Quality of life Archives

Genetic factors may predict depression in heart disease patients

Genetic variations contribute to depression in heart disease patients. – Individuals with heart disease are twice as likely to suffer from depression as the general population, an association the medical community has largely been unable to explain. Now, a new study by researchers at The Miriam Hospital, in conjunction with The Montr?al Heart Institute, University of Montr?al and McGill University, reveals there may be genetic variations that contribute to depression in heart disease patients.

Cognitive behavior therapy better for insomnia treatment

Combination Therapy Appears Helpful for Short-Term Treatment of Insomnia; Cognitive Behavior Therapy May Be Better for Long-Term – For patients with persistent insomnia, a combination of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and the medication zolpidem for 6 weeks was associated with modest improvement in sleep, although for a longer treatment period CBT alone was more beneficial, according to a study in the May 20 issue of JAMA.

Sleep aid increases CPAP adherence in sleep apnea patients

2-week course of sleep aid increases CPAP adherence in OSA patients at 6 months – New research suggests that patients newly diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who use a short-course of the sleep aid, eszopiclone, when beginning continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, are more adherent with therapy in six months.

Ginger quells post chemotherapy nausea in cancer patients

Ginger quells cancer patients’ nausea from chemotherapy – People with cancer can reduce post-chemotherapy nausea by 40 percent by using ginger supplements, along with standard anti-vomiting drugs, before undergoing treatment, according to scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Triple drug combination promising to treat breast cancer

Triple drug combination is promising option to treat metastatic HER2+ breast cancer – Combining two chemotherapy drugs with trastuzumab (Herceptin) to treat women who have metastatic HER2+ breast cancer may offer physicians another choice in their treatment options.

Alzheimer’s disease risk index predicts Alzheimer’s in elderly

Alzheimer’s Disease risk index – New tool can help predict risk of Alzheimer’s in elderly. – A new tool can help predict whether people age 65 and older have a high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Research on the tool is published in the May 13, 2009, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Need for holistic approach in elderly residential care

Quality of life survey highlights need for holistic approach in elderly residential care. – Choice, privacy and a sense of identity are just some of the things that older people living in residential care need to maintain a good quality of life, according to research in the May issue of the Journal of Advanced Nursing.

Arizona’s first intestine transplant done, US

A three-member surgeon team successfully completed the first intestine transplant in the state of Arizona, USA. – Surgeons at The University of Arizona Department of Surgery performed Arizona’s first intestine (bowel) transplant April 30 in a successful nine-hour procedure at University Medical Center.

Women live longer with disabilities due to obesity and arthritis

Women Live Longer, Not Better, Largely Because of Obesity and Arthritis – Obesity and arthritis that take root during early and middle age significantly contribute to women’s decreased quality of life during their senior years, according to researchers at Duke University Medical Center.

Prostate cancer immunotherapy prolongs survival

Prostate cancer immunotherapy significantly prolongs survival in men with advanced prostate cancer. Phase 3 IMPACT trial results to be presented during late-breaking session at AUA Annual Scientific Meeting. – Sipuleucel-T (Provenge), an experimental immunotherapy improved survival in men with metastatic disease, according to new results to be presented April 28 at the American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago.

Autism linked to being firstborn, breech births or older moms

Autism may be linked to being firstborn, breech births or moms 35 or older. Study looked at group of Utah 8-year-olds. – Children who are firstborn or breech or whose mothers are 35 or older when giving birth are at significantly greater risk for developing an autism spectrum disorder, University of Utah School of Medicine researchers have reported in a new study with Utah children.

Bleach bath a surprising new treatment for kids’ eczema

Whiter laundry and a surprising new treatment for kids’ eczema. Bleach baths clear the rash and banish flare-ups of miserable skin disease. – It’s best known for whitening a load of laundry. But now simple household bleach has a surprising new role: an effective treatment for kids’ chronic eczema.