Behind the Headlines

Benefits of brain training for dementia uncertain

Wednesday Apr 17 2013

"Forget popping pills – the best way to boost your brainpower is a crossword or sudoku," the Mail Online website states. The website reports that fish oils and gingko supplements won’t prevent cognitive decline, but that brain training games might…

Today's adults 'unhealthier than their parents' were

Thursday Apr 11 2013

"Today's adults are so unhealthy they are 15 years 'older' than their parents and grandparents at the same age," reports The Daily Telegraph. This gloomy message is based on...

Does eating fish really extend your life?

Tuesday Apr 2 2013

"Eating fish in old age 'can extend life'," The Daily Telegraph proclaims, among several mainstream papers covering the story. But before you head out to buy some...

Social isolation increases death risk in older people

Tuesday Mar 26 2013

"Social isolation is associated with a higher risk of death in older people regardless of whether they consider themselves lonely," BBC News has reported. Previous research has suggested that people who have limited social contact are...

Low risk of kidney damage from high-dose statins

Wednesday Mar 20 2013

Much of the media is reporting the findings of a major study looking at whether 'cholesterol-busting' statins are linked to hospital admissions for acute kidney injury. The Mail Online website warns readers that...

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90% of doctors support Liverpool Care Pathway

Friday Mar 1 2013

“Ninety per cent (of doctors) would be prepared to be placed on the controversial Liverpool Care Pathway programme if they were nearing death” is the reassuring news in today’s Metro...

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Sorry Victor, pessimists don’t really live longer

Thursday Feb 28 2013

‘Pessimists are more likely to live longer’, the Mail Online tells us, while The Daily Telegraph claims, “Victory for Victor Meldrew, as pessimistic people 'live longer'”. These headlines are based on a wide-ranging study…

Worry over antipsychotic drugs in care homes

Thursday Feb 21 2013

New research looking at prescription data has raised concerns that powerful drugs such as antipsychotics are being overused, with both The Guardian and the BBC News website covering the story. The stories are based on a useful study in Northern Ireland...

What is the Liverpool Care Pathway?

Tuesday Nov 27 2012

An independent review of the controversial palliative care practice known as the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) has been announced, many newspapers report...

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Free bus pass is 'ticket to good health'

Friday Sep 21 2012

“Free bus passes are spreading good health among older people,” the Daily Mail reported today. The story is based on research that found that older people who had a free bus pass were more likely to take part in “active travel”...