Author: medicalviseAdmin

Sep 05

‘True Blood’ Actress Marcia DeRousse Dies at 70

Marcia DeRousse, best known for playing Dr. Ludwig on HBO’s vampire drama True Blood, has died. She was 70. According to Variety, DeRousse passed away on Saturday, September 2 in Altadena, California, after a long illness. The actress previously opened up about her health issues on Facebook, revealing in April that she’d suffered a fall at her doctor’s office that exacerbated her problems. “Who knew a fall in my doctor’s office would lead to my death? It caused my hiatal hernia to move to an area where it is now dangerous. Can’t eat, can’t breathe, just general misery,” DeRousse wrote in a Facebook post. “Palliative care comes soon, and we wait to turn into hospice and then to die. Thank you all for being great friends. Love to you.” Born in Doniphan, Missouri, DeRousse began her on-screen acting career in the 1980s, making her debut in the movie Under the Rainbow and then appearing in minor roles in television series such as The Fall Guy and St. Elsewhere. HBO/YouTube In a 2009 interview with TrueBloodNet.com, DeRousse said, “When I went to college, I believed that I was going to teach special ed, I’d really intended to do that but I walked past the theater department one day and walked in and that was it! I thought, “Oh no, this is home. This is where I’m supposed to be.” Her career would slow down in the 1990s, but she returned to the screen in the 2000s, playing Kathleen in the 2003 dramedy Tiptoes alongside Gary Oldman and Kate Beckinsale. Then, in 2009, she landed her most memorable role, playing Dr. Patricia Ludwig in Alan Ball‘s True Blood. She first appeared in Season 2 in the episode “Scratches” and later returned for the drama’s fourth and seventh seasons. More recently, DeRousse starred in the 2013 TV comedy Schoooled and the 2016 psychological horror movie The Disappointments Room.

Sep 05

Blood Type and Your Heart: Understanding the Vital Connection

You wouldn’t know it from looking at us, but inside the blood coursing through our veins are tiny variations that categorize every human into one of these blood-type groups: A-positive, A-negative, B-positive, B-negative, O-negative, O-positive, AB-positive and AB-negative. Often, these minute differences don’t matter until they really matter and you’re in the hospital in need of a blood transfusion, or after you’ve donated blood and you learn which type you have. Some people find out during pregnancy, when special treatment is required for someone with a negative blood type. Knowing your blood type can not only be crucial in an emergency, but it can also offer some important insight into your health. Ongoing research into blood types suggests they may matter more than we give them credit for — at least when assessing risk for certain health conditions, especially heart disease. These invisible differences in the blood may give some people an edge at staving off cardiovascular problems, and may leave others more susceptible. Read more: 3 Ways to Find Your Blood Type if You Don’t Already Know What does blood type really mean? The letters A, B and O represent various forms of the ABO gene, which program our blood cells differently to form the different blood groups. If you have type AB blood, for example, your body is programmed to produce A and B antigens on red blood cells. A person with type O blood doesn’t produce any antigens. Blood is said to be “positive” or “negative” based on whether there are proteins on the red blood cells. If your blood has proteins, you’re Rhesus, or Rh, positive. <!–> –> <!–> The ABO system is the best known way of classifying blood types. Ekachai Lohacamonchai/EyeEm/Getty Images People with type O-negative blood are considered “universal donors” because their blood doesn’t have any antigens or proteins, meaning anyone’s body will be able to accept it in an emergency. But why are there different blood types? Researchers don’t fully know, but factors such as where someone’s ancestors are from and past infections which spurred protective mutations in the blood may have contributed to the diversity, according to Dr. Douglas Guggenheim, a hematologist with Penn Medicine. People with type O blood may get sicker with cholera, for example, while people with type A or B blood may be more likely to experience blood clotting issues. While our blood can’t keep up with the different biological or viral threats going around in real time, it may reflect what’s happened in the past. “In short, it’s almost like the body has evolved around its environment in order to protect it as best as possible,” Guggenheim said. –> People with type O blood may have a lower risk of cardiovascular events. Arctic-Images/Getty Images The blood types most at risk for heart disease People with type A, type B or type AB blood are more likely than people with type O to have a heart attack or experience heart failure, according to the American Heart Association. While the increased risk is small (types A or B had a combined 8% higher risk of heart attack and 10% increased risk of heart failure, according to one large study) the difference in blood clotting rates is much higher, per the AHA. People in the same study with type A and B blood were 51% more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis and 47% more likely to develop a pulmonary embolism, which are severe blood clotting disorders that can also increase the risk of heart failure. A reason for this increased risk, according to Guggenheim, might have to do with inflammation that happens in the bodies of people with type A, type B or type AB blood. The proteins present in type A and type B blood may cause more “blockage” or “thickening” in the veins and arteries, leading to an increased risk of clotting and heart disease. Guggenheim also thinks this may describe the anecdotal decrease in risk of severe COVID-19 disease in people with type O blood. (Note: Since this article was first published over a year ago, more research has added to the notion people with type A blood may have a higher risk of infection. This because the COVID-19 virus binds to cells slightly differently based on blood type.) <!–> –> <!–> There are four main blood groups (types of blood): A, B, AB and O. Peter Dazeley/Getty Images Other consequences of blood type People with type O blood enjoy a slightly lower risk of heart disease and blood clotting, but they may be more susceptible to hemorrhaging or bleeding disorders. This may be especially true after childbirth, according to a study on postpartum blood loss, which found an increased risk in women with type O blood. People with type O blood may also fare worse after a traumatic injury due to increased blood loss, according to a study published in Critical Care. Other research has found people with type AB blood might be at an increased risk for cognitive impairment when compared to people with type O. Cognitive impairment includes things like trouble remembering, focusing or making decisions. Should I change my lifestyle based on my blood type? While research available now shows that blood type can tip the scale in terms of someone’s risk of developing heart disease, big factors such as diet, exercise or even the level of pollution you’re exposed to in your community are the major players in determining heart health. Guggenheim says that for patients trying to keep their heart healthy, there’s no special recommendation that he’d make other than a good heart-healthy diet that lowers inflammation, regardless of someone’s blood type. –> Lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains are all part of a heart-healthy diet. Lina Darjan/500px/Getty Images But, he notes, future research could offer more definitive ways doctors treat patients based on their blood type. All factors considered equally, a patient with healthy cholesterol levels and type A blood may benefit from taking

Sep 05

Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological condition that profoundly impacts cognitive functions such as memory, reasoning, and language. In the United States, over 6 million individuals aged 65 and above are affected by this disease. It’s important to distinguish between Alzheimer’s disease and the term “dementia.” While dementia is a broad term encompassing cognitive decline, including memory, thinking, and reasoning issues, Alzheimer’s specifically refers to a distinct disease. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, individuals may encounter difficulties with memory, word retrieval, and occasional lapses in judgment. The disease typically progresses from mild (early-stage) to moderate and eventually severe (late-stage) Alzheimer’s. Symptoms The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease primarily involve disruptions in cognitive functions. When diagnosing Alzheimer’s, healthcare professionals consider the following major categories of symptoms:4 In addition to these major symptom categories, individuals with Alzheimer’s may also experience the following: Early Warning Signs As you age, it’s normal to experience some memory changes. However, if you or those around you notice the following issues occurring more frequently, it’s important to consider speaking to a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation:6 Mild (Early-Stage) Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms During the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, individuals often receive a diagnosis as symptoms become noticeable. In this mild stage, cognitive, behavioral, and personality changes begin to affect daily life on a frequent basis Cognition: Other cognitive issues may include difficulties with: Behavior: Individuals with mild Alzheimer’s may display the following behaviors: Personality: In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, individuals may experience new or intensified manifestations of: Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms In moderate Alzheimer’s disease, the areas of the brain responsible for language, reasoning, thought processes, and sensory perception are further affected. Individuals at this stage require increased assistance and supervision. As the symptoms that were present in the early stage progress, new concerns arise. Cognitive, behavioral, and psychological changes become more pronounced, including difficulties in: Additionally, individuals may experience physical symptoms, including: Severe (Late-Stage) Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms In the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, significant changes occur in the brain, resulting in physical shrinkage of brain tissue. Individuals with severe Alzheimer’s are typically unable to communicate effectively and require full assistance with their daily care. They experience a wide range of physical concerns and rely entirely on their caregivers. They are often bedridden or spend most of their time in bed. At this stage, individuals with late-stage Alzheimer’s may struggle or be unable to perform the following tasks: In addition to the cognitive and functional challenges, individuals in the late stage of Alzheimer’s may also experience various physical issues, including: When to See a Healthcare Provider If you are experiencing memory or cognitive issues that are interfering with your daily life, it is important to seek guidance from a healthcare provider. Additionally, if people around you have noticed changes in your mood, personality, or ability to complete tasks, it is worth considering a conversation with a healthcare professional. To begin, you can schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor who can assess your condition and provide initial guidance. Depending on their evaluation, they may refer you to a neurologist, who specializes in brain and spinal cord conditions, or a geriatrician, who specializes in aging and care for older adults. A neuropsychologist can conduct memory and cognitive assessments, while a geriatric psychiatrist can evaluate any emotional difficulties you may be experiencing. Seeking medical attention as soon as you or others observe changes in your cognitive abilities can lead to earlier and more effective Alzheimer’s treatment. It is also possible that the symptoms may be caused by another treatable or curable condition, such as vitamin D deficiency or medication side effects. Remember, consulting with a healthcare provider will help provide a proper evaluation, diagnosis, and appropriate care for your specific situation. Rapid recap While occasional memory or cognitive issues are common with aging, Alzheimer’s disease leads to dementia and significant cognitive loss that interferes with daily life. Initially, Alzheimer’s affects cognition, personality, and behavior, eventually progressing to difficulties with basic tasks and a loss of communication and self-care abilities. If you or those around you notice changes in thinking, personality, or mood, it is important to seek advice from a healthcare provider. This can include a primary care doctor, neurologist, or geriatrician, who can help rule out other potential causes and initiate early Alzheimer’s treatment and planning as necessary. Taking action and seeking professional guidance can lead to appropriate support and care.

Sep 05

How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed?

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurological condition that leads to a significant decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, thinking, and judgment. Early detection is crucial for effective symptom management and improved quality of life. AD is most prevalent among individuals aged 65 and older and is distinguishable from normal age-related memory changes. Unlike typical memory changes, AD symptoms disrupt daily life and impair independent functioning. Diagnosing AD involves a comprehensive assessment using multiple tests, as there is no single diagnostic tool available. If you observe changes in your own memory or notice symptoms of AD in a loved one or caregiver, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. During the appointment, the healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical history review, physical examination, psychiatric evaluation, and may order additional tests such as neurological exams, blood tests, and imaging scans. Undergoing testing for AD can be intimidating, and it is normal to feel apprehensive. If you are experiencing memory changes, having a loved one accompany you to the appointment can provide support. Similarly, if you believe a loved one requires testing, gently encouraging them to bring a trusted companion can be beneficial. Having support during the appointment aids in creating a comfortable environment and facilitates the provider’s understanding of recent changes in cognition and behavior reported by others. Medical History Obtaining a comprehensive medical history is an essential part of the evaluation process conducted by healthcare providers. During your initial appointment, your provider may inquire about the following aspects:45 During the appointment, healthcare providers may also request to interview a loved one to gather their perspective on any cognitive, behavioral, or psychological changes they have noticed before proceeding with additional tests. Cognitive and Neurological Exams Cognitive and neurological exams are essential in detecting changes in memory, thinking, and behavior. These tests provide valuable insights into an individual’s cognitive abilities and are typically conducted by neurologists, psychiatrists, or psychologists. The exams can be comprehensive and may require multiple sessions or several hours to complete. The primary goal is to assess various brain functions using a range of tests. Some of the functions that may be evaluated include: To examine these functions, healthcare providers may employ different types of exams, such as: Spinal Tap A spinal tap, also known as a lumbar puncture, is a procedure used to collect a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis. CSF is a fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and can provide valuable information about various neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). During a spinal tap, a healthcare provider inserts a needle into the lower back to access the spinal canal and collect a sample of CSF. In the case of AD, specific proteins in the CSF, known as biomarkers, can indicate the presence or progression of the disease. Abnormal levels of these biomarkers, such as amyloid-beta and tau proteins, can help support an AD diagnosis. However, it’s important to note that CSF biomarker analysis is not a definitive diagnostic test for AD and is often used in combination with other assessments. Ongoing research in the field aims to explore alternative methods for detecting biomarkers associated with AD. One area of focus is the development of blood-based biomarkers, which would be easier and less invasive to obtain than CSF samples. In May 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new CSF test for AD, indicating ongoing advancements in diagnostic techniques. It’s important to be aware that not all hospitals offer spinal tap exams, and the availability and coverage may vary depending on your healthcare insurance. If you and your healthcare provider believe that a spinal tap may be beneficial in your case, it is advisable to discuss the procedure with your provider and insurance company to determine feasibility and coverage options. Brain Imaging There are additional exams and measures that healthcare providers may utilize, each with its own scoring guidelines and criteria. The results of these exams contribute to determining the subsequent steps and appropriate diagnosis or treatment plan for you or your loved one. Brain imaging tests and lab tests play an important role in the diagnostic process for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by providing additional information and ruling out other conditions. The main types of brain imaging tests include: It is important to note that imaging tests alone cannot diagnose AD, but they can help rule out other conditions and provide insights into the brain’s structure. Therefore, they are often used in combination with cognitive exams. Lab Tests While blood and urine tests cannot directly diagnose AD, they can help identify related conditions that may be causing symptoms. These tests can check for infections, vitamin deficiencies, and other underlying conditions that may contribute to cognitive impairment. Screening for Related Conditions Screening for related conditions is also an important part of the diagnostic process. Symptoms of AD can overlap with other conditions, and healthcare providers will often screen for these conditions to rule them out. Some of the conditions or situations that can cause similar symptoms to AD include: If a provider suspects a different condition may be responsible for the symptoms, they may order additional tests or refer you or your loved one to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Sep 05

COVID infections in animals – a key to the ongoing trajectory of the

The COVID-19 pandemic was probably caused by the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from animals to humans, and it has been reported anecdotally that the virus can pass from humans to different animal species, too. To find out how the transmission of the virus between humans and animals affects its ability to infect and cause disease in humans an international team led by McGill University researchers has begun tracking the rates of inter-species transmission. By doing so, the researchers hope to gain insight into the likely ongoing trajectory of the virus. Their goal was to discover both the rates of transmission, and whether there were specific viral mutations that occurred frequently enough to suggest they were helping the virus adapt to a particular animal. Transmission of the virus in different non-human animals, such as mink and deer, could put the virus on different evolutionary trajectories that could affect its ability to infect and cause disease in humans—either in a positive or negative way. Humans transmit COVID virus to animals more frequently than vice versa The researchers carried out statistical analyses based on all the available viral genome sequence data from four different animal species. “We found that humans transmitted the virus to cats, dogs, minks, and deer dozens of times,” said Jesse Shapiro, an associate professor in McGill’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the senior author on a paper that was recently published in eLife. “But transmission from these animals back to humans is rarely observed—except for minks, which transmitted the virus back to humans on dozens of separate occasions.” Mutations of virus in mink and deer associated with COVID infections The researchers identified just three mutations, all in the viral spike protein, which are most likely to help the virus adapt to infecting and transmitting in mink. They also found several mutations, many of which had not been previously reported, that were significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections in deer. “Other recent studies have found that SARS-CoV-2 evolves particularly rapidly in deer, consistent with our discovery of a relatively large number of deer-associated mutations,” said Sana Naderi, the first author on the paper and a graduate student at McGill University. “While many of these mutations are likely to help the virus replicate in deer, it remains to be seen if they make the virus more or less likely to infect humans.” A need for further sampling and more lab work The researchers hope that their results will spur greater sampling of SARS-CoV-2 from different animal species—including more poorly sampled species such as cats and dogs, as well as further sampling from both deer and mink which could be important reservoirs of genetic diversity for the virus. They suggest that these mutations could also be studied in lab experiments to determine if, and under what conditions, they affect replication and transmission of the virus—and, importantly, if their adaptation to one animal species comes with a trade off in terms of reduced adaptation to humans (or not). About the study “Zooanthroponotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and host-specific viral mutations revealed by genome-wide phylogenetic analysis” by Sana Naderi, Peter E Chen, Carmen Lia Murall, Raphael Poujol, Susanne Kraemer, Bradley S Pickering, Selena M Sagan, and Jesse Shapiro was published in eLife.

Sep 05

The financial consequences of time blindness, an ADHD symptom

Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include restlessness, impulsive behavior, and difficulty sitting still. The mental condition ADHD has numerous other symptoms, such as time blindness and impulsive spending, that are often disregarded. All of ADHD’s symptoms can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life. Those less common symptoms of time blindness and impulsive spending make it extremely difficult for me to keep track of my money. Inaccurate time perception, or “time blindness,” can have serious consequences. ADHD Subtypes First, ADHD exists on a continuum, with two or three distinct types depending on your criteria. Hyperactive-impulsive and apathetic are the two most common categories. It’s unlikely, though, that your symptoms will fall into one of those two groups. A combination type diagnosis is given to a large percentage of the population. Some people with the neurodevelopmental condition may be restless and fidgety, while others may stare blankly out the window or veer erratically between hyperfocus and distraction. There is mounting evidence that persons with ADHD may experience serious difficulties with their perception of time, which can be just as devastating as the disorder’s more well-known manifestations. Underdiagnosis is a possibility. I was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 35, but I’d known since I was a kid that my brain was wired differently. Among women my age, underdiagnosis of ADHD is rather typical. In reality, studies conducted between 1997 and 1998 indicated that only approximately 3% of females were diagnosed with ADHD. That’s about the time I realized I needed to do something about my restless leg syndrome if I ever wanted to pay attention in class. The same time period saw a threefold increase in the number of male patients diagnosed by medical professionals. There has long been a disparity between the sexes when it comes to ADHD diagnosis, despite the fact that the number of children diagnosed has increased dramatically since then (11.7% for men and 8.8% for girls in 2019). This void persists in the current diagnostic system.There are three places dedicated to preventing disease. Adults might also suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This mental illness has long-lasting consequences that can compromise an adult’s quality of life and professional prospects.\ Symptoms of Impulsive Behavior Many individuals with ADHD have told researchers that they struggle to maintain employment and frequently face financial difficulties A 2015 research published in the Lancet followed 1.92 million participants over 32 years; among them, 32,061 were diagnosed with ADHD. The study found that persons with ADHD had a greater death rate than those without the disorder. Researchers also attributed the elevated death rate to the following factors: Depression, anxiety, obesity, and diabetes are among diseases that may worsen in people with untreated ADHD. Adverse health effects from ADHD can be avoided with early diagnosis and treatment. There is mounting evidence that many people are able to convert their symptoms into highly adaptable characteristics that help them lead fulfilling lives.6 Many potentially harmful actions, such as time blindness, stem from an inability to accurately weigh potential benefits and drawbacks. What is “time blindness”? Time blindness is the inability to see beyond the immediate. “ADHD is, at its core, a blindness to time,” said Russell Barkley, PhD, an ADHD researcher, at a discussion for the Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada (CADDAC) in 2009. persons with ADHD are like nearsighted persons in that they can only focus on the immediate future. West Chester, Pennsylvania-based psychologist Ari Tuckman, PsyD, concurs with Barkley’s characterization. Tuckman suggested that people with ADHD’s time blindness contributed to our propensity for impulsive attention. According to Tuckman, “good attention regulation is choosing the right thing moment by moment,” while “distractibility” is defined as changing your focus when you should have maintained it. “The antithesis of that is hyperfocus. You refuse to move when you should. All of these causes of time blindness can make people with ADHD more likely to rack up debt. They live for the moment and have an attitude of “I’ll spend now and pay later,” even when “later” never comes. It seems like a failure to understand the significance of time in a way that leads to effective action. For instance, I know that I need to take a break from writing these lines in order to respond to a few emails. However, I cannot predict when I will stop or how far in advance I should prepare. Leaving the house is another common example. The time it will take me to get ready is impossible to predict. I can only provide a rough estimate at this time. I’m not trying to be difficult, and I can’t train myself to be good at judging time. Similarly, a person who is colorblind would always struggle to tell the difference between red and green. Consequences of Time Ignorance The consequences of failing to recognize the passage of time can be devastating. Meetings are missed by those with ADHD at work or in the classroom. They might be too preoccupied with work to remember to go to the office or retrieve their children from school. If you have trouble keeping track of time, you can forget to do basic grownup things like go grocery shopping, fill up the gas tank, or pay the rent on time. These actions might be interpreted as disrespectful or lazy by others. However, time blindness and other cognitive problems can be explained by reduced activity in the prefrontal brain. The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that controls executive functions including attention and decision-making. Time blindness has far-reaching monetary repercussions. Tuckman suggests that persons with ADHD may have poorer credit ratings because they are more likely to miss a bill payment. They may have trouble qualifying for a mortgage, auto loan, or any loan as all. Tuckman coined the term “ADHD tax” to describe the financial penalties associated with hyperactivity disorder. However, people with ADHD face challenges in other, more subtle ways. According to Tuckman, people with ADHD

Sep 05

Mediterranean diet adherence may be associated with improved cardiovascular health in adult women

Bookmark 1. In this cross-sectional study, a higher Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) score was associated with improvements in several cardiovascular outcomes, including cardiovascular risk score, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) in adults. 2. However, women demonstrated a significant association between MedDiet scores and multiple cardiovascular outcomes, while men only showed a significant association between MedDiet scores and lower BMI. Evidence Rating Level: 2 (Good) Cardiovascular diseases affect a large proportion of the aging population and have high morbidity and mortality. Diet is an important component of managing cardiovascular disease risks, and studies have suggested that the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is beneficial in improving cardiovascular risk, particularly in men. This study sought to further evaluate the effect of MedDiet adherence on cardiovascular risk factors in adult men and women. This cross-sectional study included 533 adult participants living in the UK (60% women) from the PREVENT Dementia cohort. Participants were included in the PREVENT cohort if they consented to participation and did not have dementia at baseline. Participants were excluded from analyses if they had missing exposure, outcome, and covariate data. Baseline data was collected from the PREVENT dataset. MedDiet adherence was assessed using 3 different scores: the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score, the MEDAS continuous score, and the Pyramid score. Scores were determined based on self-reported food consumption of 175 foods over the last 2-3 months using the Scottish Collaborative Group Good Frequency Questionnaire (SCG-FFQ). Cardiovascular outcomes included the cardiovascular risk score using the Framingham Risk Score and the QRisk3 scoring method, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), fasting blood glucose level, triglycerides, and cholesterol level. The primary outcome was the association between MedDiet adherence and cardiovascular risk. The results demonstrated that higher MedDiet scores were associated with lower blood pressure, BMI, and cardiovascular risk scores. Women demonstrated significant associations between MedDiet scores and lower blood pressure, BMI, and glycemia, while men only demonstrated a significant association between MedDiet scores and lower BMI. However, this study was limited by the self-reported nature of MedDiet adherence, which may have introduced social desirability bias and the lack of diversity in the study participants, which limited its generalizability. Nonetheless, the results suggested that MedDiet adherence may be associated with an improved cardiovascular risk profile, especially in adult women. Click to read the study in Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases Image: PD ©2023 2 Minute Medicine, Inc. All rights reserved. No works may be reproduced without expressed written consent from 2 Minute Medicine, Inc. Inquire about licensing here. No article should be construed as medical advice and is not intended as such by the authors or by 2 Minute Medicine, Inc.

Sep 05

This summer, some people with ADHD are going on “medication holidays”—but is that wise?

Some TikTok producers are bragging about the positive effects of taking a break from their ADHD medication, which is also known as a “medication holiday,” “medication vacation,” or “drug holiday.” Taking a break from medication over the weekend may provide some persons with ADHD with a welcome change of pace. However, some TikTok parents are advocating for a lengthy break from their child’s ADHD medication throughout the summer months. Anish Ranjan Dube, MD, head of the Council on Children, Adolescents, and Their Families at the American Psychiatric Association, noted that the decision to take such a break from doctor-prescribed medicine is not one-size-fits-all and should not be swayed by individuals on social media platforms. Because of differences in biology, severity of the pathology, and circumstances, “recommendations by individual users or content based on the personal experiences of such users may have social value in that others may relate to them,” he told Health. Dr. David Goodman, an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University, concurs. He pointed out that many of the individuals sharing their personal experiences on social media have had really unusual ones. Goodman, director of the Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Center of Maryland, told Health that “all those lived experiences are very individual and so what one person says has worked or hasn’t worked for them doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going to work or not work for you.” Call your doctor or pharmacist for guidance regularly. Possible Consequences of Abandoning ADHD Medication Many TikTok users with ADHD create the idea in their “medication vacations” that the medicine’s effects would disappear as soon as they stop taking it. According to Goodman, stimulant medicine, the standard treatment for ADHD, fits this description. Stopping the usage of a stimulant drug will have little to no effect on your condition. “In terms of how long it will be in your system, it will be gone from your body after a day following your final dose. “The benefit is recaptured when you use it again,” he explained. Goodman, however, cautioned that it takes a few of weeks to detect an impact if you quit using non-stimulants like atomoxetine or viloxazine.1 It takes two weeks for the effects of non-stimulants to become noticeable, and even after discontinuing use, the effects might linger for up to two weeks. This is similar to the mechanism of action of antidepressants. The Case for Taking a Break From Medicating Their Kids There are a number of scenarios in which parents could consider temporarily suspending their child’s ADHD medication treatment. Some parents have taken to TikTok to announce that they are weaning their child off of ADHD medication so that the youngster may be more like their “true self.” Goodman suggested that parents’ concerns about their children’s “muted down” emotional reactions and social participation may be what they mean. To combat their focus problems in the classroom, some kids take medication for ADHD.2 Dube speculated that these children would be able to handle a pharmaceutical break throughout the summer without suffering any ill effects. In any case, he emphasized that certain people (particularly teenagers) may have symptoms of ADHD that are debilitating while activities such as driving, causing easy distractibility or carelessness, thus it is necessary for them to continue taking their meds. A pharmaceutical holiday may trigger a return of symptoms and accompanying impairment “if the medication is helping treat a symptom (or symptoms) that severely affect(s) multiple aspects of one’s life,” as stated by Dube. According to the article, “in such cases, it may be more beneficial to remain on the medication.” Goodman said that stimulants can cause children and teenagers to lose weight and height, which is another reason why parents would want their children to take a break from the medicine.3 The idea is that “the impact on appetite and weight will be less if you decrease the exposure [of medication] over time,” he added. Do Adults Benefit from Taking a Break from Their Medications? Goodman stressed the need of maintaining regular dosing for people who have been diagnosed with ADHD and provided medication. Because “ADHD symptoms show up in work, social relationships, and emotional control,” he advised taking medication around the clock. “Adults are also not as worried about their size as kids are.” However, he did say that there are times when pausing or changing medication is required. Reducing Adverse Reactions to ADHD Drugs According to Goodman, people can experiment with different dosages of ADHD medicine until they discover the optimal one. However, if undesirable symptoms emerge, doctors may reduce the dosage. “Before you change the dose, you have to figure out if the side effects are from the ADHD medication or are a function of additional medication that was added that is now having an interaction with your ADHD medication,” he said. Avoiding withdrawal symptoms by suddenly quitting pharmaceutical use is not recommended. Goodman claims that “more than 30 different stimulant preparations are available.” As the prognosis goes, “it’s very likely you can find something that you can take that does what it’s supposed to do, that lasts as long as you’d like it to last, and doesn’t cause problems.” Preventing Problems with Tolerance Tolerance problems are cited by several TikTokers as the cause for their drug break. Goodman, however, claims that most persons suffer micro-tolerance, meaning that the following day’s dose has a greater impact if the previous day’s dose was missed. According to Goodman, when tolerance becomes a major problem requiring additional review, this is known as macro-tolerance and is related to the gradual increase in dosage over time. That’s physiologic tolerance, where you need a higher dose to get the same effect, which is why you went from 10 mg to 20 mg to 116 mg after five years. That’s a major issue,” he remarked. It’s Important to See a Doctor Goodman recommended discussing the possibility of getting a tattoo with a physician before giving in to peer

Sep 05

9 Surprising Memory Loss Causes Later in Life

Genetics and aging are significant factors that contribute to memory loss and dementia, which refers to the decline in cognitive functions such as thinking, remembering, and reasoning, as highlighted by the National Institute on Aging (NIA). It is estimated that around one-third of individuals aged 85 and older may experience dementia, underscoring the importance of recognizing early signs and risk factors associated with the condition. While Alzheimer’s disease is the primary cause of dementia, there are other conditions that can also lead to memory and cognitive impairments. Although the exact causes of cognitive issues are not fully understood, researchers have identified several factors that are associated with an increased risk of dementia. Interestingly, some of these factors, such as depression, can both contribute to the development of dementia and serve as potential indicators of the condition. Therefore, it is crucial to be vigilant and address these risk factors and signs early on for optimal management and support. Poor Sleep Poor sleep has various detrimental effects on the brain, and prolonged sleep disturbances may contribute to processes that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to Alzheimer’s, other sleep-related issues such as insomnia, sleep apnea, inadequate sleep duration (less than 5 hours or more than 10 hours per night), and overall poor sleep quality have also been associated with an increased risk of dementia, as stated in an August 2018 publication in Sleep Medicine Reviews. Interestingly, Alzheimer’s disease itself can further disrupt sleep patterns, exacerbating symptoms of the condition. A July 2020 report published in Lancet Commissions highlights the bidirectional relationship between Alzheimer’s and sleep disturbances, indicating that disrupted sleep can negatively impact the symptoms and progression of the disease. Taken together, these findings underscore the crucial role of sleep in brain health and emphasize the importance of addressing sleep issues as a potential risk factor and target for intervention in preventing or managing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Loneliness Social isolation has been identified as a potential contributor to the decline of certain cognitive functions, including memory. On the other hand, engaging in social activities and having larger social networks in later life have been associated with better cognitive functioning, as noted in an August 2019 review published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. It is important to consider that social isolation may not necessarily cause dementia, but could be an early symptom of the condition. The March 2021 review published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia suggests that individuals experiencing memory loss may withdraw from social interactions due to challenges in participating in hobbies or keeping up with their interests, potentially leading to social isolation. These findings highlight the potential protective effects of socializing and maintaining social connections in maintaining cognitive health. While the relationship between social isolation and dementia is complex and may involve bidirectional influences, prioritizing social engagement and maintaining social networks may contribute positively to cognitive well-being. Head Injuries Head injuries, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), have been associated with an increased risk of dementia, as highlighted in the March 2021 review. This risk is particularly elevated in individuals who have experienced multiple TBIs or a severe TBI, as indicated by an April 2018 study published in Lancet Psychiatry. The exact mechanisms underlying the link between head injuries and dementia are not fully understood and may vary depending on the severity of the injury, as suggested by a September 2018 study published in JAMA Neurology. Further research is needed to better comprehend the specific reasons why head injuries contribute to the development of dementia. It is important to prioritize prevention and proper management of head injuries, seeking medical attention and following appropriate protocols for evaluation and treatment. Taking steps to minimize the risk of head injuries, particularly repeated or severe ones, can potentially help reduce the associated risk of developing dementia. Air Pollution Exposure to air pollutants, as indicated by the August 2019 review in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, has been associated with an increased risk of dementia. Specifically, high levels of PM2.5 (particulate matter) and NO2/NOx (harmful gases) in the air can lead to brain inflammation. PM2.5 refers to tiny particles in the air that can originate from various sources including power plants, construction sites, and fires, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On the other hand, NO2/NOx are gases emitted from burning fuel in vehicles and power plants, also per the EPA. Exposure to high levels of NO2 can result in respiratory issues such as asthma, as highlighted by the EPA. Furthermore, PM2.5 air pollution has been linked to various health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, as stated in a November 2019 study published in the journal JAMA Network Open. Reducing exposure to air pollutants, such as through improved air quality regulations, minimizing personal exposure in polluted areas, and using air filtration systems, may play a role in mitigating the associated health risks, including the potential impact on dementia. Heavy Alcohol Use and Smoking Heavy alcohol use, as noted in the July 2020 report, can lead to changes in brain structures that may contribute to cognitive issues. Drinking more than 21 units of alcohol per week (equivalent to about two bottles of wine) can increase the risk of cognitive decline. However, there is no evidence to suggest that light or moderate drinking has detrimental effects on cognitive functioning later in life. A review published in January 2019 in the journal Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy proposed that reducing alcohol consumption could be a strategy for preventing dementia, although further research is needed to establish a definitive link. It is generally recommended to limit alcohol intake to about 14 units per week (equivalent to approximately 6 pints of average-strength beer), spread out over multiple days. Smoking is also associated with an increased risk of dementia. However, quitting smoking has been shown to potentially reduce this risk, as indicated by a September 2018 study published in the journal Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology. Quitting smoking

Sep 05

Is Adderall in Short Supply? Challenges: What You Need to Know Taking the ADD Drugs

The FDA reported a shortage of Adderall, a medicine used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The announcement follows weeks of complaints from customers and pharmacists about difficulties obtaining the medication. This is the second time in recent years that the government agency has recognized a scarcity of Adderall, also known as amphetamine mixed salts pills. The FDA detected a shortage in September of 2019, but by May of 2022, the problem had been remedied. Aurobindo Pharma, Lannett Company, Milan Pharmaceuticals, Sandoz, and Teva Pharmaceuticals were the five drug manufacturers hit by the Adderall shortage. Teva, one of these pharmaceutical firms, is suffering manufacturing delays that are generating the current shortage, as was indicated in the FDA’s press statement reinstating the formal shortage. In September, an FDA spokeswoman assured Health that the agency still anticipated having sufficient supply to fulfill demand, despite the difficulties that Teva would be experiencing over the following months. The agency, however, now claims that rival producers are falling behind. The FDA noted in a news statement that while “other manufacturers continue to produce amphetamine mixed salts,” their output is insufficient to fulfill the current demand in the United States. Teva, the leading U.S. supplier of both original and generic Adderall, acknowledged delays of the medicine in September and stated that they should be temporary. A representative for Teva, Kelly Dougherty, told Health that while certain customers “may encounter a backorder (intermittently) based on timing and demand,” such delays are usually short-lived. “We are actively shipping both branded and generic Adderall to customers,” the company said, adding that “we expect full recovery for all inventory and orders in the coming weeks, at which point we expect no disruption at the pharmacy level.” Before the announcement on Wednesday, doctors and patients have been sounding the alarm in interviews with media sites including BuzzFeed News, Bloomberg, and NBC News about the difficulty of maintaining enough supplies of Adderall. Sixty-four percent of community pharmacists surveyed by the National Community Pharmacists Association in August said they had trouble getting Adderall in for their patients. The FDA has verified the accounts of patients and clinicians, yet many still have trouble getting their hands on life-changing medications. What you need to know about buying Adderall and what to do if you run across problems doing so are detailed below. Increased demand complicates already challenging supply conditions. Limited availability of the medicine was reportedly caused by a manpower shortfall at Teva, as reported by Bloomberg. Dougherty stated that there is “no product shortage on our end,” and that “any noted delays are the downstream effect of a past labor shortage on the packaging line which has since been resolved.” More people using Adderall at the same time has led to shortages in recent years. The use of amphetamines like Adderall was already on the rise before to the COVID-19 epidemic, with consumption tripling between 2006 and 2016; nevertheless, the pandemic accelerated the trend. Iqvia Holdings found that prescriptions for Adderall climbed by more than 10% between 2020 and 2021 as a result of lockdowns, and that the number of telemedicine visits, especially those dealing with mental health difficulties, increased. The New York Times noted that several of the start-up businesses that began offering telemedicine mental health services during the epidemic, such as Cerebral Inc. and Done Global Inc., have come under fire for potentially overprescribing the ADHD medicines. In May, Cerebral announced that they will “indefinitely” discontinue dispensing restricted medications including Adderall, Ritalin, and others. The Wall Street Journal states that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is also looking into the prescription procedures of Done. If Your Pharmacy Is Out of Your Medications, What to Do The best way to avoid having to go without Adderall is to get your prescription refilled as soon as possible. “That way you have time to find another pharmacy that stocks your medication if your usual pharmacy is out-of-stock,” Farah Khorassani, PharmD, associate clinical professor at the University of California, Irvine School of drugstore & Pharmaceutical Sciences told Health. If your pharmacy is out of Adderall, Khorassani suggests calling around to other pharmacies in the area, or having your pharmacist do so on your behalf. Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD, advised checking into mobile or mail-order pharmacies if your regular drugstore was out of stock. According to Sonia Gaur, MD, a psychiatrist at Stanford Health Care, you may wish to urge your healthcare physician to phone your prescription into a new pharmacy. If the drug becomes increasingly difficult to obtain due to the shortage, you and your doctor may want to consider switching to a different type of stimulant prescription. As part of its shortage statement, the FDA suggested that patients who were unable to obtain Adderall consult with their doctors about using other forms of medication, such as extended-release forms of amphetamine mixed salts. However, because withdrawal symptoms from stopping Adderall or any other medicine can be severe, it’s not a good idea to do so without first consulting a doctor. According to Guar, “the risk profile is based on multiple factors,” including “comorbid diagnoses,” “length of taking medications,” and “medication dose.” In addition to affecting your energy and mood, abruptly changing your drug regimen may cause you to feel more exhausted and hungry than normal. Dr. Dimitriu says that fortunately, you should only have these symptoms for approximately a week. If you forget to refill your prescription in time and run out of medicine, Dr. Dimitriu advises starting with a lesser dosage and gradually building back up. If you have tried everything and can’t find your medication, talk to your doctor about other possibilities and make getting enough sleep a top priority. “Sleep is essential to ADHD and our attention, focus, and impulse control,” Dr. Dimitriu stated, “so make sure you keep sleeping well (over seven hours) whether on meds or off.”