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July Health Tip by Dr. Hahn-Cover

What’s In The News:

Omega 3 Fatty Acids May Protect Against the Development of Retinopathy

In a study published in the July 2007 edition of Nature Medicine, researchers discovered that the addition of Omega 3 Fatty Acids to the diet of mice may reduce the development of progressive retinopathy.  The mouse model used was one similar to the human development of retinopathy.  Studies in premature infants, who frequently develop visual loss, will begin soon.
This may be another benefit from Omega 3 fatty acids which is good for your brain and heart as well.

Estrogen Alone Therapy May Be Beneficial in Younger Postmenopausal Women

Results of a substudy of the Women’s Health Initiative, published in the June 21, 2007 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, indicates there may be a cardiovascular benefit in younger, postmenopausal women who take estrogen alone.  In these women, ages 50-59,  there was less buildup of calcium plaque in the arteries compared to their peers who did not take hormone replacement therapy.  This finding applied only to women in that age group who took estrogen alone and not to those who took combined therapy of estrogen and progesterone.  While HRT is not recommended for the prevention of coronary disease these findings may provide some reassurance for women who choose to take HRT to prevent menopausal symptoms of hot flushes. 

Regular Cognitive Activity May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers in Chicago studied 775 older adults up to age 80 for 5 years.  None of the participants had Alzheimer’s disease at the start of the study.  Ninety people developed the disease but those who had frequent cognitive activity were 40% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease.  Examples of cognitive activity included reading the newspaper, playing games, visiting a library or going to a play. 

Antidepressants in Pregnancy

Two studies reported in the June 28, 2007 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine evaluated the risks of birth defects in patients taking SSRI’s or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, during pregnancy.  The incidence of depression in women can he as high as 20 % while the overall rate of birth defects is quite low, < 1%.  The use of SSRI’s does not greatly increase the risk of birth defects but certain SSRI’s such as Paxil should be avoided.  Never stop taking an antidepressant abruptly.  Always discuss your medications with your doctor.

For more information:
MU Health Sciences Library