08/07/24 - #190

Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Going Vegan for Just 8 Weeks May Roll Back Your Biological Age

  • Scientists Say Weight-loss Drugs Could Protect Our Brains From Dementia. Early Results Suggest They're Onto Something

  • FDA Approves New Blood Test to Screen for Colon Cancer

  • Depression is Different for Women. One-size-fits-all Drugs Aren’t Helping

…and lots more. Have a great day!

FOOD & NUTRITION

Going Vegan for Just 8 Weeks May Roll Back Your Biological Age

Stanford University researchers and a firm, TruDiagnostic, have found that eating only vegan foods for eight weeks might make your cells act younger. But what exactly does this mean?

Everyone has two ages. Your chronological age is how many years you've been alive. Your biological age is how old your body seems based on how well your cells work. While we can't change how long we've been alive, we might be able to make our cells act younger.

In the study, 21 pairs of twins were tested. One twin in each pair ate only vegan food, while the other twin ate a normal diet that included meat. After eight weeks, the vegan twins had signs of younger cells.

However, these findings are from a small study, so they might not apply to everyone. The results also didn't show if the younger cell signs would last if the twins stopped eating vegan.

Experts say a balanced diet that includes both plant-based foods and important nutrients from animal products might be best. This mix could help keep our cells acting young while making sure we get all the vitamins we need.

So, while a vegan diet might help make our cells act younger for a short time, it's important to think about all the nutrients your body needs before changing your diet.

WEIGHT LOSS

Scientists Say Weight-loss Drugs Could Protect Our Brains From Dementia. Early Results Suggest They're Onto Something

UK researchers are exploring a new idea: can weight-loss drugs prevent dementia? Early findings from a small study have sparked interest, showing that these drugs might slow down brain deterioration.

The study focused on 204 Alzheimer's patients. Half received a placebo, while the other half received daily injections of liraglutide, a drug commonly used for weight loss. After a year, those on liraglutide showed less brain volume loss and performed better on memory tests compared to the placebo group.

Liraglutide and similar drugs mimic a hormone that signals fullness after eating. Scientists think they might also reduce brain inflammation and help with blood sugar. This could help against Alzheimer's.

The trial wasn't perfect. Some patients dropped out due to nausea. The drug didn't improve all the expected markers of brain health. Yet, the decreased brain volume loss is promising. This suggests that liraglutide might act like a protective agent for the brain, similar to how statins are used to protect the heart.

However, it's important to remain cautious. More research is needed. It must confirm these results. It must also find how to use these drugs against dementia. A larger study is underway. It tests a stronger dose with more participants. Results are hoped for by 2025.

It's too early to claim victory. But, these findings suggest we may one day have a new tool to combat dementia. This offers hope to many families.

HEALTH

FDA Approves New Blood Test to Screen for Colon Cancer

The FDA has approved a new blood test called Shield, made by Guardant Health, to help find colon cancer. This test is not meant to take the place of colonoscopies, but it is a simpler way to check for cancer that might encourage more people to get screened.

Previously, the Shield test cost $895, but now that the FDA has approved it, Medicare and private insurance are likely to cover it. This makes it easier for more people to use. The test is 83% effective at finding colon cancer, mainly in its later stages, by detecting DNA from tumors in the blood. It should be taken every three years starting at age 45.

A positive result from the test means a person should get a colonoscopy to confirm if they really have cancer.

Screening for colon cancer is critical because the disease rates are rising in younger adults but falling in older adults due to more screening. Sadly, less than 60% of people who should get screened actually do.

Dr. William Grady, who studied the Shield test, mentioned how catching and removing early signs of cancer can stop it before it gets worse. If the test helps more people get screened, it could save many lives.

John Gormly, 77, avoided colonoscopies for years but decided to take the Shield test. It found he had stage 2 colon cancer. Thanks to the test, doctors treated him in time. He said, "Thank God I had taken that blood test.

Depression is Different for Women. One-size-fits-all Drugs Aren’t Helping

Depression affects women differently, and the usual drugs don't always work well for them. Briana K. Chen, a scientist at Columbia University, is trying to fix this. She’s creating a special pill for women who have gone through tough experiences like accidents or loss. This pill might prevent mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

Women are twice as likely as men to get depressed, but most of the drugs were only tested on men. This means women might not get the best treatment and could have more side effects. Women often deal with anxiety along with depression, while men might struggle with substance abuse at the same time.

Chen's research is special because she focuses on how men and women handle stress differently. She wants to make the first drugs that are specifically for women's mental health.

Her idea started with a drug made for diabetes. She thinks it could help women feel less stressed and more resilient after a trauma. Early tests show that one dose could lower fear and anxiety for a long time.

Although more studies are needed to make sure the drug is safe and works in people, Chen’s work could lead to better treatments. She believes it’s important to consider whether a patient is a man or a woman when giving medical treatment. This could improve how we treat not just mental health but other diseases too.

✢ 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.