Hearing loss in middle age may be associated with increased odds of cognitive decline

Reuters (8/9, Crist) reported a study published in JAMA Network Open suggested a link between hearing loss in middle age and higher odds of cognitive decline in later years. Researchers tracked over “16,000 men and women and found that a new diagnosis of hearing loss between ages 45 and 65 more than doubled the odds of a dementia diagnosis in the next dozen years.”

Late growth spurts in kids may be associated with lower bone density, study indicates

Reuters (8/9, Carroll) reported that, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open, “kids who experienced their growth spurts – which occur around the age of puberty – late had lower than average bone density in young adulthood.” Researchers found that “among both girls and boys, there were faster gains in bone mineral density when the growth spurt came late. But even with speeded up bone density gains, the kids who spurted late never caught up with those who spurted early.”

Massachusetts health officials confirm first human case of EEE this year

The AP (8/10) reported, “Massachusetts health officials have confirmed a case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus infection in a male over 60 from southern Plymouth County.” This is “the first human case of EEE” in the state since 2013.

Cardiologist highlights initiative that aims to obtain accurate blood pressure readings and improve blood pressure control

Dr. R. Todd Hurst, a board-certified cardiologist, wrote in an opinion piece for FierceHealthcare (8/9, Hurst), “For most of my career as a cardiologist, I’ve failed to take patients’ blood pressure readings in the most accurate way, and so have most healthcare providers.” Dr. Hurst highlights Target: BP, an initiative from the American Medical Association and the American Heart Association that aims to decrease uncontrolled hypertension, by “obtaining accurate blood pressure readings and improving blood pressure control among patients.”

New York officials confirm five measles cases in Mennonite community

The AP (8/8) reports New York state health officials “say they’ve confirmed five cases of measles in a Mennonite community in western New York.” The state Health Department “says Thursday the cases of the highly contagious respiratory disease were recorded in Wyoming County. The department has issued an advisory to notify regional health care providers of the potential for exposure.”

PFAS may be associated with increased risk of diabetes, study suggests

Reuters (8/8, Rapaport) reports that certain “chemicals known as PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances), which are used to make consumer products stain-resistant, water-repellent and nonstick,” may be “associated with an increased risk of diabetes, but much of this added risk is reduced with good eating and exercise habits,” research indicated. The findings of the 957-participant study were published online in Diabetes Care.