Effects of Melatonin for Delirium in Elderly Acute Heart Failure Patients

Written by Marlene Hollick, Ed.D., R.D. Based on a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study exploring the effects of melatonin on delirium in elderly acute heart failure patients while in the ICU, results demonstrated that melatonin could reduce the incidence of delirium, average lengths of stay, and costs of hospitalization. (more…)

Dispositional Pessimism Associated with Lower Memory Scores in Older Adults

Written by Taylor Woosley, Staff Writer. Dispositional optimism observed in 26-year old subjects correlated with higher scores on matrix reasoning, while higher dispositional pessimism correlated with lower scores on matrix reasoning, vocabulary, and motor skills. 46-year old subjects with higher dispositional optimism correlated with higher memory scores.  (more…)

Sufficient Vitamin B6 Levels Associated with Higher Levels of PUFAs in Older Adults

Written by Taylor Woosley, Staff Writer. Analyzing data from the NHANES 2003-2004 shows that US older adults with higher PLP levels was associated with a greater level of EPA, DHA, EPA + DHA, EPA/AA, and (EPA + DHA)/AA. The odds of having high plasma EPA (aOR: 2.03, P=0.049) and EPA/AA (aOR: 3.83, P<0.001) were greater in those with adequate B6 status compared to those with low B6 levels. (more…)

Amla Supplementation Lessens Severity & Length of COVID-19 Related Symptoms in Adults

Written by Taylor Woosley, Staff Writer. 10-day consumption of amla (either 2 g of the sachet powder or 100 cc amla tea/day) given to subjects recently diagnosed with COVID-19 resulted in a significant increase in SpO2 levels compared to the control arm (P < 0.001), along with a reduction in the mean percentage of lung involvement on CT (P < 0.001) and an improvement in CRP test results (P < 0.001). (more…)

Insufficient or Deficient Vitamin D Levels Linked to Higher Risk of Insulin Resistance

Written by Taylor Woosley, Staff Writer. Examining vitamin D serum levels and prevalence of insulin resistance using data from the 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey show that those in the lowest serum vitamin D level group had 54% greater odds of being insulin-resistant compared to those in higher serum vitamin D level groups. (more…)

Higher Serum Lutein and Zeaxanthin Levels Associated with a Lower Risk of All-Cause Dementia

Written by Taylor Woosley, Staff Writer. Study findings using data from the NHANES III Survey (1988-1994) show that serum lutein+zeaxanthin was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause dementia, with an inverse relationship being noted between serum β-cryptoxanthin and all-cause dementia.   (more…)

Consumption of α-Linolenic Acid Linked to Lower CVD Risk & May Play a Role in Reduced Rates of Cognitive Decline

Written by Taylor Woosley, Staff Writer. Analyses of observational studies show that increasing ALA intake is associated with a 10% lower risk of total CVD, while a prospective cohort study reported that higher ALA consumption was associated with slower decline in global cognitive functioning.   (more…)