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Researchers assess stroke risk associated with medicine used in dementia

9. March, 2026

A routine tablet can sometimes become part of everyday life for families caring for someone with dementia. When agitation, confusion, or aggressive behaviour escalates, doctors may turn to medication to help calm distressing symptoms and restore some stability.

But new research suggests that one commonly prescribed medicine for these situations may carry risks that were not fully understood until now.

A large British study is now prompting doctors to rethink how and when this treatment should be used.

What the study found

Researchers from Brunel University of London analyzed health records from more than 165,000 people diagnosed with dementia across the UK. The study used anonymised NHS data collected between 2004 and 2023.

The researchers compared patients who were prescribed the antipsychotic medicine with similar patients who were not taking it.

Their findings showed that stroke risk increased among patients using the medicine, even in those who had no previous history of stroke or heart disease.

Key findings from the research included:

Data from more than 165,000 dementia patients
Stroke risk was higher among patients using the medicine
Increased risk appeared across multiple patient groups

The results were published in The British Journal of Psychiatry.

Why doctors still use it

Around half of people living with dementia experience severe agitation at some point during the illness. These symptoms can create intense stress for patients, caregivers, and care home staff.

Because there are very few approved drug treatments for these behaviours, doctors sometimes prescribe this medicine when other approaches fail.

In the UK, it remains the only antipsychotic officially licensed for short-term use in severe agitation linked to dementia.

What it means going forward

The findings highlight the difficult balance doctors face when treating complex dementia symptoms.

Medication may help manage distress, but it also requires careful consideration of possible side effects.

Researchers say the results could help guide future treatment guidelines and encourage closer monitoring of patients who receive the medicine.

Sources: Science Daily and Cambridge

Researchers see a link between sleep and dementia – now Trump’s closed eyes have sparked debate

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

9. March, 2026

Researchers see a link between sleep and dementia – now Trump’s closed eyes have sparked debate

Sleep is important for the brain’s ability to function. Several researchers are therefore working to understand how changes in sleep may be linked to memory and aging.

In a 2025 study published in the journal Neurology involving 733 participants with an average age of 82.5 years, 12.7 percent developed dementia.

Women with significantly increased sleepiness had about twice the risk compared with those with stable sleep patterns.

According to researcher Yue Leng from the University of California, sleep is important because it allows the brain to recover.

Among other things, good sleep helps preserve the ability to think clearly and remember information.

Researchers disagree

Although some studies point to a connection, researchers still disagree on many aspects, as sleep remains an area where knowledge is still limited.

Neurologist Clifford Segil explained to Women’s Health in 2025 that researchers still do not fully understand why humans sleep.

However, he emphasized that poor sleep can affect memory in older people.

Researchers are therefore continuing to investigate whether changes in sleep patterns may be an early sign of problems in the brain.

Episodes spark debate

The debate gained renewed attention in February 2026. Several media outlets noted that U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to be sitting with his eyes closed during a public event.

The White House subsequently rejected the criticism. According to The Independent, spokesperson Anna Kelly said that the president continues to work with high energy.

Similar situations were previously reported in the media in 2025, including at an official event and during a government meeting.

Trump himself explained to The Wall Street Journal in January 2026 that he generally does not need much sleep.

These episodes have led several commentators to consider whether pronounced fatigue in public settings could, in some cases, be linked to dementia.

Sources: Health Digest, Neurology, Women’s Health, The Independent, and The Wall Street Journal.

Soon the clocks move forward – how daylight saving time might affect you

Body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

8. March, 2026

Soon the clocks move forward – how daylight saving time might affect you

Daylight saving time means that people lose one hour of sleep on the first night after the change. For some, it can take several days before the body adjusts to the new rhythm.

The time change has been debated for several years, and countries differ in whether they observe daylight saving time or not, reports HealthDay.

Possible consequences

Research suggests that the time change may have consequences in the days afterward.

According to a previous study published in Current Biology, the number of traffic accidents in the United States increases by around six percent in the week following the switch to daylight saving time.

One possible explanation is that many people get less sleep.

At the same time, researchers are examining whether a fixed time system may be better for public health.

A study from Stanford University published in PNAS examined the difference between daylight saving time and standard time.

The study suggests that permanent standard time could have health benefits.

Among other things, the researchers estimate that, in theory, it could prevent millions of cases of obesity and around 300,000 strokes each year in the United States.

However, they stress that the results alone cannot settle the debate.

How to prepare

Sleep experts therefore recommend preparing for the change.

According to HealthDay, sleep medicine specialist Dr. Sudha Tallavajhula from UT Health Houston recommends gradually adjusting your circadian rhythm.

She advises going to bed and waking up about 15 minutes earlier in the days before the time change. Morning light can also help the body adapt to the new rhythm.

A stable sleep pattern is important. Experts therefore also recommend avoiding caffeine late in the day and ensuring a calm, dark bedroom.

Sources: HealthDay, and Current Biology.

International Women’s Day: Six groundbreaking discoveries made by women

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

8. March, 2026

International Women’s Day: Six groundbreaking discoveries made by women

Chinese researcher Tu Youyou discovered the substance artemisinin while studying traditional Chinese medicine. The compound is now used in medicines to treat malaria.

The treatment is more effective against the parasite than older remedies such as quinine and has had a major impact in regions where malaria is widespread.

For the discovery, Tu Youyou received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015, according to The Nobel Prize.

Cancer treatment is also based on earlier discoveries. The physicist and chemist Marie Curie discovered the elements radium and polonium.

Radium was later used in radiation therapy for cancer, which became highly significant for the development of modern cancer treatment.

Diagnostics and assessment

In healthcare, it is also important to be able to quickly assess patients’ conditions.

In 1952, the American physician Virginia Apgar developed a method to assess the health of newborn babies immediately after birth.

The method is called the Apgar score and is still used in hospitals to determine whether the baby needs assistance, for example with breathing.

Genetic research has also changed the possibilities for detecting disease.

In 1990, the American geneticist Mary-Claire King found a link between the BRCA1 gene and an increased risk of breast cancer.

The discovery made it possible to develop genetic tests and preventive treatment for people at elevated risk, according to Netdoktor and the National Cancer Institute.

Solutions in everyday life

Some inventions were created to help patients in everyday life.

In the 1950s, the Danish nurse Elise Sørensen began developing an ostomy bag after her sister had undergone ostomy surgery.

The bag could be attached to the abdomen and reduced problems with odor and leakage.

The invention later became the foundation for the company Coloplast, which today sells ostomy products in many countries, according to Læger Formidler and the Danish Biographical Encyclopedia of Women.

Another invention improved eye surgery. In 1986, the American physician Patricia Bath developed a laser for the treatment of cataracts.

It makes it possible to operate through a very small incision in the eye and insert a new lens with greater precision, according to the Smithsonian Institution and the National Women’s History Museum.

Overall, these examples show that several of the methods and treatments used in healthcare today are based on discoveries made by women.

Sources: Netdoktor, The Nobel Prize, National Cancer Institute, Læger Formidler, Danish Biographical Encyclopedia of Women, Smithsonian Institution, and National Women’s History Museum.

Treatment may help people with type 1 diabetes make insulin again

Mie Hermansen

7. March, 2026

Treatment may help people with type 1 diabetes make insulin again

Living with type 1 diabetes means planning every meal, counting carbohydrates and watching blood sugar levels around the clock. Even with modern tools, it remains a condition that shapes everyday life.

Now a research team in the United States is working on an approach that aims to rebuild what the body has lost instead of simply managing the damage.

Rebuilding what was destroyed

At the Medical University of South Carolina, scientist Leonardo Ferreira is leading a project funded with $1 million from Breakthrough T1D.

The goal is to restore insulin production by transplanting lab-grown beta cells, which are normally destroyed by the immune system in people with type 1 diabetes.

Unlike traditional islet transplants, which rely on donor tissue, these new cells are produced from stem cells in the laboratory. That could solve the long-standing shortage of donor material.

Training the immune system

The second part of the strategy focuses on protection. Ferreira and collaborators Holger Russ at the University of Florida and Michael Brehm at the University of Massachusetts Medical School are engineering regulatory T cells to defend the transplanted beta cells.

These modified immune cells are designed to recognize and shield the new insulin-producing cells from attack.

If successful, the therapy could reduce or even remove the need for lifelong immunosuppressive drugs, which often carry serious side effects.

Early tests in preclinical models have shown protection lasting up to a month. Researchers are now studying how to extend that effect and move closer to human trials.

If the concept works, it may represent a shift from lifelong insulin dependence toward a durable, cell-based treatment for type 1 diabetes.

Sources: Science Daily and MUSC

Younger adults face unexpected rise in heart attack mortality

Mie Hermansen

7. March, 2026

Younger adults face unexpected rise in heart attack mortality

Heart trouble has long been associated with old age. Yet behind that assumption, a quieter shift has been unfolding in hospitals across the United States.

New research suggests that adults under 55 are facing a growing threat after a first heart attack, and women appear to be at particular risk.

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, led by Dr. Mohan Satish of New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, reviewed nearly one million first-time hospitalizations between 2011 and 2022.

A worrying trend

After adjusting for patient and hospital factors, researchers identified a 1.2% absolute rise in in-hospital deaths among patients with the most severe type of heart attack, known as STEMI. Mortality linked to the less severe NSTEMI subtype remained largely stable.

Women were more likely than men to die during hospitalization. Among STEMI cases, 3.1% of women died compared with 2.6% of men. In NSTEMI cases, 1% of women died versus less than 1% of men.

Unequal outcomes

Although complication rates were broadly similar, women were less likely to undergo certain cardiovascular procedures. The analysis also found that younger women more frequently had nontraditional risk factors.

Key contributors linked to higher in-hospital death included:

Low income
Kidney disease
Non-tobacco drug use

These factors showed a stronger association with mortality than traditional risks such as smoking or high blood pressure.

The authors noted limitations, including reliance on administrative hospital data and no follow-up beyond discharge.

The findings appear in a special Go Red for Women issue highlighting cardiovascular disease in women.

Sources: American Heart Association and News Medical

Do you eat eggs every week? Here’s how they can affect your blood pressure

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

6. March, 2026

Do you eat eggs every week? Here’s how they can affect your blood pressure

Many people believe that eggs automatically raise blood pressure, but research generally shows that this is not the case.

The effect depends, among other things, on how many eggs you eat, what you eat together with them, and your overall health.

Eggs usually do not raise blood pressure

For most healthy adults, a moderate intake of eggs will not lead to higher blood pressure.

A study published in Current Hypertension Reports shows that one egg per day does not have a noticeable effect on either systolic or diastolic blood pressure.

Eggs contain little sodium

Sodium is one of the most important dietary factors behind high blood pressure, but eggs contain relatively little of it.

A large egg contains around 60 milligrams of sodium, which is a small portion of the recommended daily limit of 1,500 milligrams.

One egg per day is generally considered safe

The American Heart Association states that up to one egg per day can be included in a heart-healthy diet for most healthy adults. That corresponds to about seven eggs per week.

Results are not always consistent

Although many studies show that eggs do not significantly affect blood pressure, some research, such as a study published in Current Atherosclerosis Reports, has found a link between high egg consumption and higher blood pressure in certain population groups.

Eggs contain cholesterol

A large egg contains about 200 milligrams of cholesterol, which is mainly found in the yolk.

Cholesterol can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which may affect blood pressure.

The effect on cholesterol is often limited

Eggs can influence both LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol).

Because both types often increase by roughly the same amount, the balance between them usually remains unchanged.

Nutrients in eggs may support healthy blood pressure

Eggs contain several nutrients associated with heart and cardiovascular health. Among other things, they contain potassium, magnesium, and protein.

Potassium can help balance sodium

One egg contains about 63 milligrams of potassium. Potassium plays a role in regulating sodium levels in the blood, which is important for blood pressure.

Magnesium may affect blood vessels

Eggs also contain magnesium, which may help blood vessels relax. This process can help support healthy circulation.

Protein can support fullness and weight control

A large egg contains about six grams of protein.

Protein can increase the feeling of fullness and support weight loss, which may have a positive effect on both blood pressure and heart health.

Some people should limit their intake

People with certain health conditions may be advised to eat fewer eggs.

This includes individuals with established cardiovascular disease or very high LDL cholesterol.

Diabetes may change the risk

In people with type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis can develop more quickly.

Some studies, such as those referenced by the American Heart Association, therefore suggest that high egg consumption may be associated with a greater risk of heart disease in this group.

Some people react more strongly to dietary cholesterol

Some individuals may experience a greater increase in LDL cholesterol when they eat cholesterol-rich foods such as eggs.

Preparation can influence blood pressure

How eggs are prepared and what they are served with can make a big difference.

Added salt, as well as foods high in sodium or saturated fat, can increase the risk of high blood pressure.

Side dishes often play a bigger role than the eggs

Foods such as bacon, sausages, ham, cheese, buttery sauces, or fried potatoes can increase the intake of salt and saturated fat.

Therefore, it is often the side dishes, not the eggs themselves, that have the greatest impact on blood pressure.

Sources: Verywell Health, Current Hypertension Reports, American Heart Association, and Current Atherosclerosis Reports.

Free nicotine products at work: Tech companies hope for more productive employees

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

6. March, 2026

Free nicotine products at work: Tech companies hope for more productive employees

At Palantir’s office in Washington, D.C., vending machines containing nicotine pouches have been installed. The products can be used free of charge by employees and guests over the age of 21.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the machines are supplied by the companies Lucy and Sesh, which produce nicotine pouches. Palantir pays to have the machines restocked.

New market growing

Nicotine pouches are small sachets placed between the gum and the cheek. They contain nicotine mixed with, among other things, the plant fiber cellulose, as well as flavorings and sweeteners.

The nicotine is absorbed directly through the lining of the mouth, and there is neither smoke nor vapor.

Manufacturers therefore market the products as a smoke-free alternative to traditional tobacco products.

The market has also attracted investors. According to Fortune, the investment fund 8VC, founded by Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, has invested around $40 million in the company Sesh.

Experts warn

In parts of the tech industry, nicotine pouches are associated with biohacking culture. Here, some people try to improve focus and performance through various methods.

However, health experts warn against this development.

Jennifer Cofer from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center explains that nicotine pouches are often presented as a smoke-free alternative, but they can still lead to addiction and are harmful.

Another tech company has also tried offering nicotine pouches in the office.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the health technology company Hello Patient placed a refrigerator containing the products in its office in Austin.

Technology companies are offering nicotine pouches in the workplace in the hope of increasing employee productivity.

Sources: Fortune, and Wall Street Journal.

This McDonald’s burger contains more than two-thirds of a day’s calories

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

6. March, 2026

This McDonald’s burger contains more than two-thirds of a day’s calories

Several fast-food chains have been introducing larger burgers in recent years. The idea is to offer customers a more filling meal.

McDonald’s has also focused on this development. In an interview with CNN in December 2023, the company’s CEO, Chris Kempczinski, said that larger burgers could become an option in more countries.

According to the media outlet Fortune, the chain therefore began testing a new burger in 2024 in countries including Portugal, Canada, and Germany.

In Portugal, the burger was launched in all 205 McDonald’s restaurants in the country, Fortune writes.

Video went viral

The product received additional attention when Chris Kempczinski posted a video on social media in which he tastes the new burger for lunch.

The video was intended as an informal glimpse into his daily routine. However, reactions online were mixed. According to Fortune, several users felt that the video appeared staged.

Some also commented that the CEO spoke about the burger as if it were a product promotion. Executives from other fast-food chains also joined the humorous criticism on social media.

As a result, a short video developed into a broader debate.

Nutrition sparks discussion

Part of the discussion also concerns the burger’s contents.

According to Fortune, the burger contains around 1,020 calories. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans for 2020–2025 indicate that adult women typically need 1,600 to 2,400 calories per day, while men generally require around 2,200 to 3,000 calories.

Sports dietitian Melissa Boufounos estimates, according to Fortune, that the burger also contains a high amount of fat.

According to her, a high intake of fat and heavily processed animal products can increase the risk of conditions such as high cholesterol and heart disease.

The new McDonald’s burger, Big Arch, alone contains more than two-thirds of the daily calorie requirement for many adults.

Sources: Fortune, CNN, and U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Financial stress can be as harmful to the heart as smoking

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

6. March, 2026

Financial stress can be as harmful to the heart as smoking

Doctors often look at factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, and physical activity when assessing the risk of heart disease.

For many years, these factors have been central to the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

However, researchers are increasingly examining how social conditions affect health.

According to the health media outlet Verywell Health, financial circumstances and living conditions may influence heart health.

Social determinants of health include factors such as finances, access to food, and overall living conditions. These conditions can affect both quality of life and the risk of illness.

Stress in the body

Long-term pressure can affect the body in several ways. Persistent stress can cause the body to produce higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

According to research published in Hypertension, prolonged high levels of cortisol can affect both blood pressure and cholesterol, placing strain on the heart.

Stress can also lead to chronic inflammation in the body. Inflammation is normally a natural part of the body’s defense system, but if it persists for a long time, it can damage blood vessels.

Research findings

A study published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings analyzed health data from 280,323 adults.

According to Verywell Health, the researchers examined both traditional risk factors and social conditions.

The researchers also used calculations of the heart’s biological age. This method shows whether the heart functions like a younger or older heart compared with the person’s actual age.

The results showed that financial problems and insecure access to food were the social conditions most clearly associated with faster aging of the heart.

The study therefore suggests that financial stress may affect the heart at a level comparable to some of the well-known risk factors.

Sources: Verywell Health, Hypertension, and Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

1...929394...371 Page 93 of 371

What the study found

Why doctors still use it

What it means going forward

Researchers disagree

Episodes spark debate

Possible consequences

How to prepare

Diagnostics and assessment

Solutions in everyday life

Rebuilding what was destroyed

Training the immune system

A worrying trend

Unequal outcomes

Eggs usually do not raise blood pressure

Eggs contain little sodium

One egg per day is generally considered safe

Results are not always consistent

Eggs contain cholesterol

The effect on cholesterol is often limited

Nutrients in eggs may support healthy blood pressure

Potassium can help balance sodium

Magnesium may affect blood vessels

Protein can support fullness and weight control

Some people should limit their intake

Diabetes may change the risk

Some people react more strongly to dietary cholesterol

Preparation can influence blood pressure

Side dishes often play a bigger role than the eggs

New market growing

Experts warn

Video went viral

Nutrition sparks discussion

Stress in the body

Research findings

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