Staying #Up2Date 🚨

1: Pressure Point: Hypertension Management and Dementia 

This RCT looked at whether blood pressure (BP) reduction could lower the risk of all-cause dementia in adults aged 40+ with uncontrolled hypertension in rural China. The intervention group — treated with antihypertensive meds by non-physician community healthcare providers — saw significant drops in systolic and diastolic BP (22.0 mmHg and 9.3 mmHg, respectively) compared to usual care. All-cause dementia was significantly lower in the intervention group (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.95, P = 0.0035), supporting the role of intensive BP control in dementia prevention.

2: Clearing the Air on Varenicline for Youth Vaping Cessation 

This RCT tested varenicline for nicotine vaping cessation in 261 treatment-seeking youth who don’t smoke regularly. Compared to placebo, varenicline led to higher continuous abstinence rates — 51% vs 14% in the last month of treatment and 28% vs 7% at 6-month follow up. Varenicline was well-tolerated, supporting its combination with behavioral counselling to support vaping abstinence in youth. 

3: After the Finish Line: Body Image and Disordered Eating in Retired Female Athletes

This qualitative study of elite women athletes explored how body image issues persist after retirement. Themes highlighted the wide range of sociocultural factors affecting body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in high-level sports, pointing to the need for better support for women athletes — during their careers and after.

Metabolic Woes 🧠

What your metabolism and dementia might have in common

What happened: A new study has found a link between metabolic syndrome and young-onset dementia. 

Why it’s interesting: High blood pressure, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high blood sugar are just some symptoms of metabolic syndrome, and the study found that patients who have been diagnosed are 24% more likely to develop dementia at a young age. 

By looking at checkups from almost 2 million Koreans, researchers found that those who had metabolic syndrome also developed early-onset dementia between 2009 and the end of 2020. Unfortunately, the risk is even greater for Americans, as 1 in 3 adults has metabolic syndrome due to things like high obesity rates and type 2 diabetes. Studies have also shown that racialized communities are at greater risk of developing these issues.

While it can be scary to think about how something as common as high blood pressure might cause dementia, one Florida neurologist said the study could encourage people to make healthier choices for their brains. Regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining stress levels are just a few things people can do to lower their risk of metabolic syndrome (and eventually dementia). Sadly, for some, dementia is genetic, and no amount of running will stop the disease from happening.

But: The study was observational, and researchers couldn’t claim that metabolic syndrome caused dementia; instead, they found a correlation between the two. More research needs to be done on the topic, starting with studying more populations and figuring out whether or not treating metabolic syndrome lowers the chances of dementia.

Bottom line: While the race to find a cure for dementia and Alzheimer's is still up for grabs, unravelling how it might start is a huge game changer for folks at risk. 

Hot Off The Press

1: 😔 A new study found that women who survive cancer were 69% more likely to have fatigue and depression than men, building on previous findings that women experience more severe side effects during cancer treatments. Scientists found that being more active after treatments could lower the risk of cancer-related fatigue by 50%. But it’s a bandage solution, and more research needs to be done to explain why women suffer more.

2: 🦠 A case of tuberculosis has been confirmed at a Florida high school. It hasn’t yet been confirmed if the person is a student or a staff member, and the school has begun testing students with their parents’ consent. This comes after last year, when Kansas health officials reported one of the largest tuberculosis outbreaks in US history.

3: 💉 A single dose of the HPV vaccine may protect against cancer just as well as 2, according to new clinical trial data. Researchers found 97% efficacy in a Costa Rican study tracking 20,000 girls over 4.5 years. Experts hope the findings could drastically expand access — especially in low-income countries where cervical cancer remains a leading cause of death.

4: 🧠 Peer influence is edging out clinical advice — especially among Gen Z. New Edelman survey data show 45% of young adults say they’ve trusted friends or family over doctors in the past year, and 38% have turned to social media instead. While most still value individual providers, trust in traditional health institutions continues to slide.

5: ♻️ Household plastics like food storage containers, children’s toys, and makeup have been linked to thousands of heart disease deaths, study finds. The synthetic chemical called phthalates may have been the cause of more than 10% of all global heart disease deaths in 2018 among men and women aged 55 to 64. The chemical causes inflammation in the coronary arteries, which could worsen existing diseases and cause death. People are most exposed when they eat or drink from plastic.

Notable Numbers 🔢

900: the number of growing measles cases in the US. So far, cases have been confirmed in 29 states, with the majority coming from western Texas, where there are 646 cases. The CDC is once again urging Americans to ensure they are up to date with their vaccines.

100: days since Donald Trump became President (again). Since then, the President has signed executive orders to eliminate birthright citizenship, roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, and impose tariffs on Canada and China. Who knows what the next 100 days will look like?

Picks

😂Laugh: at this meme about gall bladder stones:

🤑Save: Track your steps in style with Google Fitbit courtesy of Amazon! They’re on sale now up to 25% off.

👂Listen: to the newest White Coat Investor Podcast episode! This week, they discuss PSLF’s and long-term bonds!

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