Author: Dr. Rhea Sharma
Dr. Rhea Sharma
Dr. Rhea Sharma with dual degrees in Public Health and Medical Journalism and currently practicing as a physician, has become a respected voice in the health sector. She offers expert insights into a wide array of health issues, making her articles a trusted source of general health information.
A recent study from Tohoku University in Japan explores the potential cognitive benefits of wasabi, a popular Japanese condiment. The researchers found that a supplement containing the main bioactive compound in wasabi improved working and episodic memory in older adults. This finding adds to the growing body of research suggesting that certain foods can enhance brain function and protect cognitive health. However, some experts remain skeptical and call for more research to validate these findings. Dr. Clifford Segil, a neurologist, suggests conducting larger studies with standardized cognitive tests and amounts of wasabi consumed. While the study’s results are interesting, Dr.…
A new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open reveals the potential benefits of following a vegan diet for cardiovascular health. Conducted by researchers from Stanford University, the study used pairs of identical twins to minimize genetic variations and provide more accurate results. The study involved 22 pairs of twins, with one twin following a vegan diet and the other an omnivore diet. Both diets included a variety of plant-based foods such as vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains, while limiting added sugars and refined grains. For the first four weeks, the participants received delivered meals to ensure adherence…
A recent meta-study conducted by researchers at the University of California at Davis (UC–Davis) has examined the relationship between personality traits and the risk of developing dementia. The study focused specifically on the Big Five personality traits and their associations with dementia. The findings suggest that individuals who possess conscientious, extroverted, and positive affect traits are less likely to develop dementia, while those with neuroticism and negative affect traits have a higher risk. The study also revealed that the connection between personality and dementia risk becomes stronger with age. The study involved analyzing data from eight published studies, encompassing a…
A study conducted by researchers at the University of California — San Francisco (UCSF) reveals that personalized health and lifestyle changes could potentially delay and prevent memory loss in individuals at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the study aimed to examine the impact of a personalized approach to reducing lifestyle risk factors on cognition. The study involved 172 participants aged 70 to 89, all of whom exhibited at least two of eight dementia risk factors at the beginning of the two-year study. Half of the participants received personalized coaching from a nurse and health coach,…
A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge, the University of Milan Bicocca, and Hospital Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza in Italy has suggested that therapy using a specific type of stem cell could potentially protect against further brain damage in cases of progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). The study, published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, involved injecting neural stem cells from a single fetal donor directly into the brains of 15 individuals with secondary progressive MS. These participants, who exhibited high levels of disability at the start of the trial, were closely monitored for a period of…
According to a study published in BMJ Open, less than 0.1% of the UK population follows the dietary recommendations outlined in the government’s Eatwell Guide. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Bergen, analyzed data from over 465,000 participants in the UK Biobank. Unhealthy dietary patterns, characterized by low intake of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, and white meat, but high intake of red and processed meats, eggs, refined grains, and sugary drinks, were found to be prevalent. The researchers found that adhering to the dietary recommendations in the Eatwell Guide could significantly increase life expectancy. A 40-year-old…
A new study conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Diego and Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute has found that individuals with hearing loss may exhibit differences in the microstructure of certain areas of the brain. These areas are associated with executive function, speech, language processing, and auditory processing. The study involved 130 participants from the Rancho Bernardo Study of Healthy Aging, with an average age of 76.4 years. The participants underwent hearing tests and MRI scans to identify structural differences in their brains. The findings suggest that hearing loss may have an impact on brain health…
A recent study published in BMC Public Health has explored the relationship between dietary amino acid intake and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. The researchers examined data from the RaNCD Cohort Study, focusing on individuals between the ages of 35 to 65 years who developed type 2 diabetes after a 6-year follow-up period. They found a correlation between a higher consumption of specific amino acids and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. However, it is important to note that the association between amino acid consumption and type 2 diabetes risk is still being researched, and conflicting results have…
A recent study conducted by researchers from Germany has found that replacing animal-based foods with plant-based alternatives can have positive effects on cardiometabolic health and reduce the risk of all-cause mortality. The study, which involved a systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 meta-analyses and 32 studies, examined the impact of substituting animal-based foods with plant-based foods on health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality. The findings of the review indicated that shifting from animal-based foods to plant-based foods, such as nuts, legumes, whole grains, and olive oil, is associated with improved cardiometabolic…
Researchers have discovered that adopting eight healthy habits can slow down biological aging by up to 6 years, according to findings presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023. These habits include maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco, getting enough sleep, managing cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure, and staying physically active. Exercise, in particular, has been found to be crucial in prolonging life and improving overall health. Dr. Borja del Pozo Cruz and Dr. Edwina Brocklesby discussed the link between exercise and longevity in the latest episode of the In Conversation podcast by Medical…