Displaying items by tag: Health

Atogepant, an oral medication for preventing chronic and episodic migraines, may soon be accessible via the NHS in England. This treatment, poised to benefit up to 170,000 people, is especially for those unresponsive to other medications or unable to take injections. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends it for patients who have tried and found no relief with three different medications. Clinical trials have shown its effectiveness in some adults. Migraines, often marked by severe pain, dizziness, and light sensitivity, can last several days. Atogepant is meant for daily use to prevent both chronic (over 15 times a month) and episodic (4-15 times a month) migraines. Initially, it will be prescribed by specialists in secondary care. The Migraine Trust has welcomed this development but stressed the need for swift access, citing past difficulties in accessing new treatments due to limited awareness among doctors and long specialist waiting lists.

In a significant move to enhance dementia care, thousands in the UK will participate in a trial to test blood for dementia, led by University College London and Oxford University. This five-year study aims to facilitate early access to care, support, and emerging drug treatments. About 5,000 volunteers will be involved in researching blood tests for Alzheimer's and other dementias. Currently, diagnostic methods like PET brain scans or spinal lumbar punctures, which detect brain proteins linked to Alzheimer's, are costly and underutilised. This trial explores more accessible blood tests, potentially a more economical and straightforward approach. The aim of the study (which focuses on various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's) is to improve diagnosis rates, particularly in early stages or mild memory issues. This trial holds promise, especially with the development of new drugs like Lecanemab and Donanemab, which potentially slow the progression of the disease. Alzheimer’s Research UK has highlighted the critical need for advances in dementia diagnosis, mirroring progress in other diseases.

A study conducted in Bangladesh reveals that owning a pair of reading glasses might increase earnings by a third. Researchers found that average monthly earnings rose from $35 to $47 within eight months for participants over 35 with poor eyesight. Presbyopia, the loss of closeup vision, costs the global economy over $25bn annually in lost productivity. However, in low- and middle-income countries only about 10% of people have glasses to correct the problem. The study, involving 824 individuals, has highlighted their significant impact on improving quality of life and productivity. The story of Sarah Nakalyowa, a basket weaver from Uganda, illustrates the transformative effect of glasses on productivity and income. Spectacles enabled her to regain lost income and even start a mushroom-growing business.

Responding to concerns over the rapid rise in youth vaping, prime minister Christopher Luxon’s government plans to ban the use of disposable e-cigarettes by minors and increase penalties for anyone selling them to under-18s. Announcing this decision, the associate health minister stressed that e-cigarettes remain ‘a key smoking cessation device’. Retailers will face fines up to 100,000 NZ dollars (£47,000) for selling vapes to minors, and individuals up to 1,000 NZD. Regulations will also prevent e-cigarettes from being sold with images or enticing names that might appeal to young people. This move follows the recent decision to repeal the world’s first smoking ban, passed by the previous government, which aimed to pave the way for a smoke-free generation, after backlash from researchers and campaigners over its risk to indigenous people.

A UK study has revealed a significant decline in cancer death rates among middle-aged individuals since the early 1990s, despite an increase in cases. Cancer Research UK, a key contributor to the study, noted a 37% decrease in male cancer deaths and a 33% decrease in female cancer deaths from 1993 to 2018. The research found notable reductions in death rates for many, including a 54.3% decrease in cervical cancer fatalities among women, largely due to the HPV vaccine and better screening. Similarly, lung cancer deaths dropped significantly, particularly in men, partly due to reduced smoking rates. There were substantial mortality reductions in both men and women aged 35-69 years, reflecting the success in cancer prevention, earlier detection, and improved diagnostics. However, there was a notable increase in cancer diagnoses in this age group, attributed to such factors as obesity, alcohol consumption, and sun exposure.

The world’s oral cholera vaccine stockpile has run dry, while at least 16 countries face outbreaks. Africa experiences a disproportionately high cholera mortality rate; in three countries the number of cases quadrupled in one year, and 1,600 died. Manufacturers have already allocated upcoming vaccine doses elsewhere until mid-March, with growing demand surpassing supply. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is calling for more manufacturers, and more technical support to help them. The shortage leaves communities unprotected, heightening the risk of preventable cholera deaths. This scarcity echoes past challenges, for example when a temporary one-dose vaccination measure was adopted in 2022. The current outbreaks are exacerbated by humanitarian crises and environmental factors like droughts, floods, and inadequate public infrastructure.

A global study on Covid vaccines has identified small increases in heart, blood, and neurological disorders among recipients. Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca shots were linked to higher risks of certain conditions, including nerve-wasting and brain-swelling disorders. Despite this, the absolute risk remains low, with only 2,000 cases among 13 billion doses administered. Notable findings include a threefold increase in myocarditis and a higher risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Concerns over neurological events following vaccination were outweighed by the significantly higher risk associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, AstraZeneca shots were associated with an increased risk of two types of thrombosis. While the study shows potential risks, it underlines the benefits of vaccinations in preventing Covid-related deaths.

The Government is set to ban disposable vapes in an effort to reduce vaping among youth, following an alarming rise in use by 11- to 17-year-olds. The ban will target the marketing and sale of vapes to children, with Rishi Sunak ensuring access to vaping alternatives for adult smokers. Despite being less harmful than cigarettes, vaping’s long-term health impacts remain uncertain. The vaping industry criticises the ban, fearing it will fuel a black market and put children at greater risk. The proposal, seen as a balance between protecting children and aiding smokers, follows a trend in countries like Australia, France, Germany, and New Zealand. Additionally, nicotine pouches will be banned for minors. The Government will consult on specific measures, such as sales methods for refillable vapes. New fines will be introduced for illegal sales to minors, and a £30m package will support enforcement. The ban has faced varied reactions; some advocate stricter import and access controls as more effective solutions.

Four years into the Covid pandemic, the virus continues to evolve rapidly, affecting the UK population and healthcare system. Approximately 1.2 million people in England and Scotland are now estimated to have Covid; the latest significant strain is the JN1 variant of Omicron. Despite lower peaks than in previous years, the virus still causes multiple waves, exacerbated by reduced vaccination scope and emerging variants. Hospitalisations have declined, with fewer than 5,000 weekly admissions in England since early 2023, thanks to vaccine effectiveness. The anti-vax movement has influenced public perception, but vaccines have significantly reduced Covid mortality. Long Covid remains a concern, affecting almost two million people in the UK and adding financial strain to healthcare services. Excess deaths in 2023 were still above the five-year average, indicating ongoing challenges for the NHS, including treatment backlogs. The pandemic has underscored health inequalities and the importance of comprehensive public health strategies. Future measures include seasonal vaccines and improved indoor air quality to combat evolving variants.

Health experts have issued a stark warning as measles cases surge in England, largely due to a rise in unvaccinated children. In 2023, there were 1,603 suspected measles cases in England and Wales, a significant increase from the previous two years. The West Midlands is currently experiencing the most severe outbreak, with 198 confirmed and 104 probable cases, primarily among unvaccinated school-age children in Birmingham. Its Children’s Hospital reports treating over fifty children for measles in the past month, the highest number in decades. Measles, a highly contagious disease, requires 95% vaccine coverage to achieve herd immunity. However, vaccination rates have dropped below 90%, increasing the risk of severe infections, brain damage, and even death. Professor Sir Andrew Pollard stresses the urgent need for more vaccinations to prevent hospital admissions and fatalities. The UK, which has lost its measles-free status due to declining MMR vaccinations, faces potential outbreaks if vaccination rates do not improve. The NHS is urging parents to ensure their children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine to curb the spread of this serious disease.