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E-Newsletter • April 2025 |
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Editor's E-Note
Diet and nutrition are an integral part of healthy living and research is indicating just how widespread its effects truly are. Researchers from Edith Cowan University suggest that diet plays an important role in both depression and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk. Since depression can contribute to AD and can also emerge as an early symptom, dietary choices may influence disease progression. Samantha Gardener, PhD, highlights that healthful diets, particularly if they feature the Mediterranean diet, may counteract AD-related blood biomarkers by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Meanwhile, Western diets high in processed foods could accelerate cognitive decline. |
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Link Between Food Choices, Depression, and Alzheimer's Disease
New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has shown that diet could influence the risk of both depression and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Evidence suggests that depressive symptoms are both a risk factor for AD and a reaction to early memory problems.
Samantha Gardener, PhD, researcher at ECU, notes that healthful dietary patterns potentially attenuate some of the negative impacts depressive symptoms have on AD-related blood-based biomarker alterations. These biomarkers are biological molecules found in the blood that can be measured and used to track the progression of the disease.
The findings provide insightful contributions to the understanding of the interactions between diet, depressive symptoms, and AD-related blood-based biomarkers.
"Nutritional factors can impact brain health through inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular function, neuroplasticity, and via the gut-brain axis. These biological pathways may influence neurotransmitter systems and neuronal function, ultimately affecting mood and cognition," she says.
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MS Patients May Benefit From Eating More Fish
A new study suggests that a diet rich in fish may slow the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), reports U.S. News. Researchers found that MS patients who consumed more lean or oily fish had a 34% lower risk of worsening symptoms and up to a 59% lower risk of increased disability within five years. In addition, nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and taurine in fish may help reduce inflammation and protect brain cells, highlighting diet as a potential complement to MS treatment strategies.
Use of Feeding Tubes Among Hospitalized Older Adults With Dementia
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open examined the incidence of feeding tube placement in hospitalized older adults with dementia and its impact on health outcomes. The study found that 0.9% of these patients received feeding tubes during hospitalization. However, the use of feeding tubes was associated with increased in-hospital mortality and decreased discharge to home or rehabilitation facilities. These findings suggest that feeding tube placement may not improve outcomes for this patient population.
Some Antidepressants May Speed Up Decline
A study from the Karolinska Institute indicates that certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may accelerate cognitive decline in dementia patients, reports Newsweek. The study followed over 18,700 dementia patients and found that higher doses of SSRIs were linked to faster cognitive decline, increased fractures, and higher mortality rates. The researchers emphasize the need for further research to determine whether the observed decline is due to the antidepressants or other factors, such as the depression symptoms themselves.
New Medication May Significantly Reduce Heart Attacks and Strokes
Sotagliflozin, a recently FDA-approved sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitor has demonstrated significant benefits for type 2 diabetes and kidney disease patients with cardiovascular risks, reports Mount Sinai School of Medicine. In a study of 10,584 participants over 16 months, those receiving sotagliflozin experienced a 23% reduction in heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular deaths compared with placebo. |
Streamlining the Seconds
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Caring Forward
Still, I Rise: A Guide to Navigating the Caregiver Journey by Melody Vachal, MS, CCC-SLP, is a memoir that explores resilience, survival, and personal growth in the face of adversity. Vachal’s story of perseverance provides insight into overcoming adversity and supporting individuals through life’s challenges. The book highlights the importance of strength, compassion, and hope, and may inspire caregivers to approach their work with empathy and encouragement. Learn more » |
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