Reading Room
The reading room includes articles and videos of potential interest to consumers and medical professionals. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the NC Medical Board, its members and staff. Note: Some links may require subscriptions.
Study uncovers some underlying reasons why music therapy helps treat depression
Medical News Today
August 16, 2024
Using music to help treat mental illness is one focus of mental illness research. Experts are interested in understanding music therapy and how to achieve the best results from its use. A study published in Cell Reports looked at some of the underlying mechanisms involved in the effectiveness of music therapy as a treatment for depression. The researchers found that subjective enjoyment was a key factor in seeing an effective response in participants with treatment-resistant depression. The results further highlight the underlying reasons why music therapy is helpful and what steps could enhance its effectiveness.
COVID is on the rise this summer. Here’s why and what else you should know
NPR
August 15, 2024
If it seems like a lot of people are getting COVID right now, you’re not imagining it. We’re in the middle of a worldwide summer COVID-19 wave. A high or very high level of COVID-19 virus is being detected in wastewater in almost every state, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least 10 other states have a high amount of COVID in the wastewater.
A popular low calorie sweetener may raise the risk of blood clotting
Medical News Today
August 13, 2024
Since the invention of the very first sugar substitute saccharin in 1879, scientists have been continuing to look for ways to create the sweet taste of sugar without the calories it has. Recently, sugar alcohols have become a common sugar replacement. Sugar alcohols tend to be slightly less sweet or equally as sweet as natural sugar, allowing them to seamlessly replace sugar in some foods. One commonly used sugar alcohol is erythritol — a sugar alcohol naturally found in certain fruits and vegetables and is commercially made through the fermentation of a simple sugar called dextrose found in corn. Previous research has linked erythritol to an increased risk for cardiovascular issues, such as a study published in March 2023 that found an association between erythritol use and an increased risk for major cardiovascular events including heart attack and stroke.
New blood tests can help diagnose Alzheimer’s. Are doctors ready for what’s next?
NPR
August 2, 2024
A new generation of blood tests promises to change the way doctors diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s disease. The tests offer a fast and easy way for physicians to learn whether a patient with symptoms of cognitive decline also has the brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s. Evidence of those brain changes is required before doctors can prescribe one of two recently approved drugs that can slow down the disease. As demand for those drugs rises, blood tests could play a crucial role in identifying patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s who would benefit from treatment.
