Expert Q&A: What are the long-term effects of measles in kids and adults?

Boxes and vials of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Virus Vaccine at a vaccine clinic put on by Lubbock Public Health Department on March 1, 2025 in Lubbock,Texas.

• Although measles is seen as a contagious viral disease that passes quickly, it can also cause damage that leaves long-term health effects.
• A measles infection can lead to a phenomenon called ‘immune amnesia,’ which affects the body’s ability to fight off other infections.
• It also may lead to neurological, respiratory, and fertility-related issues.

As the initial measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico has grown and spread to 378 people in 18 states, many people, and especially parents have been worried about the long-term health effects of measles infection.

Measles is seen as relatively short-lived viral disease, although the acute symptoms can take around 7–18 days to show.

What’s more is that this highly contagious disease can also have significant long-term health consequences, namely neurological, respiratory, and immune system-related complications.

Medical News Today spoke to two experts — Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, and David Cutler, MD, board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA — about complications related to a measles infection and how it impacts overall health.

What is immune amnesia, and how does measles cause it?

The immune system takes a hit after a measles infection, leading to multiple changes in how the body’s defenses respond to other viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.

One change that can happen after a measles infection is a phenomenon called “immune amnesia.” As the name implies, it is essentially the immune system’s memory of how to fight previous pathogens being erased.

This effect may last up to a few years, long after the acute phase of the disease has passed and the person has recovered.

Cutler explained immune amnesia as:

“This refers to the process where the measles virus actually replaces the old memory cells of its host with new, measle virus-specific immune cells (lymphocytes). As a result, the patient emerges with both a strong measle virus-specific immunity and an increased vulnerability to all other pathogens. This makes the measles patient very vulnerable to other infections, especially other germs causing pneumonia.”

Gandhi also noted that “immune amnesia is when the measles virus can temporarily destroy immune cells (T and B cells) you have developed to other infections (or vaccines), making it more difficult for you to fight off a pathogen that you had previously seen.”

She added that “immune amnesia can lead to enhanced susceptibility to other infections up to 2–3 years after an active measles infection; the immune memory to other pathogens is eventually restored.”

Gandhi said that during the period of immune amnesia induced by a measles infections, people’s susceptibility to other infections heightens and this may increase their risk of mortality from other diseases.

Prior to measles vaccination becoming widespread, this infection resulted in millions of childhood deaths each year, according to historical data from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Can measles cause neurological complications?

A measles infection can lead to many long-term neurological complications, most notably Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), which is a progressive neurological disorder.

The typical timeline for SSPE to develop is 7–10 years after the initial measles infection, with symptoms such as behavioral changes, cognitive decline, and seizures, which lead to coma and death.

Among the other neurological effects people experience after a measles infection are acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), transverse myelitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. The disease can also cause persistent cognitive impairments.

When asked if she had experienced a young measles patient experiencing disease-related complications years later, Gandi shared:

“I have seen one such case in my career of a rare syndrome called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) that can occur years (7-10 years) after a measles infection. SSPE is a long-term complication of measles that, although rare (4-11 SSPE cases/100,000 cases of measles) is devastating. SSPE is a slowly progressive brain disorder characterized by cognitive decline, abnormalities in gait, vision loss and eventually a comatose state, progressing to death within a few years.”

Measles and tuberculosis: Reactivation of dormant infections

Measles can also lead to long-term respiratory conditions such as bronchiectasis (permanent damage to airways), interstitial pneumonitis (inflammation of lung tissue inflammation that may lead to fibrosis), and increase one’s susceptibility to tuberculosis.

Some reports suggest that a measles infection may reactivate latent tuberculosis, leading to active disease in people who were previously infected.

“[B]ecause of the immune amnesia, dormant infections — like chronic herpes simplex virus or varicella zoster — can reactivate in the context of measles,” Gandhi warned.

Can measles affect fertility and pregnancy?

A measles infection during pregnancy can increase a person’s risk of miscarriage, as well as lead to premature births. It has also been linked to lower birth weight and congenital defects. It can also cause complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis in the pregnant person.

Gandhi underscored that measles during pregnancy can be dangerous for the person carrying the baby to term.

“[Since they are] immunosuppressed from both the pregnancy and measles, [they may be] susceptible to pneumonia or encephalitis (more severe consequences of measles) during pregnancy. There is also a risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, or developmental problems in the baby,” she said.

“While measles (rubeola) has not been associated with birth defects to the extent that German measles (rubella) has, it can still be a serious infection during pregnancy,” Cutler said.

“So, preventing the spread of measles infection is important for everyone. And being fully vaccinated against measles is the best protection,” he added..

How to protect yourself against measles

Cutler said what makes measles particularly dangerous to health lies in how infectious it is.

“About 90% of susceptible people will acquire the infection by simply being in the same room as a measles patient. In addition, the virus will linger in the air for hours after the measles patient has left the room,” he said.

The only proven method of protection against measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which is administered in two doses. According to the CDC, this is approximately 97% effective at preventing this disease.

It is also important to note that getting vaccinated also aids herd immunity, therefore protecting members of the community that may be more vulnerable to infections and complications due to age or medical conditions.

“[W]hile the most recent numbers may seem small, the very existence of measles cases is a great disappointment as this is a vaccine-preventable disease,” Cutler said.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/expert-qa-what-are-the-long-term-effects-of-measles-in-kids-and-adults#How-to-protect-yourself-against-measles

Certain type of statins may help decrease liver cancer risk

New research suggests that statins may have liver benefits beyond cholesterol control.

• In terms of death risk, liver cancer is one of the leading types of cancer linked to high mortality.
• Experts have been trying to find ways to help people who are most at risk for liver cancer.
• One study explored the use of statins, a class of medications typically used to lower LDL cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
• Researchers found that statin use decreased the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic decompensation, which is an advanced stage of liver disease.

According to the National Cancer Institute, liver cancer ranks sixth in causing death from cancer in the U.S. A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine examined how statin use affected liver cancer risk in participants who had chronic liver disease.

The authors found that statin use appeared to decrease the “10-year-cumulative incidence” of liver cancer and hepatic decompensation, or decompensated cirrhosis. Hepatic decompensation is when a person may be reaching end stage liver failure and experiences complications such as ascites and jaundice as liver function continues to decrease.

Participants in this study who used lipophilic (fat-soluble) statins like atorvastatin and simvastatin had the greatest outcomes for liver cancer, and participants with longer exposure to statins had the best outcomes for liver cancer and hepatic decompensation.

Participants on statins also had better outcomes for liver fibrosis, which is a buildup of scar tissue that can make it hard for the liver to function.

How do statins affect liver cancer risk?

Chronic liver disease has to do with a slow decrease in the liver’s ability to do its job. Statins typically help lower cholesterol levels, particularly the “bad” cholesterol.

Researchers examined how statin use affected hepatocellular carcinoma and liver decompensation. Hepatocellular carcinoma accounts for most liver cancer that begins in the liver. Hepatic decompensation has to do with troubles in liver function. For this study, researchers defined hepatic decompensation as the presence of certain conditions like hepatic encephalopathy and hepatorenal syndrome.

This historical cohort study included 16,501 participants. Of this, 3,610 were statin users. Data was from hospitals that were part of the Mass General Brigham health care system.

The average age of participants was just under age 60. All participants were over 40 years of age and had chronic liver disease. Participants had received their chronic liver disease diagnoses between July 2000 and June 2023. They excluded participants based on factors like previous liver transplant or hepatocellular carcinoma. Regarding fibrosis, they excluded participants with a Fibrosis-4 score lower than 1.3. This blood test indicates the degree of fibrosis in the liver, with a higher number indicating worse fibrosis.

Lipophilic vs. hydrophilic statins

Participants were not taking statins for the first 180 days after diagnosis of chronic liver disease. Five statins participants took were lipophilic statins, and two were hydrophilic statins. Participants were considered nonstatin users if their cumulative defined daily dose was less than 30.

“Statins, which are generally used to help lower cholesterol levels and mitigate the risk of MACE (major adverse cardiac events) in patients, can also play other roles in the body and thus their use may be considered in other conditions. This study, which is a cohort study including over 16,000 patients, theorizes that statins, specifically lipophilic statins may help to slow down the progression of fibrosis, thus in a subset of patients may then help to mitigate the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma,” explained Jossef Amirian, MD, board certified cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology in NYC, who was not involved in the study, to Medical News Today.

During the study, there were 755 incident cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and 2,011 cases of hepatic decompensation.

The results of the study showed better outcomes for participants who used statins.

The 10-year cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was lower for statin users. While 8% of nonusers developed hepatocellular carcinoma, only 3.8% of statin users did.

After the multivariable adjustment, researchers found that statin users’ risk for hepatocellular carcinoma was 33% lower than for participants who did not use statins.

The 10-year cumulative incidence of hepatic decompensation was also better for statin users. While 19.5% of nonusers developed hepatic decompensation, only 10.6% of statin users did. After the multivariable adjustment, statin users had a 22% lower risk for hepatic decompensation.

When looking at the duration of use, those with the longest duration saw the most minimal 10-year cumulative incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic decompensation. However, those with less time of statin use still had better outcomes in these areas compared to nonusers.

Does statin type impact outcome?

Researchers also analyzed if statin type impacted the outcomes.

The lipophilic statin group had slightly better outcomes than the hydrophilic statin group for hepatocellular carcinoma. For the hydrophilic statin group, the 10-year cumulative incidence was 4.1%, while it was 3.7% for the lipophilic statin group.

In contrast, the hydrophilic statin group had better outcomes for hepatic decompensation. The hydrophilic statin group had a 7.9% 10-year cumulative incidence, while the lipophilic statin group was 11.2%.

Subgroup analyses also showed the benefits of statin use. For example, among participants with dyslipidemia, i.e. those who had blood lipid levels that were too high or low, using statins helped to decrease the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma by 57%.

Statin-using participants with cirrhosis saw a lower 10-year incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic decompensation. Statin-using participants with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and those without, with other causes of chronic liver disease, and participants taking metformin and aspirin also saw risk reduction for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Additionally, researchers examined a subset of about 7,000 participants to see if statin use affected the transition to various stages of liver fibrosis.

The authors note that people with low liver fibrosis also have low incidences of hepatocellular carcinoma. Fewer statin participants transitioned from an intermediate to a high fibrosis score. More statin users moved from the high fibrosis score group to the intermediate group than non-statin users. More statin users also moved from the intermediate group to the low group.

With participants who developed hepatocellular carcinoma, there were worse fibrosis outcomes than for participants who did not develop hepatocellular carcinoma.

Researchers note that the findings “underscore the potential of statins as chemopreventive agents against HCC [hepatocellular carcinoma] through their role in mitigating fibrosis progression.”

Study limitations

The research does have certain limitations. First, it focused on one region and users of one particular healthcare system; about 79% of participants were white. It also focused on hospital-based participants who met inclusion criteria. Thus, the results cannot be generalized to everyone.

Second, researchers were able to adjust for several confounders, but others, like socioeconomic status or healthcare access, could have influenced the findings. Third, researchers could not account for possible treatments participants received postindex and had to assume that all participants received the standard of care appropriate for their type of chronic liver disease.

Finally, they only used the Fibrosis-4 score method to look at fibrosis indirectly, and liver biopsies would have been more direct.

 

More research on different statins needed

Amirian said that the study results suggest that statins may help prevent certain liver cancers, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, he said, “More data is needed over time to define a statistically significant association or causation.”

Patrick Kee, MD, PhD, cardiologist, Vital Heart & VeinKee, who was also not involved in the study, noted the following regarding the study’s limitations:

“This study is retrospective and did not involve randomized controlled trials to assess the efficacy of statin therapy in preventing the development of HCC and hepatic decompensation among individuals with CLD [chronic liver disease]. Most subjects who received statin treatment had other compelling reasons for its use, such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes. Consequently, the number of statin nonusers was approximately four times higher than that of statin users, which may potentially influence the observed treatment effects.”

More research is likely needed to look at the effects of different types of statins as well.

Kee noted the following:

“The apparent lower incidence of HCC and hepatic decompensation among subjects exposed to lipophilic statins compared to hydrophilic statins is minimal, with a difference of only 0.4% over a 10-year period. Consequently, its clinical significance remains uncertain.”

More research is also required to understand the particular benefits of lipophilic statins, including how they act on the body to decrease the risk of liver cancer. Continuing to examine the effects of hydrophilic statins may also be beneficial, as well as longer studies.

Wael Harb, MD, board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist at MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast and Saddleback Medical Centers in Orange County, CA, who was also not involved in the study, noted that statins may have other benefits but that more research is needed.

“While these findings cannot prove causation on their own (as this was an observational study), they contribute to a growing body of research hinting that statins might have benefits well beyond cholesterol management. Of course, further research—ideally prospective or randomized trials—would help clarify which patient subgroups benefit most, how large that benefit is, and whether specific statins or doses have the strongest effect.”— Wael Harb, MD

Could statins be a preventive measure for liver disease?

This study notes the potential benefit of statin use in people who have chronic liver disease.

Harb noted the following:

“[The study] supports the hypothesis that the chemopreventive effects of statins extend to liver cancer prevention and fibrosis progression, reinforcing a potentially significant benefit for patients with chronic liver disease. The findings should prompt more focused research to understand which groups would benefit most and whether these benefits can be replicated in prospective clinical trials.”

It may be a while before there are direct clinical applications.

“Statin therapy is not intended to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or hepatic decompensation, but it may be considered as an additional potential benefit in patients at risk of developing these liver conditions.”
— Patrick Kee, MD, PhD

There should be caution with use as well, accompanied by expert guidance that weighs potential risks and benefits.

“In patients with dyslipidemia and elevated liver enzymes, physicians often express concerns about the safety of initiating statin therapy for treating hyperlipidemia. While rare, statins can cause liver injury, manifesting as elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT),” Kee noted.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/certain-type-statins-may-help-decrease-liver-cancer-risk#Could-statins-be-a-preventive-measure-for-liver-disease

Colorectal cancer diagnosis before age 50 may raise risk of dying from heart disease

Scientists have found a link between a diagnosis of colorectal cancer at younger

• The average age for people to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer is 66 years; however, recent research shows a marked increase in young adults.
• Colorectal cancer can increase a person’s risk for heart disease.
• A new study found people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have a higher probability of dying from cardiovascular issues.
• This increase in risk was especially apparent within the first two years after diagnosis and in people under the age of 50.

More than 1.9 million people around the world were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2020, which affects the large intestine (colon) and the rectum.

While the average age for colorectal cancer diagnosis is about 66 years old, recent studies show there is a marked increase in the amount of younger adults being diagnosed.

Research presented in May 2024 reported that colon cancer rates increased by 71% in adults ages 30 to 34 and 58% in adults ages 35 to 39 between 1999 and 2020.

Having colorectal cancer may increase a person’s risk for several diseases, including other cancers such as pancreatic and prostate cancers, as well as heart disease.

Now, a new study has found that people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have a higher probability of dying from cardiovascular issues than the general population. This increase is especially seen in the first two years after their diagnosis and in people under the age of 50.

The study was recently presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.25) but the results have yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

What’s the link between colon cancer and heart disease?

For this study, researchers analyzed medical data of more than 630,000 U.S. adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 2000 to 2021 from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database.

This data also included cardiovascular health information, including mortality from heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, aortic aneurysm, or atherosclerosis.

“It’s important for researchers to continue studying how colorectal cancer impacts other areas of a person’s health because cancer is not just a localized disease — it can have widespread effects on the body including, but not limited to, systemic effects of cancer, metastasis and secondary conditions, treatment side effects, psychological and emotional health, and co-existing conditions,” Ahsan Ayaz, MD, an internal medicine resident at Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital in New York, and a member of the research team told Medical News Today.

“Colorectal cancer and cardiovascular disease share common risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, and chronic inflammation. Studying this link helps determine whether these factors contribute to increased mortality in colorectal cancer patients.”— Ahsan Ayaz, MD

“Additionally, data from various studies have demonstrated association of cardiovascular toxicity with cancer treatments,” he added. “Some colorectal cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, can negatively impact the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, hypertension, or blood clots.”

2.4 times increased risk of dying from heart disease

At the study’s conclusion, Ayaz and his team found that people with colorectal cancer were 16% more likely to die of heart disease-related causes than people without this type of cancer.

They found that people with colorectal cancer had a 45% increased risk of dying from heart disease within the first two years of their diagnosis.

“(These findings signify) that (the) first two years is a crucial time period where the risk of cardiovascular mortality can be modified by devising certain strategies to address the modifiable cardiovascular risk factors to improve survival in cancer patients,” Ayaz said.

The heart disease-related mortality risk was especially seen in people under the age of 50, who were 2.4 times more likely to die from cardiovascular causes than those in the same age group without colon cancer.

“This is the most important finding of our study,” Ayaz said. “Data have shown that incidence of colorectal cancer has been increasing in (the) younger population. There could be an association with certain genetic markers, but data are lacking about this and needs to be further explored in future studies. This patient population probably needs aggressive cardiovascular care after receiving a diagnosis of colorectal cancer with (a) multidisciplinary approach.”

“Patients with colorectal cancer, particularly those among high-risk subgroups, should receive specialized cardio-oncological care particularly within two years of initial diagnosis,” Ayaz added. “We plan to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published colorectal cancer clinical trials to assess the risk factors associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.”

The relationship between colorectal cancer, heart disease not yet clear

MNT had the opportunity to speak with Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, about this study.

“This study found an association between colorectal cancer and an increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease,” Chen commented. “The reasons for such an association are not well understood but will be important to understand in order to help improve health outcomes for these patients.”

“While cancer itself can be deadly, it can frequently influence a person’s health by increasing their risk of other comorbid conditions. By better understanding the relationship between cancer and heart disease, it may potentially even be possible to improve cancer survival rates by better managing patients’ cardiovascular risk factors.”— Cheng-Han Chen, MD

“There needs to be much more research on the potential mechanisms that could explain how cancer would influence cardiovascular mortality,” Chen added.

Young adults should also be checked for heart disease

MNT also spoke with Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD, surgical oncologist, chief of medicine, and director of the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, CA, about this research.

Bilchik commented that this study demonstrates that young patients who develop colon cancer are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

“The importance of this is that these patients once diagnosed with colorectal cancer should be worked up for cardiovascular disease and treated appropriately. Furthermore, it provides further evidence that there may be similar causes for both cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer, such as inflammation, diet, and obesity.”— Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD

“These findings are extremely important because of the large increase in young patients being diagnosed with colorectal cancer and provides some insight into causation which can lead to more effective preventive options,” Bilchik added. “This is a large retrospective population-based study. Prospective trials are needed particularly in higher risk individuals to validate these findings.”

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/colorectal-cancer-diagnosis-before-age-50-may-raise-risk-dying-heart-disease#2-4-times-increased-risk-of-dying-from-heart-disease

Screen use during bedtime may raise your risk of insomnia by 59pc: Study

A groundbreaking Norwegian study reveals that screen use during bedtime can increase insomnia risk by a staggering 59 percent among young adults. Researchers discovered that the type of screen activity matters less than the act of using screens itself, with potential implications for mental health and academic performance. The study suggests screen time displaces rest, reducing sleep by an average of 24 minutes per night. Experts recommend stopping screen use 30-60 minutes before sleep and disabling nighttime notifications to improve sleep quality.

"We found no significant differences between social media and other screen activities" - Dr. Gunnhild Johnsen Hjetland

Screen use during bedtime may raise your risk of insomnia by 59pc: Study

Love to scroll your phone while in bed? Scientists have found that using a screen in bed can drive your risk of insomnia by 59 per cent.

Key Points

1 Screen use in bed reduces sleep time by 24 minutes

2 Study covers 45,202 young adults aged 18-28

3 Screen activities displace rest time rather than increase wakefulness

4 Sleep problems highly prevalent among students

While sleep is critical to mental and physical health, an increasing number of people are accustomed to using screens in bed. The study by researchers from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health in Norway showed it may be associated with poor sleep.

While social media is seen to be more associated with poorer sleep because of its interactive nature and potential for emotional stimulation, a survey of 45,202 young adults, aged between 18-28 years old, in Norway showed that the type of screen activity did not matter.

"We found no significant differences between social media and other screen activities, suggesting that screen use itself is the key factor in sleep disruption -- likely due to time displacement, where screen use delays sleep by taking up time that would otherwise be spent resting," said lead author Dr. Gunnhild Johnsen Hjetland, from the Institute.

The study showed that screen use in bed can reduce sleep time by 24 minutes.

Notably, sleep problems were found to be highly prevalent among students.

This may "have significant implications for mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being", said Hjetland.

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry, screens reduce sleep time because they displace rest, not because they increase wakefulness: different activities would be expected to affect wakefulness differently.

"If you struggle with sleep and suspect that screen time may be a factor, try to reduce screen use in bed, ideally stopping at least 30-60 minutes before sleep," Hjetland said.

"If you do use screens, consider disabling notifications to minimise disruptions during the night," Hjetland added, while calling for further studies to understand the relationship between screen use and sleep globally.

A recent study by researchers from Pennsylvania State University in the US showed that young adults who do not get the right amount of sleep may be at an increased risk for high blood pressure or hypertension -- a common risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

https://www.newkerala.com/news/o/screen-use-during-bedtime-raise-risk-insomnia-59pc-study-820

Study links atrial fibrillation with high risk of dementia

A major European study has found that atrial fibrillation significantly increases dementia risk in younger adults. Patients under 70 with AF face a 21% higher dementia risk, jumping to 36% for early-onset cases. The research analyzed over 2.5 million people across 13 years in Spain. Surprisingly, no link was found between AF and dementia in patients over 70.

"This is the largest European population-based study evaluating the association between AF and dementia." – Dr. Julian Rodriguez García

Study links atrial fibrillation with high risk of dementia

A new study showed on Sunday that presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of future dementia by 21 per cent in patients diagnosed with AF under 70 and the risk of early-onset dementia (diagnosed before age 65 years) by 36 per cent.

Key Points

1 AF raises dementia risk by 21% in under-70s

2 Strongest link seen in early-onset dementia (36% higher risk)

3 No association found in patients over 70

4 Study analyzed 2.5M individuals over 13 years

The association was stronger in younger adults and was lost in older adults aged 70 years and over, according to new research presented at the 'EHRA 2025', a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology, in Austria.

"This is the largest European population-based study evaluating the association between AF and dementia," said the authors that included Dr Julian Rodriguez García of the Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia department of the Bellvitge University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.

"The association between AF and dementia was stronger in patients under 70 and was maximal for early-onset dementia," García noted.

Atrial fibrillation causes an irregular heartbeat and is relatively common, affecting 2-3 per cernt of the general population, with the prevalence rising with age.

In this new study, the researchers assessed the independent association between AF and incident dementia in Catalonia, Spain.

The study included 2,520,839 individuals with an average follow-up of 13 years. At baseline, 79,820 patients (3.25%) had a recorded diagnosis of AF. In multivariable analyses adjusting for potential confounders, AF was, overall, a statistically significant but weak predictor of dementia, linked with a 4% increased risk of dementia.

However, age was found to significantly affect the association between AF and dementia.

In pre-specified analyses stratified by age, the strength of the association progressively weakened with increasing age: in patients aged 45-50, those with AF were 3.3 times more likely to develop dementia than those without AF. But in patients aged over 70 years, no association was found.

Further analysis showed the association lost statistical significance from 70 years. By contrast, in patients diagnosed with AF before the age of 70, the condition independently increased the risk of dementia by 21 per cent, and an even stronger effect was observed for early-onset dementia, with AF increasing the risk by 36 per cent.

"The study demonstrates a significant and strong association in younger patients between two pathologies - atrial fibrillation and dementia - that are among the major health challenges of the 21st century," said the authors.

https://www.newkerala.com/news/o/study-links-atrial-fibrillation-high-risk-dementia-405

Antidepressants linked to substantial increase in sudden cardiac death risk: Study

A new study shows antidepressants significantly increase the risk of sudden cardiac death, especially with prolonged use. Younger adults face the highest danger, with those under 39 seeing up to five times greater risk. The research, presented at EHRA 2025, highlights how exposure duration directly impacts cardiac safety. While older adults still face elevated risks, the danger decreases with age.

"Exposure time to antidepressants was associated with a higher risk of sudden cardiac death, and linked to how long the person had been exposed to antidepressants." — Dr. Jasmin Mujkanovic

Antidepressants linked to substantial increase in sudden cardiac death risk: Study

Researchers on Sunday showed that compared with the general population with no history of antidepressant (AD) use, individuals with a history of AD use have an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), which varies based on age and time of exposure.

Key Points

1 Younger adults face higher SCD risk from antidepressants

2 Long-term AD use worsens cardiac dangers

3 Older groups still see elevated but reduced risk

4 Psychiatric patients already at double SCD risk

The causes in people under the age of 39 are often a thickening of the heart muscle or an electrical problem with the heart. In older people, SCD is more likely to be caused by a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart.

Previous research has shown that patients with psychiatric disorders have an increased all-cause mortality as well as double the risk of sudden cardiac death across all age groups.

However, the impact of antidepressant exposure on SCD risk has so far been unclear.

In new research presented at 'EHRA 2025', a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology, researchers now show that there is a link.

"Exposure time to antidepressants was associated with a higher risk of sudden cardiac death, and linked to how long the person had been exposed to antidepressants," said study co-author Dr Jasmin Mujkanovic, Rigshospitalet Hjertecentret, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Those exposed for 6 years or more were at even more increased risk than those exposed for 1 to 5 years, when compared with people unexposed to antidepressants in the general population, Mujkanovic added.

In individuals aged 30-39 years, compared with the unexposed general population, those with 1 to 5 years of antidepressant exposure were around three times more likely to suffer sudden cardiac death. This risk increased to five times higher for those with six or more years of AD exposure.

In individuals aged 50-59 years, compared with the unexposed general population, those exposed to antidepressants for 1 to 5 years saw their risk of sudden cardiac death doubled, while individuals exposed to antidepressants for 6 or more years had four times the risk of sudden cardiac death.

The differences in risk associated with varying periods of antidepressant exposure decreased in older groups. In individuals aged 70-79 years compared to the unexposed general population, those with 1-5 years AD exposure had a 1.83 or 83 per cent times increased risk, whereas those with 6 years or more exposure had a 2.2 times increased risk of SCD.

In individuals aged 40-79 years, the SCD incidence rate ratio was significantly higher among persons with 6 or more years of exposure to AD compared to persons with 1-5 years of exposure, the study showed.

https://www.newkerala.com/news/o/antidepressants-linked-substantial-increase-sudden-cardiac-death-risk-study-423

Indian Surgeon Dr S Raja Sabapathy takes over Presidency of International Hand Surgery Federation

Dr S Raja Sabapathy has created history by becoming the first Indian to lead the International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand. The Coimbatore-based surgeon took charge at the federation's triennial congress in Washington DC. His presidency will focus on improving hand surgery access for underprivileged patients worldwide. This achievement highlights India's growing prominence in global medical leadership.

"Provide Quality Hand Surgery care to the millions who are less privileged." - Dr S Raja Sabapathy

Dr S Raja Sabapathy, chairman of the Department of Plastic, Hand, and Microsurgery and Director of Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, took over the Presidency of the International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand (IFSSH) on 28 March. He took over at the closing ceremony of the Federation's triennial congress in Washington, DC, USA.

Key Points

1 First Indian to lead IFSSH in 59 years

2 Heads 62-nation hand surgery body

3 Ganga Hospital attracts global surgeons

4 Honored by Royal College of Surgeons

IFSSH is a Federation of 62 member nations and is the world's largest body of hand surgeons. It was formed in 1966 to coordinate the activities of the various Societies for Surgery of the Hand across the globe and, in this way, to increase and spread knowledge of hand surgery.

It holds congresses once every three years to discuss the latest advances and lay out the best practices. In its 59-year history, this is the first time an Indian surgeon has taken over the Presidency of the organisation.

In his address to the delegates on taking over as President, Dr Raja Sabapathy accepted the honour and said that the theme of the term would be to help 'Provide Quality Hand Surgery care to the millions who are less privileged.'

In his role, he is responsible for steering the organisation toward achieving its goals. An executive committee of representatives from the USA, UK, China, Japan, Belgium, Columbia, and Ecuador will assist him.

Dr S Raja Sabapathy was the President of the Asian Pacific Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand and has been the President of the Indian Plastic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Microsurgery, Burns, Brachial Plexus Association.

The Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery department of Ganga Hospital is considered one of the preferred centres for teaching and training across the world. Formed in 1991, over the years, it has attracted 3,300 surgeons from 83 countries, which is a record for any surgical unit in the country.

Dr Raja Sabapathy had earlier been conferred the Honorary fellowships of the Royal College of Surgeons of Glasgow and England and the American College of Surgeons.

The recognition by the American College of Surgeons is a singular honour since only about 15 Plastic Surgeons from around the world have been so recognized in the college's 135-year history. In addition, he has been conferred Honorary Membership of the British and South African Societies for Surgery of the Hand and the Serbian Microsurgery Society.

https://www.newkerala.com/news/o/indian-surgeon-dr-raja-sabapathy-takes-presidency-international-hand-136

Study decodes who actually needs statin medication to lower cholesterol

A groundbreaking study is testing whether coronary artery calcium scoring can more accurately determine who needs statins. Researchers at Intermountain Health enrolled 5,600 patients to compare this method against traditional risk assessments. The study aims to reduce unnecessary statin prescriptions while protecting those truly at risk. Final results, including heart attack and stroke data, will be available in 2026.

"Can we do a better job in selecting people who need a statin...by using the coronary artery calcium score?" – Jeffrey L. Anderson MD

Study decodes who actually needs statin medication to lower cholesterol

A new study in the US aims to determine the best method to screen and evaluate patients who are at risk of developing coronary heart disease and which patients would benefit from taking a statin medication to lower cholesterol.

Key Points

1 Coronary artery calcium scoring improves statin recommendations

2 Study tracks 5,600 patients over 4+ years

3 Statins carry costs and side effects like diabetes risk

4 Final results expected in 2026

A new approach by researchers at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City to determining risk and selecting a statin is the use of the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score which is determined by taking a low-radiation dose image of the heart using computed tomography (CT) to look for calcium deposits in plaques in the heart’s coronary arteries.

“Our study is now fully enrolled with over 5,600 patients, and in this abstract for the American College of Cardiology, we wanted to look at baseline characteristics and differences in statin prescribing recommendations,” said Jeffrey L. Anderson MD, principal investigator of the study and distinguished clinical and cardiovascular research physician at Intermountain Health.

“The question is: Can we do a better job in selecting people who need a statin for primary coronary risk reduction by using the coronary artery calcium score, rather than just putting coronary risk factors into an equation – that is, is it more effective to use direct imaging evidence of plaque burden or a risk probability. That’s what we’re aiming to find out,” he said.

The new study was presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Sessions meeting in Chicago on Saturday.

The results of scoring by their assigned risk assessment tool were sent in letters to their personal physicians, including whether a statin was recommended based on a high-risk score.

Patients in the two groups in the study were found to have very similar baseline characteristics. However, researchers found that the rate of statin medication recommendations were different.

The study is expected to conclude in early 2026, at which time a comparison of outcomes, including deaths, heart attacks, strokes, and revascularisations during up to 7 years, and an average of over 4 years, of follow-up will be made.

This is especially important considering that statins entail costs and can have side effects, including muscle aches and an increased risk of diabetes.

https://www.newkerala.com/news/o/study-decodes-actually-needs-statin-medication-lower-cholesterol-179