Black and Hispanic Americans already face higher risks for dementia than the general population. Many also believe they’d get worse dementia care compared to white patients, according to a new Alzheimer’s Association special report. Older Black Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia as older white people, and… read on > read on >
Young drivers who cruise down the highway with a cellphone in hand probably exhibit other risky behind-the-wheel behaviors, a new study suggests. Talking or texting on a smartphone while driving correlates with a whole range of dangerous driving practices for many young, novice drivers — from intoxicated driving to speeding, unsafely passing other vehicles or… read on > read on >
Strep throat doesn’t appear to aggravate Tourette syndrome and other chronic tic disorders in youngsters, according to a new study. But it did find an association between strep infection and increased hyperactivity and impulsiveness among kids with ADHD. People with chronic tic disorders have unintentional repetitive movements and vocalizations. Previous research has suggested a link… read on > read on >
The position played in sports like football and hockey isn’t associated with risk of a concussion-linked brain disease later in life, a new study suggests. The number of years played doesn’t affect risk of the neurodegenerative disease — chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) — either, researchers found. CTE has been linked with repeated blows to the… read on > read on >
You’ve had a stroke and arrive at a hospital, but the stroke specialist is off-duty. Never fear: Telemedicine may help save your life. Especially during the COVID-19 crisis, so-called ‘telestroke’ services — where health workers use video to consult with a stroke specialist who could be miles away — is helping to lead to better… read on > read on >
Breathe easy, folks. A new study affirms that wearing a cloth or surgical face mask won’t hamper your breathing. Researchers in Ohio based that conclusion on tests of 50 adults (median age: 33), both with and without masks. Nearly one-third said they had a chronic health condition, such as asthma. Volunteers’ heart rate, oxygen levels… read on > read on >
If you decide to try pot to relieve your migraine, new research suggests you could be asking for trouble. In fact, marijuana use was linked to rebound headaches, which can occur when pain medication is overused, scientists noted. “This study shows that there is some kind of association between cannabis use and medication overuse headache… read on > read on >
People taking statin drugs often complain of muscle aches, but a new study finds the medications are unlikely to be the culprit. The results come from a trial involving patients who had quit taking their statins, or were considering quitting, due to muscle pain. The researchers found that those aches were just as likely to… read on > read on >
Spinal cord injuries can be devastating to the more than 17,000 Americans who suffer them each year. But many patients may have new reason for hope: Early research suggests infusions of stem cells could help them regain lost sensation and movement. These improvements may occur within days or weeks of receiving the stem cell therapy,… read on > read on >
If you’ve gone to the doctor for a urinary tract infection (UTI), chances are that you’ve been given the wrong antibiotic or a longer-than-necessary treatment plan. That’s even more likely if you live in a rural area, researchers say. A new study of private insurance claims data found that 47% of women were prescribed antibiotics… read on > read on >
