Older patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent lengthy diet and exercise interventions reported less pain and maintained some weight loss years after the program ended, according to a new study published in Arthritis Care & Research. The study involved patients with overweight or obesity aged 55 years or older who were previously enrolled in the 1.5-year Intensive Diet and Exercise for Arthritis (IDEA) trial.

Decreased near-vision function in older patients may increase the risk for later dementia, new research suggests. Analyses from the population-based Three City study of more than 7700 participants older than age 65 years showed that those with moderate-to-severe near-vision loss at baseline were significantly more likely to develop dementia 12 years later than those who did not have any loss of function. But there was no association between distance-vision loss and dementia risk. The main message is that clinicians need to be careful of eye vision and realize its importance for these patients. Patients shouldn't assume that vision loss as they get older is just a normal part of aging, she said. Instead, they should seek out a clinical examination both to improve eyesight and to rule out other related conditions.

The first COVID booster shot is now in the rear-view mirror for millions of Americans —for the 28% who got it, at least — but new data finds its effectiveness waning after about 4 months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has already recommended boosters for immunocompromised people. So, is the next logical step another booster for every other adult? The consensus among public health officials seems to be: Not so fast.

An important part of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease includes being able to explain your symptoms, as well as perspective from a close family member or friend about symptoms and their impact on daily life. Additionally, a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is based on tests your doctor administers to assess memory and thinking skills. Please leave your comments on how to treat Alzheimer's disease.

Hello, I would like to know what is the reason behind myocarditis after covid infection? Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the heart characterized by inflammatory infiltrates and myocardial injury without an ischemic cause. Please leave your comments on this.

@sharbatanu Many times, ablutophobia goes untreated because people who have it believe there isn’t a treatment that would help them. However, there are effective treatments for it. The first type of treatment is psychotherapy. Psychotherapy treatments include exposure therapy and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). In exposure therapy, you’ll gradually be exposed to bathing or washing. During this gradual exposure, you’ll learn to manage your feelings and anxiety at each repeated gradual exposure. CBT can be combined with exposure therapy. As you’re gradually exposed to bathing, you’ll learn techniques that can help alter your view of bathing and reduce your anxiety and fear.

Hello, nowadays there is so much fuss about omicron. How easily does Omicron spread? Can anybody please provide some updated information on this? So that we can take the precaution accordingly.

@sohini Ovarian cysts can’t be prevented. However, routine gynecologic examinations can detect ovarian cysts early. Benign ovarian cysts don’t become cancerous. However, symptoms of ovarian cancer can mimic symptoms of an ovarian cyst. Thus, it’s important to visit your doctor and receive a correct diagnosis. Alert your doctor to symptoms that may indicate a problem, such as:
changes in your menstrual cycle
ongoing pelvic pain
loss of appetite
unexplained weight loss
abdominal fullness