New research from the UK Biobank suggests that regularly adding salt to meals may increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease by up to 11%. The study, involving 465,288 people, found a correlation between salt consumption and kidney disease. Diabetes and high blood pressure are known causes of this condition. However, those who frequently… Continue reading Adding Salt to Meals Increases Risk of Kidney Disease
Category: Conditions
Living with a health condition? On the PatientsLikeMe blog, find helpful health information and patient stories about being diagnosed, trying different treatments, and living day-to-day with a chronic condition.
VR Headsets Help With Emotional Well-being in Seniors: Study
A recent Stanford University study involving 17 senior communities across the U.S. found that virtual reality (VR) experiences positively impact seniors’ emotions and interactions with staff. The study aimed to explore the potential benefits of VR for seniors’ health and emotional well-being. The focus was particularly for those affected by dementia. Seniors, aged 65 to… Continue reading VR Headsets Help With Emotional Well-being in Seniors: Study
How Do Genetically Transferred Diseases Like Fibromyalgia Work?
Genetically transferred diseases are health issues passed down from one generation to the next through genetic information. They are also known as hereditary or inherited conditions. Research has shown that someone with a close relative living with a condition like fibromyalgia is 8.5 times more likely to get it. Why is that? Genetics, in general,… Continue reading How Do Genetically Transferred Diseases Like Fibromyalgia Work?
Drug Found to be Effective Long-Term Lupus Treatment
A study out of Japan has found tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant, to be an effective lupus treatment. Over a ten year period, researchers followed a group of 1,355 people with lupus nephritis who received treatment with tacrolimus. The drug was well-tolerated and effective with nearly half (49.3%) of the participants. It should be noted that here… Continue reading Drug Found to be Effective Long-Term Lupus Treatment
Q&A: Deep Brain Stimulation for Multiple Sclerosis
What is Deep Brain Stimulation? Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical procedure where electrodes are implanted into specific areas of the brain. These electrodes produce electrical impulses that regulate abnormal brain activity. Essentially, the idea is to “turn off” parts of the brain without damaging them. This treatment is commonly associated with movement disorders… Continue reading Q&A: Deep Brain Stimulation for Multiple Sclerosis
Experts Alarmed by Rising Diabetic Amputations for Black Patients
The number of people with diabetes needing amputations is rising, and it’s affecting Black and Latino individuals more. This means more people are having their limbs removed due to diabetes complications. According to the American Diabetes Association, every 3 minutes and 30 seconds a limb is amputated due to diabetes in the United States. Each… Continue reading Experts Alarmed by Rising Diabetic Amputations for Black Patients
Link Found Between Loneliness and Mortality
A recent study, published in December 2023, has unveiled the severe consequences of loneliness on senior health. The research, involving 9,032 patients with a median follow-up of over 10 years, indicates that individuals experiencing loneliness have a significantly higher risk of mortality. The mean age of study participants was 63.99 years. Notably, those reporting loneliness… Continue reading Link Found Between Loneliness and Mortality
Root Problem: Hair Loss from Lupus
Hair loss because of a medical condition is distressing. Unfortunately, this is one aspect of living with lupus. As an autoimmune disease, lupus affects various organs and systems in the body. This can lead to inflammation, affecting the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood cells, and more. One of the ways lupus can impact health… Continue reading Root Problem: Hair Loss from Lupus
Can Fibromyalgia Feel Like an Electric Shock?
Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to touch. While the primary symptoms are well-recognized, individuals with fibromyalgia frequently report a range of sensations, including what is often described as feeling like electric shocks. Why does this happen? Let’s explore the possible causes, and what you… Continue reading Can Fibromyalgia Feel Like an Electric Shock?
Pregnancy and MS: What to Know
Discovering that you’re pregnant is a moment filled with joy! If you are living with multiple sclerosis (MS), it can be natural to have questions and concerns about how pregnancy might impact your health and the course of your condition. The Basics Let’s start with the most important information. There is no evidence that pregnancy… Continue reading Pregnancy and MS: What to Know