Vision, Dyslexia Not Linked: Study

Findings will advance understanding, treatment of the reading disorder, says expert

By Dennis Thompson

HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, June 6 (HealthDay News) -- A new brain imaging study appears to rule out one potential cause of dyslexia, finding that vision problems don't lead to the common reading disorder.

The new research could have a wide-ranging impact on the detection and treatment of dyslexia, said senior study author Guinevere Eden, director of the Center for the Study of Learning at Georgetown University Medical Center. The study appears June 6 in the journal Neuron.

"It has importance from a practical viewpoint. It means you shouldn't focus on the visual system as a way to diagnose dyslexia or treat dyslexia," Eden said. "Until now, there was still this uncertainty where some people were saying, 'I know it's controversial but I still believe that vision is contributing to these kids' reading problem.' We now have a finding that really speaks to an understanding that visual system function shouldn't have a role in diagnosis or treatment."

People with dyslexia struggle to learn to read fluently and accurately. Dyslexia may affect more than one of every 10 people in the United States, and it is the nation's most common learning disability, according to background information in the study.

Earlier brain imaging studies have found that people with dyslexia experience subtle weaknesses in processing visual stimuli compared with people their same age, leading some to wonder whether this visual dysfunction causes dyslexia by interfering with a child's ability to read.

But the study found that visual problems noted in people with dyslexia likely are a result of the learning disorder rather than the cause, Eden said.

By ruling out the visual center as a culprit, the new study provides more support to the already popular theory that dyslexia occurs because of weaknesses in the part of the brain that deals with language, she said.

Researchers used functional MRIs to compare the brains of dyslexic children with the brains of children who don't have the learning disorder.

Children without dyslexia appeared to have the same level of visual processing activity as dyslexic kids, when matched by reading level instead of age, they found.

Further, children with dyslexia who received intensive tutoring in reading skills experienced a subsequent increase in visual system activity.

"When we ask children to learn to read, we are asking them to do something that is very difficult. Learning to read changes the brain," Eden said. "If you are a struggling reader because of your dyslexia, you don't have as much opportunity to read as the other kid in your class, and so your brain doesn't get the chance to change as much. The visual deficit is there, but our study allowed us to conclude it's there as a consequence of not having the same opportunity to read as children without dyslexia."

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Rita Ora out and about in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Rita Ora is so rock ‘n’ roll that she’s been allowed to play on the same stage as The Rolling Stones at Glastonbury this year

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Healthy foods with lots of calories?!

What healthier foods can I eat that are high in calories?

Struggling to make my calorie targets

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

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More Evidence Shows Hormone Therapy May Increase Breast Cancer Risk

In new analysis, researchers found risk highest when used just before menopause

By Kathleen Doheny

HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, March 29 (HealthDay News) -- Women who take hormone therapy that includes estrogen and progestin are at increased risk of developing breast cancer and dying from it, especially if they start taking the therapy just as menopause begins, a new analysis confirms.

Researchers followed nearly 42,000 women, all of whom were past menopause, for an average of more than 11 years. Of those, more than 25,000 did not use hormone therapy and more than 16,000 took estrogen and progestin, also called combined hormone therapy. For this analysis, the researchers did not include estrogen-only therapy, used by women who have had a hysterectomy.

At the end of the follow-up period, more than 2,200 of the women were found to have breast cancer. Compared to non-users, those who took combined therapy were more likely to have breast cancer, said Dr. Rowan Chlebowski, a medical oncologist at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Chlebowski led the study, which was published in the March 29 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

The link has been found in other studies, but Chlebowski also found the risk was greatest among those who took the hormones closest to menopause. "Women starting within months of menopause had about a threefold greater risk than women starting 10 years after menopause," Chlebowski said.

For the new analysis, Chlebowksi looked at results from the Women's Health Initiative observational study. He compared the findings with those from the Women's Health Initiative randomized clinical trial, in which women were assigned to different treatments.

The Women's Health Initiative included four clinical trials and an observational study. Women were all past menopause and were aged 50 to 79.

Chlebowski said he did the new analysis to resolve what he saw as unanswered questions. In the trial, only about one-third, or 5,000, of the women were in their 50s when they started the study. As that is the typical age for menopause to start, about two-thirds of the women in the trial were in their 60s or beyond, so began to take hormones several years after menopause.

Chlebowski set out to see if the link between breast cancer risk and combined hormone therapy use was influenced by earlier use of hormones.

"We had a substantial number closer to menopause than the clinical trial of [the Women's Health Initiative]," he said.

He found, however, that not only was the risk of breast cancer still increased, but it also increased even more if the women were closer to menopause when they began to take the hormones.

He speculated that women who start the hormone therapy close to menopause still have circulating levels of estrogen high enough to make them exceed some threshold, beyond which it may become hazardous.

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Another Study Sees No Vaccine-Autism Link

Experts say finding should reassure parents of young children

By Amy Norton

HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, March 29 (HealthDay News) -- Although some parents worry about the sheer number of vaccines babies typically receive, a new U.S. government study finds no evidence that more vaccinations increase the risk of autism.

Looking at about 1,000 U.S. children with or without autism, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found no connection between early childhood vaccinations and autism risk.

Children with autism and those without had the same total exposure to vaccine antigens -- the substances in vaccines that trigger the immune system to develop infection-fighting antibodies.

"This should give more reassurance to parents," said lead researcher Dr. Frank DeStefano, director of the CDC's Immunization Safety Office.

The findings, which appear online March 29 in the Journal of Pediatrics, cast further doubt on a link between vaccines and autism spectrum disorders -- a group of developmental brain disorders that impair a child's ability to communicate and socialize.

The first worries came from a small British study in 1998 that proposed a connection between the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism. A spate of research since has found no link, and the original study was eventually retracted by the Lancet, the journal that published it.

Then came concerns about thimerosal, a preservative once used in certain childhood vaccines (but never MMR) that contains small amounts of ethyl mercury. Again, international studies failed to show a link to autism.

More recently, worries have shifted to the notion that children are getting "too many vaccinations, too soon." In the United States, children can be immunized against 14 different diseases by the time they are 2.

DeStefano said his team focused on antigen exposure, rather than just the number of vaccinations, because that gives a more precise idea of the "immune system stimulation" kids received through vaccines.

A recent survey found that about one-third of parents thought children receive too many vaccinations in their first two years of life, and that the shots could contribute to autism.

But there's no scientific evidence of that, said Dr. Paul Offit, chief of infectious diseases at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

He said it's understandable that parents might worry. "You see your baby receiving all these vaccines. It looks like too much. It feels like too much," Offit said.

But, he said, there's no biological basis for the idea that vaccines "overstimulate" the immune system, and that somehow leads to autism.

Every day, babies' immune systems battle many more antigens than are present in vaccines, DeStefano explained. "Most infants can handle exposure to many antigens," he said.

The findings are based on 256 children with an autism spectrum disorder and 752 autism-free kids who were matched to them based on age, sex and health insurance plan.

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Alzheimer's Drugs May Benefit Heart, Study Finds

Fewer heart attacks, deaths for patients taking cholinesterase inhibitors

By Robert Preidt

HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, June 5 (HealthDay News) -- Drugs used to treat early-stage Alzheimer's disease may also reduce patients' risk of heart attack and death, according to a new study.

Researchers followed more than 7,000 Alzheimer's disease patients in Sweden for more than three years. Those taking cholinesterase inhibitors had a 38 percent lower risk of heart attack, a 26 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular causes such as stroke and a 36 percent lower risk of death from any cause, compared to those who did not take the drugs.

Patients who took the highest recommended doses of cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) had the lowest risk of heart attack or death -- 65 percent and 46 percent lower, respectively, than those who never took the drugs, according to the study, which was published online June 5 in the European Heart Journal.

"If you translate these reductions in risk into absolute figures, it means that for every 100,000 people with Alzheimer's disease, there would be 180 fewer heart attacks (295 as opposed to 475) and 1,125 fewer deaths from all causes (2,000 versus 3,125) every year among those taking ChEIs compared to those not using them," study author Professor Peter Nordstrom, of Umea University in Sweden, said in a journal news release.

No cure exists for Alzheimer's disease, an age-related brain disorder and the most common form of dementia. However, cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil (brand name Aricept), galantamine (Razadyne, Reminyl) and rivastigmine (Exelon), are prescribed to help manage symptoms and slow disease progression in people with early- to moderate-stage disease.

Previous research has found that these drugs have a beneficial effect on the vagus nerve, which controls heart rate, and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

"As far as we know, this is the first time that the use of ChEIs has been linked to a reduced risk of heart attacks and deaths from cardiovascular disease in general or from any cause," Nordstrom said.

"As this is an observational study, we cannot say that ChEI use is causing the reduction in risk, only that it is associated with a reduction," he said. "However, the strengths of the associations make them very interesting from the clinical point of view, although no clinical recommendations should be made on the basis of the results from our study."

An analysis of previous randomized, controlled trials would produce answers on which clinical recommendations could be based, Nordstrom added.

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Listen Up! Your April Music Musts

Ladies, it's time to stop hibernating and start dancing: April is here. The air smells fresh, flowers are starting to bloom, and it's finally OK for you to bust out those open-toed pumps that have been languishing in the back of your closet. The month signals new beginnings, and with it comes a wave of awesome new albums.

The country rocker siblings will fire you up to wage war on dust bunnies and sort through your over-stuffed dresser. Frontwoman Kimberly Perry is sassy and fierce as she belts out a damning goodbye to a no-good lover. Channel her energy to get rid of your own junk, then play the album again as you dance around your squeaky-clean digs.

When you're taking a bike ride around the park: Andrew Wyatt's "And Septimus..." from Descender, out April 16

The debut solo album from the Miike Snow vocalist might just inspire you to stop and smell the tulips as you cruise through the park. This dreamy, cheerful song is guaranteed to make you smile even if your ride is cut short by those inevitable April showers--hey, at least it isn't snowing anymore!

When you're plotting your April Fools prank: Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Sacrilege" from Mosquito, out April 16

We're faced with a bit of a moral quandary this year: The wholesome, marshmallow-filled Easter holiday and the most mischievous day of the year are back-to-back. Let the catchy guitar riff and Karen O's frenetic vocals inspire you to do dastardly deeds, but remember: You can have a fun prank without risking time in a jail or hospital.

When you're scrambling to finish your taxes: Phoenix's "Entertainment" from Bankrupt! out April 23

You need something peppy enough to help you power through the labyrinth of tax documents, and the French group's upbeat vibe is the perfect accompaniment to stave off your money woes. Just cross your fingersthat the band's album title won't describe your financial situation when you realize how much you owe the federal government.

When you're lounging at the bar's al fresco patio: Kid Cudi's "King Wizard" from Indicud, out April 23

After months of hiding your cute going-out minis underparkas and scarves on blustery Saturday nights, you can finally flaunt yourfashion and show some skin. Fortunately, Kid Cudi, aka the king of cool, party-worthy hip-hop, is back with a solid third album just in time for thewarm weather bar-hopping. He's simultaneously laid-back and intense, chill and badass. It's the perfect soundtrack as you raise a glass to springtime.

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Stress make me lose my appetite.

I started my own company and while things have been going good for the most part, it is stressing me a lot. I have lost my appetite and I barely eat during the day. For the past month I have lost around 10 pounds which is making me look haggard :(  Some of my loss of appetite is psychological I think, since I get hungry but I just don't want to eat. Sometimes I feel like I am punishing myself. Is this normal?

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Diane Kruger at The Host screening

Diane Kruger wears a Chanel denim tunic and Christian Louboutin thigh-high boots to The Host screening in NY - vote on celebrity fashion, style and red carpet looks in GLAMOUR.COM’s Dos and Don’ts

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The 4-Step Healthy Detox: Oust Toxic Thoughts

When "I can't..." or "Screw this, I quit!" inner rants start to plague you, do this mind trick from Sharon Salzberg, author of Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation.

Close your eyes and tune in to your breath, thinking, Inhale-exhale. After a few minutes, imagine a knock at the door. Picture yourself opening the door to find your toxic thought in human form: Maybe it looks like your nasty boss or that credit-hogging coworker who stole your idea. Instead of slamming the door in its face, look it over and say, "You can go now." Watch as it turns around and leaves. Notice how you feel (calm, strong, vindicated?), and carry that sensation with you as you open your eyes and return to reality. Better?

--Andrea Bartz

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I'm not very good at this food thing.

I'm only trying to loose 10lbs. At 1-2lbs a week. I gained this weight recently eating junk and generally not looking after myself. Over-all I just want to have a healthier diet with good, nutritous food and to add in an hour of excerise at home daily to achieve this.

I'm not very good at this food thing. I don't know where to start as far as meals go. Where can I go on here that I can find cheap, easily made meals that are healthy? I am just about to graduate from college so I am a very poor student and can hardly afford to buy lots of ingredients so this will be a real challenge for me.

I live at home with my parents so I'd like some ideas I can suggest that the whole family will enjoy. I'm looking in my fridge now and we have eggs, cheese, tomatoes, ham, beer and carrotts.

I have no idea what to make with that appart from a sandwich. All I've eaten so far is half a tomato and a cup of british tea (a dash of milk and one sugar). It's 1:30pm and I'm hungry!

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The Morning Scoop: Stripping Down for Game of Thrones, Clever Ways to Disguise Your TV and More!

You know how there's been so much female nudity these past two seasons on Game of Thrones? Fans are looking for the boys to strip down, too. [HuffPost]

Let's face it: TVs are just not cute. Here, sneaky design tricks to make that big black box blend into your living room better. [WSJ]

Now that spring's officially in the air, hone your horticultural chops and try your hand at growing your very own organic veggie garden. [YouBeauty]

Know the diff between agave and molasses? Read this primer on all things naturally sweet. [Well+Good NYC]

Whoah: Can social media be used to predict real-world outcomes? One economist thinks so. [CNN Leading Women]

Image Credit: Courtesy of HBO

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Living Well With Age-Related Macular Degeneration

By Christina Boufis
WebMD Magazine - Feature

Amy Atcha, 47, began to suspect there was something wrong when her 72-year-old mother, Judith Arcy, wasn't able to read a menu or see the numbers on her cell phone. After a visit to the ophthalmologist, her mother's diagnosis turned out to be age-related dry macular degeneration (AMD), a chronic, degenerative eye disease that causes central vision loss.

AMD "doesn't come on all of a sudden," explains David M. Kleinman, MD, MBA, associate professor of ophthalmology at the Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, in Rochester, N.Y. With AMD, light-sensitive cells in the macula (the area responsible for seeing fine detail when you look straight ahead) gradually begin to deteriorate and die.

As the disease progresses, blind or blurry spots can appear in the center of your vision, making it difficult to read, drive, or even recognize faces. These blind spots can get bigger as the disease progresses. (Another form of the disease, wet AMD, is less common but often progresses more rapidly.) If you notice these signs, see an eye doctor for an exam.

"If you are diagnosed with early AMD, you can decrease the chances of losing vision," says Kleinman. "But you have to change your lifestyle." Here's how:

Quit the habit. "The first step is, clearly, don't smoke," says Kleinman. If you do, a quit-smoking program can help you stop, he suggests. Studies show that smokers have two to three times the risk of developing AMD than nonsmokers.

Eat a rainbow of brightly colored fruits and vegetables. "They have antioxidants that are very protective and supportive of retinal health," says Kleinman. Dark green leafy vegetables such as kale and Swiss chard are excellent choices, but spinach is "a pretty good surrogate," he says. A diet that includes fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, high in omega-3 fatty acids, may also help prevent AMD from progressing, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI).

Get regular checkups. Make appointments with your ophthalmologist, as well as your primary care doctor, to check cholesterol and blood pressure. Maintaining normal blood pressure and cholesterol may be helpful to slow progression of AMD, according to the NEI. Some research suggests that high blood pressure and high cholesterol may put the eyes at risk for AMD, explains Kleinman.

Consider a supplement. People with moderate AMD showed a 25% lower risk of vision loss when they took a formula of certain antioxidants and zinc, according to a 10-year clinical trial by the NEI. Talk to your doctor about the AREDS formula (from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study) to see if it might be right for you.

Get moving. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of exercise per week, but simply walking more may help, says Kleinman. Though researchers haven't proven exercise can slow AMD, it "helps maintain blood pressure, and keeps the blood vessels open and working," he explains. That means exercise may be as beneficial for eye health as it is for the rest of the body.

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Show Off a New Hair Color for Spring

Now that spring has finally decided to show up, we're so ready to get cracking on a new look, be it different makeup, a cute polka dot denim jacket or something more drastic. Like, say, a new hair color.

If you're thinking along the same lines, get inspired with our list of the hottest celebrity hair colors out there (Jessica's red, Michelle's platinum). Scared your request for the "Beyonce" will go bad? Don't worry -- we took the guesswork out of what to ask for when you've arrived at the salon.

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Image Credit: Marc Piasecki/WireImage

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