Some Blood Pressure Drugs May Stave Off Dementia

TUESDAY, Jan. 12 (HealthDay News) -- Blood pressure drugs that block the protein angiotensin appear to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, a new study finds.

Vitamin D Plus Calcium Guards Against Fractures

TUESDAY, Jan. 12 (HealthDay News) -- Daily supplements of calcium and vitamin D reduce the risk of fractures in women and men of all ages, even if they've suffered previous fractures, but vitamin D supplements alone don't offer significant protection, a new study has found.

Loss of Smell Could Be Early Sign of Alzheimer's

TUESDAY, Jan. 12 (HealthDay News) -- New research in mice suggests that loss of smell could serve as an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease.

FocusDriven Seeks to Crack Down on Distracted Drivers

TUESDAY, Jan. 12 (HealthDay News) -- More than 500,000 people were injured and nearly 6,000 people were killed last year in motor-vehicle accidents involving a driver who was distracted while using a cell phone or texting device, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported Tuesday.

Men, Women Respond to Stress Differently

TUESDAY, Jan. 12 (HealthDay News) -- The brains of men and women handle stress differently and that alters the way their bodies experience chronic diseases such as depression, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders, U.S. researchers report.

Gene Variant Could Lower Alzheimer's Risk

TUESDAY, Jan. 12 (HealthDay News) -- A gene variant that is good for the heart also appears to be good for the brain, slowing age-related decline in mental function and cutting the odds for Alzheimer's disease, a study indicates.

With Pancreatic Cancer, Age Factors Into Familial Risk

TUESDAY, Jan. 12 (HealthDay News) -- People with a family member who had pancreatic cancer before age 50 face a greatly increased risk for the disease, a new study has found.

Green Tea May Lower Lung Cancer Risk

TUESDAY, Jan. 12 (HealthDay News) -- Antioxidants in green tea appear to significantly lower the risk for developing lung cancer among smokers and nonsmokers alike, new research from Taiwan reveals.

Combo PET-CT Scans Can Spot Hidden Cancers

TUESDAY, Jan. 12 (HealthDay News) -- A combination whole-body PET-CT scan is more accurate than some other commonly used tests in detecting cancer in patients with neurologic symptoms, according to U.S. researchers.

Alzheimer's Drug Might Help Prevent Esophageal Cancer

TUESDAY, Jan. 12 (HealthDay News) -- An experimental Alzheimer's drug may help prevent esophageal cancer, a new study shows.

Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 12, 2010

(HealthDay News) -- Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Health Highlights: Jan. 12, 2010

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Could a Bigger Bottom Boost Health?

TUESDAY, Jan. 12 (HealthDay News) -- Big-bottomed women, take heart.

Long-Term Statin Use Best Way to Cut Cardiovascular Deaths

TUESDAY, Jan. 12 (HealthDay News) -- A 50 percent increase in patients adhering to long-term treatment with cholesterol-lowering statins could prevent twice as many deaths from heart attack and stroke, British researchers say.

Report Card on Tobacco Control Laws a Mixed Bag

TUESDAY, Jan. 12 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. government took some important steps last year to prevent tobacco-related disease and death, but most states got a failing grade and 10 made alarming cuts to their tobacco control programs, a new report shows.

Doctors Put Off End-of-Life Talks With Terminally Ill

TUESDAY, Jan. 12 (HealthDay News) -- Terminally ill patients have much to consider, from whether they want to die at home or in the hospital to whether they want doctors to continue aggressive treatment or focus on making them comfortable during their final weeks or months.

Faster Heart Rate May Raise Risk of Heart Attack Death

TUESDAY, Jan. 12 (HealthDay News) -- For women under age 70, every 10-beat-per-minute increase in resting heart rate boosts the risk of dying from a heart attack by 18 percent, a new study has found.

Health Tip: Preparing for Winter Weather

(HealthDay News) -- Outdoor chores and activities are much tougher when you must contend with snow, ice and frigid temperatures.

Health Tip: Track What You Eat

(HealthDay News) -- A food diary can help you track how much food -- and how many calories -- you're taking in. This can help make it easier to lose those extra pounds.