Senior Health Update Archives

Common sugar substitute may affect brain and blood vessel health

Recent studies suggest a connection between higher levels of erythritol — a popular sweetener — in the blood and an increased risk of vascular health issues, such as blood clotting, heart disease, and stroke. New...

Vitamin D supplements may slow aging by preserving telomere length

Telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, are an important component of healthy aging. One study found that vitamin D supplementation helps to minimize the shortening of telomeres, which happens as people get...

Could eating chicken heighten cancer risk? Experts weigh in on latest claims

A recent study found that eating 300 grams of poultry per week was linked to an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer and death from all causes. The findings have caused concern among consumers as they...

Shingles vaccine could prevent 1 in 5 dementia cases

Dementia currently affects more than 57 million people worldwide, and numbers are projected to almost triple over the next 25 years. Many factors can increase a person’s risk of developing dementia, including age, genetics, vascular...

New blood test may help diagnose, show how far Alzheimer’s has progressed

There are currently a few tests, including blood tests, that can be used to help diagnose Alzheimer’s and determine which stage the disease is in. Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed a blood test that...

Diet high in fiber, fermented foods could keep inflammatory diseases at bay

Chronic inflammation is a major driver of lifestyle-related diseases, like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. New research highlights how profoundly a modern Western diet, high in processed foods and low in whole plant-based foods,...

Can antidepressants increase sudden cardiac death risk?

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is responsible for about half of all deaths caused by cardiovascular disease. Past studies show a link between some antidepressant medications to a high risk of cardiovascular issues like SCD. A...

Popular sweetener may increase weight gain by boosting hunger

A new study investigated how sucralose, a non-caloric sweetener, affects brain signals related to hunger. The researchers compared the effects of sucralose to water and sucrose (sugar) among healthy young adults. The findings suggest that...

Certain combos of common food additives may raise type 2 diabetes risk

Past studies have linked certain food additives found in processed foods to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. A new study has found that two certain mixtures of common food additives can increase a...

Intermittent fasting may help prevent blood clots

Blood clot formation can contribute to life threatening events like strokes and heart attacks. Experts are interested in ways to decrease people’s risk for blood clots. A study found that intermittent fasting may help minimize...