An international study led by a University of Queensland researcher has found frailty increases a person’s risk of dementia, but early intervention may be the key to prevention.

Dr David Ward from the Centre for Health Services Research tracked the data of nearly 30,000 participants of 4 longitudinal studies in the United Kingdom and the United States, enabling researchers to detect changes in people’s health and function 20 years before they were diagnosed with dementia.

“The accumulation of age-related conditions is indicative of increasing frailty, which we found accelerates up to 9 years prior to a dementia diagnosis,” Dr Ward said.

“Our findings show with every 4-5 additional health problems there is on average a 40% higher risk of developing dementia, while for people who are fitter the risk is lower.

“This suggests frailty is not merely a consequence of undetected dementia but contributes to its onset."

Clinicians will soon gain access to trusted education on stem cell-based therapies through a new Continuing Education (CE) course developed by the International Society of Stem Cell Research (ISSCR). Harvard Medical School will be accrediting the course and producing the course materials.

In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards a holistic approach to human health, recognizing the importance of integrating essential nutrients with traditional natural medicines. This review article examines the potential synergy between nutrition and traditional healing practices in promoting well-being and disease prevention. It explores the diverse landscape of traditional medicine systems worldwide, highlighting their cultural significance and accumulated wisdom over generations. Moreover, it sheds light on the scientific foundations of these traditional remedies, showcasing their relevance in modern healthcare. Traditional natural medicines, often sourced from plants, animals, or minerals, offer a wide array of therapeutic options addressing root causes rather than symptoms alone. This enduring wisdom has sparked interest in complementing modern healthcare with traditional practices, aiming for a harmonious integration of tradition and evidence-based medicine. Furthermore, the article underscores the critical role of nutrients in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. It emphasizes the holistic perspective of health, encompassing mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The relationship between nutrition and health is also explored, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet. The synergy between traditional natural medicines and nutritional interventions presents a promising avenue for a comprehensive approach to healthcare. The article advocates for collaborative research, interdisciplinary dialogue, and cross-cultural exchanges to harness the collective wisdom of the past and present. By embracing both nutrients and traditional medicines, we can move towards achieving optimal health and wellness, recognizing the profound interconnectedness between humans and the natural world.

 

The dual goals of climate action and ending violence against children can be achieved. For the first time, governments are committing funds and making concrete pledges to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goal target of ending violence against children.

A consistent bedtime may be more important to a child’s ability to control their emotions and behavior than the duration or quality of their sleep, according to a new publication by researchers in the Penn State College of Health and Human Development and Penn State College of Medicine.