Posted on ADHD

“Shocking New Study Reveals ADHD Could Be Cutting Years Off Your Life – Here’s What You Need to Know!”

Cancer leading cause of death among people with diabetes

Researchers at University College London (UCL) have discovered that adults diagnosed with ADHD might have reduced life expectancies compared to those without the condition. The study, published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, analysed health data from over 30,000 adults with ADHD and more than 300,000 without.

Key Findings:

  • Life Expectancy: Men with ADHD might live 4.5 to 9 years less, and women 6.5 to 11 years less, compared to those without ADHD.
  • Mental Health: Adults with ADHD often face more stress, social exclusion, and health issues due to lack of support and resources.

Key Points:

  • Undiagnosed Cases: Less than one in nine adults with ADHD in the UK have been diagnosed, suggesting the study might only cover a small fraction of affected individuals.
  • Symptoms & Challenges: Individuals with ADHD often have high energy but can struggle with focus on mundane tasks, leading to impulsivity and restlessness. This can impact their performance in work and school, contributing to long-term challenges.
  • Lack of Services: In the UK, specialist services for adult ADHD are lacking, leading to unmet treatment needs and poorer health outcomes.

Moving Forward:

Dr. Liz O’Nions from UCL emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing the reasons behind the reduction in life expectancy to develop strategies for better support and treatment.

This study highlights the urgent need for better resources and support systems to help adults with ADHD live healthier, longer lives.

What are your thoughts on this latest finding?

Posted on Pain Management

Crisis in Pain Medicine: UC Davis Study Reveals Worrying Decline in Pain Specialist Applications

UC Davis Health Pain Specialists

Associate Professor Scott Pritzlaff, and Clinical Fellow Christine Kerr at the UC Davis Health Pain Intervention Center in Sacramento, California. (UC Davis Health courtesy photo) Credit UC Davis Health

A new study from UC Davis School of Medicine delivers a stark warning: the U.S. is facing a sharp drop in applications for pain medicine fellowship programs, raising concerns about the future availability of pain specialists.

The study, published in PAIN Practice, found that applications from anesthesiology residents—the primary pool for pain medicine fellows—plummeted by an alarming 45% between 2019 and 2023. This trend raises the prospect of longer wait times, rushed care, and fewer treatment options for patients suffering from chronic pain.

While 24.3% of U.S. adults report having chronic pain, fewer physicians are choosing to specialize in pain medicine. Applications from female physicians dropped by 27.5%, and overall, applications from all specialities fell by 14.2%.

A Complex Problem Stemming from the Opioid Epidemic

The opioid crisis has cast a long shadow over the field. Although pharmaceutical companies were primarily targeted in lawsuits, the publicity around cases involving physicians may have made pain medicine seem legally and ethically risky, particularly to young medical students.

Broader Impacts and Recruitment Challenges

Specializing in pain medicine means an additional year of training after completing an anesthesiology residency—a path fewer physicians are now choosing despite anesthesiologists’ high demand and lucrative salaries.

The study uncovered some positive trends: applications from residents in physical medicine and rehabilitation jumped by nearly 33%, while emergency medicine saw a staggering 190% increase in applicants.

A Call to Action

UC Davis Health’s Pain Medicine Division has ramped up its recruitment efforts, from early outreach to medical students to a more substantial social media presence to reverse this worrying decline.

“Pain medicine is caught in a strange paradox,” said David Copenhaver, a study co-author and chief of the Division of Pain Medicine. “

Posted on Diet

New Study Shows How Non-Industrial Diet Can Boost Gut Health and Lower Chronic Disease Risk

Maintaining prediabetic status after diagnosis reduces risk of death decades later

A groundbreaking study led by researchers at University College Cork (UCC) reveals that a diet mimicking the eating habits of non-industrialized societies can significantly improve gut health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The new diet, termed the NiMe (Non-Industrialized Microbiome Restore) diet, draws from the traditional foods of rural Papua New Guinea and focuses on whole-plant foods, limited animal protein, and minimally processed foods.

Key Findings:

  • Weight Loss: Participants experienced noticeable weight loss within just three weeks.
  • Health Improvements: Bad cholesterol decreased by 17%, blood sugar reduced by 6%, and inflammation markers dropped by 14%.
  • Better Gut Microbiome: The diet led to beneficial changes in gut bacteria, enhancing overall health.

Benefits of the NiMe Diet:

  • Plant-Based Focus: Rich in vegetables, legumes, and whole-plant foods, with limited daily servings of animal protein like salmon, chicken, or pork.
  • Low Processed Foods: Excludes dairy, beef, and wheat and keeps processed foods minimal.
  • High Fiber: The diet provides 22 grams of fibre per 1,000 calories, surpassing current dietary recommendations.

Professor Jens Walter, the lead scientist at UCC, emphasized that industrialization has significantly impacted our gut microbiome, raising chronic disease risks. He noted that the NiMe diet aims to restore beneficial bacteria and reduce harmful ones.

To make these findings accessible, the researchers will share NiMe diet recipes on Instagram and Facebook, planning to release an online cookbook.

Professor Paul Ross, Director of APC Microbiome Ireland, highlighted the study’s potential to shape future dietary guidelines and inspire new food products to improve gut health.

This study offers promising insights into how dietary changes can play a crucial role in public health, promoting a return to traditional, nutrient-rich eating habits to combat modern chronic diseases.

What do you think of this alternative approach to managing chronic diseases?

Posted on Exercise, Pain Management

Discover How Turmeric Can Speed Up Muscle Recovery and Reduce Inflammation

Turmeric and Multiple Sclerosis
Turmeric and Pain

New research from Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) highlights how turmeric, specifically its active ingredient curcumin, may help reduce muscle inflammation and aid recovery after intense workouts.

Turmeric, a spice used in cooking for thousands of years, has long been a staple in traditional Asian medicine. Recent studies show that moderate consumption of curcumin can significantly benefit those engaging in strenuous physical activities.

Curcumin is known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The latest findings confirm that both before and after exercise, curcumin intake is linked to improved muscle recovery, reduced pain, and enhanced overall health.

The research suggests that a daily curcumin intake of 1-4 grams can help mitigate muscle damage and speed up recovery, especially after eccentric exercises, which are particularly demanding on muscles.

While turmeric’s potential is promising, experts advise that dosage, bioavailability, and timing need consideration for the best results. Always consult a professional to optimize these benefits!

Curious to find out more about how turmeric can transform your post-workout recovery? Dive into the full study to unlock the secrets!

Posted on Mental health, Multiple Sclerosis

Shocking Link: Pregnancy May Spur Mental Illness in People with MS

New guidelines for pregnancy in multiple sclerosis

According to a study published by the American Academy of Neurology, pregnant individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a significantly higher risk of developing mental illnesses both during and after pregnancy compared to those without MS.

The research, which analyzed data from 894,852 pregnant individuals over 15 years, revealed that 42% of pregnant people with MS experienced mental health issues during pregnancy, which increased to 50% in the first year after giving birth. In comparison, only 30% of people without MS had mental health issues during pregnancy, rising to 38% after birth.

Ruth Ann Marrie, MD, PhD, the study’s lead author, emphasized that understanding mental health challenges for pregnant individuals with MS is crucial, as it can affect both the parents and their children.

The study found that new mental illness diagnoses affected 8% of people with MS during pregnancy and 14% in the first year post-birth, compared to 7% and 11% for those without MS, respectively. Even after accounting for factors like age and income, the risk of mental illness remained significantly higher for those with MS.

“These findings highlight the importance of preventive and early treatment of mental health issues in pregnant individuals with MS,” said Marrie.

Curious to learn more about how these findings could impact MS treatment and pregnancy management? Dive into the full study!