We know lack of sleep is not good for us – and the latest harm to come to light from consistently getting less than five hours a night is the risk of developing depression. Poor sleep has always been seen as a … Read More
If more people are identifying as transgender, then care must catch up
Undoubtedly, we’re seeing an increase in the number of people who identify as transgender and a new study led by UCL researchers confirms this. The numbers may not look big but they’re significant all the same. Carrying out the first large-scale study … Read More
Walking faster significantly lowers risk of developing Type 2 diabetes
There are three simple tests you can do to assess your fitness and see how long you might live. Test your grip strength, by unscrewing a tight jar lid, test your quad strength by getting out of a chair without … Read More
Huge advance in treatment of multiple sclerosis after stem cell therapy trial
Two of my close friends have had multiple sclerosis – one who died in her fifties and the other who, happily, is alive, but confined to a wheelchair. I had many chats with both of them about possible treatments. Who would have … Read More
Potential new drug for stroke and dementia sufferers on the horizon
As we get older, our small blood vessels tend to leak. If these leaky blood vessels are in the brain, they can lead to stroke and vascular dementia. But could we devise a drug to plug the leaks and even prevent small vessel … Read More
Music therapy found to help patients suffering from stroke or aphasia
There’s already some evidence that music therapy can help patients with stroke and aphasia – where they struggle to communicate. It can even improve memory and mood. However, a trial at University College London Hospital (UCLH) will be the first … Read More
Prevention is just as effective as cure for an existing breast cancer drug
Sometimes we don’t need a new drug. We’re better off with a new use for an old one. Such is the case for anastrozole, which has been used for many years as a breast cancer treatment, but recently it was licensed by … Read More
How to reduce your biological age to cut risk of disease and live longer
Another winner from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, the world-renowned medical research centre that’s been gathering information about who’s likely to get Alzheimer’s. Each new project provides another piece of the jigsaw and we’re creeping towards getting the full picture. This one reveals … Read More
Cambridge scientists say cancer drugs could help to treat heart disease and gout
Cambridge University scientists have taken a giant step forward in the treatment of a wide range of inflammatory diseases, including gout, heart failure, cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation. They propose using a cancer drug to overcome the inflammation at the root of many of these … Read More
Anti-cholesterol drug can boost outcomes for severely ill Covid patients
For several decades I’ve been a declared fan of statins, ever since I was put on one, not to lower my cholesterol (which the drugs are mainly used for), but to keep my cholesterol normal. In other words to protect … Read More