Insidermedicine in 60 - August 28, 2009

From New York - According to research in the journal Radiology, mild head trauma can cause brain dysfunction. In a study of 20 patients examined with an MRI technique called diffusion tensor imaging, researchers found that mild traumatic brain injury could cause acute impairment in executive function. While most people with mild traumatic brain injury recover, up to 30% suffer lasting damage.

From Helsinki - According to research in the journal Public Library of Science Medicine, low birthweight may lead to a higher risk for osteoporosis. In a study of over 280 adults, researchers found that those who weighed 1.5 kilograms or less at birth were nearly twice as likely to have low bone mineral density. These individuals could therefore benefit from measures to prevent osteoporosis.

And finally, from California - According to research in the journal Human Brain Mapping, brains may shrink as waistlines expand. In a study of brain images from nearly 100 elderly adults, researchers found that the brains of overweight people appeared 8 years older than the brains of those who were of normal weight, while the brains of obese people looked 16 years older. The researchers suggest that keeping weight under control can help to maintain brain health, and potentially lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Kelly Schweitzer.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Mild
• Head
• Trauma
• Can
• Cause
• Brain
• Dysfunction
• Patiens
• MRI
• Magnetic
• Resonance
• Imaging
• Disease
• Impairment
• Sports
• Accident
• Injury
• Low
• Birthweight
• May
• Increase
• Osteoporosis
• Risk
• BMD
• Bone
• Mineral
• Density
• Infant
• Brains
• Shrink
• As
• Waistlines
• Expand
• Obesity
• Overweight
• Elderly
• Alzheimer's
• Aging
• Medical
• Health
• News
• Information
• Update
• Doctor
• Patient
• Kelly
• Schweitzer
• Susan
• Sharma