Strokes are linked to dementia, increases risk of the brain disease by 70%

People who have suffered a stroke are more likely to develop dementia, a study conducted by the University of Exeter Medical School confirmed. The study involved an analysis of 3.2 million people across the world. Researchers found that the link between stroke and dementia persisted even after taking into account other dementia risk factors such as blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. “We found that a history of stroke increases dementia risk by around 70%, and recent strokes more than doubled the risk. Given how common both stroke and dementia are, this strong…

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Lower indoor temperatures linked to higher blood pressure

According to a recent study, one can manage hypertension by turning up the thermostat. Comparing blood pressure readings of people in their own homes with temperature readings, the researchers at University College London found that lower indoor temperatures were linked to higher blood pressure. “Our research has helped to explain the higher rates of hypertension, as well as potential increases in deaths from stroke and heart disease, in the winter months, suggesting indoor temperatures should be taken more seriously in diagnosis and treatment decisions, and in public health messages,” said senior author Dr…

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Are you on antidepressants? It is linked to higher risk of dementia

While anti-depressants can help mental health patients deal with depression, long-term use of certain anti-depressants could have serious side effects. A large study done by researchers from the University of East Anglia’s School of Health Science have linked use of antidepressants to dementia, though they could not definitively conclude that the drugs were the cause. Previous studies have shown that medications commonly prescribed to reduce depression and anxiety may increase the risk of death by preventing multiple organs from functioning properly, and increase risk of bone disease.And among patients suffering from high blood pressure, antidepressants…

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Don’t ignore oral hygiene. Severe gum disease linked to lung, colon cancers

Do you have bad oral health? Beware, you may be at high risk of developing cancers of lung, colon and pancreas, researchers have warned. Advanced gum disease, also called periodontitis, is caused by bacterial infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that supports the teeth. The findings, led by researchers from the Tufts University in the US, showed that participants who were edentulous or lacking teeth – a sign of severe periodontitis – had an 80% increase in risk of developing colon cancer. Periodontitis is also linked with pancreatic…

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Study: Child abuse, neglect linked to gender inequality

Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified an association between child abuse and neglect and gender inequality. The study, published July 27 in the Journal of Family Violence, was an analysis of data from 57 countries worldwide of incidences of severe physical discipline of children in the form of hitting, slapping or repeated beatings, or child neglect. The study did not include countries in the European Union or countries with large populations like Brazil, India, China, Japan, Indonesia, Russia or the United States. Approximately 44 percent of…

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Cured meats linked to worsening asthma symptoms

Eating large amounts of cured meats was linked to worse symptoms among asthma sufferers, a French study found. That was true even after taking obesity into account, the authors say. So-called cured meats have been preserved and flavored by the addition of various combinations of salt, nitrates, nitrites, and sugar. Examples of such processed meats include bacon, ham, prosciutto, corned beef, pastrami, and pepperoni. “Cured meat intake, a typical food in industrialized societies, has been associated with many chronic diseases, including lung cancer and COPD, but its association with asthma…

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