A transfusion of blood from runners could be a ground-breaking treatment for slowing down Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s thought that a cocktail of chemicals released in the blood after exercise has rejuvenating and protective effects on the brain; previous research has found those who exercise regularly are less likely to develop the condition.
Now doctors are giving monthly transfusions to around 60 people with early signs of Alzheimer’s in a year-long clinical trial led by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia — around 850,000 people in the UK have some form of dementia, and with an ageing population this number is predicted to rise to 1.5 million within the next two decades.
It’s thought that a cocktail of chemicals released in the blood after exercise has rejuvenating and protective effects on the brain; previous research has found those who exercise regularly are less likely to develop the condition
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is not yet fully understood, although a number of factors are thought to increase your risk, including a family history and cardiovascular disease, as well as lifestyle factors such as obesity.
A number of studies show, however, that regular exercise as well cardiac and respiratory fitness may help to lower the likelihood of getting the disease.
For instance, a study in 2019 by St Olav’s Hospital in Norway — which is also part of the new trial — based on data from 30,000 people, revealed those who increased their lung capacity through exercise, had a 40 to 50 per cent reduced risk of having Alzheimer’s more than ten years later.
‘Maintaining or improving cardiorespiratory fitness over time may be a target to reduce risk of dementia incidence and mortality, delay onset and increase longevity after diagnosis,’ the researchers wrote in the journal The Lancet Public Health.
One theory is that exercise causes complex chemical changes in the blood that affect the brain and counteract age-related and disease-related changes associated with Alzheimer’s.
The chemical reactions were discovered in an American University study.
The blood level of 17662 molecules was measured before and after 10 minutes of exercise. Researchers found that specific changes were observed in over half the cases.
Certain compounds showed an increase in activity while others decreased. These molecules are involved in many areas including the immune system, appetite, tissue repair, and inflammation.
Doctors described the molecular changes following exercise as a ‘symphony’ that could be beneficial in dementia, reported the journal Cell. This new therapy is based on the idea that early-stage dementia patients can have the same effects as those who exercise regularly by receiving blood from young, fit people.
A transfusion of blood from runners could be a ground-breaking treatment for slowing down Alzheimer’s disease
In the trial, patients aged from 50 to 75 with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s will be given monthly 200ml transfusions of blood for 12 months.
Thirty volunteers between the ages of 18 and 40 will give blood. They will then run on a treadmill until they are exhausted. Then, they will take a sample for the lab over four weeks.
For contamination prevention, blood will not be taken.
The patients will be followed for 5 years. Brain volume, blood flow and markers of disease will all be recorded. Comparative results with the placebo group receiving saline blood transfusions will be made.
Commenting on the trial, James Rowe, a professor of cognitive neurology at the University of Cambridge, said: ‘It is a very interesting idea. This may seem strange, but it is based on serious science and shows that exercise can lower risk.
‘We await the results with interest, and in the meantime, those of us who can, should be taking more exercise because we know it is one way we can all reduce the risk.’
The use of peppermint oil may help to improve your heart health. A new study at University of Central Lancashire will see 20 participants receive either a peppermint tea or a placebo. Studies have shown peppermint may lower blood pressure due to its relaxing effects on the lining and arteries.
New joints are protected by special coatings that prevent infection
Pre-surgery, you can reduce the chance of getting infections by coating artificial hip or knee replacements with a special coating.
One out of 100 procedures involving this type of procedure results in infected patients, which can cause repeat surgeries.
U.S. scientists from Duke University have developed a coating that stops the formation of biofilms — a sticky layer of bacteria that can destroy new joints. The coating is applied in just 10 minutes.
The journal Nature Communications reports that the covering prevented infections in animals for up to 20 days following surgery. There was no need for antibiotics.
You eat unhealthy snacks because you don’t get enough sleep
A study from Ohio State University found that poor sleep habits lead to more unhealthy snack choices.
Researchers analysed nearly 20,000 individuals’ data to determine their eating habits and how much sleep they got. People who slept less got more calories, carbohydrates and added sugar.
The findings, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, suggest that the longer we’re awake, the more likely we are to eat. Researchers said: ‘Even if you’re trying to fall asleep, at least you’re not in the kitchen eating. So if you can get yourself to bed, that’s a starting point.’
Is it possible that a mattress tilting and shaking could make labor easier?
The high-tech vibrating bed that shakes and tilts can help to speed up labor.
Studies show that regular adjustments of the position of women can decrease the time taken to have a baby by about 1.2 hours. They also reduce the likelihood of an emergency caesarean.
But the use of epidurals can reduce a woman’s ability to move about.
Vibwife is a mattress that has an internal motor and can be controlled remotely via a remote. The mattress was tested in labor by 50 women, and it proved safe to use. This is according to a study published in Midwifery. Basel University, Switzerland’s leading research institution, says that further testing is needed in order to determine the optimal positioning. They also need to test whether it affects delivery methods and lengths of labor.
The muscle-building pill could boost the efficacy of chemotherapy for cancer
Science Advances reports that a supplement with an amino acid may increase the efficacy of treatment for cancer.
The amino acid arginine was given to patients before they were treated with radiotherapy. It is an essential ingredient in the building of protein and has been shown to be beneficial to them.
Over 80 percent of the 42 participants in a study experienced improvement six months after they completed it (compared to 20 per cent for those who received a placebo).
Arginine may increase the production of nitric dioxide, which can help improve blood flow to tumors and encourage their growth. The scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine explained that it can damage cancer cells if taken in large quantities.
According to the researchers, further research was needed.
Grip doctor
Conditions that affect your strength in hand. This week: Erectile dysfunction
The lower a man’s grip strength, the higher his risk of erectile dysfunction (ED), according to a 2018 study carried out by researchers in South Korea.
The risk of ED increased by 18 percent for every 5kg loss in grip strength, according to Aging Male.
It’s thought this reflects low testosterone levels, which reduce muscle strength but also cause erectile dysfunction, explains Professor Mike Kirby, who works at The Prostate Centre in London.
According to him, studies show that one third of men who mention erectile problems to their doctors actually have low testosterone levels.
It’s possible to treat low testosterone with hormone replacement therapies, but exercise may also help reduce the risk of ED. The South Korean researchers found that men who exercised a lot were 25 per cent less likely to experience ED — probably because exercise increases muscle mass and testosterone levels.
What did you know?
Researchers have produced the first map of the ticklish areas of the skin — aided by a large hen’s feather. According to scientists from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norwegian University of Science and Technology), these areas are highly ticklish. It could be because of higher nerve concentrations.
How much?
This week: Oraldent Cold & Flu Guard, 50ml, £9.99, oraldent.co.uk
Claim: The maker says this spray ‘contains a hyaluronate barrier, which coats the mucosa [nose and mouth lining], allowing the antibacterial and antiviral bioflavonoid complex to neutralise bacteria and viruses upon contact’.
Expert verdict: ‘All the results for antiviral and antibacterial activity are based on lab tests — there’s no evidence the treatment works when administered to humans,’ says Ron Eccles, an emeritus professor at Cardiff University and former director of the Common Cold Centre.
‘The bioflavonoids [compounds found in fruit and vegetables]In the laboratory, they were shown to be effective against many viruses and bacteria. However, this effect was not seen when the ingredients are mixed with mucus like you might experience in your nose. The ingredients are safe, so this may help you feel in control of any symptoms.’