Medical Notes: Why Americans Are Dying Earlier Than Everyone Else, The Hidden Dangers Of A Brain Tumor, And Can Doctors Prescribe Exercise?

The hidden weight of a brain tumor may be doing more damage than the cancer itself.

A study published in the Proceedings Of The National Academy of Sciences, reveals that chronic physical pressure on the brain triggers neurons to begin a programmed self-destruction sequence. The compression activates an inflammatory response – a sign that neuron damage and death is coming. Researchers hope this finding will inform future treatments to help protect healthy neurons and prevent motor impairment and cognitive decline.

Why are Americans still dying early?

Despite major medical advancements, our life expectancy still lags behind other wealthy nations. New research points to a few issues that are holding us back, including suicides, homicides, drug overdoses, and cardiovascular disease. Experts say these issues point to deeper, systemic problems in America that are shaping our health. The research is published in the Proceedings Of The National Academy of Sciences.

A high-fat diet may be bad for your brain.

The gut is commonly known as the ‘second brain’ due to the millions of neurons in the digestive tract. However, new research shows that this gut-brain connection works both ways – and may be making us vulnerable. Research in Plus Biology shows that live bacteria from the gut can travel into the brain. This animal study revealed that a high-fat diet increases the amount of bacteria in the brain, potentially causing neurological diseases.

Should doctors be writing prescriptions for exercise?

New cancer research shows that chemo patients who stayed active were mentally sharper compared to patients who did not. With up to 75 percent of cancer patients reporting cognitive difficulties from their chemotherapy treatments, exercise could be an effective tool in combating these negative symptoms. The research is published in the Journal of The National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

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