Medical Notes: October 16, 2022
New research gets us one step closer to a cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Then, are you at an increased risk of medical debt? And finally… happy thoughts can extend the effects of antidepressants.
Autoimmune Disease Sub-categories:
Ending the Trial and Error Treatment Method for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Many patients with rheumatoid arthritis are forced to try numerous, expensive medications until they find one that works. Fortunately, Scipher Medicine’s new blood test offers a precision approach, discovering what medication will work the first time.
“It’s Like Losing a Body Part”: Why Alopecia is More Than Just Hair Loss
Dr. Brett King, a dermatologist at Yale University, explains how one new FDA-approved treatment is the first systemic therapy for severe alopecia.
Medical Notes: October 10, 2021
An analysis finds vaccinations could have prevented more than 340,000 Covid hospitalizations in the U.S. A new study finds people with weakened immune system still get an immune response from Covid vaccination. And finally, turns out sugar is just as bad as high fructose corn syrup?
Medical Notes: Week of April 4, 2021
One of the oldest drugs in the world, aspirin, may help prevent Covid-19 infections and make illnesses that do take place much less serious. Then, people with Crohn’s disease often have flare-ups. One reason those sores don’t heal—fungus in foods. And finally… bosses who demand that employees keep their noses to the grindstone may be hurting productivity.
Medical Notes: Week of February 21, 2021
A study finds that schizophrenia is the second biggest risk factor for dying of Covid, second only to age. Then, scientists have discovered that a lack of a specific fatty acid in body tissues may trigger multiple sclerosis. And finally, a study recommending a calming influence for everyone... getting a cat.
Medical Notes: Week of January 24, 2021
A study finding that 60 percent of all cases of Covid-19 are spread by people who have no symptoms. Then, children under age two may suffer effects from antibiotics later in childhood. And finally, new recommendations suggesting kids under age two should have no added sugar in their diet.
Nerve Growth Factors: New Hope For TBI’s, MS, ALS?
Unlike most cells in the human body, the central nervous system cannot repair itself. People who suffer brain or spinal cord injuries, or neurological disorders such as MS and ALS have few alternatives. A neurological researcher describes how he has discovered previously unknown nerve growth factors that could someday allow such injuries and diseases to …
Rheumatoid Diseases
Rheumatoid diseases number around 100, though arthritis is the most well known. They can be crippling and sometimes even fatal, but good treatments exist. The key is early detection, as an expert explains.
Medical Notes: Week of March 1, 2020
A study showing that a molecular switch governing chronic inflammation can be turned off. Then, a study that shows that few of us are taking advantage of the great outdoors. And finally, doctors are reporting a strange, rare side effect of the active ingredient in Viagra—intensely blue-tinted vision.
The Changing Face of HIV
HIV/AIDS was once an epidemic and a death sentence. But many Americans are too young to remember that, so HIV awareness has faded. One of the nation’s top HIV experts discusses HIV as a treatable, chronic illness and the need to still be vigilant—and be tested.
Medical Notes: Week of November 3, 2019
A study showing a growing number of young adults have substance use disorders. Then, a specific diet could help alleviate crushing fatigue for people with multiple sclerosis. And finally, a new study suggests men should stop drinking before conception to reduce the risk of heart disease in their offspring.
