Smokers who quit will reduce their health risks Heavy smokers with a 40-a-day habit face a much higher risk of two common forms of dementia, a large study shows.
The risk of Alzheimer's is more than doubled in people smoking at least two packs of cigarettes a day in their mid-life.
The risk of vascular dementia, linked to problems in blood vessels supplying the brain, also rose significantly.
The US study, looking at over 21,000 people's records, is published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine.
Reversible Risk
The long-term research, which used records held by a health insurance firm, found clear evidence of the risk in the heaviest smokers.
No differences in risk were detectable in those smoking less than half a pack a day.
But among those currently smoking two or more packs, equivalent to 40 or more cigarettes a day, there was a 157% increase in the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
There was also a 172% increase in vascular dementia risk compared to someone who had never smoked.
Tuesday 26 October 2010
Tuesday 19 October 2010
Osteoporosis drugs to carry fracture risk warning in US
US regulators are warning patients that drugs used to protect brittle bones may increase fracture risk in rare cases.
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) says all drugs in the bisphosphonate class must carry an alert on their label about this unusual side effect.
They say patients should keep taking the pills unless they are told by their doctor to stop.
In the UK, only one bisphosphonate drug - alendronate - carries the warning but regulators are reviewing this decision.
Nearly three million people in the UK have osteoporosis, a condition that makes the bones brittle and causes about 230,000 fractures a year.
Bisphosphonates are given to more than half a million of these patients in a bid to strengthen their bones and reduce their risk of a fracture.
But experts are becoming increasingly concerned that the drugs may cause the very thing they are trying to prevent after finding a link between their use and an unusual type of leg fracture.
A spokesman for the National Osteoporosis Society
The FDA says it is not clear whether bisphosphonates are the cause of these thigh bone breaks, but they are concerned enough to tell manufacturers to add warnings to medication packets.
FDA medical officer Theresa Kehoe said they would continue to monitor the safety of the drugs, adding: "In the interim, it's important for patients and health care professionals to have all the safety information available when determining the best course of treatment for osteoporosis."
The FDA says patients should keep taking their medication unless they are advised by their doctor to stop.
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) says all drugs in the bisphosphonate class must carry an alert on their label about this unusual side effect.
They say patients should keep taking the pills unless they are told by their doctor to stop.
In the UK, only one bisphosphonate drug - alendronate - carries the warning but regulators are reviewing this decision.
Nearly three million people in the UK have osteoporosis, a condition that makes the bones brittle and causes about 230,000 fractures a year.
Bisphosphonates are given to more than half a million of these patients in a bid to strengthen their bones and reduce their risk of a fracture.
But experts are becoming increasingly concerned that the drugs may cause the very thing they are trying to prevent after finding a link between their use and an unusual type of leg fracture.
A spokesman for the National Osteoporosis Society
The FDA says it is not clear whether bisphosphonates are the cause of these thigh bone breaks, but they are concerned enough to tell manufacturers to add warnings to medication packets.
FDA medical officer Theresa Kehoe said they would continue to monitor the safety of the drugs, adding: "In the interim, it's important for patients and health care professionals to have all the safety information available when determining the best course of treatment for osteoporosis."
The FDA says patients should keep taking their medication unless they are advised by their doctor to stop.
Thursday 14 October 2010
Walking 'could ward off dementia and mental decline'
Elderly people who get about by walking are less likely to suffer mental decline or even dementia, a study says.
Brain scans revealed that older people walking between six and nine miles a week appeared to have more brain tissue in key areas.
The Pittsburgh University study of 299 people suggested they had less "brain shrinkage", which is linked to memory problems.
The research was reported in the journal Neurology.
The volunteers, who had an average age of 78, were checked for signs of "cognitive impairment" or even dementia.
The Pittsburgh team also had access to brain scan results from four years previously which measured the amount of "grey matter" in their brains.
Brain scans revealed that older people walking between six and nine miles a week appeared to have more brain tissue in key areas.
The Pittsburgh University study of 299 people suggested they had less "brain shrinkage", which is linked to memory problems.
The research was reported in the journal Neurology.
The volunteers, who had an average age of 78, were checked for signs of "cognitive impairment" or even dementia.
The Pittsburgh team also had access to brain scan results from four years previously which measured the amount of "grey matter" in their brains.
Tuesday 12 October 2010
RCT Mental Health Week and Events
Across Rhondda Cynon Taf Saturday 9th Friday 15th October 2010. There will be a week of events to raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues.
Location - Across Rhondda Cynon Taf
Date(s) - Saturday 9th (00:00) - Friday 15th October 2010 (00:00)
Contact - Contact the Carers' Support Project on 0808 100 1801
Description - A week of events to raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues will be held in Rhondda Cynon Taf from October 9-15, 2010. People of all ages and from all backgrounds can suffer from mental health problems. Rhondda Cynon Taf Mental Health Partnership is working to raise awareness of mental illness and has organised events during Mental Health Week, which will include opportunities to hear how people have coped with their own mental health issues. There will also be a chance for people to learn about the organisations in Rhondda Cynon Taf that can offer support and advice. The week gets underway on Saturday, October 9 with “Walk a Mile for Mental Health” through Pontypridd. There will be a samba band and carnival feel, and all are welcome to join the walk, which meets at the bowling club in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park at 11am. Other events include: An audience with: Monday, October 11 from 10.30am – 3.30pm at the Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd. This is an opportunity for people to put questions to mental health service managers. Living Library: Tuesday, October 12, Pontypridd Library from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Come and hear about people’s experiences of dealing with their mental health issues. Craft Day: Tuesday, October 12, Ty Heddwch, Cwmbach, 10.00am – 3.00pm. For people who have dementia and their families. New Horizons Open Day: New Horizons, Aberdare. Thursday, October 14. Find out about the charity’s work in promoting good mental health. Activity Day: Dare Valley Country Park, Friday, October 15. Aimed at carers, but all are very welcome. Have a go at Nordic walking, orienteering and other less strenuous activities. Includes a guided “Walk a Mile for Mental Health” through the Country Park. Social Evening: Friday, October 15, Llantwit Fardre Sports Club from 6.30-10.00pm. For people who have dementia, their families and friends. Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Well-being, Councillor Mike Forey, said: “This excellent week of events will help people find out more about how to look after their mental health. “We hope many people will take the time to come along and enjoy what’s on offer, and find out about the information, advice and support available locally.”
For more information about any of the events, please contact the Carers' Support Project on 0808 100 180
Visit http://www.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk/en/events/default.aspx for more infromation.
Location - Across Rhondda Cynon Taf
Date(s) - Saturday 9th (00:00) - Friday 15th October 2010 (00:00)
Contact - Contact the Carers' Support Project on 0808 100 1801
Description - A week of events to raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues will be held in Rhondda Cynon Taf from October 9-15, 2010. People of all ages and from all backgrounds can suffer from mental health problems. Rhondda Cynon Taf Mental Health Partnership is working to raise awareness of mental illness and has organised events during Mental Health Week, which will include opportunities to hear how people have coped with their own mental health issues. There will also be a chance for people to learn about the organisations in Rhondda Cynon Taf that can offer support and advice. The week gets underway on Saturday, October 9 with “Walk a Mile for Mental Health” through Pontypridd. There will be a samba band and carnival feel, and all are welcome to join the walk, which meets at the bowling club in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park at 11am. Other events include: An audience with: Monday, October 11 from 10.30am – 3.30pm at the Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd. This is an opportunity for people to put questions to mental health service managers. Living Library: Tuesday, October 12, Pontypridd Library from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Come and hear about people’s experiences of dealing with their mental health issues. Craft Day: Tuesday, October 12, Ty Heddwch, Cwmbach, 10.00am – 3.00pm. For people who have dementia and their families. New Horizons Open Day: New Horizons, Aberdare. Thursday, October 14. Find out about the charity’s work in promoting good mental health. Activity Day: Dare Valley Country Park, Friday, October 15. Aimed at carers, but all are very welcome. Have a go at Nordic walking, orienteering and other less strenuous activities. Includes a guided “Walk a Mile for Mental Health” through the Country Park. Social Evening: Friday, October 15, Llantwit Fardre Sports Club from 6.30-10.00pm. For people who have dementia, their families and friends. Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Well-being, Councillor Mike Forey, said: “This excellent week of events will help people find out more about how to look after their mental health. “We hope many people will take the time to come along and enjoy what’s on offer, and find out about the information, advice and support available locally.”
For more information about any of the events, please contact the Carers' Support Project on 0808 100 180
Visit http://www.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk/en/events/default.aspx for more infromation.
Too much screen time 'risks children's mental health'
Children who spend longer than two hours a day in front of a computer or TV are more likely to suffer psychological difficulties than other youngsters, a UK study suggests. Researchers said they also found that physical exercise did not make up for too much screen time. The University of Bristol study, published in Pediatrics, involved more than 1,000 children aged about 10. Its lead author said a two-hour screen limit per day was a sensible guideline. Researchers measured the time children spent in front of a screen as well as their psychological well being using a questionnaire. In addition, an activity monitor recorded both children's sedentary time and moderate physical activity over seven consecutive days.
University of Bristol - The questionnaires contained 20 questions covering five sections - emotional difficulties, conduct problems, hyperactivity or inattention, friendships and peer groups and problems relating to friends and peer groups. The study found that those children who spent more than two hours per day watching TV or using a computer were at an increased risk of psychological difficulties. This risk increased if they also failed to meet the guidelines on physical activity.
University of Bristol - The questionnaires contained 20 questions covering five sections - emotional difficulties, conduct problems, hyperactivity or inattention, friendships and peer groups and problems relating to friends and peer groups. The study found that those children who spent more than two hours per day watching TV or using a computer were at an increased risk of psychological difficulties. This risk increased if they also failed to meet the guidelines on physical activity.
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