An analysis of “real-world” clinical data indicates that vitamin E, and drugs that reduce generalized inflammation, may slow the decline of mental and physical abilities in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) over the long term. “Our results are consistent for a potential benefit of vitamin E on slowing functional decline and a smaller possible benefit of anti-inflammatory medications on slowing cognitive decline in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.” Dr. Alireza Atri of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), the VA Bedford Medical Center, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, led the National Institutes of Health-sponsored research.

Eating fatty fish once a week, or even better, an intake of about 0.3 grams per day of marine omega-3 fatty acids (Fish Oil Capsules), appear to reduce the risk of heart failure in middle-aged and elderly Swedish men. The researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston studied data on more than 39,000 men, ages 45-79 years, in central Sweden. Herring, mackerel, salmon, whitefish, and char were considered fatty fish.

A ventricular ectopic beat (VET) is an extra heartbeat originating in the lower chamber of the heart. This beat, also called a premature ventricular contraction, is an extra beat that occurs before the beat triggered by the heart's normal function.  Ventricular ectopic beats are common and often do not indicate a problem in people without heart disease. However, if a person has aortic stenosis, heart failure, or suffered from a previous heart attack, a ventricular ectopic beat can trigger ventricular tachycardia (an abnormally rapid beat of the lower heart chamber) and fibrillation (rapid, irregular, and unsynchronized contraction of the muscle fibers of the heart), which can lead to sudden death.

The B-complex Vitamin Folic acid, already known to decrease the risk of heart disease, birth defects, loss of mental acuity with aging and the risk of certain cancer may help suppress allergic reactions and lessen the severity of allergy and asthma symptoms, according to new research from the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.   In what is believed to be the first study in humans examining the link between blood levels of folate – the naturally occurring form of Folic Acid — and allergies, the scientists say results add to mounting evidence that folate can help regulate inflammation. Recent studies, including other research from Johns Hopkins, have found a link between sufficient folate levels and reduced risk of inflammation-mediated diseases, including heart disease.

Children with insufficient vitamin D levels may be at higher risk of developing asthma, suggests a new study. Vitamin D levels were also associated with increased frequency of hospitalization, according to a study with 616 Costa Rican children with asthma. The researchers who were led by Dr.