Latest / Morning Medical with Dr. Chow / Voice Disorders and Dementia Risk, Kids’ Screen Time, BPC-157, and Fall Vaccines

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Voice Disorders and Dementia Risk, Kids’ Screen Time, BPC-157, and Fall Vaccines · Morning Medical with Dr. Chow

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Welcome to another episode of Morning Medical with Dr.
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Chow.
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I'm your host, Dr.
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Chi-Ming Chow.
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Today, we're diving into an intriguing new study that suggests subtle changes in the way
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you speak might be an early sign of dementia risk.
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This research is offering fresh insights into how voice disorders could potentially indicate
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a higher probability of developing dementia or cognitive impairment later in life.
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The study, conducted by a team at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia,
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was published in the Journal of Voice.
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It examined over 833,000 participants aged 50 and older, exploring the connection between
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voice disorders, hearing loss, and the likelihood of developing cognitive impairment
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or dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
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The findings are quite revealing.
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Participants with a voice disorder but no hearing loss had a 58% increased likelihood of
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developing dementia or cognitive issues in the future.
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For those with both a voice disorder and hearing loss, the risk jumped to 104%.
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Even participants with just hearing loss had a 27% greater risk.
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These numbers underscore the potential significance of voice disorders as a predictor
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for cognitive decline.
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Professor Robert Sataloff, who led the study, highlighted that the strongest link with
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dementia was found among patients experiencing both a voice disorder and hearing loss.
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Interestingly, the study found that individuals with a voice disorder but no hearing loss were
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at greater risk than those with hearing loss alone.
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This suggests that voice disorders might play a more critical role in dementia risk than
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previously understood.
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Examples of voice disorders include laryngitis, vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord lesions, and
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spasmodic dysphonia.
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According to the Cleveland Clinic, these conditions might discourage people from social
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interaction, which is a known factor in dementia development.
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Social engagement stimulates the brain and can help ward off cognitive decline.
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While the findings are significant, it's important to note that having a voice disorder
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doesn't necessarily guarantee future cognitive impairment.
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However, these insights highlight the importance of seeking treatment for voice
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disorders, not only for vocal health but potentially for maintaining cognitive health as
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well.
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Today, we're examining a pressing public health concern: the screen time addiction among kids
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and young adults.
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Recent research published in The Lancet indicates that the physical and mental
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well-being of millions of young people worldwide might be at risk due to excessive
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screen time.
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This comprehensive analysis of global data underscores the potential harms and benefits of
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digital technology, but researchers emphasize the need for tech companies to share their user
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data to truly grasp the severity of this issue.
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Andrea Chrysanthou, the board chair of the advocacy group Children First Canada, shared
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her personal struggles with her 13-year-old son Nathaniel's screen addiction.
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Despite his understanding of the issue and his requests for help, he finds it difficult to
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resist the lure of digital devices.
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This scenario is not unique to Nathaniel; millions of children globally face similar
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challenges, suggesting a broader public health issue that requires urgent attention.
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Jay Shaw, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, co-authored the study
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and highlighted that without access to tech companies' user data, understanding the full
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impact of digital media on young people remains challenging.
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The research reviewed data from 2,790 studies with over nine million participants, revealing
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significant issues for children under ten, including disrupted sleep and impaired
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cognitive, emotional, and social development.
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For those aged ten to twenty-four, screen time was linked to mental health problems, reduced
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physical activity, and even more severe concerns like substance abuse and suicidal
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ideation.
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Dr.
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Rachel Mitchell, a psychiatrist at Toronto's Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, supports the
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findings, pointing out that most digital platforms were not designed with young people
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in mind.
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Children, especially those under five and adolescents, are particularly vulnerable due to
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their developing brains.
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The omnipresence of digital distractions, such as push notifications and gamification
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features, makes it difficult for them to regulate their screen use.
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There's a call for public health interventions similar to those for smoking, as the addictive
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nature of social media is increasingly apparent.
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However, unlike smoking, digital media does have its benefits, particularly when used in
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moderation for educational and extracurricular purposes.
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The challenge lies in managing the risks while maximizing the benefits.
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To address these concerns, some tech companies have introduced tools to help parents manage
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their children's screen time.
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For instance, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, recently agreed to
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implement age limits in the United States as part of a significant legal settlement.
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TikTok has also set default screen time limits for teenagers, although these can be adjusted.
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Despite these efforts, experts like Dr.
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Mitchell argue that these measures should have been in place from the start.
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The researchers hope their work will guide governments in shaping public health policies
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to mitigate the negative impacts of digital media on young people.
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However, without transparency from tech giants about user data and algorithmic influences, it
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remains challenging to fully understand and address the issue.
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Legislation like Canada's proposed Safe Social Media Act could compel tech platforms to
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provide data access and enforce age restrictions.
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While this bill has sparked debate over potential rights violations, it underscores the
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growing recognition of the need for regulatory action to protect young users.
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Chrysanthou and others advocate for a dual approach: implementing sensible regulations
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around screen time while urging tech companies to take responsibility for creating safer
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platforms.
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As governments and researchers navigate this complex landscape, it's clear that
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collaborative efforts are essential to safeguarding the health of the next generation.
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Digital media's impact on children is a topic of growing concern.
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New research published in The Lancet highlights that about twenty percent of depression cases
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and fifteen percent of obesity in young people are linked to excessive screen time.
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This meta-analysis of one hundred twenty-one global studies underscores the severity of
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digital media as a public health issue, suggesting that health authorities, not just
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parents, need to take action.
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Louise Holly, the lead author of the research, emphasizes that the responsibility of
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addressing these issues should not fall solely on parents.
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Holly is the policy and research coordinator at the Digital Transformations for Health Lab, a
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global consortium based in Geneva, Switzerland.
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Not all children face the same level of risk.
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Those with mental health vulnerabilities, less offline support, and lower digital literacy are
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more susceptible to the harmful effects of digital media.
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The studies often relied on self-reported screen use, which identified associations with
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harm but did not conclusively prove causation.
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Despite the potential for adverse health outcomes, digital media can also offer
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significant benefits.
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It can empower children by providing opportunities for autonomy, identity
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exploration, information access, entertainment, and social connections.
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These benefits are most pronounced when digital media is used purposefully and with guidance
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from caregivers.
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Dr.
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Nicole Amoyal Pensak, a clinical psychologist and founder of Atlantic Coast Mind and Body in
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New Jersey, who was not involved in the research, provides insights on how to guide
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children in healthier digital media use.
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She suggests explaining the developmental changes occurring in their brains.
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During youth, the brain is especially plastic, meaning that the areas used are strengthened
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while unused areas may atrophy.
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Pensak likens this to driving, where children should be in control, learning to build new
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'roads' in their brains that are beneficial while eliminating those that are not.
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Pensak uses a practical approach in her practice by giving children prunes to taste,
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which most do not enjoy, to illustrate how the brain prunes away things that are not
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beneficial.
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She encourages children to be mindful of how they feel when using digital media.
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If certain activities, like comparing themselves to others on social media, lead to
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negative feelings, it may be time to 'prune' those activities from their digital habits.
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This metaphor helps children understand the importance of focusing on positive interactions
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and avoiding behaviors that could affect their mood and behavior negatively.
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Parents are encouraged to be more like shepherds, guiding children in their digital
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use rather than strictly controlling it.
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This involves asking questions about their social media interactions and engaging in
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content together.
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Digital media can be beneficial when it complements real-life interactions.
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It can aid in planning social gatherings, connecting with like-minded individuals, and
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learning new skills.
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Activities like creating videos or engaging in challenging video games can build confidence
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and self-efficacy in children, fostering healthy brain development.
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This latest research reaffirms what many parents already suspect: digital media can be
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detrimental to children.
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However, simply removing devices is not a feasible solution for most.
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Instead, the focus should shift to guiding children in healthier digital media habits,
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helping them navigate the digital landscape in ways that promote well-being.
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Today, we're exploring the intriguing world of peptides, specifically the BPC-157, often
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dubbed the "Wolverine" peptide.
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This synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide has gained popularity for its purported benefits in injury
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recovery and pain relief, despite limited human evidence supporting its safety and
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effectiveness.
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BPC-157 has been marketed and sold online, with claims about its benefits spreading rapidly on
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social media and within fitness and wellness communities.
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High-profile advocates, such as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.
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Kennedy Jr., have touted its potential for promoting injury recovery and pain relief.
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Proponents argue that BPC-157 can aid in tissue healing and pain relief.
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Some even suggest that "stacking" it with another peptide, TB-500, may enhance its
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effects.
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It has earned the nickname "Wolverine" due to claims that it facilitates rapid healing,
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reminiscent of the fictional X-Men character's regenerative abilities.
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A recent study analyzed over 15 million medical records and noted a significant increase in
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BPC-157 use, with a 33-fold rise in new users from 2020 to 2026.
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The study, though not yet peer-reviewed, highlighted that nearly 33% of users reported
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pain relief, while a smaller percentage noted improvements in tissue healing and function.
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Despite its popularity, experts caution against the use of BPC-157 due to the lack of
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comprehensive human studies.
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A systematic review of the literature found that research on BPC-157 is largely
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preclinical, with limited human data to establish its safety.
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Concerns about potential adverse reactions, especially with long-term use, remain
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prevalent.
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The regulatory status of BPC-157 is also notable.
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Recently, the Food and Drug Administration advisory panel voted to ease restrictions on
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it, allowing its inclusion in compounded medications.
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However, this does not make BPC-157 an FDA-approved drug.
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The World Anti-Doping Agency has banned it as an unapproved substance for athletes, citing
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unknown safety profiles.
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Experts, like Dr.
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Bert Mandelbaum, warn of the risks associated with using unapproved peptides like BPC-157.
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He emphasizes that there is no evidence supporting its efficacy for pain relief or
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clinical healing, and the safety profile remains largely unknown.
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Mandelbaum likens the peptide's popularity to a "Ponzi scheme" promoted by influencers and
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fitness enthusiasts.
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Before considering BPC-157 or any peptide treatment, it's crucial to discuss it with a
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healthcare provider.
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There are several proven alternatives for pain relief and recovery, including biologics like
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platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate, and adipose tissue treatments, which have been
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extensively studied and are known for their safety and effectiveness.
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While the allure of rapid healing and pain relief is enticing, it's important to approach
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such treatments with caution.
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As always, ensuring informed decisions about health interventions will help safeguard
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against potential risks and ensure the best possible outcomes.
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Let's delve into an engaging topic that's particularly relevant for adults over forty.
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A recent discussion with Carl Daikeler, the co-founder of the fitness brand BODi, formerly
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known as Beachbody, sheds light on how a simple ten-minute fitness habit can help maintain
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muscle and strength as we age.
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Daikeler, who is sixty-three, emphasizes that you don't need to be a hardcore fitness
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enthusiast to stay healthy.
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Instead, a short, targeted resistance exercise routine each day can be incredibly effective.
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Daikeler shared his personal perspective at the Strong New York conference in September, where
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he admitted, "I don't like to eat healthy, I don't like to work out.
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I'm just constantly trying to figure out how I can hack my way without having to overturn my
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life to become one of these diehard health and fitness people, because I'm never going to
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become that." This practical approach resonates with many who seek to maintain their health
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without dedicating hours to the gym.
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He advocates for what he calls a "minimum effective dose" of exercise.
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This involves short, targeted resistance workouts at home rather than lengthy gym
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sessions, allowing adults to maintain muscle and mobility effectively.
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He suggests rotating muscle groups each day—focusing on the chest one day, the upper
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body the next, then legs and glutes—to build consistency without requiring extensive time
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commitments.
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Federal physical activity guidelines recommend muscle-strengthening activities involving all
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major muscle groups at least two days per week, alongside regular aerobic activity.
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Daikeler's ten-minute-a-day strategy aligns with these guidelines and offers a manageable
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way for adults to build and maintain muscle.
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This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals taking GLP-1 medications, who
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may be trying to preserve muscle mass and bone density while losing weight.
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For those aiming for more significant weight loss, Daikeler suggests extending daily
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activity to twenty or thirty minutes, incorporating a balance of strength training
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and cardiovascular exercise.
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Daikeler emphasizes the importance of balancing different types of exercise, as each serves
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distinct functions in the body.
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He likens the body to a furnace, with muscle as the coal that fuels it.
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Resistance training builds muscle, while cardio "stokes the coal," maintaining overall fitness
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by challenging the heart and lungs.
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As adults age, the focus of physical activity should shift from aesthetics to functional
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mobility and independence.
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Daikeler recalls visiting his father in an assisted living facility and observing how
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residents struggled with basic movement and balance.
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This experience underscores the importance of maintaining physical habits not for vanity, but
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for mobility and independence in later years.
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Maintaining healthy physical habits involves accepting daily short-term discomfort to ensure
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long-term comfort and mobility.
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Daikeler notes, "If I do twenty minutes of discomfort, the rest of the day is awesome,"
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highlighting the value of consistently incorporating resistance training, cardio, and
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flexibility work into a daily routine.
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As we turn the calendar to October, it's time to talk about flu shots.
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Medical experts are urging everyone to get vaccinated soon, before the influenza virus
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starts spreading widely.
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It's also a good time to ensure that you're up to date on other fall respiratory viruses, like
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the updated COVID-19 shots and vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV,
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particularly if you're in a vulnerable group.
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The flu might make you feel miserable for a few days, but it can be much more serious.
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Every year, it leads to hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations in the United States and
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tens of thousands of deaths.
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Vaccination isn't a guarantee that you won't get sick, but it's like wearing a seatbelt in
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your car—it decreases the risk of the worst outcomes.
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That's according to Dr.
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Ryan Stanton of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
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Normally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would provide fall vaccine advice,
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but this year, due to a court battle, they're not updating their guidance.
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In their place, several doctors' groups have stepped up to fill the gap.
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These include the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family
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Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the
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Infectious Diseases Society of America.
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They've posted vaccination guidelines along with the scientific evidence supporting them.
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So, who should get vaccinated against the flu?
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The consensus is nearly everyone starting at age six months.
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However, it's especially important for those aged sixty-five and older, pregnant women,
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young children, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart
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disease, and weakened immune systems.
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The last two flu seasons saw unusually high numbers of child deaths, most of which were in
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unvaccinated children.
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There are multiple flu vaccine options available.
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For seniors, three "enhanced" flu vaccines are designed to offer better protection.
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The American Academy of Family Physicians advises choosing one, but not to delay
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vaccination if it's not available.
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The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new option for those aged fifty and
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older, made with the same mRNA technology that was crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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A study found that Moderna's mFlusiva was twenty-seven percent more effective against
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symptomatic illness among fifty- to sixty-four-year-olds than a standard shot.
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If you're not keen on shots, there's also a nasal spray option, FluMist, available for
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those aged two to forty-nine who meet certain health criteria.
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As for COVID-19 vaccines, while federal health agencies have formally approved them for
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higher-risk groups, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends them for all
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adults, especially seniors and those with risk factors.
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Adults aged sixty-five and older should consider getting a fall dose and a second dose
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six months later, as immunity can wane over time.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all children aged six
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months to twenty-three months and for older kids with high-risk conditions.
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There's no evidence of increased risk of miscarriage or other problems from COVID-19
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vaccination during pregnancy, so it's encouraged for pregnant women as well.
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Depending on your age, you can choose between shots from Moderna, Pfizer, or the non-mRNA
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version from Novavax and Sanofi.
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These vaccines are better at preventing severe disease than mild cases.
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Last fall, COVID-19 shots reduced the risk of hospitalization by fifty-three percent in
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seniors and significantly decreased emergency department visits for very young children.
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Common side effects for both flu and COVID-19 vaccines are mild and temporary, including sore
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arms, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and mild fever.
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These occurred somewhat more often with the new mFlusiva than with standard flu shots.
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Vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, though states have different rules, especially
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for COVID-19 shots.
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It's best to get vaccinated in October, as it can take two weeks for protection to kick in.
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COVID-19 cases tend to rise in late summer and again around the winter holidays, so timing
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your shot a few weeks ahead of important events can be wise.
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RSV, while often a cold-like nuisance, can be severe for infants and older adults.
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Vaccination is recommended for certain high-risk groups to protect against RSV as
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well.
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As we wrap up today's episode, remember that staying informed and proactive about
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vaccinations can help protect you and your loved ones from the severe impacts of
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respiratory viruses this fall.
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Thank you for tuning in to Morning Medical with Dr.
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Chow.
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Until next time, stay healthy and take care.