Dementia is a global health concern, affecting more than 55 million people worldwide. While the exact cause of dementia is still unknown, researchers have identified a number of risk factors that may increase a person’s chances of developing the condition. These risk factors include high blood pressure, poor sleep, physical inactivity, and chronic stress or
Health
Spicy food has always been a subject of interest among food enthusiasts, but its impact on health has generated a great deal of debate. While some people savor the intense flavors and the burning sensation associated with spicy food, others find it unbearable. As an epidemiologist, I am intrigued by the conflicting evidence regarding the
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has long been recognized by virologists as a notoriously elusive virus, capable of hiding within our chromosomes and persisting even during treatment. Recent studies have discovered that fragments of the HIV genome can remain inside immune cells, potentially causing harm to the immune system. Antiretroviral drugs have been the primary treatment
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that affects many people, causing daytime sleepiness and affecting their daily lives. While positive airway pressure (PAP) masks have been effective in managing OSA, they do not always eliminate excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Researchers have been working to find medications that can provide relief for those struggling with
The concept of swallowing an artificial life form to analyze or remove diseases sounds like something straight out of a science fiction movie. However, researchers from the University of Southern Denmark and Kent State University in the US are exploring the potential of specially-designed hybrid molecules of DNA and protein to create these artificial life
You may have heard about the one meal a day (OMAD) diet, which has gained popularity due to endorsements from public figures like British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and singer Bruce Springsteen. Proponents claim that this diet leads to fast, long-term weight loss success and even delays the aging process. However, it’s important to carefully
Centenarians, once a rare phenomenon, are now becoming more common in our society. In fact, they are the fastest-growing demographic group in the world, with their numbers doubling every ten years since the 1970s. The pursuit of understanding the secrets behind exceptional longevity has been an ongoing interest for centuries, with philosophers such as Plato
Weight loss is a common goal for many individuals, and the use of medications to suppress appetite has become increasingly popular. However, a recent analysis of patient data suggests that weight loss medications that mimic the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) may have unintended consequences in terms of digestive health. This article delves into the potential
Long COVID, once dismissed as a psychosomatic illness, has now been recognized as a very real and troubling condition. Recent evidence based on a study of 259 people hospitalized with COVID compared to a control group of 52 individuals who did not contract the virus, has revealed the profound impact of long COVID on major
Climbing stairs is often seen as a mundane activity, but recent research indicates that it can have significant benefits for your heart health. A study conducted on a large sample of adults in the UK Biobank has shown that climbing at least 50 steps per day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by more
Over the past few decades, the number of children being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has significantly increased. Researchers are now investigating various environmental factors that could contribute to the rise in these neurodevelopmental disorders. One such factor is the common plastic additive bisphenol A (BPA), which has
An epidemic of viral pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, has emerged as a major health crisis in Vietnam, India, and Pakistan. This contagious eye infection has been spreading rapidly, particularly in regions with high humidity. The infection has intensified during the summer heatwaves and heavy rainfall, making it difficult for health officials to control