Stroke Archive

There is no cure for Alzheimer's, but medication can help manage the disease. Currently, the main FDA-approved drugs used to treat Alzheimer's are symptomatic drugs, which ease symptoms but don't address the cause of the disease. A new medication has been shown to slow the disease's progression and reverse some of its effects on memory among people with mild Alzheimer's.

Frequent urination-defined as urinating more than eight times during the day or more than once at night-is believed to affect millions of Americans. Contributors can include drinking excessive amounts of liquid, substances that act as diuretics or bladder irritants, certain medications, pregnancy, aging, various medical conditions, and anxiety. People should consider seeing a doctor if lifestyle changes don't reduce the number of times they urinate each day.

Studies on alcohol's health effects have shown conflicting results, Harvard experts say, leaving people confused. No randomized, controlled trials have been performed, and observational studies can't easily tease apart drinking and other lifestyle habits that influence health, such as exercise, sleep, and social connectedness. However, drinking alcohol has been convincingly linked to developing breast cancer, so women concerned about their breast cancer risk should consider reducing or eliminating alcohol. For most other healthy people who enjoy an occasional drink, they can continue to do so.

A 2024 study found that dietary supplements of galantamine-which is used to treat Alzheimer's symptoms-had an inaccurate amount of the plant extract listed on the label, ranging from less than 2% to 110% of the labeled quantity.

Chronic heartburn is sometimes characterized by symptoms that are similar to those of other conditions. This can cause heartburn to go undiagnosed. Examples of nonspecific heartburn symptoms include chest pain or pressure that mimics a heart attack; a dry cough, sore throat, or hoarse voice that seems like it's related to a cold; or mouth sores, ulcers, erosion or wear on the teeth, or cavities. When any of these symptoms occurs regularly, heartburn should be considered as a potential cause.

A 2024 randomized controlled trial provides more evidence that taking a daily multivitamin pill offers protection against cognitive decline. The study involved more than 5,000 people (ages 60 or older). Some took a daily multivitamin pill. Others took a placebo. After two years and tests measuring cognitive ability before and after the study period, people who took the vitamins showed slower cognitive decline than people who took a placebo. This was seen consistently in all groups of people.

Some medications can cause a metallic taste in the mouth. Strategies to cope with this sometimes-debilitating side effect include staying hydrated, rinsing thoroughly with water and a dash of salt or baking soda before meals, eating food that's been chilled or brought to room temperature, eating whole foods that are prepared plainly, avoiding red meat, using bamboo or wood eating utensils instead of metal utensils, eating naturally sweet foods such as citrus, and brushing and flossing the teeth regularly.

Sleep problems such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and periodic limb movements can disrupt sleep. A lack of sleep or fragmented sleep can prevent people from getting enough restorative deep sleep and may cause unhealthy blood pressure surges. These problems may increase the risk of cerebrovascular disease (including stroke and unrecognized silent strokes) and cognitive issues.

Allergy season is longer and more intense this year-causing sneezing, and itchy eyes in millions of people. But allergies also affect the brain, causing symptoms like brain fog. Here are some ways to prevent or ease brain fog from allergies.