Human Health
What we believe:
Knowledge is power
You can make better choices for managing your health when you gain a basic understanding of the pros and cons of treatment options. We believe that simple, inexpensive options are often the best – but may be neglected or overlooked by researchers, pharmaceutical companies and care providers because of a lack of profit potential and investment.
Our goal:
Improving health with affordable and accessible options
The Parsemus Foundation’s goal is to advance innovative and neglected medical research. We focus on supporting small proof-of-concept studies and then pursuing press coverage of the results, so that the advances change treatment practice rather than disappearing into the scientific literature. Many of the studies we support involve low-cost approaches that are not under patent. From support for new male contraceptives to research on the use of existing medicines to treat COVID-19, the Parsemus Foundation aims to improve human health with affordable and accessible options.
This section of our website provides information on specific medical topics, and includes references and educational links for further study. You’ll also find information on select past projects focused on areas we are no longer pursuing.
Human Health Projects
Vasalgel Male Contraceptive
Vasalgel is a male contraceptive launched by Parsemus Foundation to fill the need for a non-hormonal, long-acting, reversible male method.
PEMF Therapy for Enlarged Prostate
Noninvasive treatment using PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) therapy can reduce the symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and the size of the prostate.
Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention
An ongoing clinical trial in Australia will lead to better understanding of the influence of testosterone and DHA on Alzheimer’s disease.
Hearing, hearing aids, and dementia
An ongoing clinical trial in Australia will lead to better understanding of the influence of testosterone and DHA on Alzheimer’s disease.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency and anemia are common and can result in significant negative health impacts. Intravenous iron offers a rapid treatment option.
Non-Specific Effects of Vaccines
Iron deficiency and anemia are common and can result in significant negative health impacts. Intravenous iron offers a rapid treatment option.
Male Contraceptive Research
Resources and information to stay up-to-date on efforts to develop new options for male contraception.
Breast Cancer Prevention
Intraductal methods can provide less invasive options for treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the most common noninvasive lesion of the breast.
Overused Medical Procedures
Some doctors still prescribe unnecessary medical procedures and medications. These resources can help you make informed medical decisions.
Hormones for Menopause
Menopause hormone therapy is an underutilized and misunderstood treatment for menopause symptoms. Learn the facts for informed decisions.
Angioplasty: Ending Inappropriate Use
Angioplasty and stenting continue to be used in stable coronary artery disease, even though trials have shown that they add no significant survival benefit.
Human Health News
Regional variation in Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnoses
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
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.
Study highlights growing demand for male contraceptives
A groundbreaking study reveals a strong demand for new male contraceptives worldwide. Researchers surveyed over 18,000 men and 9,000 women across seven countries, uncovering widespread interest in male birth control options. The findings suggest male contraceptives could transform family planning and promote gender equity in reproductive health.
Long COVID and vaccination: what you need to know
The link between Long COVID and vaccination remains complex. Vaccination remains critical to preventing severe COVID-19, but it may not fully prevent Long COVID. Combining vaccines with metformin may offer better protection. Research highlights metformin as a safe, affordable, and effective treatment for reducing Long COVID risk.
Omega-3 fatty acids may protect brain health
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
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.
Regional variation in Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnoses
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
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.
Study highlights growing demand for male contraceptives
A groundbreaking study reveals a strong demand for new male contraceptives worldwide. Researchers surveyed over 18,000 men and 9,000 women across seven countries, uncovering widespread interest in male birth control options. The findings suggest male contraceptives could transform family planning and promote gender equity in reproductive health.
Long COVID and vaccination: what you need to know
The link between Long COVID and vaccination remains complex. Vaccination remains critical to preventing severe COVID-19, but it may not fully prevent Long COVID. Combining vaccines with metformin may offer better protection. Research highlights metformin as a safe, affordable, and effective treatment for reducing Long COVID risk.
