Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Eating Disorder Hospitalizations Fall To Pre-Pandemic Levels
MedPage Today: Youth Eating Disorder Admissions Return To Pre-Pandemic Levels
A sharp increase in the number of young people hospitalized with eating disorders immediately after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic had returned to pre-pandemic levels, a cross-sectional study of U.S. pediatric hospitals showed. (Henderson, 3/23)
On Alzheimer's and dementia —
The Washington Post: Exercise Can Lower Alzheimer’s Risk. Scientists May Have Discovered Why.
Exercise can strengthen a leaky blood-brain barrier, which may improve brain health and potentially fight dementia, according to an ambitious new mouse study of exercise and neurodegeneration published this month in Cell. (Reynolds, 3/24)
MedPage Today: Brain Waves During Sleep Predict Dementia Risk
A brain age index based on microstructures of sleep electroencephalography (EEG) data predicted dementia risk, a meta-analysis showed. (George, 3/23)
More health and wellness news —
The Washington Post: The Surprising Link Between Back Pain And A Sensitivity To Loud Noises
A new study published in Annals of Neurology found that people with chronic back pain process sounds, especially ones that are unpleasant, more intensely than people without pain. (Bever, 3/24)
CNN: 2026 ‘Dirty Dozen’ Produce: Nearly 100% Tested Positive For Pesticides, Including ‘Forever Chemicals,’ Experts Say
Leafy greens such as spinach and perennial kid favorites such as strawberries and grapes held the highest levels of potentially harmful pesticide residues based on government tests, according to the 2026 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. (LaMotte, 3/24)
