Linda Brent, Author at Parsemus Foundation

Nanotechnology targets cancer through breast ducts

March 17, 2025 No Comments

Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge worldwide. While advancements in treatment have improved survival rates, the search for more targeted and effective therapies continues. Nanotechnology-based intraductal drug delivery aims to revolutionize local treatment and prevention of breast cancer by delivering nanocarriers with therapeutic agents directly to the site of the disease.

Vision loss and dementia risk

February 27, 2025 No Comments

A recent study found that up to 19% of dementia cases may be attributable to impaired vision. The study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, showed that vision loss may have even more of an impact on the risk of dementia than previously thought. Hearing loss is also considered a modifiable risk factor for dementia, supporting the notion that sensory engagement is critical for brain health.

Regional variation in Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnoses

January 24, 2025 No Comments

Different parts of the United States have different rates of Alzheimer’s diagnoses. Scientists from the University of Michigan determined that regional variation was due to risk factors related to the specific population as well as the intensity of new cases diagnosed.

Melatonin shows promise for Alzheimer’s treatment

January 20, 2025 No Comments

Recent research has spotlighted melatonin as a potential ally in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists from Zhejiang University and Uppsala University published a comprehensive review in the journal Molecular Psychiatry in August 2024, exploring how this natural hormone might protect brain health.

Iron deficiency and anemia are hidden ailments in women

December 13, 2024 No Comments

Despite the high prevalence of iron deficiency and anemia in women in their reproductive years, it is still widely underdiagnosed and undertreated. Anemia can result in poorer outcomes in pregnancy. Diagnosis involves routine blood tests, and treatment may include diet changes, oral iron supplements, or intravenous iron.

Vaccine strategies may be important in addressing Alzheimer’s disease

December 3, 2024 No Comments

Breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s disease research offer hope for the successful treatment – and elimination – of the disease. This was the finding of New Scientist journalist Graham Lawton, who reviewed the history and status of research on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In particular, exciting new Alzheimer’s vaccine research holds promise for preventing Alzheimer’s disease.

Spreading the message about the importance of hormones to dogs

November 29, 2024 No Comments

The Parsemus Foundation is an educational resource for the public and veterinarians about the importance of hormones for pets. Over the years, we have received increasing inquiries about hormone-sparing sterilization from pet parents, and seen more veterinarians offering vasectomy or hysterectomy. But the shift in practice has been slow — until now. With several influential veterinarians spreading the message about the importance of hormones to dogs, this topic has finally reached the mainstream.

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in cats similar to Alzheimer’s disease

November 8, 2024 No Comments

House cats live an average of 14 years, and it’s not uncommon for a cat to live more than 20 years. Older cats often develop cognitive decline resulting in dementia. It’s called “cognitive dysfunction syndrome” or CDS. This condition is similar in many ways to Alzheimer’s disease, including amyloid beta and tau protein accumulation. Some believe that environmental stressors from life as a house cat contribute to cognitive decline.

Hormone therapy is safe for treating menopause symptoms

October 17, 2024 No Comments

Many women approaching menopause are concerned about the safety of hormone therapy. That’s because in 2002, researchers reported that hormone replacement therapy — or HRT — was related to increased risk of breast cancer. However, experts now report that hormone therapy in early menopause is safe and beneficial.

Noninvasive methods to evaluate canine BPH

October 4, 2024 No Comments

Most intact male dogs will develop enlarged prostate glands. This condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is influenced by androgen hormones such as testosterone. BPH has few symptoms in the earlier stages of development. However, it can lead to serious health issues if left untreated, such as reproductive tract issues, constipation, and prostate infections. Researchers have outlined noninvasive methods to evaluate canine BPH in the early, subclinical, stages. Early detection allows early treatment and avoids the progression of the disease.

Author: Linda Brent