Alzheimer’s Vaccine Delivered By The Nose Enters Human Trials
The first human trial will begin in Brigham and Women's Hospital. Also, a study says morning cups of tea and coffee could be linked with lower risk of dementia.
CBS News:
First Human Trial Of Alzheimer's Disease Nasal Vaccine To Begin At Boston Hospital
Brigham and Women's Hospital will test the safety and efficacy of a nasal vaccine aimed at preventing and slowing Alzheimer's disease, the Boston hospital announced Tuesday. The start of the small, Phase I clinical trial comes after nearly 20 years of research led by Howard L. Weiner, MD, co-director of the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at the hospital. (Reardon, 11/16)
CNN:
Your Morning Cups Of Coffee And Tea Could Be Associated With Lower Risk Of Stroke And Dementia
The cup of coffee or tea you reach for in the morning -- OK, maybe it's a few -- may be associated with a lower risk for stroke and dementia, according to a new study. Among more than 360,000 participants studied over a period of 10 to 14 years, those who drank 2 to 3 cups of coffee, 3 to 5 cups of tea, or a combination of 4 to 6 cups of coffee or tea a day had the lowest risk of stroke and dementia, according to researchers from Tianjin Medical University in Tianjin, China. (Holcombe, 11/16)
On telehealth —
Modern Healthcare:
Telehealth May Prevent Detecting Drug Misuse, Providers Warn
Three-fourths of physicians said they believe telemedicine visits limit their ability to determine whether patients are at risk for or are currently misusing prescription drugs, according to a new study. Providers are concerned that substance abuse issues are slipping through the cracks in virtual care, as patients experience more stress and mental illness, according to the 2021 Quest Diagnostics Health Trends report released in November. (Devereaux, 11/16)
Stat:
Can Telehealth For PTSD And Bipolar Disorder In Rural Areas Be Scaled Up?
A multiyear effort to pipe big-city mental health providers to rural communities over video accomplished a trifecta of telehealth victories: It reached people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to mental health care; it tackled difficult diagnoses that don’t have simple answers; and it stretched how many people the most skilled providers can treat. Now comes the inevitable question that follows any technology breakthrough: Does it scale? (Aguilar, 11/17)
Also —
The Hill:
Two 'Forever Chemicals' More Toxic Than Previously Thought: EPA Drafts
The drafts found the safe levels of ingestion for chemicals perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are much lower than the agency had found in prior assessments. The agency also found that PFOA is “likely” carcinogenic to humans. This is a step up from before, as it has previously said that there is “suggestive” evidence that the substance can cause cancer. Both PFOA and PFOS can be found in drinking water, as well as other substances. PFOA has been used in nonstick cookware, flame repellants and cosmetics. PFOS has been used in water- and stain-resistant products. (Frazin, 11/16)
ABC News:
Eating Disorder Hospitalizations Doubled During COVID-19 Pandemic, New Data Shows
The number of people who were hospitalized for eating disorders in the United States doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic, new research shows. The increase in in-patient treatment for eating disorders came as early as May 2020, according to researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, whose study was published Monday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Kindelan and Joseph, 11/16)
CNN:
Using Cannabis In Pregnancy Linked To Aggression And Anxiety In Children, A Study Suggests
More and more women are using weed in pregnancy but they may want to think twice. Researchers have found a link between marijuana use by expectant mothers and autism and childhood psychosis. Now, a small study has shown how cannabis use can affect the placenta and may be linked to higher levels of anxiety, aggression and hyperactivity in children. (Hunt, 11/16)
Modern Healthcare:
Catching Up To Sci-Fi: Innovations In Transplant Care
As a young trainee decades ago, Dr. Mikel Prieto, a transplant surgeon at Mayo Clinic, said the one-year success rate for a donor organ could be as low as 25%. Now most short-term success rates for organ transplants are in the 80s or 90s, he said. Although there are still issues of equity and access, organ transplantation has become safer and more routine due to major developments in the field. (Devereaux, 11/16)
