Health Care Buzz Today

Targeting Risk Factors Could Slash Alzheimer’s Numbers. A 10-25% reduction in the prevalence of known risk factors for dementia–diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking, depression, lack of mental stimulation, and physical inactivity–could theoretically prevent nearly half a million cases of Alzheimer’s disease in the US, scientists reported.

Targeting Risk Factors Could Slash Alzheimer’s Numbers. A 10-25% reduction in the prevalence of known risk factors for dementia–diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking, depression, lack of mental stimulation, and physical inactivity–could theoretically prevent nearly half a million cases of Alzheimer’s disease in the US, scientists reported.

HealthVault Tool Simplifies Data Transfer from Google Health. Microsoft’s new tool allows users of the now-discontinued Google personal health record platform to transfer their data to a HealthVault account. The tool uses Direct Project messaging standards developed by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT.

Restaurants’ Nutrition Labels Mostly Accurate. For Americans who like to eat out, there is reassuring news from researchers who report that customers can generally rely on restaurants’ calorie labels, although the calorie count on individual food items may be underestimated.

Free Birth Control Coverage Proposed. Virtually all health insurance plans could soon be required to offer female patients free coverage of prescription birth control, breast-pump rentals, counseling for domestic violence, and annual wellness exams and HIV tests as a result of recommendations released Tuesday by a panel of experts.

Two Drugs for Dementia Ineffective. The antidepressants most often prescribed to treat depression in dementia patients provide no appreciable relief, and may raise the risk for serious side effects, new British research suggests.