Tag

Infections

All articles tagged with #infections

Severe infections years before dementia linked to higher risk, study finds
health14 days ago

Severe infections years before dementia linked to higher risk, study finds

A Finnish study of over 65,000 dementia patients found that certain infections, notably cystitis and other bacterial infections treated in hospital, occurred years before dementia and were associated with about a 19% higher rate of late-onset dementia. Even after adjusting for other pre-diagnosis diseases, the link persisted, suggesting severe infections may accelerate cognitive decline, typically appearing about 5 to 6.5 years before diagnosis. The study is observational and cannot prove causation; authors note vaccination and infection prevention might help, but intervention trials are needed.

Hospital-treated infections tied to higher dementia risk, Finnish study finds
health16 days ago

Hospital-treated infections tied to higher dementia risk, Finnish study finds

A Finnish nationwide registry study of 62,555 dementia patients and 312,772 controls found two severe infections—cystitis and a bacterial infection of an unspecified site—were linked to higher dementia risk years before diagnosis, with infections appearing to independently raise risk even after accounting for other dementia-related diseases; the study is observational, and generalizability may be limited.

Severe Infections, Especially UTIs, Linked to Higher Dementia Risk in Seniors
health17 days ago

Severe Infections, Especially UTIs, Linked to Higher Dementia Risk in Seniors

A Finnish study of 62,555 people aged 65+ with late-onset dementia (2017–2020) and 312,772 matched controls found 29 risk factors for dementia. Among infections, only urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bacterial infections were linked to dementia, with severe infections—especially UTIs—associated with a 19% higher risk after adjusting for other conditions. The time between infection and dementia diagnosis averaged five to six years. While this suggests infections may contribute to dementia risk, it does not prove causality, and the researchers call for intervention studies. Non-infectious risks included alcohol-related disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and brain disease.

Polystyrene microplastics may clog immune cells, hindering infection defense
health28 days ago

Polystyrene microplastics may clog immune cells, hindering infection defense

A mouse study found that polystyrene microplastics can accumulate in macrophages and disrupt their ability to engulf dead cells and pathogens, impairing infection clearance in the lungs. While microplastics are detected in many tissues, there is not yet clear evidence of direct human health effects; researchers caution about potential links to inflammation and cardiovascular issues and plan further human studies to assess relevance to human health.

Infections That Cause Unusual Mouth Taste
health3 months ago

Infections That Cause Unusual Mouth Taste

Unusual taste changes can be early signs of underlying health issues like infections, sinus problems, or immune responses, with recent research highlighting the role of inflammation and immune cytokines such as TNF in altering taste perception, especially bitter flavors. These symptoms often precede other symptoms and can be caused by respiratory illnesses, oral infections, medications, or neurological conditions, emphasizing the importance of investigating persistent taste disturbances.

Neurologist Warns of Health Risks from Eating Gol Gappa
health3 months ago

Neurologist Warns of Health Risks from Eating Gol Gappa

AIIMS-trained neurologist Dr. Priyanka Sehrawat warns that consuming gol gappa from unhygienic sources can lead to serious infections like Hepatitis A, especially in children, and advises caution and awareness of symptoms such as jaundice and fever. She emphasizes the importance of food safety and hygiene, particularly during outdoor gatherings, to prevent health risks associated with contaminated street food.

Surge in Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases in Florida and Louisiana Raises Concerns
health8 months ago

Surge in Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases in Florida and Louisiana Raises Concerns

Florida has reported 16 cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria in warm seawater, causing five deaths this year, with cases spread across 12 counties, making it the state with the second-highest number of infections after Louisiana. The CDC advises avoiding raw seafood and protecting wounds from saltwater to prevent infection.

Rising Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases Along the Gulf Coast
health8 months ago

Rising Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases Along the Gulf Coast

Cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous bacteria causing flesh-eating infections, are rising along the US Gulf Coast due to warmer waters, with Louisiana and Florida reporting increased cases and fatalities. The bacteria can infect through open wounds or consumption of raw seafood, especially oysters, and poses a higher risk to immunocompromised individuals. Precautions include cooking seafood thoroughly, avoiding coastal waters with open wounds, and practicing good hygiene.