Karolinska Institutet

Swedish study finds long-term use of heart medications like diuretics, blood pressure meds, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and blood thinners lowers dementia risk by 25% over 5-10 years, with combined use enhancing protection. Antiplatelet drugs showed higher dementia risk.

Long-term use of common cardiovascular drugs linked to lower dementia risk in older age, according to a Karolinska Institutet study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia.

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, used for type 2 diabetes and obesity, reduce alcohol consumption and hospitalizations for alcohol use disorder (AUD), according to a study by the University of Eastern Finland and Karolinska Institutet. Patients on semaglutide showed a 36% lower risk, and those on liraglutide had a 28% lower risk. The drugs were more effective than naltrexone, the best drug for AUD. The study suggests GLP-1-agonists may aid in treating alcohol and substance use disorders, pending further validation in controlled trials.

Lewy body disease (LBD), including dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder affecting cognitive function, movement, and autonomic processes. DLB accounts for 10-15% of all dementia cases, with a projected global prevalence of 14 million by 2050. Current treatments, primarily cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) and memantine, offer limited cognitive benefits and do not halt disease progression. Long-term studies suggest ChEIs may slow cognitive decline and improve survival, potentially through anti-inflammatory effects, but more research is needed.

A study in JAMA Network Open found no increased risk of major congenital malformations (MCMs) from first-trimester tetracycline exposure. The research, based on Swedish data from 2006-2018, analyzed over 1.2 million children, with 6,341 exposed to tetracyclines. The study's findings suggest no significant difference in MCM risk between exposed and unexposed infants, though larger studies are needed to confirm safety for all malformation subgroups.

A Swedish cohort study found no significant link between first trimester tetracycline exposure and major congenital malformations, with only minor anomalies possibly associated, which did not persist in extended follow-up. The study, however, cautioned about potential biases and exposure misclassification, emphasizing the need for more definitive evidence.

A 10-year study by Karolinska Institutet found that cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) like donepezil and galantamine showed promise in reducing cognitive decline in LBD, with rivastigmine reducing mortality risk. Higher ChEI doses provided greater cognitive benefits, but memantine showed no significant cognitive effect. The study highlights the need for long-term follow-ups and the lack of universal benchmarks for cognitive decline reduction.

Spectral flow cytometry, exemplified by Sony Biotechnology’s ID7000, offers enhanced sensitivity, comprehensive data, and user-friendly automation, making it a versatile tool for cell analysis. Transitioning to this technology requires proper training and ongoing support to fully leverage its benefits, opening new research avenues.

Pregnancy-associated cancer (PAC) rates rise with age, peaking at 40-44 years. Breast cancer patients have favorable prognoses and low adverse obstetric risks. Preterm deliveries are more common among women with PAC. Crude incidence rates of PAC increased from 21.3 to 38.2 per 100,000 between 1980-1984 and 2010-2014. Immigrant background lowers PAC rates, while smoking increases risk, especially for cervical cancer. Breast cancer during pregnancy is not linked to higher maternal complications but is associated with higher mortality rates in later trimesters.

Christine E. Seidman, MD, awarded 2024 Maria I. New International Prize for Biomedical Research for pioneering cardiovascular genetics, transforming understanding of congenital heart disease and heart muscle disorders. Seidman receives $20,000 and will present a lecture at Icahn Mount Sinai on Nov 8.