Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Amyloidosis is a rare disease, caused by a buildup of abnormal protein deposits called amyloids in the body. Normal proteins have a 3-Dimensional structure and play a specific role in the body. When they finish their assigned task, they leave your bloodstream. When they misfold, however,… Continue reading What is Amyloidosis?
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Adding Salt to Meals Increases Risk of Kidney Disease
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
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
Doctors Concerned Over Health Risks After Recent IVF Ruling
Alabama’s state Supreme Court ruling on in vitro fertilization (IVF) has triggered concerns among doctors about potential health risks. These cover women using in vitro fertilization and the impact on young cancer patients hoping to build a future family. The court’s decision, considering embryos created by IVF as children, has led to fears of civil… Continue reading Doctors Concerned Over Health Risks After Recent IVF Ruling
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
Maternal Mental Health Worsening, Study Finds
Maternal mental health issues have become the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. This has surpassed other factors contributing to the alarming rise in maternal mortality rates. A comprehensive review found that mental health disorders, including suicide and opioid overdose, account for nearly a quarter of maternal deaths. This rate is almost… Continue reading Maternal Mental Health Worsening, Study Finds
Arthritis Pain: Why Does it Happen and What Can You Do?
Arthritis, a common condition affecting millions of people, causes pain and inflammation in the joints. There are different types of arthritis, but two of the most common are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Understanding where the pain comes from is important to managing it. Are you one of the over 595 million people worldwide who live… Continue reading Arthritis Pain: Why Does it Happen and What Can You Do?
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