New research brings promising news: lowering your blood pressure could reduce your risk of developing dementia by up to 15%. A large-scale study published in Nature Medicine has spotlighted the significant link between hypertension management and cognitive health—a revelation that could shape public health policies, especially in low- and middle-income countries where dementia rates are projected to climb most dramatically.

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is now the leading cause of death in the UK and one of the fastest-growing health challenges worldwide. According to projections, the number of people living with dementia is expected to rise from 57.4 million in 2019 to a staggering 152.8 million by 2050. With limited treatment options currently available, prevention is becoming the most strategic—and necessary—line of defense. That’s what makes this new research so critical.

The study, led by Dr. Jiang He from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, tracked 33,995 adults over the age of 40 in rural China who had high blood pressure. Participants were divided into two groups. One group received more intensive treatment involving an average of three medications—such as ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or calcium channel blockers—and personalized health coaching to monitor blood pressure at home and adopt lifestyle changes.

The other group, used as the control, received standard care: usually just one medication alongside general advice on healthy living.

After four years, the results were compelling. Those in the more aggressively treated group saw a 15% reduction in dementia diagnoses and a 16% drop in cognitive impairment compared to the control group.

Why Blood Pressure Matters for Brain Health?

While the connection between high blood pressure and cardiovascular events like stroke is well established, its role in cognitive decline has only recently come into sharper focus. Elevated systolic pressure (above 130 mmHg) and diastolic pressure (above 80 mmHg) are now increasingly associated with impaired brain function, memory loss, and dementia.

High blood pressure damages the brain’s delicate blood vessels, leading to reduced oxygen flow, inflammation, and even micro-bleeds—all contributing to structural changes in the brain that accelerate cognitive decline.

This study affirms that blood pressure management doesn’t just protect your heart—it safeguards your brain.

Lifestyle Changes That Make a Difference

What’s particularly encouraging is that the benefits weren’t derived from medication alone. Participants were also coached to:

Lose excess weight

Reduce salt intake

Limit alcohol consumption

Monitor their blood pressure regularly at home

These are simple, sustainable lifestyle interventions that anyone can begin implementing—no matter where they live. In fact, the researchers noted that the benefits of blood pressure control were consistent even in rural, resource-limited communities. This underlines the power of proactive prevention on a global scale.

“For many years, we’ve suspected that high blood pressure was a key risk factor for dementia,” said Dr. Zachary Marcum from the University of Washington in Seattle. “But this study provides some of the most compelling clinical evidence we’ve seen that treating hypertension can significantly lower that risk.”

Dr. Jiang He, lead author of the study, added, “This proven-effective intervention should be widely adopted and scaled up to reduce the global burden of dementia.”

The research not only demonstrates clinical efficacy—it offers a scalable model for other regions battling rising rates of hypertension and dementia, particularly in developing nations.

If you’re over 40, particularly if you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, the message is clear: now is the time to act. Regular blood pressure monitoring, routine checkups, and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can profoundly impact your cognitive future.

This isn’t just about living longer—it’s about living well, with your memory, mental clarity, and independence intact.

Could Microbiome Health Play a Role in Brain Health?

Emerging research has begun to spotlight the intricate link between gut health and brain function—a concept often referred to as the “gut-brain axis.” Scientists are now exploring whether the health of our gut microbiome—the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms living in the digestive tract—could influence the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia.

Several studies suggest that gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, may trigger systemic inflammation and compromise the blood-brain barrier, allowing harmful substances to reach the brain and potentially contribute to cognitive decline. Moreover, certain gut microbes are believed to produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play crucial roles in mood regulation, memory, and cognition.

Maintaining a healthy gut through a diet rich in fiber, fermented foods, and probiotics could thus indirectly support brain health. While this area of research is still evolving, it adds a fascinating and holistic perspective to the fight against dementia one that goes beyond traditional blood pressure control and delves into the microscopic world of our gut.

Every year on 25 April, World Malaria Day is observed to raise awareness about one of the deadliest yet preventable diseases. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 263 million malaria cases and 5,97,000 malaria deaths across 83 countries in 2023. The WHO African Region carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. As per the numbers, this Region was home to 94% of the malaria cases, accounting for 246 million and 95% of malaria deaths. Children under 5 accounted for about 75% of all malaria deaths in the Region.

Ahead of World Malaria Day, WHO also called for renewed efforts at all levels - from global policy to community action to accelerate progress towards eliminating malaria.

World Malaria Day 2025 Theme

This year, WHO has joined the RBM Partnership to End Malaria and other partners in promoting: "Malaria Ends With US: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite". This is a grassroot campaign that aims to re-energize efforts at all levels, from global policy to community action, to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination.

World Malaria Day History

World Malaria Day was first celebrated internationally in 2008, building upon the earlier "Africa Malaria Day", which had been observed b African countries since 2001. The date, April 25, was established by WHO in 2007 during the World Health Assembly. In 2007, it was the 60th session of the World Health Assembly where the proposal to rename Africa Malaria Day to World Malaria Day was made to acknowledge the global presence of malaria.

World Malaria Day Significance

The day has a strong significance in healthcare as it brings attention to the disease that still continues to take so many lives, especially in low-income and tropical regions. It also serves as an important reminder to continue spreading awareness about the disease as well as promoting its prevention, treatment and continuous international cooperation to fight against it.

What Is Malaria?

The WHO describes malaria as a life-threatening disease spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes, mostly found in tropical countries. However, they are preventable and curable.

WHO notes: "Malaria is spread to people through the bites of some infected anopheles mosquitoes. Blood transfusion and contaminated needles may also transmit malaria. The first symptoms may be mild, similar to many febrile illnesses, and difficult to recognize as malaria. Left untreated, P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness and death within 24 hours.

There are 5 Plasmodium parasite species that cause malaria in humans, and 2 of these species – P. falciparum and P. vivax – pose the greatest threat. P. falciparum is the deadliest malaria parasite and the most prevalent on the African continent. P. vivax is the dominant malaria parasite in most countries outside of sub-Saharan Africa. The other malaria species which can infect humans are P. malariae, P. ovale and P. knowlesi."

What Are The Symptoms?

The early symptoms are fever, headache and chills, which can usually start within 10 to 15 days of getting bitten by an infected mosquito.

Some types of malaria can cause severe illness and death. Infants, children under 5 years, pregnant women, travellers and people with HIV or AIDS are at higher risk. Severe symptoms include:

• extreme tiredness and fatigue
• impaired consciousness
• multiple convulsions
• difficulty breathing
• dark or bloody urine
• jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
• abnormal bleeding

A new AI-powered blood test that can detect 12 types of cancer is to be tested on NHS patients. Using this test, experts would now be able to detect cancerous cells in people much before the symptoms appear. The trial, conducted on 8,000 patients, will analyse blood samples for tiny fragments of genetic material released by tumours.

The test called miONCO-Dx, was created using data from 20,000 patients. Initial tests have produced promising results, having shown that it can detect 12 of the most lethal and common cancers, including bowel cancer, at an early stage, with over 99% accuracy. With no other trial currently working in the same way, this is a world-leader and will support in placing Britain at the forefront of revolutionising healthcare. Notably, the UK government has awarded £2.4m to run the trial of the genetic test, which was developed by the University of Southampton and the biotech startup Xgenera.

How Does It Work?

The test was created by Xgenera, in collaboration with the University of Southampton. As little as 10 drops of blood are all that's needed to detect up to 12 common cancers. The test works by measuring the microRNA in a blood sample and using AI to identify if cancer is present and, if so, where it is located in the body.

What Cancers Will It Detect?

Lung, gastric, prostate, oesophageal, liver, bladder, ovarian, bowel, pancreatic and breast cancers–as well as bone and soft tissue sarcoma and a type of brain tumour. The Department of Health said the test was now ready for the "validation and verification" stage.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England's national medical director, said: "This blood test has the potential to help us detect bowel cancer earlier and reduce the need for invasive tests, and the next step in this trial will now be vital in gathering further evidence on its effectiveness and how it could work in practice."

How Is A Blood Test Conducted?

A blood test is a simple medical procedure used to check various health conditions. Here's how it is typically conducted:

1. Preparation: Depending on the test, you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours. The healthcare provider will explain any specific instructions.

2. Collection: You’ll usually be seated or lying down. A healthcare professional will tie a tourniquet around your upper arm to make the veins more visible. The inside of your elbow is the most common site for drawing blood.

3. Cleaning: The area is cleaned with an antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection.

4. Drawing Blood: A sterile needle is inserted into the vein, and blood is collected into one or more vials or tubes.

5. Post-collection: Once enough blood is collected, the needle is removed, and a cotton ball or bandage is applied to stop any bleeding.

6. Processing: The blood samples are then sent to a lab for analysis.

Novovax, the maker of the only protein-based COVID-19 vaccine available in the US announced that its shot is on track for full approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is an important development for the company. It has sent its stock soaring up to 21% on Wednesday morning for trading. It is said that this will also ease the fears of political interference that may have caused delay in the process.

Vaccine For Emergency Use Only

While the other mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna have received full FDA approval for specific age groups, Novovax's vaccine still awaits the approval. It is only authorized for emergency use.

The emergency use authorization or the EUA allows vaccines to be distributed during public health emergencies. However, once the emergency ends, the FDA can remove them from the market unless full approval is granted.

Why Did The Delay Happen?

The FDA originally planned to approve Novovax's vaccine by April 1. However, as per the inside sources, the process was paused at the direction of Dr Sara Brenner, the FDA's acting commissioner. The delay has also raised concerns, especially after Dr Peter Marks, the FDA's longtime vaccine chief, reportedly left his post due to disagreements with the Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who is a known vaccine skeptic.

What Makes Him A Vaccine Skeptic?

In the past, RFK Jr. has worked closely with many anti-vaccine activists who work for his nonprofit group Children's Health Defense. While in his recent speech, he said that he has "never been anti-vax and have never told the public to avoid vaccination", his track record shows otherwise.

In a podcast interview, he said, "There is no vaccine that is safe and effective" and told FOX News that he still believes in the now long-debunked idea that vaccines can cause autism. In another 2021 podcast, he urged people to "resist" CDC guidelines on getting their kids vaccinated. "I see somebody on a hiking trail carrying a little baby and I say to him, better not get them vaccinated," he said.

His non-profit also led an anti-vax campaign sticker and he appeared next on the screen to a sticker that read: "If you are not an anti-vaxxer you are not paying attention," reports AP.

What Does The Vaccine Need For Approval?

The FDA recently asked Novavax to outline a plan to collect additional clinical data from people who have received the vaccine. Novavax says it is “engaging with the FDA expeditiously” and hopes to secure full approval as soon as possible. Full FDA approval is considered the gold standard, as it reflects a higher level of scrutiny and confidence in a product’s safety and effectiveness.

How Is This Vaccine Different From Others?

The COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available in the US teach the immune system to recognize the virus' spike protein, which is its outer coating. the Pfizer and Moderna's mRNA vaccine deliver genetic instructions that help the body create a temporary version of spike protein that trigger an immune response. In contrast, the Novovax's shot contains lab-grown copies of the spike protein itself, which are then combined with a substance that boosts the immune response.

This traditional approach—called a protein-based vaccine—has been used for decades in vaccines for diseases like hepatitis B and shingles. For people who are hesitant about mRNA vaccines, Novavax offers an alternative that uses a well-established method.