I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 2-1/2 yrs ago and am currently on oxygen. I feel fine except when I do too much walking or cleaning without the oxygen. Are there any new or experimental treatments out there?
An analysis of dozens of longitudinal studies bolsters the belief that strong social relationships contribute to longevity.
A new test shows when people have a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease in their brains, researchers say. The protein is called beta-amyloid. The current test is to look for it in a brain autopsy after death. The new test uses a chemical called florbetapir. It binds to beta-amyloid in the brain. This allows the protein to show up on a PET scan. Researchers gave the test to 29 elderly people thought to be near the end of their lives. After they died, autopsies were done. The new test found that 15 of the 29 had Alzheimer’s. The test and autopsy results agreed for 28 out of 29 people. Researchers also gave the test to 74 younger adults. As expected, it showed no beta-amyloid in their brains. Avid Radiopharmaceuticals is seeking approval to market the test. A group of experts was scheduled to evaluate the test January 20. They will advise U.S.
A study of adolescents with anorexia found that those who participated in therapy that involves other family members had higher rates of remission than those who received individual therapy.
Motivational interviewing is a conversational, nonjudgmental form of therapy that uses the patient’s own desire to change to facilitate and encourage progress in dealing with weight issues, smoking, drinking, or other substance abuse.
Millions of people suffer from insomnia, and it often accompanies a psychiatric disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended over medication for treating chronic insomnia.
Dr. Michael Miller, editor in chief of the Harvard Mental Health Letter, discusses research into traumatic brain injury, which has similarities to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis but is distinct from it.
Preliminary research suggests there may be a connection between smoking and increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
A test showed that I have a low white blood cell count of 3800. I have not had any issues with my health besides a head cold. What are the most likely causes of a low white blood cell count?
A doctors’ group says that a plasma treatment can help some cases of multiple sclerosis (MS). The treatment is known as plasma exchange. It’s also called plasmapheresis. It involves removing plasma from the blood and replacing it with plasma from a donor. Plasma exchange requires a hospital stay. Problems can occur, such as infections. Old guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology said it was “promising” as a treatment for MS. The new guidelines say it is “probably effective” if MS symptoms flare up and steroid drugs don’t help. Most people with MS start out having flare-ups. At other times, they have no symptoms. This is called relapsing-remitting MS. Most people end up having progressive MS. This form just gets worse. People have symptoms most or all of the time. Plasma exchange does not help progressive MS, the guidelines say.