Foundation News Archives

Omega-3 fatty acids may protect brain health

December 15, 2024

Recent studies highlight the potential role of omega-3 fatty acids in protecting brain health, especially among older adults. These essential fats, found in fatty fish like salmon, offer benefits for heart health, inflammation, and brain function. Now, two studies suggest they may also benefit individuals at higher risk for cognitive decline, such as carriers of the ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE4).

Iron deficiency and anemia are hidden ailments in women

December 13, 2024

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.

How Scientists Plan on Eliminating Alzheimer’s Disease

December 3, 2024

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

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.

Shingles vaccine may lower dementia risk

November 12, 2024

The recombinant zoster vaccine known as SHINGRIX may also lower the risk of developing dementia, according to a new study. The vaccine prevents shingles, a painful viral infection, and is typically recommended for those 50 and older. Researchers in the U.K. published a study in Nature Medicine on July 25 that showed that among people diagnosed with dementia, those who received the recombinant zoster vaccine had more diagnosis-free time compared with those who received a different vaccine.

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in cats similar to Alzheimer’s disease

November 8, 2024

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.

Ultra-processed foods affect brain health

October 25, 2024

Recent research has revealed that eating ultra-processed foods affects brain health. Studies suggest that diets high in these foods could increase the risk of cognitive impairment and stroke. Ultra-processed foods include industrially prepared items like packaged snacks, ready-made meals, and sugary drinks. These foods are often convenient, but they carry hidden health dangers.

The spread of dangerous medical misinformation

October 23, 2024

You may have heard that vaccines cause autism, but are you unsure where this idea came from? Are you — or someone you know — suspicious of the U.S. government response to COVID-19? If so, you’ll be interested in a two-part series of articles that John Parkinson wrote about the challenges of communicating medical information to the public and the ease with which medical misinformation spreads.

Hormone therapy is safe for treating menopause symptoms

October 17, 2024

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

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.

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