Moderate drinkers who like to indulge in a glass of wine or beer with dinner have long taken comfort in the fact that most doctors believe this habit could do no harm or could even be good for your health. But a new study published Tuesday questions whether the dangers of alcohol consumption may have been misunderstood in the elderly. Alexandra Goncalves, research fellow in medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, led the study.
Sushrut Jangi, instructor in medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, wrote this article about the change in the medical field in considering nutritional therapies as medicine. Eliot Berson, William F. Chatlos Professor of Ophthalmology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, and Walter Willett, professor of medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, are quoted.
Genetic tests for breast cancer risk often look for DNA flaws that haven’t been reliably linked to the disease, a new report found, casting doubt on diagnostics that examine dozens of genes to calculate a patient’s susceptibility. Heidi Rehm, associate professor of pathology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is mentioned.
If you’re going gluten-free, vegan or dairy-free simply to drop a few pounds, rather than for a health condition like celiac disease, it’s wise to talk with your doctor first. Robert Shmerling, associate professor of medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, is quoted.
Sara Lazar, assistant professor of psychology at Massachusetts General Hospital, participated in an interview about the benefits of meditation and mindfulness.
No one knows what actually causes Alzheimer’s, but the suspects are its two hallmarks — the gunky amyloid in those brain plaques or tangles of a protein named tau that clog dying brain cells. New imaging can spot those tangles in living brains, providing a chance to finally better understand what triggers dementia. Now researchers are adding tau brain scans to an ambitious study that’s testing if an experimental drug might help healthy but at-risk people stave off Alzheimer’s. Reisa Sperling, professor of neurology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is the lead researcher.
Alcohol, at least in moderation, can help the heart, but too much can be toxic. The latest study tells you where to draw the line. Scott Solomon, professor of medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, led the study.
Hospitals are trying new early-warning systems to monitor patients for subtle but dangerous signs of a worsening condition. David Westfall Bates, professor of medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is quoted.
More than 100 bombing survivors suffered an ear injury or hearing loss. Many are taking part in a 3-year study at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear. Alicia Quesnel, instructor in otology and laryngology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, is the study’s lead researcher.
Summer is a big season for kidney stones. Doctors say more people suffer the condition when the weather is hot and dry and people become dehydrated. Gary Curhan, professor of medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is quoted.
Experts say many people are developing seasonal allergies for the first time well into their adulthood. Part of the reason may be that we’re having more intense allergy seasons. Aidan Long, associate professor of medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, is quoted.
