Medical Watch Digest for Oct 14
Early menopause increases risk of dementia
The connection between menopause and dementia.
Early menopause is linked to an increased risk for dementia.
University of Galway neurologists led an international study outlining the association between reproductive factors and markers of brain aging.
And they offered a possible solution.
Researchers say hormone replacement therapy can offset the risk for reduced cognitive function following early menopause.
Greater exposure to estrogen over a lifespan is important for enhanced cognitive performance and larger brain volume.
Estrogen could help treat MS
Estrogen could also play a role in helping patients with an auto immune disease.
Texas A & M researchers found estrogen has a protective effect on the myelin sheath.
The immune system attacks the myelin sheath in multiple sclerosis, leaving it compromised, disrupting electrical impulse communication throughout the body.
That leads to numbness, difficulty walking and balancing as well as bladder and bowel problems.
Two types of estrogen, estrodiol and estriol reduce symptoms in progressive MS.
They decrease inflammation in the spinal cord and researchers believe it could be added to MS therapy.
More women than men have m-s and often go into remission while pregnant or taking hormonal birth control.
Cardamom seed extract boosts antiviral proteins
A spicy way to stay healthy.
Cardamom enhances anti-viral proteins in the body.
Plant-based materials have long been used to treat a variety of viral infections. Now Japanese researchers found cardamom seed extract boosts production of virus fighting molecules called interferons.
They modulate the body’s immune response to viral infections and interfere with viruses at various stages of growth.
The researchers specifically tested cardamom against influenza.
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