Research
Exposure to natural light through a window appears to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, a small study suggests. Our cells and tissues follow circadian rhythms, 24-hour cycles of metabolic activity that regulate functions such as blood sugar levels. Previous studies have shown that exposure to artificial light at night disrupts [...]
A decline in personal confidence or concentration during midlife could signal an elevated risk of developing dementia later in life, new research suggests. Researchers identified six specific symptoms in middle age that may serve as early markers of underlying neurodegenerative processes, meaning gradual damage to brain cells. The findings stem from an analysis of data [...]
Adopting a few healthy habits could reduce brain age by up to eight years, new research suggests. Scientists at the University of Florida found that optimism, good deep sleep, stress control and strong social support were linked to a younger-looking brain on scans. The study tracked 128 adults in midlife and older age from four [...]
Durham Constabulary has launched bright yellow wristbands to help locate people with dementia who go missing. The force is one of many police forces across the country rolling out the initiative, which aims to reduce harm and find people quickly with minimal adverse outcomes. The wristbands, rolled out this month, contain the person’s name and [...]
A knee osteoarthritis vaccine shows promising results in patients, offering hope to millions in the UK with the condition. The degenerative condition occurs when protective joint cartilage wears down, causing pain, stiffness and swelling. It affects about 10 million people in the UK, has no cure, and is managed with physiotherapy, exercise and weight loss. [...]
Commonly used anticholinergic drugs may raise dementia risk by about 50 per cent, research into medicines for bladder problems and depression suggests. Regular daily use of strong anticholinergic medicines for three years or more was linked to a markedly higher dementia risk in older adults. Anticholinergic drugs block acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in the nervous [...]
Teenagers with negative body image are more likely to develop symptoms of eating disorders and depression in early adulthood, a new study suggests. The research, believed to be the first of its kind, followed more than 2,000 twins born in England and Wales. It found that higher body dissatisfaction at age 16 predicted greater symptoms [...]
Weight loss jab users face muscle loss comparable to "10 years of ageing" if they do not strength train, researchers have warned. Drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy not only cause rapid fat loss but lean muscle loss too, at levels similar to those seen after bariatric surgery, during cancer treatment or roughly a decade [...]
A chemical found in dark chocolate could slow the rate of biological ageing, according to new research. The study found that theobromine, a plant compound from cocoa, may have anti-ageing properties. Biological age markers indicate how old the body appears based on health and function, rather than years lived. These markers are patterns of DNA [...]
A new diabetes pill that burns fat and controls blood sugar differently to GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic has shown early promise in trials. While injectable GLP-1 medicines suppress appetite (they mimic a gut hormone that helps control hunger and insulin), the experimental treatment is claimed to boost muscle metabolism, potentially avoiding the muscle loss [...]
