Latest news with #Biobank
Medical News Today
a day ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Dementia: Could cycling help reduce risk of Alzheimer's?
Scientists have found that bicycling may help lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's. Rene de Haan/Stocksy Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation and exercise for millions of people. Past studies show that bicycling may provide a number of health benefits, including lowering a person's risk for certain diseases. A new study has recently found that those who use bicycling as their main mode of transportation may also be lowering their risk for dementia. Since the development of the first bicycle in 1817, bicycling has become a popular mode of transportation and exercise activity for millions of people. Now, a new study recently published in the journal JAMA Network Open has found that those who use bicycling as their main mode of transportation may also be lowering their risk for dementia. For this study, researchers analyzed data from the U.K. Biobank of almost 480,000 people with an average age of about 57 who had shown no sign of dementia. Information included main modes of travel, as well as sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. They tracked participants for a median of 13 years. Participants were divided into four categories based on their modes of transportation. The nonactive group included participants who used a car, motor vehicle, or public transport, such as a bus. Groups two and three were those who only walked and those who followed mixed walking with a combination of using nonactive and walking transportation methods. Group four were participants who either only used a bicycle or who used a bicycle in conjunction with other transportation types. 'Active travel (e.g., walking/cycling) is a feasible, sustainable form of exercise widely adopted by the public,' Liangkai Chen, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China, and lead author of this study, told Medical News Today . 'We examined whether specific modes confer distinct neuroprotective benefits, as prior studies rarely addressed this nuance.' At the study's conclusion, researchers found that participants who regularly rode a bicycle for transportation had a lower dementia risk compared to participants who walked, drove, or took the bus. 'Our key finding: Participants using cycling/mixed-cycling modes had a 19% lower all-cause dementia risk and 22% lower Alzheimer's disease risk vs. nonactive modes,' Chen explained. 'This likely stems from cycling's higher aerobic intensity and cognitive engagement (e.g., navigation, coordination), which may enhance neuroplasticity more than walking alone.' Additionally, Chen and his team discovered that participants who regularly rode a bicycle for transportation, or mixed in bicycle riding with other modes of transport, were able to retain more volume in the hippocampus of the brain. 'Cycling/mixed-cycling was significantly associated with greater hippocampal volume. This matters because the hippocampus is central to memory formation and is among the first regions damaged in dementia. Retaining its structure may delay cognitive decline.' — Liangkai Chen, PhD 'Promoting cycling as daily transport — even mixed with other modes — could be a practical strategy to reduce dementia risk and preserve brain structure,' he continued. 'We plan to investigate dose-response relationships (e.g., cycling frequency/duration); examine how changes in active travel behavior over time impact brain health trajectories; and expand studies to diverse populations to address our cohort's limitations.' MNT spoke with Peter Gliebus, MD, director of cognitive and behavioral neurology at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, about the study. 'This study provides compelling evidence that active travel modes, particularly cycling, can significantly reduce the risk of dementia and improve brain health,' Gliebus said. 'It highlights the potential of simple, accessible lifestyle changes to make a meaningful impact on cognitive health, which is especially important for older adults.' 'It's fascinating that cycling seems to offer a cognitive edge over walking, even though both are beneficial,' Kamal Wagle, MD, geriatric specialist with Hackensack University Medical Center's Center for Memory Loss and Brain Health in New Jersey — who was not involved with this study — told MNT. 'While the exact mechanisms aren't fully understood, there are some plausible explanations supported by already existing research. Numerous studies have linked aerobic exercise to improved cognitive function and reduced dementia risk. This new study adds to that body of evidence and suggests that the type of aerobic exercise might matter.' — Kamal Wagle, MD MNT also spoke with Clifford Segil, DO, an adult neurologist in private practice in Santa Monica, CA, who is also on staff at Providence St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, about this research. 'An ounce of prevention is often worth more than a pound of treatment and we are still looking for any proven modification in middle age life which can decrease our risks of getting dementia or memory loss as we age,' Segil explained. 'Nothing has been proven to be clearly neuroprotective and we are still looking for lifestyle modifications which improve our brain health as we age.' We asked our experts for their top tips on the best way to start bicycling if they're not already: Start Small: Begin with short, flat rides to build confidence and stamina. Focus on building endurance and getting comfortable on the bike before increasing distance or intensity. Listen to your body and rest when needed. Begin with short, flat rides to build confidence and stamina. Focus on building endurance and getting comfortable on the bike before increasing distance or intensity. Listen to your body and rest when needed. Safety First: Use a properly fitted helmet and bright-colored clothing, and ensure the bicycle is adjusted for comfort and stability. Use lights and reflectors, especially when riding in low-light conditions. Be aware of traffic laws and practice safe riding habits. Consider taking a cycling safety course. Use a properly fitted helmet and bright-colored clothing, and ensure the bicycle is adjusted for comfort and stability. Use lights and reflectors, especially when riding in low-light conditions. Be aware of traffic laws and practice safe riding habits. Consider taking a cycling safety course. Choose the Right Bike: Consider a bike with a step-through frame or a comfortable, upright bike like a hybrid, cruiser, or electric bike (e-bike). A professional bike fitting is highly recommended. Consider a bike with a step-through frame or a comfortable, upright bike like a hybrid, cruiser, or electric bike (e-bike). A professional bike fitting is highly recommended. Ride in Safe Areas: Opt for bike paths or quiet streets to minimize traffic stress. Opt for bike paths or quiet streets to minimize traffic stress. Gradual Progression: Increase distance and intensity gradually to avoid overexertion. Start by practicing in a park, on a dedicated bike path, or in a quiet neighborhood with minimal traffic. Pay attention to any pain or discomfort and stop riding if necessary. Don't push yourself too hard, especially in the beginning. Increase distance and intensity gradually to avoid overexertion. Start by practicing in a park, on a dedicated bike path, or in a quiet neighborhood with minimal traffic. Pay attention to any pain or discomfort and stop riding if necessary. Don't push yourself too hard, especially in the beginning. Warm-Up and Cool-Down Properly: Before each ride, do some light stretching or warm-up exercises. After each ride, cool down with gentle stretching to improve flexibility and prevent muscle soreness. Before each ride, do some light stretching or warm-up exercises. After each ride, cool down with gentle stretching to improve flexibility and prevent muscle soreness. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after cycling, especially in warmer weather. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after cycling, especially in warmer weather. Socialize: Join a local cycling group or ride with friends to make it enjoyable and motivating. Join a local cycling group or ride with friends to make it enjoyable and motivating. Gentler Alternative to Joint Pain: Cycling is a low-impact exercise, minimizing stress on joints compared to walking, especially for older adults. This could allow for longer duration and higher intensity workouts, further amplifying the cardiovascular and cognitive benefits. 'Starting cycling later in life can be incredibly rewarding, but it's important to prioritize safety and build up gradually,' Wagle said. 'Before starting any new exercise program, especially if there are pre-existing health conditions, it's crucial to consult a doctor. They can assess any potential risks and provide personalized advice.' Who shouldn't be cycling 'Bicycling requires a lot of balance and dexterity and I would strongly discourage anyone in their 60s or older from starting to ride bicycles on the street even though we are supposed to remember how to do this for life. Patients with memory loss may have forgotten how to ride a bicycle. I would recommend a stationary bicycle at a gym to re-start this process.' — Clifford Segil, DO
Gizmodo
3 days ago
- Health
- Gizmodo
Night Shifts May Raise Your Asthma Risk—If You're a Woman
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that often causes sudden and intense shortness of breath. The disease impacts around 339 million people worldwide, and in the U.S. nine people on average die from asthma every day. Researchers in the U.K. have found that women who work night shifts are more likely to have moderate or severe asthma than women who work during the day. The study, published Monday in the journal ERJ Open Research, does not reveal any such tendency in men working nightshifts, and could hold important implications for public health guidance. The team had previously shown that permanent night shift workers in general are more likely to suffer from moderate-severe asthma compared to day workers. Scientists also know that asthma is more prevalent and severe in adult women than adult men. 'Since increasing numbers of females are becoming shift workers it is important to determine if shift work-associated asthma risk is higher in females,' the researchers wrote in the study. Shift work refers to scheduled working periods that fall outside of traditional daytime hours. 'Our main aim was to investigate sex differences in the association between shift work and asthma.' The researchers did so by analyzing data belonging to over 274,541 working people from the U.K. Biobank, a biomedical database open to health researchers. From this initial pool, they found that 5.3% had asthma, and 1.9% of those had moderate or severe asthma. The team then looked into whether the people in these categories worked during the day, during nightshifts, or a mix of both. The researchers found that female shift workers in general are more likely to suffer from asthma, and women who only work nightshifts have 50% higher likelihood of developing moderate or severe asthma than female daytime workers. Furthermore, the risk increases 'with both number of monthly night shifts and longer lifetime duration of night shift work,' they explained. Interestingly, the data did not reveal any differences in the prevalence of asthma in men based on their work schedule. 'This type of research cannot explain why shift work and asthma are linked,' Robert Maidstone, a co-author of the study and a researcher at the University of Manchester's School of Biological Sciences, said in a university statement. 'However, it could be because shift work disrupts the body clock, including the levels of male and female sex hormones. High testosterone has previously been shown to be protective against asthma, and so lower testosterone in women could play a role. Alternatively, men and women work different types of shift jobs, and this could be a factor.' Among women not taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT, a treatment for menopausal symptoms), postmenopausal women working only night shifts were almost twice as likely to have moderate-severe asthma than female day workers. This suggests that HRT might protect nightshift workers from asthma, though the researchers admit that more studies are needed to confirm this. 'This research suggests that working nightshifts could be a risk factor for asthma in women, but not in men. The majority of workers will not have an easy option of switching their shift pattern, so we need further research to verify and understand this link and find out what could be done to reduce the risk for women who work shifts,' explained Florence Schleich from the European Respiratory Society, who was not involved in the study. Moving forward, the researchers aim to investigate how sex hormones might influence asthma prevalence among shift workers. Perhaps this line of research will also shed light on what drives the respiratory disease, given that the exact cause remains a mystery.
Medscape
12-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Healthy Lifestyle May Curb Age-Related Brain Disease Risk
It's often emphasized that a healthier lifestyle can lead to a longer life, but a recent study of participants from the UK Biobank showed that healthy lifestyle behaviors may help reduce the risk for age-related brain diseases. Results of new research show participants with shorter leukocyte telomere length (LTL) were more likely to develop age-related brain diseases, including dementia, stroke, and late-life depression, than those who had longer LTL. However, engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors appeared to offset these risk factors. Although the study does not establish causality, the findings suggest that the association between shorter LTL and age-related brain diseases may be modifiable. 'Our findings support the potential benefits of working to improve your risk factors such as maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and getting enough sleep and exercise in reducing the risk of age-related brain disease even in people who are already showing signs of damaging biological aging,' senior author Christopher D. Anderson, MD, MMSc, of Harvard Medical School in Boston, said in a press release. The results were published on June 11 in the journal Neurology . Unhealthy Lifestyle and Age-Related Brain Diseases Telomeres are often described as protective caps on the end of chromosomes, and shortened telomeres have been associated with age, race, sex, adverse environmental exposures, and genetic factors, as well as lifestyle factors such as physical activity, diet, alcohol, nutrition, sleep, stress, aerobic activity social interactions, and smoking using the Brain Care Score (BCS). A BCS of 15 or higher was associated with healthier lifestyle choices, while a BCS of 10 or lower signified less healthy lifestyle choices. What has been less clear up to this point is the degree to which LTL affects age-related brain diseases, and whether changing an individual's lifestyle habits could influence LTL, as opposed to LTL being a predictor of the risk for age-related brain disease. Researchers evaluated 356,173 participants from the UK Biobank with a median age of 56 years. Recruitment of participants occurred between 2006 and 2010, and there were four follow-up assessments in 2012-2013, 2014, 2019, and 2023. Participants were included if they had data on biomarkers such as LTL and DNA, as well as clinical data to identify potential risk factors for age-related brain disease using the BCS. The primary outcome was the association between LTL and the risks for stroke, dementia, and late-life depression, both as a composite outcome and as individual outcomes. LTL was categorized into three tertiles, ranging from shortest to longest, and risk factors were compared across these groups using the BCS. A BCS of 15 or higher indicated healthier lifestyle choices — such as a nutritious diet, a low cholesterol level, and controlled blood pressure — while a BCS of 10 or lower reflected less healthy behaviors. The results showed the shortest LTL tertile was associated with an increased risk for the age-related brain disease composite outcome (hazard ratio [HR], 1.11; 95% CI, 1.08-1.15), as well as increased risks for dementia (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.12-1.26), late-life depression (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.09-1.18), and stroke (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02-1.15). When comparing participants with shorter LTL, those with a lower BCS were at a higher risk for the age-related brain disease composite outcome (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.07-1.16), as well as for dementia (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.08-1.28), late-life depression (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.07-1.19), and stroke alone (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.02-1.19). Among participants with shorter LTL but a higher BCS, there were no significant increases in the risk for age-related brain disease as a composite or individual outcomes. Reversing Risk Limitations of the study included the evaluation of participants with only European ancestry, and measurement of LTL was conducted at baseline rather than over time. Future studies should include assessing the relationship between shortened LTL and age-related brain diseases in more diverse populations, as well as measuring LTL over time, the researchers said. However, the findings suggest 'healthy lifestyle behaviors could delay the aging of our cells and reduce the frequency of these diseases, especially in people who are greater risk,' said Anderson. 'Reducing risk factors like weight and alcohol consumption, as well as getting more sleep and exercise, can all help reverse the risk of age-related brain diseases, even for people who are already showing signs of biological aging,' lead author Tamara Kimball, MD, of the Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, said in the press release. 'In short, it is never too late to start taking better care of your brain.'
The Australian
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Australian
Study backs Rhythm's colorectal risk model
Rhythm publishes peer-reviewed study validating its next-generation colorectal cancer risk assessment model Proprietary geneType assessment enhanced and cross-validated using data from nearly 400,000 individuals in UK Biobank Next generation geneType design continues focus on usability and simplicity, while providing superior performance Special Report: Rhythm Biosciences has published a peer-reviewed study in PLoS One validating its next-generation colorectal cancer risk assessment model, marking a major step forward in predictive cancer diagnostics. Rhythm Biosciences (ASX:RHY) said the study detailed updates and improvements to its proprietary geneType colorectal cancer risk assessment, which was enhanced and cross-validated using data from nearly 400,000 individuals in the UK Biobank. Rhythm said the article titled 'Colorectal cancer risk prediction using a simple multivariable model' described creation and validation of a new risk model that incorporated sex-specific factors and outperformed current models. The company said as colorectal cancer was a disease associated with many environmental and lifestyle risk factors, the study focused on expanding its geneType model beyond the two primary risk factors – family history and polygenic risk. Watch: Inside ColoSTAT's road to market Key findings of study Rhythm said the study delivered several key findings, most notably development of the enhanced risk model that incorporated three additional risk factors. These factors were selected for their strong associations with colorectal cancer and ease of use in a clinical setting, improving the model's predictive performance over standard family history assessments. The company said the most impactful risk factors were identified and integrated into an updated geneType risk model, which was then tested using data from the UK Biobank. Rhythm said other key findings included: Commitment to improvement – The study highlighted the importance of including clinical and lifestyle factors in multifactorial diseases like colorectal cancer. Commercial application – The new model was designed with commercial clinical applications in mind, minimising the number of risk factors while maximising predictive accuracy. Sex-specific factors – Incorporating sex-specific risk factors enhances model performance across diverse populations. Superior performance – A multivariable risk assessment is shown to be superior to standard of care of family history assessment in its ability to predict risk of developing colorectal cancer. 'Significantly improve stratified screening' Rhythm director of scientific affairs Dr Erika Spaeth said publishing the findings in PLoS One underscored its commitment to advancing cancer risk prediction. 'Our new multifactorial model outperforms previous methods based solely on polygenic risk and family history,' she said. 'By integrating clinical and lifestyle factors, we enhance our prediction accuracy for colorectal cancer. 'We're excited about these results and confident that this model will significantly improve stratified screening in the population." This article was developed in collaboration with Rhythm Biosciences, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
10-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Fat around the waist could raise psoriasis risk, especially in women
If you've been trying to manage belly fat, here's another reason to take it seriously, especially if you're a woman. According to a large new study titled 'Investigating the Genetic Basis of the Influence of Adiposity on Psoriasis', published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, researchers have found that fat stored around the waist may significantly increase the risk of developing psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. And this link holds up even if you're genetically predisposed to the condition. The study analysed data from over 336,000 people in the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database and research resource, including 9,305 individuals with psoriasis. Using 25 different measures of body fat, the study found that central or abdominal fat, more than total body fat, was most strongly associated with psoriasis. The effect was notably stronger in women, raising fresh questions about how body fat distribution influences disease risk and how prevention strategies should be designed. What is psoriasis and how does body fat influence it? Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin and can significantly affect physical and emotional well-being. People with psoriasis often have higher levels of body fat, and previous studies have shown that obesity increases the risk and severity of the disease. However, this new research dives deeper, examining not just how much fat you carry, but where it's located. Why does belly fat affect women more when it comes to psoriasis? According to the researchers, the effect of abdominal fat on psoriasis was significantly stronger in women than in men. They highlighted that it was because of the hormonal and immune system differences that can make fat storage and inflammation patterns vary by sex. For example, visceral fat, which is deeper and more inflammatory, was more strongly linked to psoriasis in women. The researchers tested the relationship between central fat and psoriasis across different genetic risk profiles, including those with and without the common HLA-C*06:02 psoriasis gene. The study has called for including waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio in the standard part of psoriasis care. How common is psoriasis in India and how is it diagnosed? In India, the prevalence of psoriasis among adults varies between 0.44 per cent and 2.8 per cent, according to multiple studies. Diagnosing psoriasis involves: Clinical examination: Dermatologists assess skin, scalp, and nails for characteristic lesions Medical history review: Evaluating family history and potential triggers Skin biopsy: In uncertain cases, a small skin sample is examined microscopically to confirm the diagnosis Cost: The cost of diagnostic procedures varies based on the facility and location. For instance, in Delhi, consultation and basic diagnostic tests can range from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000. Skin biopsy (if required) may cost ₹1,500–₹5,000 depending on the facility. What are the treatment options and costs for psoriasis in India? Topical therapies (for mild to moderate cases): Corticosteroid creams Vitamin D analogues Coal tar preparations Salicylic acid PsoriaCIM – a herbal alternative developed by CSIR-CIMAP Cost: ₹200 to ₹800 per tube Phototherapy (for moderate cases): Narrowband UVB therapy PUVA therapy Cost: Available at dermatology clinics, hospitals, each session costs between ₹1,500 and ₹3,000. Patients may require 10–30 sessions based on severity. Systemic medications (for moderate to severe cases): Methotrexate, cyclosporine, retinoids Requires regular liver/kidney tests Cost: Approximately ₹500 to ₹2,000 per month. But this treatment also involves regular liver/kidney function tests which will be an additional ₹1,000–₹2,500/month. Biologic therapies (for severe or resistant cases): Secukinumab, adalimumab, etanercept, ustekinumab (Stelara), biosimilars Cost: Available mostly at Tier 1 cities and tertiary care centres biologics can be expensive, with treatments like Stelara costing around ₹2,00,000 per course. However, biosimilars developed by Indian companies like Biocon Biologics aim to offer more affordable options.
