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Fox News
15 minutes ago
- Fox News
Popular back pain medication linked to brain health risks in some patients
A painkiller used for lower back pain could be linked to a higher risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), according to new research. The study, published online in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, found that groups previously considered too young to develop the conditions faced more than twice the risk when taking gabapentin. "Our findings indicate an association between gabapentin prescription and dementia or cognitive impairment within 10 years," the research team stated in a press release. The drug has become increasingly popular for treating chronic pain, especially neuropathic (nerve) pain, the researchers noted in a press release. Gabapentin — which is also used to control seizures, according to Cleveland Clinic — has relatively low addictive potential compared to traditional opioids. Recent research has sparked new concerns over its side effects, including a possible association with neurodegeneration. Previous findings could not confirm a specific link, especially regarding whether certain age groups are more vulnerable. In the latest study, researchers collected data from TriNetX, a health research network containing electronic health records from 68 healthcare organizations across the U.S. Examining anonymous records of adult patients, the team looked at groups who had been prescribed gabapentin for chronic lower back pain between 2004 and 2024 and compared them to people who hadn't received the drug. There were a total of 26,414 individuals in each group. The researchers accounted for factors like demographics, co-existing conditions and the use of other pain-relieving drugs. Patients who had received six or more gabapentin prescriptions were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85% more likely to be diagnosed with MCI within 10 years of their initial pain diagnosis, the study found. Looking at specific age groups, people between 18 and 64 years old who received the drug were more than twice as likely to develop either condition than those who hadn't been prescribed gabapentin. While there was no heightened risk among those aged 18 to 34 who were prescribed the drug, the risk of dementia more than doubled (and the risk of MCI more than tripled) among 35- to 49-year-olds. Researchers observed a similar pattern among 50- to 64-year-olds. Risks rose with prescription frequency: Patients with 12 or more prescriptions were 40% more likely to develop dementia and 65% more likely to develop MCI than those who were prescribed gabapentin between three and 11 times. "Our findings indicate an association between gabapentin prescription and dementia or cognitive impairment within 10 years." The study did have some limitations. As this was an observational study, no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, the researchers noted. For more Health articles, visit They also acknowledged that because the study was retrospective, they couldn't account for dose or length of gabapentin use. The results "support the need for close monitoring of adult patients prescribed gabapentin to assess for potential cognitive decline," the researchers added.
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Dear Abby: My husband's smoking addiction is the cause of my migraines
DEAR ABBY: I began experiencing migraines occasionally as a teenager, but in my early 20s, they became a regular occurrence. I tried unsuccessfully for years to identify my triggers, cutting things from my diet and environment before realizing about a year ago that I'm triggered by smoke. My husband — my best friend and the love of my life — who I've been with since the age of 21, is a smoker. I've attempted to talk to him about it, but he becomes hurt and defensive because he's sensitive about his addiction and isn't sure my 'theory' is correct. He has always been careful not to smoke in our home or cars, only outside, but I smell it on his hands and clothing even hours after a cigarette. Further complicating the matter is that he has never had a sense of smell and isn't convinced that an odor lingers on him. We have a beautiful, affectionate marriage and almost never fight. However, I'm realizing I have a slow-growing resentment that is fed each time he sits next to me or I want to snuggle up with him, only to be hit with a sensation best described as an ice pick to my temple. I'm devastated that this is affecting my nearly perfect image of this wonderful man. I have thus far been unwilling to nag or demand he stop, as this isn't the type of wife I want to be. He has many amazing qualities, and I feel horrible that my heart is pulling back because of this one thing. Please help with what to do. — HURTING HEAD IN OHIO DEAR HURTING HEAD: The first thing you should do is discuss your migraines with your doctor to be sure that the smell of tobacco is what is triggering them. If what you think is true, then you and your husband should schedule a consultation with your physician so the doctor can explain it to your wonderful spouse. There is no denying that cigarette smoke clings to the hair, skin and clothing of a regular smoker long after the last puff. On the positive side, this may be a perfect opportunity for your husband to rid himself of an expensive habit that's potentially dangerous to his health. DEAR ABBY: My best friend, 'Ellie,' has a jealousy problem. She wanted to introduce me to another lady, 'Mica,' who was starting a new craft and looking for help to get started. Ellie gave my phone number to Mica, who contacted me and came to my house for instructions. I told Ellie that Mica had called and that we'd set up a time for Mica to come over. When Ellie heard that, she got really upset because she wanted to introduce us. Now, if I mention Mica's name, my best friend shuts down. Abby, I'm not sure how to handle jealousy. It's not an emotion I feel. Please help. — GOOD INTENTIONS IN ARKANSAS DEAR GOOD INTENTIONS: Shuts down? Because you met with Mica without Ellie being present? That seems not only childish but also controlling. 'Handle' this by refraining from mentioning Mica's name to Ellie. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
WeightWatchers Has Exited Bankruptcy. How Should You Play WW Stock Here?
Many health and wellness stocks have faced challenges in recent years as GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy upend the traditional diet market. Companies that once dominated the space have struggled to keep up with this new wave of solutions. Among them, WW International (WW), formerly known as WeightWatchers, hit a rough patch earlier this year, resulting in WW filing for bankruptcy protections. But now, the company has made a comeback, completing its financial restructuring and relisting its stock on the Nasdaq Exchange. Creating a 38% 'Dividend' on SOFI Stock Using Options Joby Aviation Just Hit a New 52-Week High. Should You Buy the Flying Car Stock Here? Nvidia Stock Regains Momentum. Is It Time to Buy, Sell, or Hold NVDA? Our exclusive Barchart Brief newsletter is your FREE midday guide to what's moving stocks, sectors, and investor sentiment - delivered right when you need the info most. Subscribe today! As part of this return, WeightWatchers is repositioning itself entirely. The company is pivoting toward women's health, launching a new menopause-focused program while also deepening ties with GLP-1 drug developers like Novo Nordisk (NVO). For investors wondering whether this turnaround could be more than a short-term pop, now may be the right time to take a closer look at WW's evolving story. Based in New York, WW International is a global wellness company offering digital health and fitness solutions, personalized nutrition guidance, subscription-based weight management services, and coaching. WW leverages its proprietary app, community support, and innovative programs to empower members worldwide to adopt healthier lifestyles and sustainable habits. WW's exit from Chapter 11 which slashed $1.15 billion in debt and saw it relist on the Nasdaq Exchange at $27. Shares are up more than 16% over the past five days. WW's core growth driver is a new women's health program targeting perimenopause and menopause, set to roll out later this year. The initiative will combine tailored nutrition plans, behavioral coaching, hormone replacement therapy, and dedicated community groups for women aged 40–60. With up to 70% of women experiencing weight gain during menopause, WW sees a data‑backed need for this service. Rather than abandoning GLP‑1 therapies, the company will integrate these medications, such as Wegovy, into its model, pairing drug support with coaching to mitigate side effects and enhance results. A recent partnership with Novo Nordisk's NovoCare pharmacy ensures members receive FDA‑approved prescriptions within WW's supervised framework. CMO Dr. Kim Boyd says this blended approach of medication, lifestyle change, and community 'fills a critical gap in women's healthcare.' While the company is still working through its restructuring, some signs of stabilization are starting to appear. Revenue for the first quarter came in at $186.6 million, which was down nearly 10% from the same period last year. Most of that decline came from its traditional 'Behavioral' business that includes digital memberships and in-person workshops. The total subscriber count dropped to about 3.4 million, a 14% year-over-year decrease. However, not all segments were weak. The 'Clinical' business, its telehealth offering, actually grew, with paying members in that category rising 55% to 135,000. That jump helped clinical revenue grow about 57% over the past year. On the profit side, the company showed improvement. WW posted a net loss of $72.6 million, which is still sizable, but far better than the $347.9 million loss in the year-ago quarter. Management has been cutting costs aggressively, and it's starting to show. Investors should note that Q1 results were released on May 6, the same day the company filed for bankruptcy protections. Wall Street analysts have rated the stock a 'Hold.' Their average 12-month price target of $0.94 is significantly lower than its current share price, but investors should note that analysts likely have not caught up to shares following the bankruptcy exit. This means WW could quickly see refreshed targets. It is good news that WW has emerged from bankruptcy, but a sustained turnaround will take time to play out. Investors will want to see steady membership and growth in its new health services before calling it a success. On the date of publication, Nauman Khan did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
