Latest news with #Alzheimer's
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New Study Finds That A Blood Test For Diabetes Might Actually Predict Alzheimer's Progression
A new study suggests a simple blood test could tell who is at higher risk for rapid cognitive decline with Alzheimer's. The study found that people with higher insulin resistance were up to four times more likely to have rapid cognitive decline. Here's what to know about the test and how to get one. Historically, it has been quite difficult for doctors to predict how fast patients will experience cognitive decline with Alzheimer's disease, especially since the neurodegenerative disease impacts people differently based on a slew of factors. But new research has discovered that a specific blood test may help doctors get more answers, which could, in theory, help them respond more quickly with appropriate treatment and providing patients with more information. (But of course, experts first need to gather more data and perform further studies on the test.) The test measures insulin resistance, a condition where the body's cells don't respond properly to insulin, a hormone that helps escort blood sugar into cells for energy. The latest study finds a link between insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease progression, helping doctors and patients glean more information about what may be in store. Here's what the study found, plus what neurologists want you to know. Meet the experts: Clifford Segil, DO, is a neurologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA; Amit Sachdev, MD, MS, is the medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University. The study, which was presented at the European Academy of Neurology Congress 2025, analyzed health records of 315 people without diabetes who had cognitive deficits. Of those, 200 had confirmed cases of Alzheimer's disease. All of the patients had their insulin resistance checked using something called the Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) index, a way to check insulin resistance, based on fasting triglyceride (a type of fat in the blood) and blood sugar levels, at the start of the study and three years later. The researchers discovered that patients in the mild cognitive impairment group with higher TyG levels had their cognitive health deteriorate a lot faster than those who were lower on the TyG index. Ultimately, the researchers found that people with higher TyG levels were up to four times more likely to have rapid cognitive decline compared to those who were lower on the scale. For starters, this type of blood test isn't actually new. We're just discovering new ways it can be used. The TyG index is already used to look for insulin resistance in people, so technically, you could get this test now if your doctor thought that it was medically appropriate. Just know that it's usually used in the context of diabetes or when your doctor suspects you might have diabetes. The test appears to be pretty accurate in predicting rapid mental decline. The researchers found that people with high TyG ended up losing more than 2.5 points on the Mini Mental State Examination per year, which is a standardized test used to look at cognitive function in older adults. In Alzheimer's disease, insulin resistance is thought to interfere with how the brain uses glucose (blood sugar). It's also believed to promote the build-up of amyloid, or proteins deposits in the brain that are linked with Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, insulin resistance can disrupt the blood-brain barrier and fuel inflammation in the brain. All of these are linked with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. 'Insulin resistance often reflects features of overall health," says Amit Sachdev, MD, MS, medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University, pointing out that a major contributor to insulin resistance is higher bodyweight. 'If the overall health of the body is not optimal, then the brain will not be well supported and can be less resilient.' But the link between insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease is still being explored, says Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. So, while it's clear that it seems to play some role, it's hard to tell what it's specifically doing as it relates to brain health. Your doctor can order one of these tests for you. However, neurologists say there are better options right now if you're concerned about Alzheimer's disease development and are looking for answers. 'Some tests that are more specific for Alzheimer's are serum amyloid and tau levels,' Dr. Sachdev sys. 'Tests that help predict risk for the anti-amyloid therapies used in Alzheimer's is the APO-E genotype. These studies are useful today in understand risk of dementia, type of dementia, and risk of treatment.' Dr. Segil says that doctors are 'extremely cautious' about using blood tests like TyG to determine if someone is at risk for developing dementia in the first place. 'There remains an extremely high number of false positive results in patients receiving various blood tests being marketed to determine if you are at risk for getting dementia,' he says. However, this specific study is exploring the test to see how quickly someone who already has cognitive decline will progress—and that usage is still being explored. All of this doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't get a TyG test. Just know that your doctor is more likely to use it while checking you for early signs of diabetes versus Alzheimer's disease right now. 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Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Cup of golden milk a day 'could keep cancer and Alzheimer's at bay'
This popular Asian drink features a common spice which scientists say has been linked to many health improvements – here's all you need to know A classic Asian drink is gaining traction in the West, thanks to its myriad health benefits. Health experts are singing praises for "golden milk", a concoction made by adding a spoonful of turmeric to a glass of milk. The health-boosting properties of golden milk can be attributed largely to curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric. This powerful compound has such potent anti-inflammatory effects that some research equates it to pharmaceutical drugs. In addition to its anti-inflammatory prowess, as underscored in this research paper in the medical journal Foods, curcumin also enhances the body's antioxidant capacity. It effectively combats oxidative damage and free radicals, which can accelerate ageing and contribute to chronic diseases. Curcumin plays a pivotal role in mitigating oxidative stress and harmonising various bodily functions. It can decrease intracellular lipid peroxidation and bolster the body's antioxidant capabilities, potentially leading to increased longevity. Research even suggests that curcumin could aid in treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) as it helps shield the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for learning and memory functions. A study by Brazilian scientists, published in the journal Current Neuropharmacology, concluded: "The administration of curcumin demonstrates to be effective for the treatment of AD. These studies help to elucidate the mechanism of action of curcumin, where they suggest that it partially reverses the neurotoxic and behavioural damages in animals with AD and other cell lines." Golden milk recipes often incorporate curcumin, cinnamon and ginger, all of which are known for their potent antioxidant properties. Research has shown that ginger can enhance brain function by improving reaction time and memory, while animal studies have suggested that it may protect against age-related decline in brain function. Both ginger and cinnamon have been linked to lower blood sugar levels. A scientific study proposed that a small daily intake of ginger could potentially reduce haemoglobin A1C levels (a long-term measure of blood sugar control) by up to 10 per cent. Research also suggests that the spices found in golden milk may have anti-cancer properties. One study, published in the journal Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, discovered that 6-gingerol, a compound abundant in raw ginger, exhibits anti-cancer characteristics. Another study, conducted by scientists in the US, posited that curcumin has the capacity to kill isolated cancer cells in laboratory tests. It might also inhibit the growth of new blood vessels in tumours, thereby limiting their proliferation, according to Gloucestershire Live. Golden milk could also be beneficial for brain health. Research from Iran indicated that curcumin might boost levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a substance that aids in the formation of new brain connections and promotes the growth of brain cells. There is also some evidence suggesting that curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, could help ease symptoms of depression, as per a study published in the Scientific World Journal. However, further research is required. For those who aren't fans of strong spices, fear not – the taste of this drink has been likened to chai tea or a chai latte. Its main purpose is to provide comfort rather than stimulation, making it a perfect evening beverage. The basic recipe of turmeric and milk can be customised with various additions to suit your palate and nutritional needs. Consider enhancing your drink with other spices like nutmeg, which is rich in magnesium, or sweeten it with a dash of maple syrup or honey. Adding a few grinds of black pepper can unlock additional health benefits. This common table spice contains piperine, a natural compound that boosts the absorption of curcumin by 2,000 per cent, according to this report. There are numerous recipes available online for this naturally sweet beverage. Traditionally, turmeric milk is made with cow's milk, but you can substitute with alternatives such as oat, soy, or almond milk. Once you've gathered the base ingredients, you can start experimenting to find your perfect blend of golden milk. Here's a simple method to try at home: Pour 250ml of your preferred milk into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat Add in 1tsp of ground turmeric, a pinch of black pepper and any other spices and sweeteners you fancy Add to the mixture and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavours to blend and fully mature Pour into a mug, let it cool slightly, then drink To turn your warm turmeric milk into a latte, gently whisk it with a hand whisk or a milk frother over low heat to 'froth' the milk once it's in the saucepan. Some people enjoy the drink chilled, similar to an iced coffee, as there is no evidence that serving it over ice diminishes any health benefits.
India Today
8 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
Endocrinologist Dr. Ambrish Mithal on the happy side-effects of weight-loss drugs
New-age weight-loss drugs are exploding the pharmaceutical market, offering better results than traditional medicines. Top endocrinologist Dr. Ambrish Mithal deconstructs the many facets, including side-effects, of these GLP-1 drugs in his recently published book The Weight Loss Revolution, in an episode of India Today's said that while the GLP-1 field -- drugs that belong to the class of GLP-1 targeting the same hormone in the body -- is just beginning to explode, there'll be many newer drugs with less and less side effects and easier to most cases have shown muscle loss as a prominent result of using GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide or semaglutide, Dr. Mithal explains that losing muscle is an accompanying factor to weight loss. "In the long run, if you're not following a healthy diet, you will end up with significant muscle loss. And this is not because of the weight-loss drugs. Whenever we lose weight, we also lose muscle. If you lose 10 kg, you've lost 2-3 kg of muscle. Now, if you want to preserve that, you have to ensure adequate protein and fibre in your diet. Along with that, you have to make sure that you're exercising regularly and that exercise should include strength training," Dr. Mithal also shared what many people experience loose skin after taking these medicines. "When you lose weight rapidly, you lose subcutaneous fat. Particularly in older people where skin tends to sag anyway. If you suddenly lose weight, don't hydrate yourself well, not eating the right kind of balanced diet, then you get that little sagging on the face which people have started calling Ozempic face. Before these drugs came into the market, anyone we put on a very strict diet or someone who had bariatric surgery would see similar results," he gastrointestinal side-effects, nausea, and vomiting, Dr. Mithal addressed concerns about thyroid cancer, highlighting that there's no evidence to link the also explained the "happy side-effects" of GLP-1 medications. Besides growing body of evidence suggesting how semaglutide is linked to Alzheimer's disease, Dr. Mithal said that the benefits of the drugs are moving beyond weight loss."The evidence that they might be helping Alzheimer's by helping obesity in the brain may actually be very exciting, and even for cardiac health, Parkinson's disease. Cardiac events are reduced. Fatty liver is reduced. Kidney disease progression is reduced. But the brain effects are particularly fascinating. Sleep apnea has also gone down," he said, adding that the drugs have also helped improve fertility outcomes in women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).Currently, most GLP-1 drugs are injectable and expensive, limiting their access in India. However, new formulations and more research are on the way. Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, two blockbuster fat-busting medicines, are set to gain ground in India to tackle the diabetes and obesity crisis."Remember, the GLP-1 field is just beginning to explode. There'll be many newer drugs with less and less side effects and easier to use," Dr. Mithal sayssaid.- EndsMust Watch
Miami Herald
9 hours ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
New to The Street Announces the Broadcast of Show Number 675 This Saturday at 6:30 PM EST on Bloomberg Television Featuring: FLOKI, BioVie (NASDAQ: BIVI), Arrive AI ($ARAI), Health In Tech (NASDAQ HIT), and Commercialville T.V.
Show Number 675 is sponsored programming by Ainos (NASDAQ: AIMD), Arrive AI ($ARAI), Acurx Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACXP), Sustainable Green Team (OTC: SGTM) and Commercialville T.V. commercials NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK / ACCESS Newswire / June 27, 2025 / New to The Street proudly announces the broadcast of Show Number 675, airing this Saturday at 6:30 PM EST on Bloomberg Television. Show Number 675 marks a major milestone for the nationally syndicated program known for its in-depth interviews and business features spanning emerging technologies, biotech, fintech, and media. Show Number 675 will feature the following companies: FLOKI - A leading Web3 utility and metaverse token with a growing ecosystem across blockchain, education, and decentralized Inc. (NASDAQ:BIVI) - A clinical-stage biotech company advancing therapeutic solutions for Alzheimer's and advanced liver AI ($ARAI) - A next-generation logistics platform utilizing AI to streamline smart deliveries and mail In Tech - A digital health platform transforming underwriting and broker tools for next-gen insurance T.V. -CommercialVille T.V. is an innovative, zip‑code‑targeted, video‑based search engine designed specifically for local advertising. Using its patented technology, it delivers location‑relevant video ads directly to users based on entered zip codes and keywords. Show Number 675 is sponsored programming brought to audiences by: Ainos, Inc. (NASDAQ:AIMD) - Focused on developing innovative point-of-care diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring AI ($ARAI) - Disrupting traditional logistics with AI-powered predictive Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACXP) - Developing a new class of antibiotics addressing multidrug-resistant Gram-positive T.V. - Blending entertainment and e-commerce into a measurable media platform. Vince Caruso, CEO and C0 Founder of New to The Street, commented: Show Number 675 will also stream on the New to The Street YouTube channel (2.9M+ subscribers), and be shared across social media and digital distribution networks globally. For media, sponsorship, or interview inquiries related to Show Number 675:Monica BrennanMonica@ About New to The StreetSince 2009, New to The Street has produced over 675 episodes, airing weekly on Bloomberg Television and Fox Business as sponsored programming. Known for combining linear TV with digital media, social amplification, and billboard coverage, New to The Street provides a powerful media platform for public and private companies looking to elevate their visibility. SOURCE: New To The Street
Engadget
20 hours ago
- Health
- Engadget
Peter Thiel is utterly wrong about Alzheimer's
The New York Times ran a lengthy interview this morning between columnist Ross Douthat and venture capitalist and PayPal founder Peter Thiel. There's a reason it was published in the opinion section. Thiel, a Trump booster whose allies — including Vice President JD Vance — now litter the White House, was given free reign to discuss a variety of topics across over an hour of softball questions. Is Greta Thunberg the literal antichrist? Are the three predominant ideological schools in Europe environmentalism, "Islamic Shariah law" and "Chinese Communist totalitarian takeover"? Is AI "woke" and capable of following Elon Musk to Mars? Peter seems to think so! Perhaps the "just asking questions" school of journalism could add " hey, what the fuck are you talking about " to its repertoire. Admittedly, many of these assertions fall squarely into the realm of things that exist within Thiel's mind palace rather than verifiable facts, with at least one notable exception. Relatively early in their chat, Peter tells Ross the following [emphasis ours]: If we look at biotech, something like dementia, Alzheimer's — we've made zero progress in 40 to 50 years. People are completely stuck on beta amyloids. It's obviously not working. It's just some kind of a stupid racket where the people are just reinforcing themselves. It's a pretty bold claim! It's also completely untrue. "There was no treatment 40 or 50 years ago for Alzheimer's disease," Sterling Johnson, a professor of Geriatrics and Gerontology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, told Engadget. "What we've been able to do in the last 20 years has been actually pretty extraordinary. We've developed markers that help us identify when this disease starts, using the using amyloid markers and tau biomarkers, we know that the disease actually begins 20 years before the symptoms do, and that is a critical thing to know if we are going to prevent this disease." At the moment, Alzheimer's remains incurable. But the absence of a miracle cure does not negate the accomplishments thus far in detection and prevention. "The first treatments were these window dressing treatments. It's like treating the symptoms like you would treat a cold [...] The first generation of amyloid therapy was that kind of approach where it just addressed the symptoms by amping up the neurons and increasing the neurotransmitters available to the to the brain cells." Johnson, whose team runs one of the largest and longest studies on people at risk for developing Alzheimer's diseases, added, "Now we have opportunities to actually modify the disease biology through the amyloid pathway, but also we're focused on the other proteinopathy — which is tau — and there's clinical trials underway." Thiel, a well-known advocate for advancements in radical life extension (including a reported interest in injecting himself with the blood of young people) sees the state of scientific research in this area as sluggish and risk averse. But the groundbreaking work is happening at this moment. Professor Johnson pointed to a monoclonal antibody called gantenerumab. In an early test of 73 participants with inherited mutations that would cause them to overproduce amyloid in the brain, it cut the number of participants who developed Alzheimer's symptoms practically in half. "The big phase three prevention trials [of gantenerumab] are happening right now," For someone who fashions himself as a heterodox thinker, Thiel certainly seems to have stumbled on a remarkably similar talking point to current Trump administration FDA head Robert F Kennedy Jr. "Alzheimer's is a very, very good example of how [National Institute of Health] has gone off the rails over the past 20 years ago with research on amyloid plaques" Kennedy said at a Department of Health budgetary hearing last month. He claimed the NIH was "cutting off any other hypothesis" due to "corruption." Unsurprisingly, the Alzheimer's Association has called this "demonstrably false." "In reality, over the most recent 10 years available (2014-2023), less than 14% of new National Institutes of Health (NIH) Alzheimer's projects focused on amyloid beta as the therapeutic target," the organization wrote, "As of September 2024, the National Institute on Aging was investing in 495 pharmacological and non-pharmacological trials. To state that Alzheimer's research is focused on amyloid to the exclusion of other targets is clearly wrong." If I, personally, wanted more robust medical research and a chance an eternal life (I don't), greasing the wheels of an administration broadly gutting funding for science would be a strange way to make that happen. But this is the sort of incoherence we've come to expect from tech oligarchs: they say what benefits them, even if it's nonsense on its face, even if a moment's reflection reveals it to be patently false. What's embarrassing is the paper of record giving them free reign to do it.
