FRIDAY, Aug. 27, 2021 (American Heart Association News) — They are words nobody wants to hear: Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. As the population ages, a growing number of older adults gradually lose cherished memories and the ability to think and, ultimately, to perform even the most basic functions of daily living. Researchers say dementias are…  read on >  read on >

Nearly half of coronavirus patients in a large, new study were still suffering at least one lingering symptom of their illness a full year after being hospitalized for COVID-19. The latest findings add to a growing pile of evidence that suggests recovery is no easy task with this virus. Published Thursday in The Lancet journal,…  read on >  read on >

A drug that lowers cholesterol might help save hospitalized patients with COVID-19, a new, small Israeli study suggests. Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem noted that COVID causes a big buildup of cholesterol, which results in inflammation in cells. In lab experiments, they found that the cholesterol-lowering drug fenofibrate (TriCor) effectively reduced damage to lung…  read on >  read on >

New research delivers an answer to a burning question: When are COVID-19 patients most infectious? The answer? Two days before and three days after they develop symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of rapid testing and quarantine if someone is feeling sick, the study authors said. The researchers also found that infected people are more…  read on >  read on >

New research offers further evidence of a link between gum disease and heart disease. The ongoing Swedish study previously found that gum disease (“periodontitis”) was much more common in first-time heart attack patients than in a group of healthy people. In this follow-up study, the researchers examined whether gum disease was associated with an increased…  read on >  read on >

Students face a number of challenges as they head back to school this fall — from potential exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses to injuries on the playing field. “This return to school season is like no other,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Schools must be…  read on >  read on >

Despite all of the criticism of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, new research suggests there was a silver lining: more shut-eye for middle and high school students. “Without the required transportation time or time required to get ready for school in the morning, online students were able to wake later, and thus get more…  read on >  read on >

Overdose deaths linked to illicit “designer” benzodiazepines have surged in the United States, as underground labs crank out new synthetic variations on prescription tranquilizers like Valium, Xanax and Ativan. Overdose deaths involving illicit benzos increased more than sixfold (520%) between 2019 and 2020, rising from 51 to 316, according to data from 32 states and…  read on >  read on >