Author: Dr. Rhea Sharma

A new study has revealed a potential breakthrough in the treatment of long COVID symptoms, specifically alterations or loss of taste and smell. These symptoms, known as phantosmia and parosmia, can persist for months in individuals with long COVID, greatly impacting their quality of life. The study focused on a procedure called a “stellate ganglion block,” which involves injecting an anesthetic into the stellate ganglion nerve cluster in the neck to stimulate the autonomic nervous system. While this technique has been used for other conditions, it had not been studied as a treatment for long COVID symptoms until now. The…

New research presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America suggests that middle-aged adults with visceral fat in their belly may have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that the presence of belly fat could trigger changes in the brain related to Alzheimer’s up to 15 years before symptoms appear. The study focused on associations between amyloid and tau proteins, which interfere with cellular communication in the brain, and factors such as high body mass index (BMI), obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty abdominal tissue. The researchers discovered that higher levels of visceral…

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from Duke University School of Medicine has revealed a potential link between nanoplastics and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Nanoplastics are tiny particles of plastic that can contaminate water and soil. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, found that these nanoparticles have an impact on a specific protein in the brain associated with these diseases. The researchers initially conducted experiments using various nanoparticles for biomarker assays in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Unexpectedly, they discovered that certain nanoparticles had a significant effect on aggregating a protein called…

A new study has found that a drug called zilebesiran may be a promising treatment for individuals with mild-to-moderate high blood pressure. The phase 2 clinical trial, presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023, demonstrated that a single injection of zilebesiran can effectively reduce systolic blood pressure for up to six months. High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects more than 1 billion people worldwide and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular issues such as stroke and heart failure. Additionally, it is linked to kidney damage, metabolic syndrome, dementia, and vision problems. The study’s findings are particularly significant…

High cholesterol is a global health concern, with a significant percentage of the population affected. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nearly 40% of adults worldwide have elevated total cholesterol levels. In the United States alone, approximately 86 million adults have total cholesterol levels exceeding 200 mg/dL, while 11.5% have levels above 240 mg/dL. High levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), also known as “bad” cholesterol, increase the risk of heart disease. Conversely, high levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) can help lower the risk of heart disease by removing cholesterol from the bloodstream. Lifestyle choices such as an…

A new study has revealed that consuming strawberries may have cognitive and mood benefits for middle-aged adults with overweight and insulin resistance. The study, funded by the California Strawberry Commission and published in Nutrients, aimed to find a dietary change that could slow the progression of cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers focused on anthocyanins, a compound found in strawberries known for improving executive brain function. The study involved a small group of participants who were split into two groups: one consumed strawberries while the other received a placebo. The results showed that those who consumed strawberries experienced a…

The prevalence of obesity worldwide is continuing to increase, with over 2.6 million people affected in 2020. This number is projected to reach over 4 billion by 2035, according to the World Obesity Federation. Obesity is associated with serious health risks, including stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. In response to this growing problem, several weight-loss drugs have been developed, including Zepbound, which has recently been approved by the FDA. Zepbound, developed by Eli Lilly and Company, has received FDA approval for chronic weight management in adults who are obese or overweight and have at…

Routine genetic screening for familial hypercholesteremia (FH), a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol, has been found to potentially save lives, according to a recent study. FH is a condition characterized by high cholesterol levels that cannot be explained by common risk factors such as diet, inactivity, and obesity. Unlike individuals with elevated cholesterol due to lifestyle factors, people with FH cannot lower their cholesterol through lifestyle changes alone. However, medications like statins and PCSK9 inhibitors can effectively manage the condition. To initiate these treatments, individuals with FH need to be identified through genetic testing. The study revealed that individuals…

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, has found that people who regularly consume a diet high in ultra-processed foods have a higher risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a chronic inflammatory condition that includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affecting millions of people worldwide. Ultra-processed foods, such as sugary snacks, processed meats, and packaged meals, have been linked to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The study analyzed data from over 116,000 participants and found that those who consumed the highest amount of ultra-processed foods had a…

Scientists from the Fred Hutch Cancer Center have made progress in understanding the link between obesity and neurodegenerative diseases. Using a fruit fly model, they discovered that a high-sugar diet can lead to insulin resistance in the brain, impairing its ability to remove neuronal debris and increasing the risk of neurodegeneration. The study, published in PLOS Biology, sheds light on the impact of diet-induced obesity on brain function. Dr. Akhila Rajan, the senior author of the study, explained that previous research has shown obesity to be an independent risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders, but the specific mechanisms connecting obesity to…