Alzheimer's Disease Archive

People who have had shingles have a 30% increased risk for heart disease and stroke, says a new Harvard study. Learn more about the risk.

Melasma, which causes dark patches on the face, is far more prevalent in women than in men. Dubbed the "mask of pregnancy," melasma triggers include not only pregnancy but also hormonal fluctuations, genetics, and sun exposure. People with darker skin are more prone to it. Melasma is typically treated with topical products that lighten the skin or slough off cells. Laser treatments and chemical peels, however, may worsen melasma. Sunscreen use can help prevent flares.

Anxiety often brings physical sensations ranging from dry mouth, nausea, or sweaty hands to more severe symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or a racing heart. Extreme symptoms can manifest as anxiety attacks and cause people to avoid everyday activities. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered the gold standard treatment for extreme anxiety. One common form of CBT involves exposing people to stressful situations to learn how to cope.

Hives are red, itchy welts that crop up on the skin. Allergic reactions and stress, among other triggers, can cause episodes of hives, which typically last several days to a couple of weeks. Cases that last six weeks or longer may be autoimmune hives.

Floaters are shadows that develop in people's field of vision and become more noticeable in certain light. Aging, cataract surgery, and being nearsighted make floaters more likely.

Getting at least one dose of a COVID vaccine lowers the risk of developing long COVID even among people who were previously unvaccinated and recovered from COVID.

Regular meditation can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve concentration. Practicing a simple 10-minute mantra-based meditation and observing mindfulness during everyday moments are ideal ways begin a meditation practice.

The body's second largest organ, the liver is responsible for more than 500 bodily functions. One of the liver's greatest threats is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), an umbrella term that includes several forms of liver disease. Most people with NAFLD have a type known as simple fatty liver. However, up to 20% of people with NAFLD develop inflammation in the liver known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Left unchecked, this more dangerous form can progress into fibrosis (scarring) and potentially cirrhosis (severe scarring and liver damage). Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, increasing exercise, and adopting a plant-based diet are the best means to manage and prevent NAFLD.

A 2022 review of dozens of randomized controlled trials and observational studies found that people who used hearing aids or cochlear implants had a 19% lower risk of cognitive decline, compared with people who didn't use the devices.

A 2022 observational study that included more than 200,000 people found that those who'd had shingles at some point had a 30% higher long-term risk for a major cardiovascular event, compared with people who didn't have shingles.