Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

<span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/dementia">Dementia</a></span>, as a subject, has been researched and explored for many years. Dementia is an umbrella term used to define <span>mental health</span> conditions that cause memory loss, changes in behavior patterns as well as affecting our ability to think. While there is still no cure for dementia, treatment for it involves dealing with the symptoms as well as early intervention. Psychologists and mental health experts have done many studies and found different lifestyle and health factors that can increase or decrease the chances of dementia. 

Research suggests that many lifestyle choices can increase your chances of developing dementia before age 65, a condition often called young-onset or early-onset dementia. 

A study published in JAMA Neurology pointed to 15 key risk factors, many of which can be changed or prevented. Others, like having a lower income or inheriting specific genes (APOE4), are much harder or impossible to change. 

The study looked at health information from over 350,000 people under 65 in the UK Biobank database. By examining everything from genes to environmental influences, researchers were able to identify factors that raise the risk of early dementia. 

Experts say that these risk factors can harm the brain by causing inflammation and creating harmful chemicals. They also mess with how the brain uses sugar for energy, which is key for brain cells to work right. It's believed that dementia, especially Alzheimer's, happens when the brain can't use energy properly. 

<h2>Key Risk Factors for Early-Onset Dementia </h2>

Out of many factors studied, researchers found 15 main ones that greatly increase the risk of early-onset dementia: 

<ol><li>Less schooling</li><li>Lower income or social standing</li><li>Having two copies of a specific gene (called APOE4)</li><li>Alcohol use disorder</li><li>Feeling alone (social isolation)</li><li>Lack of Vitamin D</li><li>High levels of inflammation in the body</li><li>Weaker handgrip strength</li><li>Not drinking alcohol (this was also listed, suggesting other health reasons might be at play here)</li><li>Hearing loss</li><li>Diabetes</li><li>Heart disease</li><li>Depression</li><li>Blood pressure drops when standing up (orthostatic hypotension)</li><li>Stroke</li></ol>

<h2>Connection Between the Risk Factors </h2>

Researchers note that the same health issues affecting the brains of younger people are also linked to dementia in older people. This might be because we're seeing more young people develop problems like diabetes, which really harm the brain, making early dementia more common. These risk factors are also connected to each other. 

For example, someone with alcohol use disorder might also have poor eating habits, vitamin shortages, weak muscles, and depression. They could also have other health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and a higher chance of stroke. These problems can create a cycle: depression might lead to feeling isolated, which could then lead to drinking more as a way to cope, and this can ultimately cause long-term health issues. 

<h2>Steps to Lower Your Risk for Early-Onset Dementia </h2>

Health organizations suggest that almost 40% of all dementias like Alzheimer's could potentially be prevented or delayed by making healthy lifestyle changes and avoiding chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. 

Experts recommend regular physical activity to help prevent dementia. This simply means sitting less and moving your body more. Being active every day offers many benefits for your brain. It helps create new brain cells and connections, grows new blood vessels, and improves your mood. It is also suggested that eating a Mediterranean-style diet and actively doing things that challenge your mind, boost your mood, and connect you with others. 

Mind challenges can be learning new things (like a language or a musical instrument), going to classes, or simply always being curious and learning throughout your life. 

Mood boosters include practicing stress-reducing activities like mindfulness or yoga. Social connections are also vital for overall mental and physical health. It's important to spend quality time with others, especially now. 

Additionally, it's advised to keep your blood sugar well-controlled, even if you don't have diabetes, and get enough good, restful sleep. Our lifestyle choices greatly impact our brain's future. It's important to remember that changes leading to dementia, whether it starts early or later, can begin as much as 30 years before any memory or thinking problems are first noticed. 

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Dementia, as a subject, has been researched and explored for many years. Dementia is an umbrella term used to define mental health conditions that cause memory loss, changes in behavior patterns as well as affecting our ability to think. While there is still no cure for dementia, treatment for it involves dealing with the symptoms as well as early intervention. Psychologists and mental health experts have done many studies and found different lifestyle and health factors that can increase or decrease the chances of dementia. Research suggests that many lifestyle choices can increase your chances of developing dementia before age 65, a condition often called young-onset or early-onset dementia. A study published in JAMA Neurology pointed to 15 key risk factors, many of which can be changed or prevented. Others, like having a lower income or inheriting specific genes (APOE4), are much harder or impossible to change. The study looked at health information from over 350,000 people under 65 in the UK Biobank database. By examining everything from genes to environmental influences, researchers were able to identify factors that raise the risk of early dementia. Experts say that these risk factors can harm the brain by causing inflammation and creating harmful chemicals. They also mess with how the brain uses sugar for energy, which is key for brain cells to work right. It's believed that dementia, especially Alzheimer's, happens when the brain can't use energy properly. Key Risk Factors for Early-Onset Dementia Out of many factors studied, researchers found 15 main ones that greatly increase the risk of early-onset dementia: Less schoolingLower income or social standingHaving two copies of a specific gene (called APOE4)Alcohol use disorderFeeling alone (social isolation)Lack of Vitamin DHigh levels of inflammation in the bodyWeaker handgrip strengthNot drinking alcohol (this was also listed, suggesting other health reasons might be at play here)Hearing lossDiabetesHeart diseaseDepressionBlood pressure drops when standing up (orthostatic hypotension)StrokeConnection Between the Risk Factors Researchers note that the same health issues affecting the brains of younger people are also linked to dementia in older people. This might be because we're seeing more young people develop problems like diabetes, which really harm the brain, making early dementia more common. These risk factors are also connected to each other. For example, someone with alcohol use disorder might also have poor eating habits, vitamin shortages, weak muscles, and depression. They could also have other health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and a higher chance of stroke. These problems can create a cycle: depression might lead to feeling isolated, which could then lead to drinking more as a way to cope, and this can ultimately cause long-term health issues. Steps to Lower Your Risk for Early-Onset Dementia Health organizations suggest that almost 40% of all dementias like Alzheimer's could potentially be prevented or delayed by making healthy lifestyle changes and avoiding chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. Experts recommend regular physical activity to help prevent dementia. This simply means sitting less and moving your body more. Being active every day offers many benefits for your brain. It helps create new brain cells and connections, grows new blood vessels, and improves your mood. It is also suggested that eating a Mediterranean-style diet and actively doing things that challenge your mind, boost your mood, and connect you with others. Mind challenges can be learning new things (like a language or a musical instrument), going to classes, or simply always being curious and learning throughout your life. Mood boosters include practicing stress-reducing activities like mindfulness or yoga. Social connections are also vital for overall mental and physical health. It's important to spend quality time with others, especially now. Additionally, it's advised to keep your blood sugar well-controlled, even if you don't have diabetes, and get enough good, restful sleep. Our lifestyle choices greatly impact our brain's future. It's important to remember that changes leading to dementia, whether it starts early or later, can begin as much as 30 years before any memory or thinking problems are first noticed. 

Dementia Risk Has Been Associated With These 15 Lifestyle And Health Risks

dementia risk has been associated with these 15 lifestyle and health risks

Ishita Roy

Over 70 Million Indians Affected By Rare Diseases Amid Ongoing Challenges

over 70 million indians affected by rare diseases amid ongoing challenges

WHO Releases First-Ever Clinical Guidelines For Arboviral Diseases Amid Rising Global Threat

who releases first-ever clinical guidelines for arboviral diseases amid rising global threat

Nutrition

Increase Risk Of Aggressive Brain Cancer Linked To Common Sweetener Used All Over The World

increase risk of aggressive brain cancer linked to common sweetener used all over the world

Cancer Clinical Trials Face Low Participation - Why Are More People Not Encouraged To Try?

cancer clinical trials face low participation - why are more people not encouraged to try?

A team of researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) has developed a weekly injectable drug that could significantly improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease. The new treatment, which offers a steady release of key medications over seven days, may eliminate the need for multiple daily pills — a major breakthrough for both patients and caregivers.

The injectable has been designed to maintain consistent levels of levodopa and carbidopa — two medications that form the cornerstone of Parkinson’s treatment. These drugs typically need to be taken multiple times a day to manage symptoms effectively. However, this frequent dosing can be challenging for patients, especially older adults or those who have difficulty swallowing pills.

“This new formulation is about simplifying care,” said Professor Sanjay Garg, lead researcher from UniSA’s Center for Pharmaceutical Innovation. “Our goal was to create a treatment that ensures consistent drug levels in the body, reduces dosing frequency, and makes life easier for patients.”

According to the study, published in the journal Drug Delivery and Translational Research, the weekly injection uses biodegradable polymers to deliver the medications slowly and steadily into the body. The formulation can be injected under the skin or into the muscle using a fine needle — avoiding the need for surgery or implants.

In lab tests, the injection successfully released over 90% of levodopa and 81% of carbidopa within a seven-day period. Importantly, the biodegradable implant degraded by more than 80% during that time and showed no significant toxicity in safety evaluations.

“We're not just improving how the drug is delivered — we're improving patients’ lives,” Professor Garg said. “This could be a game-changer for people with Parkinson’s who struggle with the current complex medication schedules.”

The researchers also noted that this delivery platform could be adapted to treat other chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Plans for clinical trials and commercial development are already underway.

<h4>Understanding Parkinson’s Disease</h4>

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine — a chemical messenger that controls movement — begin to die.

<ul><li>Tremors or shaking</li><li>Muscle stiffness</li><li>Slowed movement</li><li>Balance and coordination issues</li></ul>

<h4>Difficulty walking or talking in advanced stages</h4>

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, but medications like levodopa help manage the symptoms by replenishing dopamine levels in the brain. However, the effects of these medications can wear off quickly, requiring frequent dosing throughout the day.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 8.5 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease — a number that has doubled in the past 25 years. The disease also carries a significant economic burden due to ongoing medical care, medications, and caregiving needs.

A 2020 study published in The Lancet Neurology noted that the global cost of Parkinson’s could reach over $79 billion annually by 2030 if no major advancements in treatment are made.

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weekly injection for parkinson

parkinsons

parkinsons disease

A team of researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) has developed a weekly injectable drug that could significantly improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease. The new treatment, which offers a steady release of key medications over seven days, may eliminate the need for multiple daily pills — a major breakthrough for both patients and caregivers.Consistent Dosing, Less BurdenThe injectable has been designed to maintain consistent levels of levodopa and carbidopa — two medications that form the cornerstone of Parkinson’s treatment. These drugs typically need to be taken multiple times a day to manage symptoms effectively. However, this frequent dosing can be challenging for patients, especially older adults or those who have difficulty swallowing pills.“This new formulation is about simplifying care,” said Professor Sanjay Garg, lead researcher from UniSA’s Center for Pharmaceutical Innovation. “Our goal was to create a treatment that ensures consistent drug levels in the body, reduces dosing frequency, and makes life easier for patients.”According to the study, published in the journal Drug Delivery and Translational Research, the weekly injection uses biodegradable polymers to deliver the medications slowly and steadily into the body. The formulation can be injected under the skin or into the muscle using a fine needle — avoiding the need for surgery or implants.Promising Lab ResultsIn lab tests, the injection successfully released over 90% of levodopa and 81% of carbidopa within a seven-day period. Importantly, the biodegradable implant degraded by more than 80% during that time and showed no significant toxicity in safety evaluations.“We're not just improving how the drug is delivered — we're improving patients’ lives,” Professor Garg said. “This could be a game-changer for people with Parkinson’s who struggle with the current complex medication schedules.”The researchers also noted that this delivery platform could be adapted to treat other chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Plans for clinical trials and commercial development are already underway.Understanding Parkinson’s DiseaseParkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine — a chemical messenger that controls movement — begin to die.Common symptoms include:Tremors or shakingMuscle stiffnessSlowed movementBalance and coordination issuesDifficulty walking or talking in advanced stagesThere is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, but medications like levodopa help manage the symptoms by replenishing dopamine levels in the brain. However, the effects of these medications can wear off quickly, requiring frequent dosing throughout the day.According to the World Health Organization, more than 8.5 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease — a number that has doubled in the past 25 years. The disease also carries a significant economic burden due to ongoing medical care, medications, and caregiving needs.A 2020 study published in The Lancet Neurology noted that the global cost of Parkinson’s could reach over $79 billion annually by 2030 if no major advancements in treatment are made.

new weekly injection could revolutionize parkinson’s treatment

Health News

Martin Frizell Shares How His Wife Fiona Philips Thought His To Be A Kidnapper Due To Her Alzheimer's Disease

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Vanessa Hudgens, Gina Rodriguez Announce Baby Number 2: Does Becoming A Mother After 35 Carry Risks?

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Is There Any Truth Behind The Saying, 'An Apple A Day Keeps Doctors Away'?

is there any truth behind the saying, 'an apple a day keeps doctors away'?

Menopause brings big changes to a woman's body, however, many do not know how these changes affect their health. A Jan study published in the Circulation Research showed that when a woman goes through menopause could tell us a lot about her future <span>heart health</span>. A study published recently found that women who stopped having periods later in life generally had healthier blood vessels. They were also much less likely to suffer heart attacks and strokes after menopause, compared to those who went through it earlier. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Menopause And Heart Health</span> </h2>

The researchers also noted that these women who had later menopause had better fat levels in their blood and fewer signs of "oxidative stress". This might help explain why their hearts seemed healthier. 

Most women enter menopause between ages 45 and 55, with the average in the U.S. being 52. However, about 10% of women experience "late-onset" menopause, meaning it starts after age 55. 

<h2>Late <span rel="noindex">Menopause and Your Heart Disease</span> Risk </h2>

For this study, researchers looked at 21 women who were still having periods and 71 women who had already gone through menopause. The postmenopausal group was then split based on whether their menopause started at a normal age or later. 

To check their heart and blood vessel health, the researchers measured how well a main artery in the arm could widen. They also looked at the health of the mitochondria inside blood vessel cells, and checked levels of hormones, fats, and other substances in the blood. 

As expected, all women who had gone through menopause had less healthy blood vessels compared to those still having periods. This is normal as estrogen levels drop and blood vessels tend to stiffen with age. Also, as we get older, these "power plants" in our cells can produce more harmful molecules called free radicals, leading to something called oxidative stress, which can cause diseases like heart disease. 

However, the surprising finding was that women in the late-onset menopause group seemed to be somewhat protected from this age-related decline in blood vessel health.

Their blood vessel function was only 24% worse than the premenopausal group, while for those with normal-onset menopause, it was 51% worse. This better blood vessel function lasted for at least five years after menopause for the late-onset group. Women in the late-onset group also had better functioning "power plants" (meaning fewer harmful free radicals and less oxidative stress) and healthier fat levels in their blood. 

<h2>Why Menopause Impacts Heart Health </h2>

Even though women with later menopause had relatively better heart health in the study, it's important to remember that all women face a higher risk of heart disease once they go through menopause. 

Studies show that this is largely due to estrogen. According to the Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity journal, estrogen is known to protect against heart disease. Once a woman's estrogen levels drop during menopause, she starts to lose that protective effect. As a result, many women will see their blood pressure and cholesterol levels go up, even if their diet and activity levels don't change. 

So, it makes sense that women who go through menopause later have better heart health. The longer your body produces estrogen, the more protection your heart gets. Blood vessels work better before menopause, meaning they are more resistant to damage and heart attacks the longer you stay out of menopause.

<h2>Protecting Your Heart During and After Menopause </h2>

While you usually can't control when you start menopause, you can still take steps to protect and maintain your heart health during and after this transition. This includes following the usual advice for a healthy lifestyle: 

<ul><li>Starting a healthy diet with more fruits and vegetables, and less meat and cheese.</li><li>Monitor your cholesterol levels.</li><li>Staying active is crucial, aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week, including both cardio and strength training</li><li>Getting enough sleep is also vital for heart health; however, this can be tough during menopause due to issues like insomnia and night sweats.</li></ul>

Heart Health

Menopause and heart health

Menopause and Your Heart Disease

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Menopause brings big changes to a woman's body, however, many do not know how these changes affect their health. A Jan study published in the Circulation Research showed that when a woman goes through menopause could tell us a lot about her future heart health. A study published recently found that women who stopped having periods later in life generally had healthier blood vessels. They were also much less likely to suffer heart attacks and strokes after menopause, compared to those who went through it earlier. Menopause And Heart Health The researchers also noted that these women who had later menopause had better fat levels in their blood and fewer signs of "oxidative stress". This might help explain why their hearts seemed healthier. Most women enter menopause between ages 45 and 55, with the average in the U.S. being 52. However, about 10% of women experience "late-onset" menopause, meaning it starts after age 55. Late Menopause and Your Heart Disease Risk For this study, researchers looked at 21 women who were still having periods and 71 women who had already gone through menopause. The postmenopausal group was then split based on whether their menopause started at a normal age or later. To check their heart and blood vessel health, the researchers measured how well a main artery in the arm could widen. They also looked at the health of the mitochondria inside blood vessel cells, and checked levels of hormones, fats, and other substances in the blood. As expected, all women who had gone through menopause had less healthy blood vessels compared to those still having periods. This is normal as estrogen levels drop and blood vessels tend to stiffen with age. Also, as we get older, these "power plants" in our cells can produce more harmful molecules called free radicals, leading to something called oxidative stress, which can cause diseases like heart disease. However, the surprising finding was that women in the late-onset menopause group seemed to be somewhat protected from this age-related decline in blood vessel health.Their blood vessel function was only 24% worse than the premenopausal group, while for those with normal-onset menopause, it was 51% worse. This better blood vessel function lasted for at least five years after menopause for the late-onset group. Women in the late-onset group also had better functioning "power plants" (meaning fewer harmful free radicals and less oxidative stress) and healthier fat levels in their blood. Why Menopause Impacts Heart Health Even though women with later menopause had relatively better heart health in the study, it's important to remember that all women face a higher risk of heart disease once they go through menopause. Studies show that this is largely due to estrogen. According to the Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity journal, estrogen is known to protect against heart disease. Once a woman's estrogen levels drop during menopause, she starts to lose that protective effect. As a result, many women will see their blood pressure and cholesterol levels go up, even if their diet and activity levels don't change. So, it makes sense that women who go through menopause later have better heart health. The longer your body produces estrogen, the more protection your heart gets. Blood vessels work better before menopause, meaning they are more resistant to damage and heart attacks the longer you stay out of menopause.Protecting Your Heart During and After Menopause While you usually can't control when you start menopause, you can still take steps to protect and maintain your heart health during and after this transition. This includes following the usual advice for a healthy lifestyle: Starting a healthy diet with more fruits and vegetables, and less meat and cheese.Monitor your cholesterol levels.Staying active is crucial, aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week, including both cardio and strength trainingGetting enough sleep is also vital for heart health; however, this can be tough during menopause due to issues like insomnia and night sweats.

menopause age plays a significant role in our future heart health - can you delay the age?

It Took 26 Doctors, 37 Procedures, and 17 Years For New York-Based Journalist To Get Her Diagnosis Right

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HIV Vaccine Research In South Africa Crumbles As U.S. Pulls Funding

hiv vaccine research in south africa crumbles as u.s. pulls funding

Over the past several years, healthcare professionals and scientists have made great strides in the medical field. Not only have they found better ways to treat the patients, but they have also found treatment options for diseases and conditions that were long though incurable. For a long time, we believed <span>cancer</span> had no treatment, however through research, we now know how to deal with these. 

This amazing progress is mostly thanks to new ways we've learned to prevent cancer, better tools to find it early, and more effective treatments. A huge part of developing these new ideas comes from <span>clinical trials</span>. These trials are carefully planned experiments that test if new treatments or ways to fight cancer actually work and are safe. Even though they're super important, not enough people are joining them. 

<h2>Who Participates The Most In These Clinical Trials? </h2>

Even though clinical trials are so important for finding new cancer cures, only a small number of adult cancer patients – about 2% to 5% – actually take part in them. What's even more concerning is that certain groups, especially Black and Native Americans, are often left out. 

A recent study published in the <span>Patient Education</span> and Counseling journal looked into this and found that very few cancer survivors – just 15% – had ever talked to their doctors about clinical trials. The study also showed that Hispanic-American and Asian-American patients often knew less about how these trials work. This tells us there's a big gap in how much people know and whether they're even offered the chance to participate.

<h2>How Many People Are Aware of Clinical Trials </h2>

Since <span>cancer clinical trials</span> are so important, the new study wanted to find out how much people really knew about them. They looked at information from 1,201 adult cancer survivors who answered a survey in 2021. The results showed that 78% of them felt they knew at least "a little" about clinical trials. 

However, the surprising part was that only 178 of these survivors (or 15%) had actually talked about trials with their doctors. The study found that if someone did talk to their doctor about clinical trials, they were almost nine times more likely to feel knowledgeable about them. This highlights how important that conversation with a healthcare provider can be. Researchers found that, 

<ul><li>People with more advanced cancers were much more likely (over 3.6 times) to have discussed trials with their doctors compared to those with early-stage cancers.</li><li>Patients with more education, better healthcare, and more financial stability generally knew more about clinical trials.</li><li>Sadly, Hispanic and Asian cancer survivors, as well as those who didn't go to college, knew less about clinical trials.</li></ul>

Having many different kinds of people in trials is crucial. It means that cutting-edge treatments are available to everyone, no matter their race, education, or income. It also helps doctors be sure that new treatments work well for all different kinds of people. 

<h2>Clinical Trials and Their Benefits </h2>

Clinical trials are organized studies that test new approaches to treat, prevent, detect, or manage a disease like cancer. Think of them as very specific research projects. For example, a trial might focus only on a new medicine for a certain type of stage 3 breast cancer. 

Experts explain that joining a trial gives the patient an opportunity to try something new, which may end up being more useful to them. Even if someone is in the group that doesn't get the new drug, they still often get more careful medical attention than they might otherwise. This is because trials are so well-organized and carefully watched. 

Because of successful clinical trials, more than 120 new cancer medicines were approved between 2003 and 2021. This shows just how vital these studies are for bringing new hope to patients. 

If you're curious about clinical trials, experts suggest you talk to your doctor. Ask them if there are any trials happening at their hospital or a nearby one that might be right for you. If your doctor hasn’t asked, don’t be afraid to bring it up. Healthcare professionals are strong advocates for people standing up and speaking for their care. 

clinical trials

patient education

Cancer Clinical Trials

Cancer

Cancer treatment

how educated are cancer patients

cancer risk

cancer prevention

Over the past several years, healthcare professionals and scientists have made great strides in the medical field. Not only have they found better ways to treat the patients, but they have also found treatment options for diseases and conditions that were long though incurable. For a long time, we believed cancer had no treatment, however through research, we now know how to deal with these. This amazing progress is mostly thanks to new ways we've learned to prevent cancer, better tools to find it early, and more effective treatments. A huge part of developing these new ideas comes from clinical trials. These trials are carefully planned experiments that test if new treatments or ways to fight cancer actually work and are safe. Even though they're super important, not enough people are joining them. Who Participates The Most In These Clinical Trials? Even though clinical trials are so important for finding new cancer cures, only a small number of adult cancer patients – about 2% to 5% – actually take part in them. What's even more concerning is that certain groups, especially Black and Native Americans, are often left out. A recent study published in the Patient Education and Counseling journal looked into this and found that very few cancer survivors – just 15% – had ever talked to their doctors about clinical trials. The study also showed that Hispanic-American and Asian-American patients often knew less about how these trials work. This tells us there's a big gap in how much people know and whether they're even offered the chance to participate. How Many People Are Aware of Clinical Trials Since cancer clinical trials are so important, the new study wanted to find out how much people really knew about them. They looked at information from 1,201 adult cancer survivors who answered a survey in 2021. The results showed that 78% of them felt they knew at least "a little" about clinical trials. However, the surprising part was that only 178 of these survivors (or 15%) had actually talked about trials with their doctors. The study found that if someone did talk to their doctor about clinical trials, they were almost nine times more likely to feel knowledgeable about them. This highlights how important that conversation with a healthcare provider can be. Researchers found that, People with more advanced cancers were much more likely (over 3.6 times) to have discussed trials with their doctors compared to those with early-stage cancers.Patients with more education, better healthcare, and more financial stability generally knew more about clinical trials.Sadly, Hispanic and Asian cancer survivors, as well as those who didn't go to college, knew less about clinical trials.Having many different kinds of people in trials is crucial. It means that cutting-edge treatments are available to everyone, no matter their race, education, or income. It also helps doctors be sure that new treatments work well for all different kinds of people. Clinical Trials and Their Benefits Clinical trials are organized studies that test new approaches to treat, prevent, detect, or manage a disease like cancer. Think of them as very specific research projects. For example, a trial might focus only on a new medicine for a certain type of stage 3 breast cancer. Experts explain that joining a trial gives the patient an opportunity to try something new, which may end up being more useful to them. Even if someone is in the group that doesn't get the new drug, they still often get more careful medical attention than they might otherwise. This is because trials are so well-organized and carefully watched. Because of successful clinical trials, more than 120 new cancer medicines were approved between 2003 and 2021. This shows just how vital these studies are for bringing new hope to patients. If you're curious about clinical trials, experts suggest you talk to your doctor. Ask them if there are any trials happening at their hospital or a nearby one that might be right for you. If your doctor hasn’t asked, don’t be afraid to bring it up. Healthcare professionals are strong advocates for people standing up and speaking for their care. 

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Dementia Risk Has Been Associated With These 15 Lifestyle And Health Risks

Quick Stories

'I Thought It Was Something I Ate', Woman Got Diagnosed With Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer After A Routine Ultrasound Revealed Terminal Illness

New Weekly Injection Could Revolutionize Parkinson’s Treatment

Menopause Age Plays A Significant Role In Our Future Heart Health - Can You Delay The Age?

Health Conditions A-Z

'I Thought It Was Something I Ate', Woman Got Diagnosed With Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer After A Routine Ultrasound Revealed Terminal Illness

New Weekly Injection Could Revolutionize Parkinson’s Treatment

Menopause Age Plays A Significant Role In Our Future Heart Health - Can You Delay The Age?