HIGH CHOLESTEROL MAY INCREASE THE RISK FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE, according to a study of 2,587 people ages 40 to 79 published in Neurology. Researchers examined autopsies of people who had been diagnosed with dementia before they died. Those with high cholesterol levels had more brain plaques when compared to those with normal or lower cholesterol levels. Plaques are made from an accumulation of protein between nerve cells and are an indication of Alzheimer’s.

PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION have a significantly increased risk for stroke, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers who reviewed the results of 30 studies found depression was associated with a 45 percent increase in risk for all strokes; a 55 percent increase in risk for fatal strokes; and a 25 percent increase in risk for ischemic stroke. Depression may contribute to stroke in part because it often leads to unhealthy behaviors, including smoking, lack of exercise, and poor eating habits.

IN SPITE OF PREVENTION EFFORTS THAT INCLUDE “CHILDPROOF” PACKAGING, more than half a million American children are poisoned by medication each year, according to a study published in The Journal of Pediatrics. Researchers studied data on children ages 5 and younger who were taken to hospital emergency rooms. Seventy-one percent of the children suffered significant harm. The children most often ingested narcotic pain medications such as oxycodone or codeine, muscle relaxers, sleeping pills, and heart medications.

AN APPLE OR PEAR A DAY may help keep strokes away, according to a study of 20,069 adults, published in Stroke, a journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers found eating fruit and vegetables with white flesh—such as apples, pears, apple juice and sauce, bananas, cauliflower, chicory, cucumber, and mushrooms—was tied to a 52 percent lower stroke risk. Specifically, each 25 g per day increase in consumption of white fruits and vegetables was associated with a 9 percent lower risk for stroke.

THE RISK FOR BLADDER CANCER AMONG SMOKERS is higher than reported in previous research, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The risk for women smokers is comparable with that of men, the new study found. More than 70,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year in the U.S. Tobacco smoking is the most established risk factor for bladder cancer in both men and women. Previous studies have indicated that current cigarette smoking triples bladder cancer risk relative to never smoking.

PARENTS WHO CHANGE THEIR ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS ABOUT HOMEWORK are more likely to increase their child’s motivation to complete it, according to a study conducted at two elementary schools and published in Learning and Individual Differences. Researchers determined parents who had a positive, supportive attitude and emphasized the learning value of homework rather than focusing on grades were more likely to find improved attitudes and motivation in their children.

PREGNANT WOMEN WHO TAKE any type or amount of nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increase their risk for miscarriage 2.4 times, according to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. NSAIDs include naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), diclofenac, and celecoxib. They tend to be a common medication taken by women during pregnancy.

WHEN IT COMES TO SUGAR, AMERICANS ARE DRINKING THEIR FILL, according to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. To wit: About one-half of Americans drink a daily soda or sweet beverage. Males consume more sweetened drinks than females and teenagers consume more sugary drinks than people in other age groups. People with lower incomes drink more sugary drinks than those with higher incomes. High-sugar drinks are associated with weight gain, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

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