Our weekly round up of the latest news in the world of health. This week we look vitamin D's possible role in long life, a possible gene for Alzheimer's disease, and about three newly approved children's vaccines. We also learn that head injuries contribute to many elderly adults' deaths after falls.
Stay well.
This Issue:
Vitamin D and Risk of Death Alzheimer's Gene New Vaccines Approved Brain Injuries Cause Seniors' Fall-Related Deaths In the News:
Vitamin D and Risk of Death The "sunshine vitamin" could also be the survival vitamin. An Austrian study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that people who had the lowest blood levels of vitamin D were twice as likely to die during the next eight years compared to those with the highest level. The study looked at over 3,200 people, aged 62 on average, most of whom had heart disease. Participants' vitamin D levels were checked in weekly blood tests. When age, physical activity and other factors, were taken into consideration, the researchers still found that deaths from all causes were twice as common in people with the lowest vitamin D levels. Many experts believe that the current recommendations for daily vitamin D intake are too low, the Associated Press reports.
Alzheimer's Gene
Scientists may have found another gene that raises the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The gene, CALHM1, may raise the risk of developing the most common type of Alzheimer's disease by 45 percent. The study looked at 2,000 people with Alzheimer's disease and 1,400 people without the disease. The gene appears to hinder the brain's ability to take in calcium, according to a study published in the journal Cell. If drugs can be found that reverse this effect, they could help fight Alzheimer's disease, the Associated Press reports.
New Vaccines Approved
U.S. children now need fewer shots to protect them from some illnesses. A federal advisory panel this week approved two new combination vaccines: a four-in-one shot that protects diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio, and a five-in-one shot for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b, or HiB. A panel also endorsed a second vaccine against rotavirus, a virus that cases severe diarrhea and vomiting in children. The oral vaccine is to be taken in two doses over four months, the Associated Press reports.
Brain Injuries Cause Seniors' Fall-Related Deaths
Older adults should be concerned about head as well as hip injuries from falls. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, published in the Journal of Safety Research, brain injuries account for about half of deaths from falls among the elderly. The study looked at 16,000 due to unintentional falls. Besides head injuries, other deaths were due to heart failure, strokes, infections and existing conditions worsened by broken hips or other injuries. The rate of deaths and hospitalization for fall-related brain injuries increases with age, the study found. The researchers say older people can avoid falls -- and therefore brain injuries -- with exercises to increase strength and balance, vision correction if needed, and monitoring of medications that can affect thinking and coordination, the Associated Press reports.
Used with the permission of the copyright owner. All rights reserved. The above summaries are not intended to provide advice on personal medical matters, nor are they intended to be a substitute for consultation with a physician.
