Chemotherapy has been the most effective treatment to date for young and fit patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The disease is the most common form of leukemia in the Western world, causing a substantial health burden on patients and society. It is currently incurable. Research led by researchers from Cologne University, Amsterdam UMC and Copenhagen University now shows that a chemo-free drug-combination therapy is more effective and produces fewer side effects. The results of this study are published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Older adults are more easily distracted, shows study
While engaged in a physical task requiring effort, such as driving a car or carrying grocery bags, older adults are more likely than younger adults to be distracted by items irrelevant to the task at hand, reports a study from University of California, Riverside.
Inhaling menthol may improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers from Cima University of Navarra (Spain) have shown in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease that inhaling menthol improves cognitive ability. This study discovered that repeated short exposures to this substance can modulate the immune system and prevent the cognitive deterioration typical of this neurodegenerative disease.
Capsule captures first look inside digestion in healthy people
Using a specially designed capsule, researchers can now voyage through the digestive system, collecting new data about digestion and microorganisms. The work by a team including researchers at the University of California, Davis, Stanford University and Envivo Bio Inc., is published May 10 in papers in Nature and Nature Metabolism.
New neurocognitive model for understanding and changing how we see ourselves
Throughout our lives, our experiences shape how we view ourselves and the world around us. These views, known in psychology as schemas, can negatively impact our mental health and be difficult to change.
Remote blood pressure monitoring may prevent postpartum issues
New mothers with high blood pressure who participated in a post-partum remote blood pressure monitoring program were less likely to have post-partum complications, hospitalizations, and incurred less health care costs in the six months after delivery compared to mothers with high blood pressure who did not participate, according to a multi-year study from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
Relationship education can reduce STIs and risky sex among young gay, bisexual men
New research from Northwestern University has shown that educating couples, rather than individuals, may be a highly effective strategy to end the HIV epidemic.
Study points to novel method for early diagnosis of cachexia in lung cancer patients
Cachexia is a syndrome characterized by severe loss of weight and muscle mass. It is present in approximately half of all lung cancer patients and is particularly damaging in cases of non-small cell lung cancer. Early detection is important for prognostic purposes and as a basis for optimal decisions on treatment.
How psychiatrists can improve transgender care
A US Transgender Survey data found 39% of participants were currently experiencing serious psychological distress, nearly eight times the rate in the US population.
Sleep apnea, lack of deep sleep linked to worse brain health
People who have sleep apnea and spend less time in deep sleep may be more likely to have brain biomarkers that have been linked to an increased risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline, according to new research published in Neurology. The study does not prove that these sleep disturbances cause the changes in the brain, or vice versa. It only shows an association.