JOHN JAMES RYAN, MD

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This study looked at how sharing audio and video recordings of clinic visits with patients affects communication and understanding in three different healthcare settings in the U.S. Researchers interviewed 67 people, including patients and doctors, and found that sharing these recordings helped patients remember their healthcare information better, feel more involved, and reduced anxiety for their care partners. This matters because it shows that recording visits can improve overall communication and engagement in healthcare, making it more beneficial for everyone involved. Who this helps: This helps patients, their care partners, and doctors.

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This study examined how a part of the brain called the posterior parietal cortex helps mice make decisions based on important sounds in their environment. Researchers found that the way different types of brain cells respond to sounds depends on how relevant those sounds are to the task at hand. Specifically, they discovered that brain activity patterns before a sound was even heard could predict not just how strong the response to the sound would be, but also how accurately the mice would perform on the task. Who this helps: This research benefits neuroscientists and psychologists studying decision-making processes.

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This study looked at how engaging in social and mental activities affects frailty in older Australians over 11 years. Researchers found that people who frequently read, went out, or participated in social activities had a slower increase in frailty and a reduced risk of becoming frail—by about 2% to 5%—compared to those who were less engaged. This is important because reducing frailty can help older adults maintain their independence and health. Who this helps: This helps older adults and healthcare providers focused on aging well.

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This study looked at how the physical fitness and activity levels of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy affected their thinking abilities before and after treatment, compared to healthy individuals. Researchers found that while memory improved for everyone, higher fitness levels in breast cancer patients were linked to better verbal learning skills. However, fitness and activity did not predict changes in cognitive function over time, and no immediate decline in cognitive abilities was noted among the patients. Who this helps: This research benefits breast cancer patients and their healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of physical fitness during treatment.

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This study looked at a genetic disorder called Zellweger spectrum disorder (ZSD), which affects liver function and metabolism due to problems with certain genes. Researchers used a technique called base editing to fix a specific gene mutation in mice with ZSD and found they could correct up to 60% of the faulty gene in the liver, which led to improved liver health and weight gain in the animals. This is important because it shows a potential way to treat ZSD and similar metabolic disorders by targeting the underlying genetic issues. Who this helps: Patients with Zellweger spectrum disorder and similar genetic liver conditions.

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This study looked at how factors that affect heart health, like cholesterol and blood pressure, relate to thinking and memory skills among twins in the UK. Researchers found that while higher cholesterol and lower blood pressure typically linked to better cognitive performance, these effects mostly disappeared when considering shared genetics and environment between twins. This matters because it suggests that our understanding of how heart health influences brain function might be more complex than previously thought, influenced by genetic or environmental factors rather than heart risks alone. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers looking to understand the connections between heart health and cognitive abilities.

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This study looked at whether cognitive decline happens before cardiovascular events, like heart attacks and strokes, in older adults. Researchers found that individuals who later experienced these events showed signs of declining cognitive abilities—such as memory and thinking speed—three to eight years beforehand. Specifically, their global cognition and processing speed scores dropped faster compared to those who did not have cardiovascular issues, indicating a clearer cognitive decline leading up to these health crises. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers can benefit from this information as it highlights the importance of monitoring cognitive health in older adults at risk of cardiovascular disease.

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This study looked at how the use of cholesterol-lowering medications changed for patients in the UK who are at high or very high risk for heart disease over the course of one year. It found that the percentage of UK patients not using any cholesterol medication dropped from 20.4% to 7.1%, and those on single-drug therapy increased from 74.8% to 84.9%. Despite these improvements, many patients still did not reach the recommended cholesterol targets, with only 52.6% meeting the UK's guideline after one year, which highlights the need for better management of cholesterol in these high-risk groups. Who this helps: This benefits patients at high risk for cardiovascular diseases and their doctors.

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This study looked at how walking speed, hand strength, and depression affect the risk of fractures in older adults. Researchers found that older adults with a slow walking speed had a 17% higher chance of breaking a bone, and those with depressive symptoms had a 23% increased risk. The risk was even higher when multiple issues were present; for example, slow gait and depressive symptoms together raised fracture risk by 46%. Who this helps: This helps older patients and their healthcare providers understand the importance of monitoring physical and mental health to prevent fractures.

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This study looked at the treatment and outcomes of 175 patients in the UK with advanced blood cancers called accelerated and blast-phase myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). They found that the average survival time was 14.9 months, but it was much shorter for those with blast-phase MPN (6.7 months) compared to those with accelerated MPN (25.3 months). Treatments varied widely, and while intensive chemotherapy did improve survival only when followed by a stem cell transplant, other therapies like ruxolitinib and venetoclax also showed promise. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and patients of advanced myeloproliferative neoplasms by highlighting treatment options and their effectiveness.

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This study looked at how eating a lot of ultra-processed foods affects the thinking skills of older adults in Australia. Researchers followed 11,502 participants over about 5.6 years. They found that those who consumed four or more servings of ultra-processed foods daily performed worse on tests of cognitive function, with average scores dropping by about 0.28 points on one test and 0.51 points on another. This matters because reducing ultra-processed food intake could help support better brain health as people age. Who this helps: This helps older adults and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how healthy lifestyle choices impact the amount of time older adults can live without serious health issues, such as disability or dementia. It involved over 11,000 Australians aged around 74 and found that those who followed more healthy habits—like eating a Mediterranean diet, staying active, not smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation—were significantly less likely to face these serious health problems: for example, those with the healthiest lifestyles had a 40% lower risk of major health issues compared to those with the least healthy habits. This matters because it highlights that making healthier choices can lead to more years lived without health complications as people age. Who this helps: This research provides valuable insights for older adults looking to maintain their health and independence.

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This research focused on how cancer cells use the energy and nutrients in their surrounding environment to grow and thrive. The study highlights new bioengineering methods that can disrupt this process by blocking essential nutrients, delivering drugs to slow cancer growth, or enhancing the immune response to fight the tumors. These strategies show promise for improving cancer treatment and making therapies more effective. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients by potentially providing more targeted and effective treatment options.

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This study looked at the relationship between uric acid levels in the blood and changes in thinking skills in older adults, focusing on how this relationship might differ between men and women. The researchers found that women with low uric acid levels showed a significant decline in overall cognitive ability and memory over about nine years, while men did not show any similar changes. This is important because it highlights that keeping uric acid at healthy levels might help protect cognitive health, especially for older women. Who this helps: Patients, particularly older women.

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Researchers examined the link between blood markers related to Alzheimer's disease and symptoms of depression in 11,947 older adults aged 70 and over. They found that higher levels of a blood marker called GFAP were connected to more depressive symptoms, but other markers did not show this relationship. This is important because it suggests that inflammation in the brain might play a role in depression among older adults, highlighting a potential target for future treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from depression and healthcare providers looking for better ways to address mental health in older adults.

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This research looked at how often patients with kidney failure on dialysis should have their blood tests done to monitor their health. The study found that current guidelines for testing vary widely; some recommend flexible schedules while others suggest strict timelines, and there is little solid evidence that links specific testing frequencies to better patient outcomes. This is important because understanding the best testing schedule can help prevent unnecessary procedures and improve the quality of care for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients on dialysis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how a new condition called cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome (CKMS) affects the health of older adults who haven't had heart disease before. Researchers followed 18,367 people over an average of nearly 9 years and categorized them into four levels of CKMS risk. They found that those at the highest risk (stage 3) had significantly increased chances of dying from all causes (31% higher), suffering from heart disease events (178% higher), and facing other serious health issues like heart failure (356% higher) compared to those with no risk factors. Who this helps: This helps older patients and their doctors understand the importance of managing CKMS to prevent serious health problems.

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This study looked at how using hearing aids affects the brain health of older adults with hearing loss, specifically whether it reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Researchers found that, after 7 years, the risk of developing dementia was 5% for those using hearing aids compared to 7.5% for those not using them, while the risk of cognitive impairment was 36.1% for hearing aid users versus 42.4% for non-users. This matters because it suggests that wearing hearing aids might help lower the likelihood of serious mental decline in older adults. Who this helps: This benefits older adults with hearing loss and their caregivers.

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This study looked at different DNA-based markers related to C-reactive protein (CRP), a substance in the blood that can indicate inflammation, and how they relate to health conditions like body weight, lifespan, and overall health risk. Researchers found that certain markers explained between 6% and 16.8% of the variability in CRP levels in the blood, with one marker being particularly strong in predicting overall health risks. Understanding these markers helps improve aging assessments and health monitoring for better patient care. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and doctors by providing better tools for assessing health risks related to aging.

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This study looked at whether taking low-dose aspirin affects the risk of developing cancer and dying from it in older adults. Over nearly nine years, researchers found that while aspirin did not lower the overall chance of getting cancer, it did increase the risk of dying from cancer by 15%. Importantly, this increased risk did not continue after the aspirin treatment stopped, which suggests that it doesn't have lasting effects on cancer risk. Who this helps: This information is valuable for older patients and their doctors when considering whether to use aspirin for health purposes.

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This study looked at the surgery called ileoanal pull-through (IAPT) for young children with total colonic Hirschsprung disease (TCHD). Out of 25 patients, many had manageable bowel habits after a year: 57% had only 1-7 stools a day and none showed severe skin irritation around the anus. This matters because it shows that IAPT leads to positive outcomes for most patients, helping them improve their quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients with Hirschsprung disease and their families.

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This study looked at how physical decline and depression interact over time in older adults. Researchers followed 15,854 participants, averaging 75 years old, for about 8.4 years. They found that older adults with both poor physical performance and weak handgrip strength were 81% more likely to develop depressive symptoms. On the flip side, those showing depressive symptoms had a 70% higher chance of decreased physical function. These findings highlight the important link between physical health and mental well-being, which can help shape better strategies for prevention and treatment. Who this helps: This helps older adults struggling with physical function and depression, as well as the healthcare providers treating them.

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This research studied the relationship between markers of aging in DNA and the risk of developing different types of cancer. It looked at data from 3,624 people and found that while there is a connection between aging and cancer, the links between specific aging markers and cancer risk are generally weak and vary depending on the type of cancer. For example, the strongest link was found between certain aging markers and lung cancer. Understanding these connections can help improve how we predict cancer risk as people age. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing insights into cancer risk related to aging.

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This study looked at how often antibiotics are prescribed to older Australians, particularly those aged 70 and older, both with and without dementia. Researchers found that by the ninth year of the study, 1,651 out of every 1,000 older adults were given antibiotics each year, and that broad-spectrum antibiotics were given twice as often as narrow-spectrum ones. Notably, while people with dementia received more prescriptions overall, having dementia itself didn't directly result in more antibiotic use—factors like being female, taking many medications, and showing signs of depression were more closely related to increased prescriptions. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare providers and policymakers focusing on antibiotic use in older adults, especially those with complex health needs.

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This study looked at how service members and veterans who received treatment for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) at VA Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers used and paid for outpatient care afterward. It found that 87.9% of participants accessed services through Polytrauma/TBI clinics, with a median annual cost of $15,027 per person for outpatient care. Notably, mental health services were the most expensive, costing about $6,834, and delays in accessing care increased overall costs significantly. Who this helps: This helps veterans and service members recovering from traumatic brain injuries.

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This study looked at how autistic children are included in community recreation programs and gathered insights from parents and program staff. Researchers found that while some programs aimed to be inclusive, many still fell short, with experiences of belonging and participation often lacking. Specifically, even in programs that said they were inclusive, feelings of being treated differently and overlooked were common. This matters because it highlights the need for better practices that truly support inclusion for autistic children. Who this helps: This benefits parents of autistic children and community program organizers.

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This research reviewed strategies for improving teamwork between healthcare providers and community organizations to help young people with disabilities get involved in physical activities. Out of 16 studies analyzed, nine main strategies were found, with a focus on adapting environments to make activities more accessible. The findings highlight the importance of clear communication and detailed reporting on these strategies to support physical activity participation in young people with disabilities. Who this helps: This benefits young people with childhood-onset disabilities, their families, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how physical activity affects dementia and cognitive decline in older Australians. Out of 11,655 participants, 8% developed dementia and about 31% experienced cognitive decline over an average follow-up period of 10.4 years. Those who engaged rarely or never in physical activity had a 79% higher risk of dementia and a 58% higher risk of cognitive decline compared to those who participated in light physical activity, although doing more than light activity did not further reduce these risks. Who this helps: This information benefits older adults by highlighting the importance of even light physical activity for better brain health.

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This study looked at how long-term exposure to fine air pollution (PM2.5) affects the risk of developing dementia in older adults in Australia. They analyzed data from over 16,000 participants and found that while there was no overall increase in dementia risk, women exposed to levels greater than 10 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5 showed a trend toward higher dementia risk. This research highlights the importance of monitoring air quality, especially for elderly women who may be more vulnerable to pollution-related health issues. Who this helps: This helps doctors and public health officials working to protect older adults from environmental health risks.

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This research reviewed how omega-3 fatty acids, often found in fish, impact brain health and the risk of heart disease in older adults, especially considering genetic factors like the APOE-e4 allele. They found that higher levels of omega-3s were linked to slower cognitive decline in people with the APOE-e4 gene, but the evidence was mixed and not definitive. This matters because understanding how genetics influence the benefits of omega-3s could lead to better health strategies for aging populations. Who this helps: Older adults, especially those with genetic risk factors for cognitive decline.

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This study looked at how changes in a specific gene involved in water regulation in the brain (called aquaporin-4) impact thinking abilities, brain size, and the risk of developing dementia among people who do not currently have dementia. The research found that individuals with one or two copies of a specific variant of this gene tended to have better memory skills, larger hippocampal brain areas, and a lower risk of later developing dementia compared to those without these variants. Specifically, having this variant reduced the risk of developing dementia by about 7% and was linked to about 5% larger hippocampal volumes. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk for dementia and healthcare providers in understanding genetic factors affecting brain health.

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This study looked at how physical function and biological aging change in healthy older adults who develop cancer compared to those who don't. Over three years, it found that people who got cancer showed a more significant decline in strength and ability to stand up quickly, with a drop in grip strength by nearly 1.8 kPa and slower sit-to-stand times by about 0.64 seconds. These findings highlight that developing cancer can speed up aging and decline in physical abilities, which is important for understanding how to support older adults facing a cancer diagnosis. Who this helps: This helps older patients diagnosed with cancer and their healthcare providers.

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Researchers studied the drug atrasentan in adults with IgA nephropathy, a kidney condition that causes protein in the urine, while they were also taking standard medications. They found that atrasentan reduced the level of protein in urine by about 25% after 12 weeks and maintained a similar reduction for 24 weeks. This finding is important because it shows that adding atrasentan can significantly improve kidney health in these patients without increasing safety concerns. Who this helps: This helps patients with IgA nephropathy by offering an additional treatment option to manage their condition.

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This study looked at how frailty, hand grip strength, and walking speed change over 11 years in older adults before they develop dementia. Researchers found that people who later got dementia showed more frailty and declined faster in grip strength and walking speed compared to those who didn’t develop dementia, with these declines becoming noticeable four to six years before a dementia diagnosis. Understanding these changes can help in identifying individuals at risk for dementia earlier, which is important for potential early interventions. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers can use this information for early detection and better management of dementia risk.

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This study compared two methods of taking biopsies to diagnose prostate cancer: a newer technique called transperineal (TP) biopsy using MRI guidance and the traditional transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) method. The researchers looked at 32 patients and found that 34.3% were diagnosed with significant prostate cancer using the TP method, even after previous tests showed less serious results. Importantly, no complications occurred with the TP method, highlighting its safer profile. Who this helps: This benefits patients suspected of having prostate cancer by improving diagnosis accuracy and safety.

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This study looked at using umbilical artery access to perform stenting for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in newborns, which is a less invasive option than traditional surgery. Researchers treated seven babies, all of whom had no complications from the procedure, which took an average of about 2 hours, and used one stent in most cases. This method is important because it offers a safer way to help babies with heart defects without the risks associated with more invasive surgeries. Who this helps: This benefits newborn patients with congenital heart defects and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the age of children receiving heart-lung transplants affects their outcomes. Researchers analyzed data on 217 pediatric patients and found that younger patients (under 12 years) had lower survival rates compared to older patients, particularly within the first year after the transplant. Specifically, while younger patients faced more challenges with prolonged mechanical ventilation, both age groups experienced similar rates of other serious issues like stroke and organ rejection. This matters because understanding these differences can help improve care and outcomes for young patients requiring this complex surgery. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients and their families by providing insights into the risks associated with heart-lung transplants at different ages.

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This study looked at how often doctors use a particular method to measure pressure inside the skull in patients with acute liver failure and found that the rate of serious complications related to pressure buildup has sharply declined. From 2009 to 2018, the occurrence of high intracranial pressure dropped from 13% to just 3%, while the use of the pressure monitoring method also fell significantly from about 21% to just 1.4%. This is important because it shows that doctors can manage these patients effectively without using invasive pressure monitoring, leading to no increase in negative health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with acute liver failure and their healthcare teams.

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This study looked at the effects of manual therapy combined with other treatments on a 41-year-old woman dealing with chronic pain and high blood pressure (hypertension). Initially, her blood pressure was high at 147/78, but after treatment, it dropped significantly to 105/65. The combination of manual therapy, education, meditation, and exercise not only improved her blood pressure but also helped reduce her pain and allowed her to return to walking regularly. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic pain and hypertension.

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This study looked at a specific genetic variant related to a water channel in the brain called aquaporin-4 and how it affects thinking skills, brain size, and the risk of developing dementia. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 4,000 people in the Framingham Heart Study and over 32,000 people in the UK Biobank and found that those with a particular genetic combination (called heterozygotes) had better memory, larger brain regions important for memory, and a 7% lower chance of developing dementia compared to those with a different genetic make-up. These findings are important because they suggest that genetics can influence brain health, potentially guiding future strategies for preventing dementia. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk for dementia and their doctors by identifying genetic factors that may indicate brain health.

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This study looked at a specific group of cancer cells called persisters, which can survive both drug and immune therapies, leading to cancer recurrence. Researchers found that these cells have reduced sensitivity to treatments, meaning they can resist various drugs and therapies, including radiation. For example, both types of persisters showed decreased sensitivity to a range of treatments, which is important because it helps explain why some cancers come back even after aggressive treatments. Who this helps: This research helps patients by providing insights that could lead to more effective cancer therapies.

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This study looked at how effective a digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program for insomnia (CBT-I) is for pregnant individuals experiencing sleep difficulties. The trial involved pregnant people with moderate to severe insomnia, measuring their sleep symptoms before and after using the CBT-I program compared to a control group that received basic sleep education. The research is important because it aims to find out not only if this therapy improves sleep but also how easily it can be implemented in community healthcare settings for pregnant patients. Who this helps: This research benefits pregnant individuals struggling with insomnia and the healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study looked at eight different antibodies that target the Optineurin protein, which is important for brain health and is linked to diseases like ALS and glaucoma. Researchers tested these antibodies using specific lab techniques and found that they have varying effectiveness, which can help scientists choose the best ones for their research. This is important because selecting the right antibody can lead to better understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists working on brain-related diseases.

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This study explored a new therapy called MOBILE aimed at improving walking in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Researchers worked with 14 children aged 6-17 who have difficulty walking and provided them with 30 hours of targeted practice over six weeks. Preliminary results indicated that this approach could be promising for enhancing walking skills, which is important because many current treatments yield poor long-term improvements. Who this helps: This benefits children with cerebral palsy and their families.