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According to new peer-reviewed research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, Chinese scientists report that serotonin, the neurotransmitter targeted by many antidepressants, may actually amplify tinnitus.

In their study, otolaryngology and hearing researchers show that a specific serotonin-driven brain circuit is connected directly to the auditory system. Using advanced light-based brain stimulation in mice, they find that increasing serotonin activity triggers tinnitus-like behaviors. When they turn that circuit off, the tinnitus-like effects become significantly weaker.

This study confirms observations by some patients that tinnitus seems to worsen while taking SSRIs. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are a common class of antidepressants used to treat depression and anxiety. They include Zoloft, Lexapro, Prozac, Celexa, and Paxil. This research may help explain why they might trigger ear ringing.

The researchers stress that people should not stop prescribed medications on their own. As always, you should work with your medical team to balance mental health benefits with any potential impact on your tinnitus symptoms.

The references for this report are available on my website.

#Tinnitus #HearingHealth #BrainHealth #DepressionResearch #MedicalNews

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More seniors are using cannabis than ever before. But today’s marijuana isn’t the marijuana of the 1970s which often contained 1% to 4% THC. Modern products contain up to 20 times more.

According to new research and expert guidance from Stanford Medicine, adults over 65 may face unique risks from cannabis use, especially because modern products contain much higher levels of THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, than in decades past.

The Stanford researchers cite studies linking regular cannabis use to higher risks of heart attack and stroke. They also note that smoking and vaping cannabis increases inflammation in your blood vessels. Another concern is risk of falling. Older adults process cannabis more slowly, which increase the risk of dizziness, balance problems, and cognitive side effects that raise the risk of injuries.

They also warn about memory issues. Cannabis worsens confusion which is particularly concerning for people already experiencing cognitive decline or dementia symptoms.

Drug interactions are another risk. For example, CBD interferes with how the body processes certain medications such as some blood thinners, potentially increasing the risk of complications.

The investigators remind that, contrary to a common myth, cannabis can be addictive. About 30% of regular users may develop cannabis use disorder evidencing symptoms such as cravings, tolerance, withdrawal, and difficulty cutting back.

If you’re over 65 and considering cannabis for pain, sleep, or anxiety, do discuss it with your healthcare team first. Age, medical conditions, and medications can all affect how safely cannabis can be used.

The references for this report are available on my website.

#HealthyAging #CannabisResearch #SeniorHealth #MedicalResearch #Wellness

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BTW. It doesn’t involve your blood pressure or cholesterol numbers.

SUNY Buffalo epidemiologists studied more than 5,000 women ages 63 to 99 and found that their muscle strength is strongly linked to survival over an eight year period. Their study, published in JAMA Network Open, is one of the largest studies ever to examine strength and longevity in older women.

The two tests that are predictive are surprisingly simple hand grip strength and how quickly a person stands up from a chair five times without using their hands. Every additional 7 kilograms of grip strength are associated with about a 12% lower risk of death. Faster chair-stand performance is also linked to improved survival.

Most surprising: these associations remain even after accounting for physical activity levels, fitness, inflammation, and body size. In other words, only strength seems to matter. So ladies and probably you guys too… you can work on that grip strength with resistance training, hand exercises, and free weights.

Don’t forget, though, that healthy aging is best supported by both aerobic exercise and muscle-strengthening activities.

The references for this report are available on my website.

#HealthyAging #Longevity #StrengthTraining #WomensHealth #MedicalResearch