Stroke Archive

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) affects up to 10% of Americans and twice as many women as men. Risk factors include age, genetics, iron-deficiency anemia, and pregnancy. A variety of therapies can alleviate symptoms, which are dominated by creepy-crawly, sometimes painful leg sensations that tend to strike around bedtime. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommended in March 2024 to stop using dopamine-boosting drugs as first-line therapy for RLS; it should be taken only by patients whose symptoms don't respond to other treatments.

In addition to hallmark symptoms such as persistent sadness and apathy, depression can also trigger memory problems. People with depression may lack focus, leading to memory lapses. Depression may also alter brain chemicals that help people sustain attention. Memory problems in depression show up differently than in dementia, making people unable to retrieve long-term memories. Positive memories also fade first in depression because brain areas that process positive or rewarding experiences are disrupted.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a broken blood vessel in the eye. It's usually not serious and resolves on its own within two weeks. People who also experience eye pain or vision changes may have an eye infection and should see a doctor.

A recent study found that engaging in high-intensity interval training may be better for brain health than other less vigorous routines.

Bouts of dizziness can be unsettling sensations that may last only a few seconds or linger for several minutes or even longer. Episodes may be isolated or recurrent. Many people have a difficult time articulating what they experience when they say they feel dizzy, because the term encompasses a range of sensations like lightheadedness, wooziness, unsteadiness, or spinning. To help identify the cause, people should first consider whether they are experiencing primarily lightheadedness or vertigo.

A 2024 Harvard study involving more than 84,000 diabetes-free people (average age 62), who were followed for seven years, found those whose sleep duration varied most had a 34% higher risk for diabetes, compared with those whose sleep duration varied the least.

Even if someone has never gotten the flu or COVID-or at least hasn't gotten very sick from them-there still are good reasons to get vaccines that protect against the viruses. Both the flu and COVID viruses can injure the body, making it vulnerable to new major illnesses such as heart, lung, gastrointestinal, or brain disease. But recent solid evidence has shown that vaccines not only reduce the risk of getting the flu and COVID, but also reduce the risk of developing the serious diseases associated with COVID or flu.

The convenience, affordability, and flat-out fun of e-bikes and e-scooters are undeniable. But as their popularity grows, the rate of accidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters is climbing. So how do we minimize risks for accidents?