Brandeau modelled various scenarios in which a nationally representative patient population of 1,000 adults with OUD experiencing homelessness were either provided with free or affordable housing or none over five years. Additionally, these populations were simulated to receive methadone therapy under both housing conditions. As displayed in Figure 1, total overdoses over five years were notably lower among individuals provided with housing, at 464 per 1,000 population in those exposed to the Housing First intervention and 533 in the unexposed group over five years. This pattern was found among both fatal and nonfatal overdoses. Similarly, all-cause mortality simulation showed 132 deaths per 1,000 population among housed OUD patients compared to 186 among those without housing (Figure 2). The authors attribute the lower mortality rate to the significant reduction in fatal overdoses in the housed population. In addition to the improvements in health outcomes for OUD patients provided with housing, the cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that a Housing First policy would be more effective when compared to the status quo due to direct and indirect cost benefits from curbing homelessness and OUD overdoses. The work by Rao and Brandeau offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing polemical debates over homelessness and opioid addiction in the US. As officials seek solutions for the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals suffering from these social and medical conditions, data such as that of the authors is critical in order to guide or refine policy solutions. However, Housing First should be only one component of a wider suite of actions to curb opioid addiction, including education of healthcare providers and patients, enforcement of limitations on irresponsible prescribing habits among physicians, and increasing the availability of life-saving treatments such as naloxone. In the absence of such comprehensive, concerted effort, the opioid crisis will continue to have a sizable impact on countless American communities. "Housing First intervention associated with reduced opioid overdoses" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Housing First intervention associated with reduced opioid overdoses
Opioid use disorder (OUD) has become a mounting public health crisis in the US, often disproportionately affecting individuals in the most vulnerable socioeconomic statuses. The homeless population has recently shown particularly high rates of OUD and opioid addiction, which has provoked debates over the most effective strategies for treating substance abuse while humanely and equitably promoting public safety in afflicted areas. Among the most controversial approaches is the Housing First philosophy, which posits that providing free or low-cost living accommodations for people experiencing homelessness facilitates addiction treatment, especially if accompanied by pharmacotherapy and mental health counselling. In the June 2025 edition of JAMA Network Open, Isabelle Rao and Margaret Brandeau simulated the effects of Housing First interventions on OUD overdoses and mortality under various conditions. The study concludes that a Housing First approach to OUD patients experiencing homelessness, whether accompanied by treatment or not, leads to a reduction in both overdoses and mortality. GlobalData epidemiologists forecast growth in the 12-month diagnosed prevalent cases of opioid addiction with OUD from over 739,000 to approximately 773,000 between 2025 and 2033. Successful implementation of interventions such as Housing First may reduce severe injury or death in this growing patient pool, particularly among those experiencing housing instability or homelessness. Rao and Brandeau modelled various scenarios in which a nationally representative patient population of 1,000 adults with OUD experiencing homelessness were either provided with free or affordable housing or none over five years. Additionally, these populations were simulated to receive methadone therapy under both housing conditions. As displayed in Figure 1, total overdoses over five years were notably lower among individuals provided with housing, at 464 per 1,000 population in those exposed to the Housing First intervention and 533 in the unexposed group over five years. This pattern was found among both fatal and nonfatal overdoses. Similarly, all-cause mortality simulation showed 132 deaths per 1,000 population among housed OUD patients compared to 186 among those without housing (Figure 2). The authors attribute the lower mortality rate to the significant reduction in fatal overdoses in the housed population. In addition to the improvements in health outcomes for OUD patients provided with housing, the cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that a Housing First policy would be more effective when compared to the status quo due to direct and indirect cost benefits from curbing homelessness and OUD overdoses. The work by Rao and Brandeau offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing polemical debates over homelessness and opioid addiction in the US. As officials seek solutions for the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals suffering from these social and medical conditions, data such as that of the authors is critical in order to guide or refine policy solutions. However, Housing First should be only one component of a wider suite of actions to curb opioid addiction, including education of healthcare providers and patients, enforcement of limitations on irresponsible prescribing habits among physicians, and increasing the availability of life-saving treatments such as naloxone. In the absence of such comprehensive, concerted effort, the opioid crisis will continue to have a sizable impact on countless American communities. "Housing First intervention associated with reduced opioid overdoses" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
India Today
3 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Proper posture, micro-break: Preventing eye strain in the world of screens
With digital screens becoming a part of nearly every moment of daily life, especially for children, doctors and researchers throwing caution about a quiet but growing threat to our vision: digital eye strain and its potential to cause long-term Kamal B. Kapur, co-founder and medical director at Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals in Delhi, says the problem isn't just how many hours children or adults are spending in front of screens, but how long the eyes are made to focus without adequate no one-size-fits-all number when it comes to screen time but any exposure beyond two hours at a stretch without a break tends to take a toll on eyes, especially for children," says Dr. Kapur. Children, he explains, often don't communicate their discomfort clearly. Instead, they rub their eyes frequently, blink excessively, or hold screens too time, these subtle cues evolve into more serious symptoms such as headaches, blurry vision, and a burning sensation in the condition, known medically as Computer Vision Syndrome or digital eye strain, is increasingly common. According to a 2022 review published in Ophthalmology and Therapy, digital eye strain affects between 25% to 93% of screen users, with children reporting similar symptoms to adults, including itching, eye fatigue, and difficulty focusing. Over time, these subtle cues evolve into more serious symptoms such as headaches, blurry vision, and a burning sensation in the eyes. () advertisementA related study in BMC Ophthalmology conducted among schoolchildren found that nearly one-third experienced regular visual discomfort during prolonged online learning sessions. These symptoms are the result of constant near-focus effort, reduced blinking, poor posture, and insufficient lighting, all factors that intensify with longer screen area of concern is the rise in childhood myopia, or near-sightedness.A meta-analysis in JAMA Network Open published this year found that every additional hour of screen time per day increased the risk of myopia by approximately 21%.Dr. Kapur notes that the developing eye needs variety and distance to grow properly. 'Constant close-up focus, like what happens with screens, doesn't allow the eye muscles to relax or shift, which over time can lead to refractive errors,' he many turn to blue light filters and night modes as a solution, Dr. Kapur points out that the science behind these solutions is still evolving.'This is one of the most common questions I get from parents: 'Do blue light filters really work?' The truth is, while they may help reduce some glare and eye strain, they are not a substitute for healthy visual habits.'Research supports his view. A 2011 study suggested that while blue light can impact melatonin production and disrupt sleep, especially in children, the content viewed and emotional stimulation from screens often play a larger role in delaying sleep Kapur stresses the importance of practical, daily habits over gimmicks. He recommends that everyone, especially children, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen use should be followed by 20 seconds of looking at something at least 20 feet away. Dr. Kapur notes that the developing eye needs variety and distance to grow properly. () He also advises ensuring that screens are at eye level, rooms are properly lit, and that individuals maintain good posture. Outdoor activity, he highlights, is just as important for eye development.'Natural light has a protective effect. Children who spend at least one to two hours a day outside tend to show fewer vision complaints over time," he Kapur's message is clear: don't wait for symptoms to appear before taking action. Annual eye check-ups, even in the absence of complaints, are essential for early detection and proactive is always better than dealing with correction later. A few small changes in daily routine can protect a child's vision for life," he an age where screens are unavoidable, cultivating mindful screen habits can make the difference between lifelong healthy vision and preventable problems.- Ends
Fox News
3 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
Breast cancer survivors may have lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, study finds
Cancer is not typically associated with health benefits, but a new study suggests that it could reduce the risk of dementia for some patients. A study led by the Seoul National University College of Medicine suggests that breast cancer survivors could have a slightly lower chance of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those who had not undergone treatment. In the study, which was published in JAMA Network Open, data from more than 70,000 breast cancer survivors were compared to a cancer-free control group for an average of 7.3 years. Overall, the breast cancer survivors — particularly those who were 65 and older — showed an 8% lower risk of dementia within the five years following treatment. Those who received radiation showed the most risk reduction, the researchers found. The study was adjusted for other factors that could have contributed to Alzheimer's risk, including age, income levels, geographic location, body mass index, comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease) and health-related behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity), the study stated. This outcome conflicts with previous concerns about breast cancer patients experiencing cognitive decline after treatment. Chemotherapy has previously been linked to a condition called "chemo brain," where patients experience cognitive decline. "Chemo brain refers to cognitive dysfunction, including thinking and memory problems, that occur in patients with cancer during and after chemotherapy," the researchers wrote. This is different from Alzheimer's, however — with "chemo brain," the cognitive impairment is described as "subtle" and doesn't keep the patient from retrieving remote memories. "Concerns about chemo brain and the long-term adverse effects of breast cancer treatment on cognition are common, but our findings suggest that this treatment does not directly lead to AD," the researchers noted. In fact, they stated, some studies have shown that certain drugs given to breast cancer patients can help to reduce the formation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins in the brain, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's. Based on the findings, the researchers recommend that breast cancer patients take steps to reduce modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's, such as smoking and diabetes, along with receiving standard cancer treatment. The study did have some limitations, the team acknowledged. Information about patients' breast cancer stage and radiation dose was not available. It is also possible that the number of Alzheimer's diagnoses was underestimated. Also, because the study focused on patients with "operable" breast cancer, it may not represent the risk of Alzheimer's among elderly patients, those with "critical comorbidities" or patients with advanced-stage disease, the researchers noted. "We could not evaluate the long-term increase in AD risk because our follow-up period was relatively short (maximum, 11 years)," they wrote. "Additional studies with long-term observation periods are warranted to examine long-term associations between AD risk and breast cancer survival duration." Maria C. Carrillo, Ph.D., Alzheimer's Association chief science officer and medical affairs lead in Chicago, pointed out that this topic of research has been explored in previous studies. "There have been many published reports from observational studies of cancer survivors with decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease, but also some that found increased risk," Carrillo, who was not involved in this most recent study, told Fox News Digital. The expert cautions against drawing "abrupt conclusions" based on this study. "Previous research on cancer survival and treatment and Alzheimer's risk, much of it cited by the authors of this article, has produced mixed — even contradictory — results," Carrollio said. "More research is needed — especially longer studies in more representative study populations." The most interesting aspect of this study, Carrillo said, is the finding that radiation therapy was associated with 23% Alzheimer's risk reduction, while other cancer treatments showed no risk reduction. This could be due to radiation's capability to lower inflammation levels, the expert suggested. For more Health articles, visit "Lowering inflammation in the body and brain can reduce amyloid beta or slow amyloid beta production, delaying the onset of symptomatic Alzheimer's," she said. "More research is needed to see if this is, in fact, the case." Approximately 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer's, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers for comment.
