Monthly Archives: October 2026

Early Intervention in Alzheimer’s Could Bring Wider Benefits to Patients and Society

For people living with Alzheimer’s disease, the timing of treatment could make a substantial difference—not only to how long they live independently, but also to the financial and emotional burden on families and society. New research from the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics suggests that starting treatment earlier could significantly increase its long-term benefits.

The study examined donanemab, marketed as Kisunla, a newer Alzheimer’s treatment designed to target amyloid plaques in the brain and slow cognitive decline. Although such treatments offer new hope, their use remains limited by high costs, insurance coverage restrictions and difficulties identifying eligible patients early enough.

Researchers found that donanemab could extend life expectancy, reduce time spent with severe dementia and help patients remain independent longer. Their modelling estimated that treatment could generate $104,900 in lifetime societal benefits per patient. Starting treatment two years earlier increased that value by 32% to $138,300, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention.

“New therapies and diagnostic tools are making it possible to alter the course of Alzheimer’s disease, but they come with considerable costs,” said lead author Jack Chapel, a USC Schaeffer scholar and assistant research professor at the USC Price School of Public Policy. He said investing in early detection could help patients receive treatment when it offers the greatest benefits.

The findings, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, come as the economic burden of dementia continues to grow. Alzheimer’s and related dementias are expected to cost the United States $818 billion in 2026. Yet diagnosis typically occurs 3.5 years after symptoms first appear. Emerging blood-based tests and digital cognitive assessments could help close that gap.

Using a simulation model informed by clinical trial results and national health data, researchers projected the lifetime effects of treatment. Patients receiving donanemab were estimated to live approximately 0.3 years longer, spend one year less with severe dementia and gain additional time living in their communities. The projected benefits included improved quality of life, reduced unpaid caregiving and lower medical expenses, particularly for Medicaid.

The researchers also examined how future therapies might deliver even greater benefits. A hypothetical treatment slowing Alzheimer’s progression by 50% could generate between $208,700 and $276,700 in lifetime societal value per patient. A treatment capable of completely halting progression could raise that value to between $530,000 and $648,300. However, the estimates exclude treatment, screening and monitoring costs, while uncertainty remains about how long current therapies remain effective.

“As therapies and diagnostic tools continue to improve, the case for finding and treating people sooner only gets stronger,” Chapel said. With more than 150 potential Alzheimer’s drugs undergoing clinical testing, the findings suggest that earlier diagnosis could become increasingly important in improving patients’ lives while easing the growing economic burden of dementia.

More information: Jack M. Chapel et al, The value of timely treatment with anti-amyloid therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, Alzheimer’s & Dementia. DOI: 10.1002/alz.71819

Journal information: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Provided by University of Southern California

Spending More Time in Nature May Lead to Healthier Food Choices

Leave a Reply

Spending time outdoors could do more than lift your mood or ease stress. It may also change the way you think about food, encouraging a healthier relationship with eating and a greater awareness of what your body needs, according to new research examining the connection between nature and dietary behaviour.

The study, led by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in England and published in the journal Body Image, is the first to identify a link between contact with natural environments and intuitive eating. This approach encourages people to recognise their body’s natural hunger and fullness signals rather than rely on restrictive diets, calorie counting or rigid eating rules.

Researchers surveyed 500 adults across the UK, examining how frequently they interacted with nature and how much attention they paid to the natural world in everyday life. Participants reported how often they visited natural environments and how long they spent there. They also completed questionnaires assessing body image, self-compassion, feelings of connection with nature and intuitive eating habits.

The findings revealed a positive association between nature contact and intuitive eating. However, the strongest connections appeared to involve two psychological factors: body appreciation and self-compassion. Researchers believe these qualities may help explain why people who spend more time engaging with nature tend to develop a healthier relationship with food.

One possible explanation is that nature encourages people to feel more comfortable with their bodies. Rather than focusing on physical appearance or perceived imperfections, individuals may become more appreciative of what their bodies can do. This greater body appreciation could make them more attentive to hunger, fullness and other physical signals, helping them make food choices that better reflect their needs.

Self-compassion emerged as another important factor. People who engage more with nature may develop a kinder, less judgemental attitude towards themselves, potentially reducing the tendency to respond to stress or difficult emotions through impulsive eating. Instead of turning automatically to food for emotional comfort, they may become better equipped to recognise their body’s needs and respond accordingly.

Professor Viren Swami, lead author and Professor of Social Psychology at ARU, said the findings offer fresh insight into the wider benefits of spending time in natural surroundings. Previous research has linked nature exposure to reduced anxiety and depression, improved life satisfaction and better psychological wellbeing. The latest study suggests these benefits may extend to eating behaviour, potentially offering public health professionals another way to encourage healthier dietary habits.

However, the researchers caution that the findings are based on self-reported information and do not establish that nature exposure directly causes healthier eating. Further studies, including research involving participants from other countries, are needed to confirm the results. Nevertheless, the findings suggest that improving access to green spaces and encouraging people to engage more closely with nature could become a useful part of efforts to promote healthier and more sustainable eating habits.

More information: Viren Swami et al, The nature of eating intuitively: An examination of direct and indirect associations between nature contact and intuitive eating, Body Image. DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2026.102199

Journal information: Body Image Provided by Anglia Ruskin University

Not Everyone Has Equal Access to Alzheimer’s Drugs: Race and Health Matter

Leave a Reply

A new generation of Alzheimer’s treatments is offering fresh hope to people living with the disease. Still, a troubling question is emerging: Who actually gets access to these potentially life-changing medications? A new study suggests that race, ethnicity, health conditions and socioeconomic circumstances may play a significant role in determining who receives treatment, raising concerns that medical advances could widen existing healthcare inequalities rather than benefit everyone equally.

Researchers at Michigan Medicine found striking racial and ethnic differences in access to anti-amyloid medications, a new class of drugs designed to slow cognitive decline by targeting amyloid plaques in the brain. Black adults had 86% lower odds of receiving these treatments than non-Hispanic white adults, while Hispanic adults had 79% lower odds. The findings, published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, highlight potential barriers to accessing Alzheimer’s therapies as their use becomes more widespread.

“The association we found between race/ethnicity and anti-amyloid medication use raises important questions about how patients are identified, evaluated and ultimately selected for treatment,” said Dr. Melissa Elafros, co-first author of the study and a research professor at the University of Michigan Medical School. She emphasised the importance of understanding and addressing these differences early, ensuring that advances in Alzheimer’s treatment reach as many eligible patients as possible.

To investigate who receives these medications, researchers examined a database containing information on more than one million adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. They identified 2,427 patients who had received anti-amyloid treatment and compared them with a similar group who had not. The analysis revealed that race, ethnicity and coexisting health conditions were strongly associated with treatment access. Social and economic circumstances also appeared to matter considerably. Patients experiencing greater disadvantages, including lower income, limited educational opportunities and fewer neighbourhood or housing resources, were nearly half as likely to receive the newer medications.

However, the researchers uncovered an important distinction between gaining access to treatment and continuing it once prescribed. Among patients who began taking anti-amyloid medications, initial adherence was similar across racial and ethnic groups. In other words, although some populations were substantially less likely to receive treatment in the first place, those who did start therapy were just as likely to follow their prescribed medication regimen, regardless of race or ethnicity.

“Although race, ethnicity and overall vulnerability are associated with whether patients receive an anti-amyloid medication, we found no differences in initial adherence among those who start treatment,” said Dr. Brian Callaghan, senior author of the study and professor at the University of Michigan Medical School. The findings suggest that efforts to reduce inequalities should concentrate on identifying eligible patients, improving access to specialist assessments and helping people begin treatment, rather than assuming that certain groups are less likely to follow medical advice. As Alzheimer’s therapies continue to evolve, ensuring fair access may prove just as important as developing effective treatments.

More information: Evan Lee Reynolds et al, Predictors of Antiamyloid Medication Utilization and Adherence Among People With Alzheimer Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment, Neurology. DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000218594

Journal information: Neurology Provided by Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan

Food Prescription Programs Show Better Results When Fresh Food Comes Directly to Older Adults

Leave a Reply

Getting fresh fruits and vegetables into the hands of older adults struggling with food insecurity may be as simple as bringing groceries straight to their doorsteps. A new study from the University at Buffalo found that home delivery dramatically increased participation in food prescription programmes, suggesting that convenience and accessibility could make a significant difference in helping vulnerable populations eat more healthily.

Food prescription programmes provide free fruits, vegetables and other nutritious foods to people who struggle to afford them. However, traditional programmes often rely on vouchers that recipients must redeem at designated markets. Previous research has shown that only 9% to 18% of recipients use these vouchers, raising concerns about how effectively such initiatives reach those who need them.

Published in Frontiers in Public Health, the study examined whether delivering fresh produce directly to participants’ homes could overcome these barriers. Researchers recruited 67 adults aged over 65 who had experienced food insecurity from primary care clinics at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, New York.

During the 12-week trial, participants were randomly assigned to three groups. One received weekly boxes of fresh produce delivered by local company FreshFix, with the option to customise their selections. Another received meal kits containing vegetables and ingredients for preparing three meals, while the third received vouchers redeemable at participating mobile food markets.

The results were striking. Participants receiving home deliveries achieved a redemption rate of 89.2%, compared with just 28.3% among those using market vouchers. For the delivery groups, redemption meant preparing and consuming the produce, demonstrating how removing practical obstacles could substantially increase programme participation.

According to Lucia A. Leone, associate professor of community health and health behaviour at the University at Buffalo and the study’s corresponding author, transportation difficulties and social stigma can discourage people from redeeming vouchers. Some participating markets operate through food pantries, where recipients may feel uncomfortable being seen seeking assistance.

Interestingly, providing meal kits did not increase produce consumption compared with delivering fresh vegetables alone. Researchers suggested that older participants were already familiar with preparing vegetables and did not necessarily need cooking guidance. However, the additional food provided through meal kits helped improve food security.

Participants also expressed strong satisfaction with the delivery services, giving both programmes ratings exceeding nine out of ten. Researchers highlighted the importance of personal connections, particularly the friendly and consistent service provided by FreshFix delivery driver Charles Humphrey. Such relationships, Leone explained, can strengthen trust and encourage continued participation.

The study suggests that making home delivery the default, while allowing participants to customise their orders, could help food prescription programmes reach more people. Although larger initiatives may face challenges offering personalised services, the findings highlight the potential of flexible, accessible food assistance to improve nutrition and reduce food insecurity among older adults.

More information: Lucia Leone et al, A randomized controlled study comparing three food prescription programs for older adults: program design, implementation, and utilization, Frontiers in Public Health. DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1855988

Journal information: Frontiers in Public Health Provided by University at Buffalo

Study Challenges Assumptions About Ultra-Processed Foods and Colorectal Cancer Risk

Leave a Reply

Ultra-processed foods have long been under scrutiny for their potential effects on health, but new research suggests their relationship with colorectal cancer may be more complicated than previously thought. A large American study involving more than 460,000 adults found that overall consumption of ultra-processed foods was not associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. However, the findings reveal an important distinction: the types of foods people eat may matter more than how extensively they are processed.

Published on October 15 in PLOS Medicine, the study was conducted by Erikka Loftfield of the US National Cancer Institute and colleagues. The findings challenge the tendency to treat all ultra-processed foods as equally unhealthy, suggesting that their nutritional composition deserves greater attention.

Ultra-processed foods account for more than half of the calories consumed by American adults. They include everything from processed meats and packaged snacks to certain whole-grain cereals and dairy products. While some have been linked to increased health risks, others contain nutrients associated with better health outcomes, making broad dietary recommendations difficult.

To investigate these differences, researchers examined dietary information from 461,682 adults aged 50 to 71 who joined the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study between 1995 and 1996. Participants completed questionnaires about their eating habits, allowing researchers to estimate their consumption of ultra-processed foods. Their health outcomes were tracked until 2018, with a median follow-up of 18.8 years.

The results showed no overall association between ultra-processed food consumption and colorectal cancer incidence. Yet a closer examination revealed contrasting patterns. Higher consumption of whole grains, fibre, dairy products and calcium from ultra-processed sources was associated with lower cancer incidence. In comparison, greater consumption of meat from these sources was linked to higher incidence.

Researchers also explored whether replacing ultra-processed foods with minimally processed alternatives could make a difference. They found that substituting 10% of ultra-processed food intake by weight with minimally processed foods was associated with a modest 2% reduction in colorectal cancer incidence, suggesting that dietary changes may still offer benefits.

However, the researchers urged caution when interpreting the findings. Most participants were older white Americans, limiting how broadly the results can be applied. Dietary habits were assessed only once, at the beginning of the study, meaning subsequent changes in food consumption and the growing availability of ultra-processed products were not captured. As an observational study, the research also cannot establish cause and effect.

The findings reinforce existing dietary advice rather than overturning it. Eating more whole grains, fibre-rich foods and dairy products while limiting processed meat remains consistent with colorectal cancer prevention recommendations. As Loftfield explained, although total ultra-processed food intake showed no association with colorectal cancer, differences between food groups followed established dietary guidance. The central message is that not all ultra-processed foods carry the same associations with cancer risk.

More information: Leila Abar et al, Associations of food processing and dietary risk factors with colorectal cancer incidence in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study: A cohort study, PLOS Medicine. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1005251

Journal information: PLOS Medicine Provided by PLOS

Smart Home Sensors Could Help Older Adults Age Safely at Home

Leave a Reply

Imagine a home that quietly watches over its residents, recognising when something is wrong without cameras, wearable devices or constant supervision. Researchers at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) have developed a smart monitoring system that could help older adults remain independent for longer while protecting their privacy and providing peace of mind for families and carers.

Developed in collaboration with Integrated System Technologies Ltd, the low-cost system combines radar technology, thermal sensors and smart plugs with artificial intelligence (AI). By monitoring movement, household activities and daily routines, it aims to identify unusual behaviour that could signal a fall, heart attack, stroke or other serious health emergency.

Unlike conventional monitoring systems that rely on cameras or wearable devices, the technology gathers information discreetly. Millimetre-wave radar sensors detect movement throughout the home, while smart plugs connected to everyday appliances track activities such as preparing meals, making tea or working at a desk. Low-resolution thermal sensors recognise whether someone is sitting, standing, walking or lying down without revealing facial features or personal identities.

The system’s AI gradually learns an individual’s normal behaviour patterns, allowing it to recognise unexpected changes. Prolonged inactivity, reduced mobility, disrupted sleep or changes in household routines could indicate an emerging health problem. When a potential emergency is detected, the system can alert family members or care professionals, enabling them to check on the resident remotely or in person.

Dr Yangang Xing, lead researcher from NTU’s School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, said the technology responds to the growing desire among older adults to remain in their own homes rather than move into residential care. Beyond detecting emergencies, the system could provide early warnings when someone’s mobility or ability to manage everyday activities begins to decline.

To evaluate the technology, researchers conducted experiments in a simulated home featuring six different room layouts, including bedrooms and living areas with varying furniture arrangements. They recorded a range of everyday activities to assess how accurately the sensors could recognise movement and body posture. The findings showed that combining data from all three technologies improved performance compared with using individual sensors alone.

Dr Geoff Archenhold, chief executive officer of Integrated System Technologies Ltd, believes the innovation could become part of a new generation of intelligent homes that monitor residents’ wellbeing unobtrusively. Such systems could help identify subtle changes in behaviour before they develop into more serious problems, potentially allowing families and healthcare professionals to intervene earlier.

Although further testing in real homes would be needed to establish its effectiveness in everyday conditions, the research offers a promising approach to supporting independent ageing. By combining emergency detection, early health warnings and privacy protection, smart home technology could eventually help older adults remain safely in familiar surroundings for longer. The study, titled Privacy-Preserving Ambient Sensing for Activities of Daily Living: Multimodal Radar-Thermal Human Activity Recognition and Smart Plug Appliance Recognition, was published in the journal Sensors.

More information: Bilal Mohammed et al, Privacy-Preserving Ambient Sensing for Activities of Daily Living: Multimodal Radar–Thermal Human Activity Recognition and Smart Plug Appliance Recognition, Sensors. DOI: 10.3390/s26165066

Journal information: Sensors Provided by Nottingham Trent University

Study Reveals How Positive Parenting Shapes Children’s Happiness and Mental Health

Leave a Reply

A child’s ability to find happiness in everyday life may begin taking shape long before adolescence. From a parent’s encouraging words to expressions of warmth and affection, early childhood experiences could influence how the brain responds to life’s positive moments. New research from the University of Notre Dame suggests that positive parenting during the preschool years may help children develop a stronger capacity for experiencing joy, potentially supporting better mental health as they grow older.

Published in Communications Psychology, the study found that parenting behaviours observed when children were just three years old were associated with how their brains responded to rewards throughout adolescence. The findings offer new insights into how early family experiences may influence emotional development and vulnerability to mental health problems, including depression.

Led by psychologist Kaylin Hill, an assistant professor at Notre Dame, the research followed 465 children and their parents over 15 years. Researchers initially observed interactions between parents and their three-year-olds, recording positive behaviours such as warmth, encouragement and support, alongside negative behaviours including harshness, criticism and excessive interference.

As the children grew older, researchers assessed their brain activity at ages nine, 12, 15 and 18 using electroencephalography (EEG). Participants played a guessing game involving monetary rewards, allowing scientists to measure how strongly their brains responded to winning compared with losing. These responses provided an indication of how the brain processes rewarding experiences.

The results revealed a notable pattern: children who experienced more positive and less negative parenting at age three tended to show stronger brain responses to rewards throughout adolescence. Conversely, children exposed to harsher or more intrusive parenting generally demonstrated weaker responses, suggesting differences in how they processed pleasurable experiences.

This ability to respond to rewards plays an important role in emotional well-being. Whether enjoying friendships, celebrating achievements or participating in favourite activities, the brain’s reward system helps people experience excitement, satisfaction and pleasure. Reduced responsiveness to positive experiences has been linked to depression and other mental health difficulties.

“What we saw is that the more positive, and less negative, parenting behaviors we observed at age 3, the larger the brain’s reward response seemed to be for individuals across adolescence,” Hill explained. The findings suggest that everyday parenting interactions may help shape the developing brain’s sensitivity to positive experiences.

The implications could be particularly important for preventing mental health problems. With many psychiatric conditions emerging during adolescence and early adulthood, identifying early influences on emotional development may create opportunities for intervention. Hill believes supporting parents, potentially even before childbirth, could help strengthen children’s emotional resilience and reduce future mental health risks.

Although the observational study cannot establish that parenting behaviours directly cause changes in brain development or prevent depression, it highlights a potentially modifiable influence on mental health. Unlike genetic risk factors, parenting practices can be strengthened through education and support. For families, the message is encouraging: everyday moments of kindness, praise and emotional connection may contribute to children’s capacity to experience happiness well into adulthood.

More information: Kaylin Hill et al, Early parenting is associated with the development of neural reward responsiveness from childhood through adolescence, Communications Psychology. DOI: 10.1038/s44271-026-00507-7

Journal information: Communications Psychology Provided by University of Notre Dame

Study Finds Pharmaceutical Industry Incentives May Lead to Inappropriate Prescribing

Leave a Reply

Could a free lunch or a consulting payment influence which medications a doctor prescribes? A major international review suggests that financial relationships between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals may affect prescribing decisions, potentially leading to unnecessary treatments, higher healthcare costs and risks to patient safety.

The Cochrane review, conducted by an international research team that included University of Toronto researchers, examined more than 93 studies involving millions of prescribers. Researchers investigated the effects of pharmaceutical marketing activities, including sales representative visits, educational promotions, free drug samples, gifts, meals and financial payments. They found that physicians exposed to these practices were more likely to prescribe promoted medications, with industry interactions also linked to inappropriate prescribing.

Quinn Grundy, an associate professor at the University of Toronto’s Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing and one of two Canadian contributors to the review, says pharmaceutical marketing is widespread internationally. Multinational drug companies employ similar promotional strategies across different healthcare systems, making industry influence a global concern.

In the United States, where pharmaceutical companies must publicly disclose payments to physicians, more than half of licensed doctors have received some form of industry payment, including complimentary meals. Grundy notes that companies often target physicians whose prescribing practices offer the greatest potential financial return, although many doctors choose to maintain their independence from industry promotion.

The review included no Canadian studies, partly because Canada lacks a comprehensive system for tracking pharmaceutical industry payments to physicians and nurse practitioners. Nevertheless, Grundy says other Canadian surveys and qualitative research suggest that financial incentives and complimentary meals are likely common among healthcare prescribers.

Beyond concerns about unnecessary medication use, pharmaceutical marketing may increase healthcare spending. Physicians influenced by industry promotion may prescribe expensive brand-name medications when equally effective, lower-cost alternatives are available, potentially increasing expenses for healthcare systems and patients.

The researchers also examined whether institutional conflict-of-interest policies could reduce pharmaceutical industry influence. Evidence suggested that restrictions on interactions between healthcare professionals and drug companies, particularly within medical schools and teaching hospitals, were associated with reduced prescribing or more appropriate medication choices.

Grundy argues that protecting professional independence requires stronger organisational policies rather than relying solely on individual clinicians. Healthcare institutions, professional associations and educational organisations should establish safeguards while ensuring prescribers have access to independent, evidence-based medical information.

The concern extends beyond physicians. Separate research using American payment disclosure data indicates that nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists are also targets of pharmaceutical promotion. The researchers emphasise that safeguarding prescribing decisions requires healthcare-wide action to protect professional integrity, promote appropriate treatment and ensure that patient well-being remains the priority.

More information: Barbara Mintzes et al, Pharmaceutical industry information and promotional strategies aimed at prescribers, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013423.pub3

Journal information: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Provided by University of Toronto

When You Eat Matters: Late-Night Meals May Affect Liver Health

Leave a Reply

What if protecting your liver involves more than choosing healthy foods? The timing of your meals could also play an important role. New research suggests that eating late at night may increase the risk of liver disease, adding to growing evidence that when we eat can be just as important as what we eat.

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) found that people who regularly ate after dinner or around bedtime were more likely to develop metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), commonly known as fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis, a serious condition involving liver scarring. Published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the study found a 20% to 30% higher risk of liver disease among late-night eaters compared with those who avoided eating late.

Although previous studies have linked late-night snacking to obesity and cardiovascular disease, its potential impact on liver health has received less attention. “A few studies have hinted at this idea but this is among the first long-term analyses to explicitly draw the connection to fatty liver disease,” said lead author Dr. Robert Wilechansky, a hepatologist specialising in liver transplantation at OHSU.

To investigate, researchers examined dietary and lifestyle information from nearly 200,000 participants in three major US studies: the Nurses’ Health Study, Nurses’ Health Study II and Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Participants were grouped according to their reported eating habits, allowing researchers to examine associations between late-night eating and liver disease over time.

The findings are particularly significant because fatty liver disease affects as much as 30% of the US population. While most people with the condition do not develop cirrhosis, researchers believe adjusting meal times could offer a relatively simple way to support liver health without necessarily changing what people eat.

One possible explanation lies in the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep, metabolism and numerous biological processes. The liver is especially sensitive to these daily cycles. Eating when the body is preparing for sleep may interfere with its ability to process nutrients efficiently, potentially contributing to metabolic problems.

“We are seeing over and over again that the timing of behaviors, whether it’s sleep, eating, or exercise, really matters,” said co-author Dr. Andrew McHill, a sleep and circadian physiologist at OHSU. Previous research suggests that eating during the biological night can impair metabolism, potentially increasing the risk of obesity, diabetes and other health problems.

However, the researchers emphasise that the findings establish an association, not proof that late-night eating causes liver disease. The study relied on self-reported eating habits, which may introduce inaccuracies. OHSU researchers are now recruiting participants for a clinical study to determine whether eating earlier can improve liver health. Meanwhile, limiting food intake during the hours leading up to bedtime may be a practical habit worth considering.

More information: Robert Wilechansky et al, Late-Night Eating is Associated with MASLD and Cirrhosis: The Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals’ Follow-Up Study, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2026.09.047

Journal information: Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology Provided by Oregon Health & Science University

Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Challenges Conventional Understanding of Risk Factors

Leave a Reply

For years, high blood pressure and high cholesterol have been recognised as important risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. But new research suggests that people who develop the disease before age 65 may follow a different path, experiencing a range of seemingly unrelated health problems long before their diagnosis.

A study by researchers at the University of Oulu and the University of Eastern Finland found that people with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease were more likely to develop several health conditions in the years preceding diagnosis. These included depression, dizziness, headaches, traumatic brain injuries, epilepsy, cerebrovascular disorders, thyroid diseases and problems associated with heavy alcohol use. Hearing loss and tinnitus were also more common six to ten years before diagnosis.

One of the most surprising findings was the absence of a stronger association with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Unlike late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels were no more common among people with early-onset Alzheimer’s than among individuals of similar age and sex without neurodegenerative disease. The findings challenge conventional assumptions about the factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

The researchers examined health records covering the 15 years before diagnosis. They found few significant differences between the groups during the earliest period, 11 to 15 years before diagnosis. However, health problems became increasingly common as diagnosis approached, particularly during the final five years. This suggests that early-onset Alzheimer’s may have a distinct clinical profile rather than simply representing an earlier version of the disease typically seen in older adults.

“Our findings support the view that early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is not simply a younger-age version of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Rather than the familiar cardiovascular risk factors, we observed a range of other health problems becoming more common as diagnosis approached,” said Johanna Krüger, adjunct professor at the University of Oulu and the study’s lead investigator.

The study also revealed a sharp rise in healthcare use during the five years before diagnosis. Patients increasingly sought medical attention for various conditions, with healthcare visits rising most dramatically during the final year. Researchers believe this pattern of repeated medical encounters, combined with accumulating health problems, could provide valuable clues for identifying the disease earlier.

“No single disease or symptom predicts Alzheimer’s disease,” cautioned Laura Leppänen, a doctoral researcher at the University of Oulu and the study’s first author. However, she explained that recognising a combination of seemingly unrelated symptoms and increasing healthcare visits could prompt doctors to investigate possible neurodegenerative disease sooner. Earlier recognition is particularly important because Alzheimer’s disease in working-age adults can be difficult to identify, often resulting in diagnostic delays lasting several years.

The findings were based on patient records from memory clinics at Oulu University Hospital and Kuopio University Hospital, linked with nationwide Finnish health registers. Researchers compared 407 people diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease with more than 4,000 age- and sex-matched controls. The study highlights the importance of looking beyond conventional cardiovascular risk factors and recognising broader patterns of health changes that may precede an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

More information: Laura Leppänen et al, Comorbidities and health-care use prior to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease: A population-based case–control study, Alzheimer’s & Dementia. DOI: 10.1002/alz.71831

Journal information: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Provided by University of Oulu, Finland

Afterschool Intervention Shows Promise in Tackling Childhood Weight Concerns

Leave a Reply

Could swapping sugary drinks for water help children maintain a healthier weight? A new study suggests that one simple change in drinking habits, supported by an engaging after-school programme, could make a meaningful difference. Researchers at Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) found that children who participated in a community-based intervention aimed at reducing sugary drink consumption showed improvements in their body mass index (BMI) over 12 months.

Published in JAMA Network Open, the randomised trial offers a promising approach to addressing childhood obesity, which affects nearly one in five school-aged children in the United States. Rather than asking families to overhaul their diets, increase exercise and improve sleep simultaneously, the intervention focused on a single achievable goal: drinking fewer sugar-sweetened beverages and more water.

The programme, called H₂GO!, involved 437 children aged eight to 13 at Boys & Girls Club locations across Massachusetts. Trained staff delivered 12 interactive sessions over six weeks, combining educational activities, taste tests, sugar measurement demonstrations and creative projects. Children produced music, videos and stories promoting water consumption, while parents and caregivers participated through take-home activities.

The results were encouraging. Compared with children at other club locations, participants showed significantly greater reductions in BMI z-scores, a measure that accounts for children’s age and sex. Nearly 30% of participating children moved into a lower BMI category after 12 months, compared with 18% in the comparison group, according to exploratory analyses.

Among children who began the study overweight, 44.4% of those receiving the intervention reached the healthy-weight category, compared with 31.6% at comparison sites. Children in the programme also reported drinking an average of 3.6 fewer ounces of sugary beverages and 6.6 more ounces of water daily by the 12-month follow-up.

Study co-leader Dr Monica Wang, associate professor of community health sciences at BUSPH, said the findings demonstrate how community-based programmes can improve children’s health even as childhood obesity remains a major national concern. She emphasised that meaningful prevention efforts need not be confined to medical settings, particularly when trusted community organisations already play an important role in children’s daily lives.

The researchers also recognised that healthier choices are not always easy. Families may face financial pressures, limited access to nutritious foods and environments where sugary drinks are readily available. By concentrating on one affordable, practical change, H₂GO! sought to make healthier habits easier to adopt without placing additional burdens on families.

Although the findings are promising, researchers acknowledged limitations, including reliance on self-reported beverage consumption. Further studies are needed to determine whether other factors influenced BMI changes and whether similar programmes could succeed in different communities. Nevertheless, the findings suggest that small, manageable lifestyle changes, reinforced through community support, may offer a practical way to help children develop healthier habits.

More information: Monica Wang et al, A Community-Based Behavioral Intervention and Body Mass Index in School-Aged Children – A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial, JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.38188

Journal information: JAMA Network Open Provided by Boston University

Cannabis May Promise Better Sleep, but Does It Deliver?

Leave a Reply

A good night’s sleep is something millions of people struggle to achieve, and cannabis has become an increasingly popular remedy. But what if it is doing more harm than good? A new study from Northwestern Medicine suggests that cannabis users may experience poorer sleep quality without even realising it, raising questions about whether marijuana is truly an effective sleep aid.

Published on 9 October in JAMA Network Open, the study found that both long-term and recent cannabis use were associated with disrupted sleep. Surprisingly, participants who used cannabis generally believed they slept just as well as non-users, despite objective measurements suggesting otherwise.

Researchers analysed data from 1,266 participants in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study, which has followed American adults for nearly 35 years. Participants’ cannabis use was tracked from young adulthood into middle age. Researchers then used wrist-worn sleep monitors for seven nights, alongside questionnaires, to compare actual sleep patterns with participants’ perceptions.

The results revealed a striking disconnect. People with greater lifetime cannabis exposure spent a smaller proportion of the night asleep, experienced more frequent sleep interruptions and remained awake longer after initially falling asleep. Recent cannabis users showed similar difficulties and were also more likely to sleep longer than eight hours per night.

“This study challenges the common belief that cannabis helps people sleep better,” said Dr. Thanh-Huyen T. Vu, the study’s corresponding author and a research associate professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University. “Our findings suggest cannabis may actually be associated with poorer sleep quality, even if people don’t perceive those changes.”

The association remained even after researchers accounted for factors such as age, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, depression and chronic health conditions. However, the study could not establish whether cannabis directly causes sleep disturbances. It also did not distinguish between smoking cannabis and consuming edibles, leaving questions about whether different methods of consumption affect sleep differently.

“Our data do not support the belief that cannabis is helpful as a sleep aid,” said senior author Mercedes R. Carnethon, chair of preventive medicine at Northwestern. With cannabis becoming more widely available and socially accepted, the researchers emphasised the importance of understanding its potential long-term health effects, particularly when users may be unaware of changes in their sleep.

For those seeking better rest, sleep specialist Kristen L. Knutson recommends sticking to proven habits rather than relying on cannabis. Maintaining a consistent bedtime, keeping bedrooms cool, dark and quiet, and avoiding screens before bed can all help. Relaxing activities such as reading, meditation or a warm shower may also encourage restful sleep. Anyone experiencing persistent sleep difficulties or loud snoring should consult a healthcare professional to investigate possible underlying sleep disorders.

More information: Thanh-Huyen T. Vu et al, Recent and Cumulative Cannabis Use and Sleep in Middle-Aged Adults, JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.38303

Journal information: JAMA Network Open Provided by Northwestern University