Behind the Headlines

Claims vitamin B prevents Alzheimer's are unproven

Tuesday May 21 2013

'Should you be taking vitamin B to protect against Alzheimer's?,' asks the Daily Mail. Its question is prompted by new research into whether a daily dose of vitamin B could reduce the loss of brain tissue in people with mild cognitive impairment…

Drug combination offers hope for osteoporosis

Wednesday May 15 2013

“Double drug hope for brittle bone sufferers”, reports the Daily Mail. This headline follows a small but well-designed trial of treatments for postmenopausal osteoporosis…

US guidelines recommend CT scans for smokers

Thursday May 9 2013

Older people with a history of smoking heavily should be offered annual low-dose CT scans to screen for lung cancer according to new US guidelines reported by the Reuters news agency. These guidelines recommend that annual CT...

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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…