Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), used in prostate cancer treatment, is not associated with an increased risk of dementia, according to a new study. The observational study followed 45,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer for an average of 6.8 years. There was no statistically significant association between those treated with ADT and developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Last year, two studies, published within weeks of each other, came to conflicting conclusions on a link between ADT and dementia. Posted October 11, 2018. Via JAMA Oncology.
Children under the age of 12 should not be given decongestant medications for a cold as they can have adverse effects and are not effective, according to a new analysis. Researchers examined existing trials that looked at treatments for colds, including decongestants, antihistamines, analgesics, nasal corticosteroids, antimuscarinics and saline nasal irrigation. The analysis showed that short-term use of decongestants can lead to stomach upset, headache, insomnia and drowsiness. Long-term use can lead to chronic nasal congestion. They also reported that there are cases of decongestant use in children under 2 leading to convulsions, rapid heartbeat and death. Part of the problem, researchers say, is that there are relatively few studies examining cold treatment use in children 12 and younger. And while pain relief medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) are used during colds, they don’t improve nasal congestion. The researchers say most of the over-the-counter cold remedies either don’t work well or lack evidence that support their benefit. Published October 10, 2018. Via The BMJ.
