Harvard Health Content API

Adults age 45 and older should be screened for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, says new advice from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Younger people with diabetes risk factors such as obesity or family history and certain ethnicities should also be screened. The USPSTF last made recommendations for diabetes screening in 2008. At that time, the task force said screening was only needed for people with high blood pressure. Since then,  evidence supports screening more people for abnormal blood sugar levels. The number of Americans with type 2 diabetes has increased significantly in the last 15 years, along with rates of obesity. Studies suggest that diabetes can be prevented with lifestyle changes, if abnormal blood sugar levels are caught early. The USPSTF posted the draft recommendation on its website. HealthDay News wrote about it October 7.

A study seeking to reverse memory problems in early stage Alzheimer’s patients reports that 9 out of the 10 participants said their memories improved within 3 to 6 months. The tailored program includes lifestyle changes, supplements and, in some case, hormone therapy. The lifestyle changes include cutting out simple carbs and processed foods, getting regular exercise, reducing stress and getting a good night’s sleep. Supplements included fish oil, curcumin and vitamin D. Although many of these tactics and products have not shown individual success in other studies, the author of this study says the combined effects are the key. Other doctors are intrigued by the study, but urge more research. An article about the study appeared in the journal Aging. HealthDay News reported the story October 6.