MedEvidence Articles

In this week's episode, we talk about vascular dementia, a significant yet often overlooked brain disorder caused by reduced blood flow, usually due to stroke and/or vascular disease. It accounts for 15-20% of dementia cases and leads to cognitive decline, memory loss, and motor impairments. While no cure exists, prevention is key—controlling risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing the disease. Research suggests that physical fitness offers strong protective benefits, and some Alzheimer’s medications may provide limited relief. Continued clinical trials are essential in the search for effective treatments, emphasizing the need for more participation in medical research to safeguard brain health. Listen to learn all about vascular dementia.

Measles a highly contagious virus that can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and death. It was declared eradicated in the U.S. in the year 2000 but has resurfaced, with over 700 cases reported so far this year. What are the causes of this latest outbreak? Despite a long history of vaccine success, recent declines in MMR vaccination rates have made populations vulnerable again. Historically, vaccination efforts drastically reduced measles cases, but global travel and misinformation now threaten that progress. Listen now to find out the facts, history, and factors contributing to the currentmeasles outbreak in the U.S.

On this week, we discuss psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease affecting 2-3% of Americans. It's characterized by red, flaky skin and linked to serious health conditions like arthritis and cardiovascular disease. It results from an overactive immune response which may be initiated or worsened by environmental factors such as stress, obesity, and smoking. Inside the body, immune molecules -including T helper cells, interleukins, and TYK2 - are overactive and lead to excessive skin cell production. Medications for moderate to severe psoriasis target these immune molecules, though more clinical trials are needed to balance with effectiveness with side effects.

In this week we talk about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung condition that restricts airflow due to chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which damages the alveoli. COPD affects around 11% of adults over 30 and is linked to smoking, pollution, and genetic factors. This episode relates COPD to a house with big rooms and narrow doors, making furnishing a challenge, and fives into the mechanisms, symptoms, and treatments for the disease.Share with a friend. Rate, Review, and Subscribe to MedEvidence! Articles to be notified when new episodes are released.Follow us on Social Media:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInTiktokYoutubeFor more great content, including discussions by physicians and clinical research experts, check out the MedEvidence! podcast. www.MedEvidence.comThank you for listening!References:World Health Organization. (January 2024). CA22 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ICD-11 for mortality and morbidity statistics. https://icd.who.int/browse/2025-01/mms/en#133207228Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). (2025). 2025 Report... Available from: https://goldcopd.orgAdeloye, D., et al. (2015). Global and regional estimates of COPD prevalence... Journal of global health, 5(2). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4693508/World Health Organization. (7 August, 2024). The top 10 causes of death. [Website, accessed 17 February, 2025]. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top-10-causes-of-deathPatel, M. S., et al. (2019). Anaemia and iron dysregulation... BMJ Open Respiratory Research, 6(1), e000454. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjresp-2019-000454Chen, W., et al. (2015). Risk of cardiovascular comorbidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease... The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 3(8), 631-639.https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(15)00241-6/abstractCrisan, L., et al. (2019). Karma of cardiovascular disease risk factors for prevention and management of major cardiovascular events... Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 6, 79. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31294030/Curkendall, S. M., et al. (2006). Cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Saskatchewan Canada... Annals of epidemiology, 16(1), 63-70. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16039877/Stone, I. S., et al. (2016). Lung deflation and cardiovascular structure and function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease... American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine, 193(7), 717-726. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201508-1647OCDivo, M. J., et al. (2020). Metabolic and cardiorespiratory effects of decreasing lung hyperinflation with budesonide/formoterol in COPD... Respiratory Research, 21, 1-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31959167/Vestbo, J., et al. (2016). Fluticasone furoate and vilanterol and survival in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease...(SUMMIT)... The Lancet, 387(10030), 1817-1826. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673616300691Sin, D. D., et al. (2004). Effects of fluticasone on systemic markers of inflammation ... American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine, 170(7), 760-765. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15229100/Rabe, K. F., et al. (2020). Triple inhaled therapy at two glucocorticoid doses in moderate-to-very-severe COPD. New England Journal of Medicine, 383(1), 35-48. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1916046

This podcast explores Limbic-predominant Amnestic Neurodegenerative Syndrome (LANS), a newly identified condition that primarily affects episodic memory while leaving other cognitive functions relatively intact. LANS is associated with the misfolding of TDP-43, a protein that can accumulate and damage limbic structures. Unlike Alzheimer’s, LANS has a slower onset and lacks definitive diagnostic tests, making research critical for future treatments. With the aging population, understanding and addressing LANS could become as significant as Alzheimer’s research. Share with a friend. Rate, Review, and Subscribe to MedEvidence! Articles to be notified when new episodes are released.Follow us on Social Media:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInTiktokYoutubeFor more great content, including discussions by physicians and clinical research experts, check out the MedEvidence! podcast. www.MedEvidence.comThank you for listening!References:Morgane, P. J., et al. (2005). A review of systems and networks of the limbic forebrain/limbic midbrain. Progress in neurobiology, 75(2), 143-160. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030100820500002XCatani, M., et al. (2013). A revised limbic system model for memory, emotion and behaviour. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 37(8), 1724-1737. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763413001711Knopman, D. S., et al. (2021). Alzheimer disease. Nature reviews Disease primers, 7(1), 33. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41572-021-00269-yCorriveau-Lecavalier, N., et al. (2024). Clinical criteria for a limbic-predominant amnestic neurodegenerative syndrome. Brain Communications, 6(4).  https://academic.oup.com/braincomms/article/6/4/fcae183/7712717Wolk, D. A., et al. (2024). Clinical criteria for Limbic‐Predominant age‐related TDP‐43 encephalopathy. Alzheimer's & Dementia, e14202. https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/alz.14202Nelson, P. T., et al. (2019). Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE): consensus working group report. Brain, 142(6), 1503-1527. https://academic.oup.com/brain/article/142/6/1503/5481202Tremblay, C., et al. (2011). Accumulation of transactive response DNA binding protein 43 in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease. Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology, 70(9), 788-798. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3197017/Mackenzie, I. R., et al. (2011). A harmonized classification system for FTLD-TDP pathology. Acta neuropathologica, 122, 111-113. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3285143/

Medical treatments are shifting from broad approaches to precise genetic targeting, especially for finicky diseases like Alzheimer's dementia. While many past efforts focused on amyloid β plaques, new research is exploring genetic regulators like APP, which influences amyloid levels, and KDM5, an enzyme linked to memory and cognition. Clinical trials are testing drugs that could balance these proteins and potentially slow cognitive decline at its root. Tune in this week for a deep look into the genetics of Alzheimer'sShare with a friend. Rate, Review, and Subscribe to MedEvidence! Articles to be notified when new episodes are released.Follow us on Social Media:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInTiktokYoutubeFor more great content, including discussions by physicians and clinical research experts, check out the MedEvidence! podcast. www.MedEvidence.comThank you for listening!References:Bandyopadhyay, S., & Rogers, J. T. (2014). Alzheimer's disease therapeutics targeted to the control of amyloid precursor protein translation: maintenance of brain iron homeostasis. Biochemical pharmacology, 88(4), 486-494. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4064675/Kim, C. K., et al. (2022). Alzheimer’s disease: key insights from two decades of clinical trial failures. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 87(1), 83-100. https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad215699Maccecchini, M. L., et al. (2012). Posiphen as a candidate drug to lower CSF amyloid precursor protein, amyloid-β peptide and τ levels: target engagement, tolerability and pharmacokinetics in humans. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 83(9), 894-902. https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/83/9/894.shortDelport, A., & Hewer, R. (2022). The amyloid precursor protein: A converging point in Alzheimer’s disease. Molecular Neurobiology, 59(7), 4501-4516. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12035-022-02863-xCahill, C. M., et al. (2009). Amyloid precursor protein and alpha synuclein translation, implications for iron and inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-General Subjects, 1790(7), 615-628. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3981543/Kisby, B., et al. (2019). Alzheimer’s disease and its potential alternative therapeutics. Journal of Alzheimer's disease & Parkinsonism, 9(5). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6777730/Collins, B. E., et al. (2019). Broad domains of histone 3 lysine 4 trimethylation are associated with transcriptional activation in CA1 neurons of the hippocampus during memory formation. Neurobiology of learning and memory, 161, 149-157. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6541021/Kandel, E. R., et al (Eds.). (2000). Principles of neural science (Vol. 4). New York: McGraw-hill.Gehling, V. S., et al. (2016). Identification of potent, selective KDM5 inhibitors. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters, 26(17), 4350-4354. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960894X16307399Liu, X., & Secombe, J. (2015). The histone demethylase KDM5 activates gene expression by recognizing chromatin context through its PHD reader motif. Cell reports, 13(10), 2219-2231. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4684901/Zhou, J. (2022). Gene-expression control in early and late-onset dementia. [Doctoral dissertation, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen]. http://dx.doi.org/10.53846/goediss-9465

This St. Patrick's Day we explore the history, nutritional profile, and potential health benefits of potatoes. Potatoes are a major global food staple, providing significant calories worldwide. Though often criticized for their high glycemic index (GI), different cooking methods, particularly chilling after cooking, can increase resistant starches, which improve gut health and reduce blood sugar impact. Potatoes also have a high satiety index, making them more filling than many other foods. While long-term clinical studies are needed, current epidemiological data suggest that potatoes are not linked to negative health outcomes—unless consumed as french fries. Share with a friend. Rate, Review, and Subscribe to MedEvidence! Articles to be notified when new episodes are released.Follow us on Social Media:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInTiktokYoutubeFor more great content, including discussions by physicians and clinical research experts, check out the MedEvidence! podcast. www.MedEvidence.comThank you for listening!References:Sagili, V. S., et al. (2022). The glycemic index and human health with an emphasis on potatoes. Foods, 11(15), 2302. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9368276/Robertson, T. M., et al. (2018). Starchy carbohydrates in a healthy diet: the role of the humble potato. Nutrients, 10(11), 1764. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/11/1764?gsid=ba4def2d-71eb-4462-a8ac-9fda238e474bAtkinson, F. S., et al. (2021). International tables of glycemic index and glycemic load values 2021: a systematic review. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 114(5), 1625-1632. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522004944Fuentes-Zaragoza, E., et al. (2010). Resistant starch as functional ingredient: A review. Food Research International, 43(4), 931-942. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996910000621Raatz, S. K., et al. (2016). Resistant starch analysis of commonly consumed potatoes: Content varies by cooking method and service temperature but not by variety. Food Chemistry, 208, 297-300. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27132853/Borch, D., et al. (2016). Potatoes and risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in apparently healthy adults: a systematic review of clinical intervention and observational studies12. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 104(2), 489-498. https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(22)04562-2/fulltextMcGill, C. R., et al. (2013). The role of potatoes and potato components in cardiometabolic health: A review. Annals of medicine, 45(7), 467-473. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/07853890.2013.813633

In this week's episode, we discuss cluster headaches, one of the most severe pain conditions known. This rare condition affects about one in a thousand people  with excruciating, clockwork-like attacks can last for weeks or months, with few effective treatment options. In this episode, we break down the causes, triggers, and latest research on cluster headaches, from abortive therapies like oxygen and triptans to emerging neuromodulation treatments.Share with a friend. Rate, Review, and Subscribe to MedEvidence! Articles to be notified when new episodes are released.Follow us on Social Media:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInTiktokYoutubeFor more great content, including discussions by physicians and clinical research experts, check out the MedEvidence! podcast. www.MedEvidence.comThank you for listening!References:Actual Patient Testimony. (February 3, 2025). As interviewed by the author. May, A., Schwedt, T. J., Magis, D., Pozo-Rosich, P., Evers, S., & Wang, S. J. (2018). Cluster headache. Nature reviews Disease primers, 4(1), 1-17. https://www.nature.com/articles/nrdp20186International Headache Society. (2018). 3.1. Cluster headache. IHS Classification ICHD-3. https://ichd-3.org/3-trigeminal-autonomic-cephalalgias/3-1-cluster-headache/Rozen, T. D., & Fishman, R. S. (2012). Cluster headache in the United States of America: demographics, clinical characteristics, triggers, suicidality, and personal burden. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 52(1), 99-113. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22077141/Wilbrink, L. A., de Coo, I. F., Doesborg, P. G., Mulleners, W. M., Teernstra, O. P., Bartels, E. C., ... & Rasche, D. (2021). Safety and efficacy of occipital nerve stimulation for attack prevention in medically intractable chronic cluster headache (ICON): a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, phase 3, electrical dose-controlled trial. The Lancet Neurology, 20(7), 515-525. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34146510/Pringsheim, T. (2002). Cluster headache: evidence for a disorder of circadian rhythm and hypothalamic function. Canadian journal of neurological sciences, 29(1), 33-40. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0317167100001694Riesenberg, R., Gaul, C., Stroud, C. E., Dong, Y., Bangs, M. E., Wenzel, R., ... & Oakes, T. M. (2022). Long-term open-label safety study of galcanezumab in patients with episodic or chronic cluster headache. Cephalalgia, 42(11-12), 1225-1235. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35633025/Goadsby, P. J., de Coo, I. F., Silver, N., Tyagi, A., Ahmed, F., Gaul, C., ... & Ferrari, M. D. (2018). Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation for the acute treatment of episodic and chronic cluster headache: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled ACT2 study. Cephalalgia, 38(5), 959-969. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0333102417744362Silberstein, S. D., Mechtler, L. L., Kudrow, D. B., Calhoun, A. H., McClure, C., Saper, J. R., ... & ACT1 Study Group. (2016). Non–invasive vagus nerve stimulation for the acute treatment of cluster headache: findings from the randomized, double‐blind, sham‐controlled ACT1 study. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 56(8), 1317-1332. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27593728/

Forgetting a name or misplacing your keys can be frustrating, but when does memory loss signal something more serious? In this episode, we explain the key differences between normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease. We break down how doctors diagnose Alzheimer’s, the role of biomarkers, and why early detection is crucial for those considering clinical trials.Share with a friend. Rate, Review, and Subscribe to MedEvidence! Articles to be notified when new episodes are released.Follow us on Social Media:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInTiktokYoutubeFor more great content, including discussions by physicians and clinical research experts, check out the MedEvidence! podcast. www.MedEvidence.comThank you for listening!References:Koren, MJ. Toenjes, S. & McKormick, M. (13 April, 2022). Is it Alzheimer's or something else? In MedEvidence! Truth Behind the Data [Podcast]. https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1926091/episodes/10248455-is-it-alzheimer-s-or-something-else-ep-11National Institute on Aging. (8 December, 2022) How is Alzheimer's disease diagnosed? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-symptoms-and-diagnosis/how-alzheimers-disease-diagnosedJack Jr, C. R., Andrews, J. S., Beach, T. G., Buracchio, T., Dunn, B., Graf, A., ... & Carrillo, M. C. (2024). Revised criteria for diagnosis and staging of Alzheimer's disease: Alzheimer's Association Workgroup. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 20(8), 5143-5169. https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.13859

This week, we talk about one of the big contributors to heart failure: inflammation. Heart failure affects millions and comes in two main types: HFrEF (weakened pumping) and HFpEF (thickened, stiff walls). While conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes contribute, chronic inflammation—driven in part by Interleukin 6 (IL-6)—plays a major role. IL-6 causes muscle damage, fibrosis, and worsens other diseases. Researchers are developing monoclonal antibodies to regulate IL-6, offering a potential breakthrough technology in reducing inflammation and improving heart health. Share with a friend. Rate, Review, and Subscribe to MedEvidence! Articles to be notified when new episodes are released.Follow us on Social Media:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInTiktokYoutubeFor more great content, including discussions by physicians and clinical research experts, check out the MedEvidence! podcast. www.MedEvidence.comThank you for listening!References:Martin, S. S., et al. (2024). 2024 heart disease and stroke statistics..., 149(8), e347-e913. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001209Oktay, A. A., et al. (2013). The emerging epidemic of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Current heart failure reports, 10, 401-410. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3870014/Centers for Disease Control. (15 May, 2024). About Heart Failure. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/heart-failure.htmlGroenewegen, A., et al. (2020). Epidemiology of heart failure. European journal of heart failure, 22(8), 1342-1356. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ejhf.1858Redfield, M. M. (2016). Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. New England Journal of Medicine, 375(19), 1868-1877. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcp1511175Chia, Y. C., et al. (2021). Interleukin 6 and development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in the general population. Journal of the American Heart Association, 10(11), e018549. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/JAHA.120.018549Deswal, A., et al. (2001). Cytokines and cytokine receptors in advanced heart failure: an analysis of the cytokine database from the Vesnarinone trial (VEST). Circulation, 103(16), 2055-2059. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/01.CIR.103.16.2055Murphy, S. P., et al. (2020). Inflammation in heart failure: JACC state-of-the-art review. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 75(11), 1324-1340.  https://www.jacc.org/doi/full/10.1016/j.jacc.2020.01.014Fontes, J. A., et al. (2015). The varying faces of IL-6: From cardiac protection to cardiac failure. Cytokine, 74(1), 62-68. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4677779/Abernethy, A., et al. (2018). Pro‐inflammatory biomarkers in stable versus acutely decompensated heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Journal of the American Heart Association, 7(8), e007385. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/JAHA.117.007385Paulus, W. J. (2020). Unfolding discoveries in heart failure. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(7), 679-682.  https://www.nejm.org/doi/abs/10.1056/NEJMcibr1913825Markousis‐Mavrogenis, G., et al. (2019). The clinical significance of interleukin‐6 in heart failure: results from the BIOSTAT‐CHF study. European journal of heart failure, 21(8), 965-973. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ejhf.1482