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The rising tide of dementia and the need for nondrug therapies

As the number of people living with dementia continues to increase, the hope that a medication will be able to slow the progression of the disease has not yet been successful. Meanwhile, research has also progressed in nonpharmacological treatments that can help people with memory issues and increase their comfort, potentially helping their families as well.

Treatment with abiraterone significantly improves survival in advanced prostate cancer

Currently, the medication abiraterone is approved for treatment of men with prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland and nearby lymph nodes. But a study found that men who received the drug at earlier stages (before the cancer had spread) in combination with another type of treatment were more likely to live longer than those who received only the control treatment.

Are bioidentical hormones superior to hormone medications?

Bioidentical hormone preparations aren't superior to FDA-approved hormone medications and may bring additional risks.

Don't fail your heart health

The most common type of heart failure in older adults is heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. This is caused by the heart's left ventricle not being able to relax, which means less blood enters the chamber, so less gets pumped out. Prevention and treatments continue to evolve, but include controlling blood pressure, addressing weight gain with exercise and diet, not smoking, and curbing alcohol intake.

Low-dose aspirin: Little benefit for people without prior heart attack

A draft guideline from a national panel of experts recommends that people without heart disease who are 60 and older should not take low-dose aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke.

What is "walking pneumonia"?

Walking pneumonia means a person with pneumonia is highly likely to get well at home and not develop complications. Still, walking pneumonia is considered a significant infection and requires prompt and appropriate treatment. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics and rest.

Heart-safer NSAID alternatives

Common pain relievers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) carry an added risk of heart problems. Use only what you need and for only as long as you need it. Men with heart problems should be extra cautious.

How can I tell if my statin is working?

Statin therapy can help lower the risk of developing new plaques in the arteries and having a heart attack, although the effect may not show up on coronary artery calcium scans that measure the amount of calcium in the walls of the heart's arteries.

Risk factors for benign breast conditions identified

Family history of breast cancer may up the risk of benign breast conditions.

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