Latest news with #UTHealthSanAntonio
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
NYC Gunman Blamed This Rare Brain Disease For His Mental Illness
On Monday night, a gunman killed four people and himself in Manhattan in an attack that reportedly targeted the NFL's headquarters in the city. The gunman, Shane Tamura, left behind a note in which he said he'd been suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, as a result of playing football. He had asked for his brain to be studied as part of CTE research. The discourse about football's impact on the brain is not new to the NFL. Both players and their families have sued the league time and time again over the matter of brain damage and its effects on players' post-career lives. CTE is a 'progressive neurodegenerative disease,' explained Dr. Jeremy Tanner, an assistant professor of neurology at the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases at UT Health San Antonio. Research shows that football players, along with other people who participate in high-contact sports and activities, are more likely to develop the disease. A study out of Boston University's CTE Center found 40% of athletes under 30 had developed early signs of the disease upon their death. Another study out of BU found that roughly 91% of studied NFL players had the disease when they died. Experts told HuffPost that CTE research is ongoing, but there are clear links between head injuries, behavioral changes and the disease itself. Here's what to know: What is CTE? Like other brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease, CTE affects how we think, behave, move and 'really anything that the brain is responsible for,' said Dr. Daniel H. Daneshvar, the co-director of Mass General Brigham Sports Concussion Clinic. 'It occurs in patients that have sustained traumatic brain injury, so blows to the head that may or may not have resulted in concussions,' said Dr. Aaron S. Lord, the chief of neurology and program director for clinical research at NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn. The more head injuries that occur, the higher the risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Lord added. The thought pattern used to be that concussions increased CTE risk, but this isn't the case, added Daneshvar. 'Concussions themselves aren't what drives CTE risk. It's a repeated traumatic brain injury to the tune of hundreds or thousands over the course of decades that... increases the risk of someone having CTE,' he said, adding that the number of traumatic brain injuries also affects the severity of the disease. Can someone be diagnosed with CTE? You can't walk into a doctor's office and get a diagnosis of CTE. Right now, it can only be diagnosed after death, during an autopsy, said Lord. That means that people who may or may not have CTE can still get a gun license, a fact that can get lost in the discourse on social media about Tamura carrying the weaponry he had. The New York Police Department reported he had a 'documented mental health history,' but it's unclear if this would restrict his gun access. People who play contact sports are at higher risk — but any activity that involves frequent head impact is a risk factor. Specifically, CTE has been identified in players who engage in contact sports such as football, rugby, hockey and rodeo, said Tanner, adding that it's also been seen in soccer players. 'And it seems... the more total years played, the higher the risk,' Tanner said. It often is developed over time, after someone stops playing the sport, or the head trauma ends, explained Tanner. Daneshvar added that 'we've also seen [it] in individuals who experience intimate partner violence, in individuals who serve in the military.' Again, Daneshvar notes, the more often the head injury happens, the higher the risk of CTE. 'Famously, in the literature, there was a circus clown who was repeatedly shot out of a cannon and who was found to have CTE,' he said. CTE can cause behavioral changes and memory problems. 'Chronic traumatic encephalopathy [is] typically associated with changes in cognition and in behavior,' said Tanner. 'In behavior, a common symptom is what's called neurobehavioral dysregulation. For some people, this can present as a shortened fuse or more or irritability or agitation,' Tanner said. For others, this can mean paranoia, aggression, impulse control issues and trouble regulating emotions, he added. Neurobehavioral dysregulation tends to be more common in 'those affected by the disease in younger stages,' Tanner noted. 'Additionally, chronic traumatic encephalopathy is associated with changes in memory and with executive function, particularly planning, organization, multitasking... managing information and integrating it.' 'And those symptoms seem to be more common in older adults with the disease,' he added. It's important to note that a lot of these symptoms can also be signs of other neurological disorders or mental health diseases, said Tanner. In the end, individuals with a CTE diagnosis had problems with thinking, memory and behavior, said Daneshvar. But, once again, these things can be related to a multitude of other issues. 'We can't say for sure what clinical signs someone presents with are related to CTE pathology versus something else because humans are complex. We have a lot of different reasons for the way we behave,' said Daneshvar. If you do notice mental health changes, memory issues or other neurological problems, Tanner advises people to see a specialist for an evaluation. 'It's often a neurologist or a psychiatrist or a sports medicine specialist who has expertise in evaluating those with repetitive head impacts in sports,' Tanner said. 'It can be hard to distinguish what's the primary cause, and so looking at the number of years of head impact exposure can be a clue that there could be an increased risk for CTE.' Seeking medical attention for any neurological changes is essential, whether you're dealing with CTE or not. 'I see individuals who have histories of repeated traumatic brain injuries and are experiencing problems now, and I can't say with certainty whose problems are related to CTE versus not... but what I can do, and what I do every day, is treat them, and our treatments for people's symptoms are successful,' said Daneshvar. While there is no cure for CTE, doctors can still help, Daneshvar noted. 'I think that's a really important message, too. I think people think that CTE is some incurable, immovable thing, right? And it is treatable.' CTE has been linked to violence in some cases, but not always. ″In some cases, [CTE] has been linked to violent and aggressive behaviors,' Tanner said. One of the most talked about cases of CTE is that of Aaron Hernandez, a deceased former football player who was convicted of murder. 'The short fuse, the impulse control. One way to think about it could be when you're playing sports, you can turn [your aggression] on and off. You lose that ability to control the 'on and off' switch you use to regulate your aggression when on the field and off the field,' Tanner explained. There are some things you can do to lower your risk of CTE. As mentioned above, people who take part in particular sports or activities, such as football and rugby, are at higher risk of CTE. But there are a few habits that can help protect your brain. Lord added that wearing a helmet — whether that's on a bike ride or while playing football — is also an important way to protect yourself. Tanner suggests that instead of playing tackle football, try playing flag or touch football. 'We have a lot more to learn about how to prevent this disease,' Tanner said. 'What I would suggest is trying to minimize, as much as [you're] able, head contact and head impacts.' 'For former football players and others, there's the new Diagnose CTE study that's really looking at trying to understand how we can identify these symptoms during life and better understand this disease,' Tanner said. The study is actively recruiting former football players to learn about the unknowns of the disease. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or chat for mental health support. Additionally, you can find local mental health and crisis resources at Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention. Related... NYC Gunman Reportedly Left Note Blaming Specific Factor For His Mental Illness Gunman Opens Fire In Manhattan Office Building, Killing 4
Business Wire
16-07-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Imperative Care Presents Positive Imperative Trial Data from Patients Treated with Aspiration Thrombectomy for M2 Occlusions Using the Zoom System
CAMPBELL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Imperative Care, Inc. today announced a late-breaking abstract with data from the Imperative Trial evaluating aspiration with the Zoom System in stroke patients with M2 occlusions, presented at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) 2025 22nd Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tenn. 'The Imperative Trial demonstrated excellent reperfusion and safety results in patients with M2 vessel occlusions treated with the Zoom System,' said Ariel Sutton, General Manager of Imperative Care Stroke. 'Engineered as a complete solution, the Zoom Stroke System helps physicians perform their procedures swiftly, efficiently, and with confidence. We have amassed a robust portfolio of clinical data on Zoom and its benefits, and look forward to further advancing research by funding the first randomized study of aspiration thrombectomy in M2 occlusions.' Clinical data from a sub-analysis of patients with M2 occlusions enrolled in the Imperative Trial (n=65) were presented by Justin Mascitelli, M.D., UT Health San Antonio. The sub-analysis reported a median age of 69, with a median presenting NIHSS score of 13. The results demonstrated: An 88% core-lab adjudicated rate of final mTICI≥2b reperfusion. Excellent clinical outcomes at 90 days, with a 56% mRS score of 0-1, and a 62% mRS score of 0-2. A symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) rate of 1.5% (1/65), an all-cause mortality rate of 4.6% (3/65), and an all-intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) rate of 18.5% (12/65). 'These data suggest that excellent safety and clinical outcomes can be achieved with aspiration thrombectomy in patients with M2 occlusions,' said Dr. Justin Mascitelli, UT Health San Antonio. 'The clinical community has important questions around the impact of treating MeVO and DMVO patients given the ESCAPE-MeVO and DISTAL trial data evaluating stent retriever and the best medical-based treatments. It's critical that this topic be further explored with evidence-generating studies on aspiration specifically, which I believe will undoubtedly move the field – and most importantly patient outcomes – forward.' Imperative Care will fund an investigator-initiated, randomized clinical trial comparing continuous dual aspiration thrombectomy with the Zoom Stroke System plus best medical treatment versus best medical treatment alone for M2 vessel occlusions in stroke patients. This will be the first trial to look at an aspiration approach specifically for M2 occlusions with the goal of evaluating the potential impact of aspiration thrombectomy on these patients. About the Zoom Products The Zoom System is designed to be a complete stroke system from access through reperfusion for fast and effective clot removal in patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke. Imperative Care's Zoom System consists of the Zoom 35, 45, 55, 71 Catheters, Zoom 88 Large Distal Platform, Zoom 88 Support, Zoom POD and Zoom Aspiration/Zoom POD tubing, Zoom Canister and DuoPort Canister. All Zoom Catheters are designed with an asymmetric TRX™ Tip, which provides 15% greater clot engagement area at the tip of the catheter 1 and are constructed to enable smooth tracking through challenging vasculature. For complete product information, including indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions and adverse events, visit: About Imperative Care, Inc. Imperative Care is a commercial-stage medical technology company researching, developing and manufacturing connected innovations to elevate care for people affected by devastating vascular diseases such as stroke and pulmonary embolism. The company is focused on addressing specific gaps in treatment and care to make an impact across the entire patient journey. Imperative Care is based in Campbell, Calif. 1. Vargas J, Blalock J, Venkatraman A, et al. Efficacy of beveled tip aspiration catheter in mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke. Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery 2021;13:823-826. Dr. Justin Mascitelli is a paid consultant for Imperative Care.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UT Health San Antonio researchers discover new links between heart disease and dementia
Research led by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) has discovered new associations between various lipid, or fat, levels in the blood and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. SAN ANTONIO, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- People who are at higher risk for heart disease also seem more likely to develop dementia. And research led by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) has discovered new associations between various lipid, or fat, levels in the blood and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia worldwide. The findings mean that using blood lipid profiles could help better understand, predict and possibly even prevent the disease in the future. In more than 800 older adults who were part of the long-running Framingham Heart Study, the researchers found that higher levels of small dense cholesterol particles – which are known to increase the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease – were associated with higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. However, higher levels of a marker for small fat-carrying particles, which are involved in the transport of dietary fats from the gut to other body tissues through the blood after eating, were associated with lower risk of developing the disease. Perhaps ironically, the researchers also discovered that individuals who had the lowest levels of highly dense cholesterol particles – often referred to as "good cholesterol" as it is considered protective against cardiovascular disease – had a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to the rest of the included individuals. "These findings highlight the complex relationships of blood lipids with both heart and brain health, suggesting the possibility of certain blood lipids playing different roles in cardiovascular disease and dementia-related biological processes," said Sokratis Charisis, MD, a researcher with the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases at UT Health San Antonio. Charisis is first author of the study published May 30 in the journal Neurology, titled, "Association of Blood Lipoprotein Levels With Incident Alzheimer's Disease in Community-Dwelling Individuals: The Framingham Heart Study." Other authors include corresponding author Sudha Seshadri, MD, director of the Biggs Institute, and researchers from Boston University School of Public Health, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and the Framingham Heart Study. A community-based analysis The new study notes that dementia is a leading source of morbidity and mortality in the aging population. Worldwide, there were 57.4 million people living with dementia in 2019, a number that is expected to reach 152.8 million by 2050. However, there is a general trend over time of decreasing incidence of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in the U.S. and other higher-income countries that is at least partially attributed to better management of cardiovascular risk factors. The Framingham Heart Study is an ongoing, community-based cohort study that was launched in 1948 in Framingham, Massachusetts. Residents there ages 30 to 59 were randomly selected from census data to participate. Those with definite signs of cardiovascular disease at baseline were excluded. Participants of the original cohort have undergone up to 32 examinations performed every two years, which have included detailed history-taking by a physician, a physical examination and lab testing. The latest analysis by researchers led by UT Health San Antonio included participants from the original cohort who were 60 years or older and free of dementia during an examination period of 1985-1988, and had available cognitive follow-up and lipoprotein marker data. Lipoproteins act as a transport system for lipids in the bloodstream. Blood lipid levels and dementia Levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), or good cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or "bad cholesterol"; small dense LDL-C (sdLDL-C); and other lipoprotein types associated with heart disease were measured in blood samples obtained from the mid- to late-'80s examination period. The Framingham participants were watched for incident Alzheimer's disease, meaning a first diagnosis of the disease, until 2020. Of a total of 822 participants, 128 developed incident Alzheimer's disease. The researchers discovered that an increase of 1 standard deviation unit (SDU) of a concentration of small dense LDL-C (sdLDL-C), a value representing how far a specific data point deviates from the mean, was associated with a 21% increase in the risk for incident Alzheimer's disease. As the name implies, small dense LDL-C (sdLDL-C) is a type of the so-called bad cholesterol with smaller and denser particles than other low-density lipoproteins, and that is considered more likely to form plaque in arteries, strongly associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. A 1 SDU increase in a concentration of ApoB48, a lipoprotein that transports dietary fat from the intestines and into the bloodstream that also is tied to heart disease and cardiovascular problems, was found to be associated with a 22% decrease in the risk for incident Alzheimer's disease. Participants in the first quartile of HDL-C, or good cholesterol – in order of lesser amounts – were 44% less likely to develop Alzheimer's compared with those in the second, third and fourth quartiles. And those with small dense LDL-C concentrations below the median were 38% less likely to develop Alzheimer's compared with those with concentrations above the median. In summary, then, lower small-density bad cholesterol (sdLDL-C) concentrations and higher ApoB48 concentrations were associated with a lower Alzheimer's risk. And individuals with the lowest good cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations were less likely to develop Alzheimer's compared with the remaining sample. "These findings underscore links between lipoprotein metabolism pathways and Alzheimer's risk, emphasizing the potential role of blood lipoprotein markers in Alzheimer's risk stratification and of lipid modification strategies in dementia prevention," the researchers concluded. Association of Blood Lipoprotein Levels With Incident Alzheimer's Disease in Community-Dwelling Individuals: The Framingham Heart Study Sokratis Charisis, Sophia Lu, Jesus David Melgarejo, Claudia L. Satizabal, Ramachandran S. Vasan, Alexa S. Beiser, Sudha Seshadri First published: May 30, 2025, in the journal Neurology Link to full study: The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), a primary driver of San Antonio's $44.1 billion health care and biosciences sector, is the largest academic research institution in South Texas with an annual research portfolio of more than $436 million. Driving substantial economic impact with its six professional schools, a diverse workforce of more than 9,400, an annual expense budget of $1.67 billion and clinical practices that provide 2.5 million patient visits each year, UT Health San Antonio plans continued growth over the next five years and anticipates adding more than 1,500 higher-wage jobs to serve San Antonio, Bexar County and the South Texas region. To learn about the many ways "We make lives better®," visit The Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases is dedicated to providing comprehensive dementia care while advancing treatment through clinical trials and research. The Biggs Institute is a National Institute on Aging (NIA)-designated Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC). In addition to patient care and research, the Biggs Institute partners with the School of Nursing at UT Health Science Center San Antonio to offer the Caring for the Caregiver program. Stay connected with The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Media Contact Steven Lee, 2104503823, lees22@ View original content: SOURCE
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A New Study Reveals The #1 Sleep Mistake That Harms Brain Health—And It Has Nothing To Do With Your Bedtime
We already know sleep is super important, but new research suggests too much of it can, actually, be a bad thing. The study found that 'long sleepers' were more likely to report symptoms of depression and worse cognitive performance. Here's what you should know about how long you should sleep, with insight from experts. When you're struggling to get the recommended seven-plus hours of sleep each night, logging anything more than that sounds like a dream come true. But new research suggests that there is actually a sleep sweet spot you should aim for—and that making sure you don't sleep *too* much could affect how well your brain works. The study, which was published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, specifically discovered that sleeping too much was linked with worse cognitive performance. Here's why and what the tipping point was, plus how to figure out the best amount of sleep for you. Meet the experts: Vanessa Young, MS, lead study author and clinical research project manager at the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases at UT Health San Antonio; W. Christopher Winter, MD, a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine and host of the Sleep Unplugged podcast For the study, researchers analyzed data on cognition and how long people slept in more than 1,800 people without dementia who participated in the Framingham Heart Study, a community-based cohort study of residents in Framingham, Massachusetts. The study specifically focused on people between the ages of 27 and 85. The researchers found that people who slept for nine hours or more a night had worse cognitive performance. That was especially pronounced in participants with depression, regardless of whether they used antidepressants. The researchers also discovered that so-called 'long sleepers' were more likely to report symptoms of depression and that sleep might be a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline in people who have depression. This isn't the first study to find a link between sleeping for longer periods and lower cognitive performance. 'Regularly sleeping more than nine hours a night has been linked to lower cognitive performance in some studies—including ours,' says Vanessa Young, MS, lead study author and clinical research project manager at the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases at UT Health San Antonio. There is a 'J' curve relationship between sleep and health, points out W. Christopher Winter, MD, a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine and host of the Sleep Unplugged podcast. What this means is that more sleep isn't always better. 'Generally, the best health outcomes in adults are at seven hours," he says. As for why that is, Young says sleeping for longer periods of time is likely 'a sign that something else is happening beneath the surface.' That could mean vascular issues, depression, changes in brain health, or something else, she says. 'While we can't say for certain whether longer sleep leads to worse cognition—or if people with emerging cognitive issues start sleeping more—our findings suggest that unusually long sleep might be worth paying attention to, especially if it's a change from your normal routine,' Young says. First of all, everyone is different and requires different amounts of sleep, but research generally suggests that getting between seven and nine hours of sleep a night is best for cognitive performance. Still, Dr. Winter stresses that sleep needs are individual and it's a good idea to pay attention to certain elements of your sleep routine to see what your needs are. He suggests looking at how long it takes for you to conk out at night, along with how you feel during the day. 'If it takes a while to fall asleep, you might be seeking too much time in bed,' Dr. Winter says. 'But if you struggle to stay awake during the day or fall asleep rapidly at night, you may not be sleeping enough.' But Young says you shouldn't automatically assume that more sleep is better. 'Like many things in health, balance is important—and sleep may be just one part of a larger puzzle when it comes to brain health,' she says. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Business Journals
26-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Major Rock at La Cantera project a go after long delay, UT Health key tenant
Construction of the 135,000-square-foot project has been pushed back roughly a year. Plans for a major multistory medical development at The Rock at La Cantera, first revealed well over a year ago, have advanced. The project will span 135,000 square feet and include a three-story building housing medical and research spaces, as well as an adjoining multilevel parking structure. According to a new filing with the state, work on the approximately $17 million development is slated to begin in early July and be completed by summer 2026. I first reported in January 2024 that UT Health San Antonio planned to occupy approximately a third of the structure's 60,000 square feet, and construction was initially scheduled to begin in the first half of 2024. UT Health San Antonio has confirmed it still plans to lease approximately 20,000 square feet in the building and that its specific research activity plans for the space are not yet finalized. UT Health San Antonio anticipates moving into the building in 2027, pending project completion. The San Antonio Spurs broke ground on the 45-acre Rock at La Cantera development, a planned $500 million mixed-use campus, in late 2021. The medical building, which will serve as another key anchor for the larger development, is slated for a site adjacent to the Spurs' Victory Capital Performance Center. Don't miss the latest San Antonio business headlines! Sign up here for SABJ newsletters and make sure to download the app. Lincoln Property Co., which is leading the medical building development, had not yet confirmed updated project details, including a new construction timeline, as of press time. Spurs Sports & Entertainment noted the construction timeline in the new state filing was accurate based on the latest updates. Much has happened on UT Health's main campus since plans for The Rock at La Cantera project were first revealed. In March 2024, Dr. William Henrich, the longtime president of UT Health San Antonio, passed away. Roughly five months later, the University of Texas System Board of Regents cleared a path for UTSA and UT Health San Antonio to merge. Spurs Sports & Entertainment CEO R.C. Buford indicated from the outset that the project could have a significant impact on the region. 'The opportunities for research, learning and innovation within this building are endless and having a world-renowned academic medical center like UT Health San Antonio as its anchor sets a standard of excellence for all other tenants to follow,' he said.
