01/24/25 - #312

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Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Eating Processed Red Meat Could Raise Your Dementia Risk by 13%

  • Blockbuster Weight-loss Drugs Linked to Lower Risk of Addiction, Schizophrenia, Dementia, and More

  • Scientists Reveal Exercises That May Help Fight Off Alzheimer's

  • FDA Approves Johnson & Johnson’s Nasal Spray for Depression as Standalone Treatment

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

Eating Processed Red Meat Could Raise Your Dementia Risk by 13%

A recent study found that eating a lot of processed red meat, like hot dogs, bacon, and sausages, may increase your risk of dementia by 13%. With dementia cases expected to double in the U.S. by 2060, watching what you eat is important.

The study followed over 133,000 people for up to 43 years. It found that those who ate a lot of processed meats had a higher risk of memory problems and dementia than those who didn't eat much of it. But eating unprocessed red meats like beef or pork didn't seem to increase the risk.

Replacing one serving of processed red meat with healthier options, like nuts, beans, or fish, could lower your risk of dementia by up to 28%. This change also helps slow down how quickly your brain ages.

Experts say processed red meats are unhealthy. They are high in fats, salt, and sugars. These harm your health, including your brain. However, the study shows that balancing your diet is key. Eating a variety of foods, especially those that are less processed, can help keep your mind sharp.

While the study points out the risks with processed red meats, it doesn't mean you have to stop eating red meat altogether. Instead, a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fish, beans, and nuts—like the Mediterranean diet—might be better for your brain.

WEIGHT LOSS

Blockbuster Weight-loss Drugs Linked to Lower Risk of Addiction, Schizophrenia, Dementia, and More

Recent research shows that some popular weight-loss drugs do more than help people lose weight. They also lower the risk of serious health problems like addiction, schizophrenia, and dementia.

Drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound are part of a group called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They are usually prescribed for obesity and type 2 diabetes because they make people feel less hungry. But, studies with over two million people found that these drugs also reduce the risk of several health issues. They lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 12%.

The research examined 175 different health outcomes. It found that these drugs might also lower the risks of kidney disease, infections, and some breathing problems.

However, these drugs have some side effects. People taking them have reported more stomach problems, low blood pressure, fainting, and kidney stones. These issues might be due to eating and drinking less.

Doctors say that, overall, these drugs are safe. They not only help with weight loss but also help manage other health problems by reducing swelling and improving blood flow.

As doctors learn more about obesity, they now think that just being overweight is not enough to say someone has obesity. They are looking at how obesity affects the whole body.

The results are promising. But, we need more studies. We must understand how different doses or types of these drugs affect health.

HEALTH

Scientists Reveal Exercises That May Help Fight Off Alzheimer's

New research suggests that doing aerobic exercises like walking or swimming might help keep Alzheimer's disease at bay. A study in the Brain Research journal found that these exercises can lower harmful markers in the brain related to Alzheimer's in rats.

Researchers learned that regular cardio reduces amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain's hippocampus. These are signs of Alzheimer's. The study also showed less iron build-up in the cells that cover nerve fibers. This is important because too much iron can hurt brain function.

Augusto Coppi, a lead researcher at the University of Bristol, said, "We knew exercise is good for the brain. But, it also helps fight things that can lead to Alzheimer's."

Alzheimer's affects memory and behavior and sadly, there's no cure. It starts with mild memory loss and confusion. It can lead to severe memory and physical problems in the later stages. The disease damages the brain by building up proteins that disrupt normal function.

The exciting news from this study is that exercise doesn't just lower the risk; it also slows down how fast Alzheimer's gets worse. The rats that exercised had up to 76% fewer amyloid plaques and 63% fewer tau tangles.

Researchers hope to test this further in people. Their findings suggest that simple exercises could help prevent Alzheimer's. They may keep our brains healthier as we age.

FDA Approves Johnson & Johnson’s Nasal Spray for Depression as Standalone Treatment

The FDA has approved a new nasal spray, Spravato, by Johnson & Johnson. It can be used alone to treat adults with hard-to-manage major depressive disorder. This is the first time a treatment like this can be used by itself, without combining it with oral antidepressants.

Before this approval, Spravato was used with other medicines for severe depression, especially in patients with suicidal thoughts. Since it hit the market in 2019, it was part of a combined approach to treatment. Now, patients have more options to treat their depression. This could mean fewer side effects from pills, like weight gain or sexual issues.

Spravato acts faster than many other treatments, with some patients feeling better within 24 hours after taking it. This is much quicker compared to other antidepressants that can take weeks or months to start working.

With this new approval, the sales of Spravato are expected to keep rising. It has already made $780 million in just nine months of 2024. Doctors think it could eventually make between $1 billion and $5 billion a year.

Spravato is strong. It can cause serious side effects, like sedation and dissociation. So, it’s only given out in special centers under close watch by doctors.

This approval means a new hope for over 21 million American adults who struggle with depression, offering them a new way to manage their health.

✢ A Note From Hem Hero

The information in this health newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. The publishers are not responsible for any actions taken by the reader based on the information provided.