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How Not to Age: A Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older

How Not to Age: A Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older

It’s not yet possible to stop the passage of years, but it might well be within our sights to combat the effects of aging, according to Michael Greger, MD, internationally recognized lifestyle medicine physician, author and nutritionist. Synthesizing years of research on the essential pathways of aging, Dr. Greger believes the process can be slowed down with lifestyle changes, and without pharmaceutical interventions. Below are some of his most interesting findings … please note that we always encourage you to check with your physician for individual guidance before adopting new health recommendations.

A cup of tomato soupPlant-based eating holds one of the most important keys to slowing biological aging, emphasizes Dr. Greger. Borne out in large studies from the National Institutes of Health/AARP and Harvard, replacing just 3% of daily calories from animal protein with plant protein was associated with a 10% decrease in risk of overall mortality. It may also help prevent Alzheimer’s dementia, an incurable disease. “There is a growing consensus that what is good for our hearts is also good for our heads, and high levels of blood cholesterol are recognized to be a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Switching to a healthy, whole foods diet lower in animal fats, eggs and dairy can help prevent arteries in the brain from becoming clogged with atherosclerotic plaque, which is thought to play a role in Alzheimer’s,” he explains. “It may even trump genetics, as seen in Nigeria, where the plant-predominant diet may be the reason for very low rates of Alzheimer’s disease among a population with some of the world’s highest rates of the Alzheimer’s gene. Genes may load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger.” In studies of older adults, the benefits of a diet rich in dark green, leafy vegetables continues to emerge, associated with improvements in the brain’s processing speed and working memory, muscle mass and strength, and potentially helping prevent age-related macular degeneration.

Cup of Cappuccino with Heart Shape over Wooden BackgroundActivate autophagy, the body’s cellular recycling system, with regular aerobic exercise of moderate intensity, and daily consumption of spermidine, a compound found in foods including: beans, tempeh (made from fermented soybeans), white button mushrooms, mangoes, edamame, green peas, lentil soup, and in its most concentrated form in wheat germ. Also given the green light by Dr. Greger is coffee, for its abundance of polyphenol chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant thought to have a protective effect that is contained in all types of the beverage (decaffeinated, instant, and especially when brewed with a paper filter).

Potato wedges inside air fryer. Best way to fry potatoes without oil at homeAvoid French fries and chips, urges Dr. Greger, as the toxin acrylamide formed during the frying process may cause inflammation and inhibit autophagy; air fry potatoes instead. Also, put down the salt shaker and opt for salt-free seasonings or substitutes. “Cutting back on sodium appears to effectively make people more than a decade younger in terms of risk of premature death,” he says.

Grilled salmon on fresh vegetables on wooden tableMinimize fish. Long viewed as a healthy choice, fish have become so contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides and other forever chemicals that despite their omega-3 fatty acids, there’s been a failure to consistently observe its beneficial effects, according to Dr. Greger.

Portrait of senior woman lifting weights with classmates at the gymPrevent bone fractures by focusing on strength and balance training. “The majority of age-related risk of bone fractures (85%) is due to falling, not osteoporosis, so addressing muscle loss may be more effective than the current focus on increasing bone mineral density with drugs,” says Dr. Greger. He cites multiple randomized trials showing a combination of resistance exercise to improve lower limb muscle strength and balance training can cut fracture risk nearly in half. And although boosting protein intake has been touted by others, Dr. Greger cautions: “If you put together all the randomized, controlled trials of adding extra protein to the diets of older men and women, you find no evidence that it increases muscle mass or strength, even in those with sarcopenia (excessive age-related muscle loss).”

Finally, he points to the reassuring fact that adopting just a few simple lifestyle behaviors – a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking – adds years of life no matter when you begin. “A Harvard analysis of more than 100,000 men and women followed over decades showed that starting to eat and live more healthfully at age 50 appeared to translate into 12 to 14 years of extra lifespan, at age 60, an extra 8 to 9 years, and even starting at age 80 added more years. We all have the power to turn back the clock, starting right now.”

Eight Lessons from the Blue Zones

Blue Zones are areas across the globe in which populations live longer and better than average, identified by National Geographic fellow Dan Buettner, who explains: “There’s no magic bullet or pill, but rather a cluster of mutually supporting factors common to these centuries-old cultures whose people are making it to ages 90-100 without disease.”

  1. Plant-slant diet, as described elsewhere in this issue. Buettner’s common sense advice: “Sit down with a plant-based cookbook, identify a dozen recipes that you think your family would enjoy and cook them instead of going on a diet or spending money on a program. Also, eliminate soda pop, one of the unhealthiest parts of the American diet.”
  2. Eat until you’re 80% full. “And have your biggest meal first,” advises Buettner, “eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.”
  3. Family-first focus.
  4. Belonging: feeling connected to your community.
  5. Right tribe: surrounded by friends who support healthy behaviors.
  6. Natural movement throughout the day.
  7. Strong sense of purpose.
  8. Ability to de-stress.

The original Blue Zones ranged from Costa Rica to Sardinia. According to new research, these states closer to home are most likely to earn the moniker in the future: California, Minnesota, Utah, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Colorado.

Read more →

How Not to Age: A Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older

How Not to Age: A Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older

It’s not yet possible to stop the passage of years, but it might well be within our sights to combat the effects of aging, according to Michael Greger, MD, internationally recognized lifestyle medicine physician, author and nutritionist. Synthesizing years of research on the essential pathways of aging, Dr. Greger believes the process can be slowed down with lifestyle changes, and without pharmaceutical interventions. Below are some of his most interesting findings … please note that we always encourage you to check with your physician for individual guidance before adopting new health recommendations.

A cup of tomato soupPlant-based eating holds one of the most important keys to slowing biological aging, emphasizes Dr. Greger. Borne out in large studies from the National Institutes of Health/AARP and Harvard, replacing just 3% of daily calories from animal protein with plant protein was associated with a 10% decrease in risk of overall mortality. It may also help prevent Alzheimer’s dementia, an incurable disease. “There is a growing consensus that what is good for our hearts is also good for our heads, and high levels of blood cholesterol are recognized to be a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Switching to a healthy, whole foods diet lower in animal fats, eggs and dairy can help prevent arteries in the brain from becoming clogged with atherosclerotic plaque, which is thought to play a role in Alzheimer’s,” he explains. “It may even trump genetics, as seen in Nigeria, where the plant-predominant diet may be the reason for very low rates of Alzheimer’s disease among a population with some of the world’s highest rates of the Alzheimer’s gene. Genes may load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger.” In studies of older adults, the benefits of a diet rich in dark green, leafy vegetables continues to emerge, associated with improvements in the brain’s processing speed and working memory, muscle mass and strength, and potentially helping prevent age-related macular degeneration.

Cup of Cappuccino with Heart Shape over Wooden BackgroundActivate autophagy, the body’s cellular recycling system, with regular aerobic exercise of moderate intensity, and daily consumption of spermidine, a compound found in foods including: beans, tempeh (made from fermented soybeans), white button mushrooms, mangoes, edamame, green peas, lentil soup, and in its most concentrated form in wheat germ. Also given the green light by Dr. Greger is coffee, for its abundance of polyphenol chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant thought to have a protective effect that is contained in all types of the beverage (decaffeinated, instant, and especially when brewed with a paper filter).

Potato wedges inside air fryer. Best way to fry potatoes without oil at homeAvoid French fries and chips, urges Dr. Greger, as the toxin acrylamide formed during the frying process may cause inflammation and inhibit autophagy; air fry potatoes instead. Also, put down the salt shaker and opt for salt-free seasonings or substitutes. “Cutting back on sodium appears to effectively make people more than a decade younger in terms of risk of premature death,” he says.

Grilled salmon on fresh vegetables on wooden tableMinimize fish. Long viewed as a healthy choice, fish have become so contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides and other forever chemicals that despite their omega-3 fatty acids, there’s been a failure to consistently observe its beneficial effects, according to Dr. Greger.

Portrait of senior woman lifting weights with classmates at the gymPrevent bone fractures by focusing on strength and balance training. “The majority of age-related risk of bone fractures (85%) is due to falling, not osteoporosis, so addressing muscle loss may be more effective than the current focus on increasing bone mineral density with drugs,” says Dr. Greger. He cites multiple randomized trials showing a combination of resistance exercise to improve lower limb muscle strength and balance training can cut fracture risk nearly in half. And although boosting protein intake has been touted by others, Dr. Greger cautions: “If you put together all the randomized, controlled trials of adding extra protein to the diets of older men and women, you find no evidence that it increases muscle mass or strength, even in those with sarcopenia (excessive age-related muscle loss).”

Finally, he points to the reassuring fact that adopting just a few simple lifestyle behaviors – a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking – adds years of life no matter when you begin. “A Harvard analysis of more than 100,000 men and women followed over decades showed that starting to eat and live more healthfully at age 50 appeared to translate into 12 to 14 years of extra lifespan, at age 60, an extra 8 to 9 years, and even starting at age 80 added more years. We all have the power to turn back the clock, starting right now.”

Eight Lessons from the Blue Zones

Blue Zones are areas across the globe in which populations live longer and better than average, identified by National Geographic fellow Dan Buettner, who explains: “There’s no magic bullet or pill, but rather a cluster of mutually supporting factors common to these centuries-old cultures whose people are making it to ages 90-100 without disease.”

  1. Plant-slant diet, as described elsewhere in this issue. Buettner’s common sense advice: “Sit down with a plant-based cookbook, identify a dozen recipes that you think your family would enjoy and cook them instead of going on a diet or spending money on a program. Also, eliminate soda pop, one of the unhealthiest parts of the American diet.”
  2. Eat until you’re 80% full. “And have your biggest meal first,” advises Buettner, “eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.”
  3. Family-first focus.
  4. Belonging: feeling connected to your community.
  5. Right tribe: surrounded by friends who support healthy behaviors.
  6. Natural movement throughout the day.
  7. Strong sense of purpose.
  8. Ability to de-stress.

The original Blue Zones ranged from Costa Rica to Sardinia. According to new research, these states closer to home are most likely to earn the moniker in the future: California, Minnesota, Utah, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Colorado.

Read more →

Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in a World of Excess

Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in a World of Excess

It’s called the Plenty Paradox: an affluent environment with easy access to substances or behaviors perceived as pleasurable has actually been a key contributor to our national mental health crisis. So posits Dr. Anna Lembke, Medical Director of Addiction Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, who has extensively researched and treated patients struggling to find the right balance in what she terms our “Dopamine Nation.”

Constant over-exposure to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy foods, social media or other activities can cause a surge in dopamine, the primary neurotransmitter in our brain regulating our experience of pleasure, motivation and reward. “We all have a baseline level of dopamine, and there is enormous variability among individuals as to what triggers the release of additional dopamine in their brains,” she explains. Once that occurs, the brain will work to restore any deviation from neutrality.

Dr. Lembke explains: “The brain adapts to a pleasurable stimulus by tipping to pain, which is the comedown or aftereffect sensation. If we wait, this will pass and homeostasis is restored. But if we continue to use our drug or activity of choice, the initial stimulus of pleasure gets weaker and shorter, and the aftereffect of pain gets stronger and longer, changing the hedonic, or joy, setpoint over time. Now we need more not to feel good, but just to level the balance and feel normal…because when we’re in a state of dopamine deficit, classic symptoms of withdrawal such as anxiety, irritability, insomnia and depression and craving are experienced, along with a diminished capacity to enjoy previous pleasures.”

Noting that rates of anxiety and depression have increased most quickly over the last 20 years in the richest nations, Dr. Lembke says: “We’re living in a world where you can binge on almost anything – gaming, exercise, romance novels – because so much has become more reinforcing, potent, novel and accessible. It’s a real mismatch between the way we were initially wired to survive in an environment of scarcity and overwhelming danger, and our modern dopamine-rich ecosystem.”

An early intervention: the dopamine fast

With the caveat that her approach is not appropriate for all (e.g. those at risk of life-threatening withdrawal from opioids, or those who have unsuccessfully and repeatedly tried to stop on their own), Dr. Lembke shares the basics of her innovative “dopamine fast” to address compulsive overconsumption.

  • Recall the quantity and frequency of your drug of choice, be it video games, cell phone use or cannabis, over the past week, going backwards in time. Identify your initial motivation for overconsumption (to have fun, to solve a problem, etc.) and consider if you now need more to achieve your objective.
  • Abstain for 3 to 4 weeks. “Although it may feel as if the drug of choice is the only thing that gives you a break from difficult circumstances, realize that it may actually be making you feel worse, and the only way to know is to abstain completely for at least 3 weeks. Stopping sooner will mean you experience only the hard challenges of the first two weeks, and none of the rewards when homeostasis begins to be restored after that.”
  • Maintain. During abstinence, learn to recognize triggers and create literal and cognitive barriers to press the pause button between desire and consumption. “With social media for example, you can delete apps, turn off alerts and create tech-free spaces in the home. Make a plan for how to integrate the habit back into your life as a useful tool while staying balanced, such as scheduling ‘intermittent fasting’ from your digital devices until you’ve accomplished specific tasks.”
  • Hormesis. Dr. Lembke refers to a growing body of literature showing that exposure to initially painful experiences can result in increased resilience. “In our social media example, hormesis can be achieved by unplugging from our devices and doing things that may seem hard such as exercising, playing an instrument, writing a thank you note, even taking a cold shower,” she says. “Paying for the dopamine surge upfront may help boost motivation and positive mood without the big comedown.”

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Sustainable Eating: The Planetary Healthy Diet

Sustainable Eating: The Planetary Healthy Diet

The Lancet Planetary Health Diet

Is there a way to eat that not only reduces the risk of disease and promotes well-being, but is also sustainable? Could a certain diet provide enough food for the 9.8 billion people estimated to be living on earth by 2050? This was the challenge first taken on in 2019 by the EAT-Lancet Commission, comprised of top scientists from around the globe.

Combining analysis of more than 30 years of the best available nutritional studies and randomized trials with planetary boundaries for key environmental systems and processes, in 2023, the Commission found it to be “an achievable reality that would improve the health and well-being of billions and allow us to pass on to our children a viable planet.” However, cautions Walter Willett, MD, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Commission co-chair: “It won’t be easy and will take the engagement of almost everyone.”

Implementing and Following the Planetary Health Diet

The basics of the Planetary Health Diet include:

  • No more than one serving of protein, like poultry, fish, red meat or eggs, and one serving of dairy per day. Focus on fruits and vegetables (at least five servings daily), nuts, legumes (dry beans, lentils and peas), whole grains and plant oils. “We emphasize plant-based protein sources to help prevent major health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia,” explains Willett. “We also explored if there is a certain amount of red meat, for example, that that could be consumed while still remaining at low risk for disease. One serving a week (about 14 grams daily) met our criteria, but increasing to two servings weekly made a significant, and unacceptable, increase in the risk for type 2 diabetes.”
  • Nutrient-dense items such as nuts and legumes are also emphasized to ensure food production and consumption practices will not exceed the earth’s ecological limits. Foods sourced from animals have a relatively high environmental footprint per serving compared to other food groups which impacts greenhouse gas emissions, land use and biodiversity loss, according to the Commission.
  • Among major protein sources, lentils are considered the healthiest, with the highest ratio of polyunsaturated fat to saturated fat, followed by tofu, almonds and salmon.
  • Less healthy foods to avoid include red meat, eggs, dairy, refined grains and sugar-sweetened beverages.

Variety Through a Flexible Diet

“It really comes down to a flexitarian diet. There’s incredible variety in the ways you can put it together and keep animal sources of protein to a minimum,” says Willett. His only asterisk: “Lower vitamin B12 levels can occur when less than two servings of animal protein is consumed daily, with serious health consequences.” He recommends getting adequate amounts of the vitamin through either supplements or fortified foods.

Only a few parts of the world currently meet scientific targets for the planetary health diet, and the U.S. in particular will need to significantly decrease consumption of animal proteins. “Higher intakes of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and especially nuts and whole grains would be desirable for almost every country, preventing about 11 million deaths per year,” says Willett. “It is not a question of all or nothing, but gradually making small changes for a large and positive impact.”

Pie chart of foods representing the planetary Health diet
The Planetary Health Diet is symbolically represented by half a plate of fruits and vegetables, and the other primarily of whole grains, plant proteins, unsaturated plant oils, modest amounts of meat and dairy, and some added sugars and starchy vegetables.

 Rooting for Vegetables

Bring the benefits of plant-forward eating to your table with seasonal root vegetables this winter. These veggies are high in vitamins and nutrients, and low in calories. Many root vegetables listed below may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cholesterol lowering properties as well. Enjoy these versatile veggies:

  • Allium Bulbs (onions, shallots, garlic). Roast or caramelize for pizza garnishes, bread toppings and quesadilla fillings.
  • Avocados. At their creamy best for use in wraps, salads, and dips, including guacamole.
  • Belgian Endive. Chop for salads; braise whole or brush with a vinaigrette and grill for side dish.
  • Beets. Grate to sprinkle in salads or on sandwiches; sautee or roast with garlic and olive oil for side dish.
  • Broccoli/Broccoli Rabe/Broccolini. Use in pasta dishes and winter salads; puree for soup.
  • Brussels Sprouts. Roast for optimal flavor and serve as appetizer, side dish, even a pizza topping.
  • Carrots (white, yellow, purple, red and orange varieties). Eat raw with yogurt-based dip; steam, boil or roast for side dish.
  • Celeriac (celery root). Sub for potatoes in soups and stews; blend for creamy sauce; grate into salad.
  • Chayote. Add to salads; use as soup base.
  • Fennel. Chop raw and freeze for use in soups and stews.
  • Kale, Collards, Mustard and Turnip Greens. Roast or boil until tender and dress for salad while still warm.
  • Parsnips. Eat raw; boil lightly; roast with carrots and potatoes.
  • Rutabagas. Use in place of or in addition to turnips and potatoes.
  • Sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes). Serve in salads; puree as base for main course; roast with olive oil for side dish.
  • Sweet Potatoes. Make healthy fries by quartering, drizzling with olive oil and baking at 400 degrees for 40-60 minutes; steam chunks and mash; bake whole and unpeeled.
  • Turnips. Bake, boil or steam like a potato; shred for coleslaw; julienne as garnish.
  • Winter Squash (butternut, acorn, delicata, kambocha, spaghetti and pumpkin varieties). Steam or microwave as low-calorie alternative to pasta; roast, stir fry or puree for soups.

Sources: Have a Plant, Spruce Eats, Datassential

 

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Every Walk is a Step in the Right Direction

Every Walk is a Step in the Right Direction

“If you are in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk.” – Socrates

No one has a negative word to say about the benefits of walking. Accessible to most, with no special equipment or training needed, stepping out regularly can bring a plethora of health gains: improved bone density, lower blood pressure, reduced mental stress and depression and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

What we still don’t know is just how many steps are needed to begin reaping these benefits, nor when a plateau occurs or the peak of optimization is reached. As data continues to flow in from numerous research studies and millions of personal fitness trackers, one well-known goal is clearly being walked back – 10,000 steps a day is not the magic number for all. In fact, far fewer steps can prevent disease and promote well-being.

According to one of the world’s largest studies on walking, a meta-analysis examining almost 227,000 participants over 7 years, just 2,500 steps daily benefits the heart and blood vessels,  while reaching the 4,000-step mark significantly reduces the risk of dying from any cause. However, keep on track because more is better, as the risk of death falls by 15% for every additional 1,000 steps taken, and the highest reduction in mortality was seen among those who ramped it up to between 6,000 and 7,000 steps daily. This correlates with the 150 minutes of moderate activity per week recommended in the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which translates to approximately 7,000 steps per day/5 days per week.

Also heartening for those who find it difficult to exercise regularly is a 2023 cohort study which showed that taking 8,000 steps just one or two days during the week can result in a substantially lower risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.

Most reassuring: “While the longer you have consistently followed a walking routine the higher the chance for life extension, beginning at any age will positively impact your health,” shares Dr. Maciej Banach, meta-analysis study lead and adjunct professor at the Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “If you first start walking for exercise at age 60, or 65, or 70,  and commit to it regularly, you can still experience all these important health benefits.”

Ready to take the first step toward your health and fitness goals? “Start small,” advises American Council on Exercise expert Chris Gagliardi. “Breaking it down into manageable chunks of 10-minute walks makes it easier to find the time and energy to get it done, and that success will motivate you to do more. Think about it this way…if you replace 10 minutes of sitting with 10 minutes of walking, you’ve made a 100% improvement in your fitness goal!”

If you’re looking to step it up, try some of these walking challenges:

  • High intensity interval training (HIIT) alternates short bursts of intense effort with short periods of recovery. After a good warm-up, increase your speed and go as fast as you can for 20 to 30 seconds. Return to a comfortable walking pace for a minute or two, and repeat for a few cycles. Start with one short HIIT walk weekly, and add more to your routine as desired.
  • Rucking is the act of walking while carrying a loaded backpack or wearing a weighted vest. Derived from military drills, rucking combines cardiorespiratory activity with muscular strength training, and can help reduce the risk of age-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. To ensure comfort and safety, opt for a vest or load 5 to 10% of your body weight.
  • Walking poles help distribute upper-body weight into the arms and can increase the amount of calories burned by 20%. They can be used on flat surfaces as well as when hiking.
  • Add a level of difficulty by increasing speed, seeking out hills and inclines, and varying your walking surface.

Sources:

Maciej Banach et al, on behalf of the Lipid and Blood Pressure Meta-analysis Collaboration (LBPMC) Group and the International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP). The association between daily step count and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: a meta-analysis, European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2023; zwad229, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwad229

Inoue K, Tsugawa Y, Mayeda ER, Ritz B. Association of Daily Step Patterns With Mortality in US Adults, JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(3):e235174, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2802810

American Council on Exercise, Walking Toolkit, https://acewebcontent.azureedge.net/assets/about-ace/advocacy/Walking_Toolkit_Community.pdf

Walk This Way

Perfect your walking form in 8 easy steps.

  1. Stand tall. Imagining a wire attached to the crown of your head is gently pulling you upward will help you walk more briskly.
  2. Look to the horizon to help avoid stress on the neck.
  3. Lift your chest and tighten your abs to take pressure off your back.
  4. Drop your shoulders down and allow your arms to bend naturally at the elbow. Swing your arms to increase speed.
  5. Maintain a neutral pelvis. Don’t tuck your tailbone under or overarch your back.
  6. Keep your front leg straight but not locked for a smoother stride.
  7. Aim your knees and toes forward to reduce chance of injury.
  8. Land on your heel to facilitate the heel to toe motion that carries you the furthest and fastest.

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AI in Healthcare: An Early Look at the Power, Promise and Peril of Tech’s Latest Tool

AI in Healthcare: An Early Look at the Power, Promise and Peril of Tech’s Latest Tool

Whether you are an enthusiastic adopter of virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri, and apps to monitor everything from glucose to sleep patterns— or consider them error-prone and intrusive—it’s impossible to ignore the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT.

To quickly define terms, AI is the capability of a computer system to mimic human cognitive functions, such as learning and problem solving. A large language model (LLM) is a type of AI that uses deep learning techniques and large data sets to understand, summarize, generate and predict new content. ChatGPT, powered by LLM, is a generative AI model designed to understand and produce human-like text responses based on input provided. Released last November by OpenAI, ChatGPT now has 100 million users worldwide; alternatives include Google’s Bard and Microsoft’s Bing.

We share an early overview of some of the most compelling benefits and drawbacks of AI’s use in medicine, albeit with a few crucial caveats. While the rise of AI may be viewed as alarming, keep in mind that it is a nascent, still-evolving technology. What is true today will be superseded by new developments, improvements and regulations tomorrow. Additionally, the physician’s oath to ‘first, do no harm’ will continue to guide medicine’s measured approach to implementing technological advances. If you’re interested in learning more, we recommend the M.I.T. Technology Review podcast ‘In Machines We Trust’, and the books The AI Revolution in Medicine: GPT-4 and Beyond by Lee, Goldberg and Kohane, and Deep Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Healthcare Human Again by Eric Topol, MD.

Technology titans like Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates have described its promise in sweeping terms: “AI is on the verge of making our lives more productive and creative. But it also has the potential to help us solve some of society’s biggest challenges, like improving healthcare, saving energy, and making it easier to feed the world,” he said. Dr. Andrew Ng, a recognized pioneer in machine learning described it as the “new electricity,” adding “I have a hard time thinking of an industry that I don’t think AI will transform in the next several years.”

In medicine, the potential is particularly exciting, according to Eric Topol, MD, a renowned physician-scientist and futurist. “The next big thing is multimodal AI, which collects all the data that makes us unique—anatomical imaging, physiological sensors, genome, microbiome, metabolome, immunome, environmental and social determinants, our electronic health records with lab results, family history and longitudinal follow-up—along with sources of medical knowledge, and quickly processes and analyzes it. Once you do that, you not only can better manage a condition like diabetes or hypertension in real-time, but in the future, prevent conditions that people are at high risk for from ever occurring.”

Douglas Grimm, attorney and healthcare practice leader at ArentFox Schiff also views AI’s predictive capabilities as its greatest promise. “AI may someday inspire a paradigm shift in care – instead of the patient calling the physician at 3 a.m. with concerning symptoms, the physician will have earlier received an analysis of the patient’s risk based on data from AI-enabled remote monitoring, and proactively guided them to prevent a cardiac event.”

For all its potential however, Grimm recommended a cautious approach to AI, due to a lack of regulation regarding data security and confidentiality as well as the need for guardrails to mitigate potential medical misinformation.

American Medical Association President Jesse Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H, expressed the concerns of many in healthcare when he told us: “While AI-enabled products show tremendous promise in helping alleviate physician administrative burdens and may ultimately be successfully utilized in direct patient care, OpenAI’s ChatGPT and other generative AI products currently have known issues, including fabrications, errors, and inaccuracies. For AI-enabled tools to truly live up to their promise, they must first earn—and then retain—the trust of patients and physicians. Just as we demand proof that new medicines and biologics are safe and effective, so must we insist on clinical evidence of the safety and efficacy of new AI- enabled healthcare applications.”

According to Alan Karthikesalingam, MD, PhD, Google Health’s lead researcher on Med-PaLM 2, an AI tool that made headlines for achieving 85% accuracy on the U.S. medical licensing exam: “AI on its own cannot solve all of healthcare’s problems. Data and algorithms must be combined with language and interaction, empathy and compassion. What makes us healthy is complicated.”

Tinglong Dai, PhD, professor at Johns Hopkins University who has extensively studied AI’s effects on healthcare, said he has high confidence in its assessment of radiological images, but lower confidence in its ChatGPT guidance. “AI can eventually serve as a very capable colleague, and the physicians I work with here are amazed at its accurate, and even compassionate responses. But 20% of the time the advice is completely wrong or unfounded—it’s like an eager medical student who wants to make an impression on their professors and tries to pick up patterns, but misses the underlying logic. Right now it’s still being tested and used in situations where no harm can occur, but if people start relying on it, that would be dangerous.”

Dr. Isaac Kohane, chair of the Department of Biomedical Informatics at Harvard Medical School, advised: “At present, AI should be used for where human beings are the weakest — namely, in knowing everything about all their patients and being as alert at 6:00 in the evening as they are at 8:00 in the morning. I don’t think that AI should be used instead of the human intuition, the human contact, and the human common sense that doctors bring to their patient interactions.”

As an addition to the physician’s growing toolbox, AI has potential value, believes Specialdocs Consultants CEO Terry Bauer, a senior healthcare executive who’s worked with thousands of doctors in his decades-long career. “It could help practices with administrative tasks, data entry and report generation and possibly claims documentation and denial management. AI may also enhance the diagnostic process, and as a result, minimize unnecessary testing. All this said, I cannot envision AI matching the judgment, intelligence or experience of a dedicated physician who thoroughly examines and listens to their patients.”

When asked about its own future, ChatGPT thoughtfully responded: “Ensuring patient privacy, addressing biases in AI, and maintaining the human touch in healthcare are critical considerations that must be addressed. ChatGPT is not a replacement for human expertise but a valuable ally in the pursuit of better healthcare outcomes for all.”

AI in Action in Medicine

From early disease detection to accelerated drug discovery to 24/7 virtual health assistants, the applications for AI abound. Below are just a few examples of AI being utilized in healthcare:

✚ At Google Health, AI research led to the development of an automated tool that uses an AI camera to detect diabetic retinopathy in less than two minutes.

✚ At Cedars Sinai, investigators are leveraging AI’s algorithms to identify early signs of pancreatic cancer, and to predict the likelihood of coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest.

✚ At Mayo Clinic, the cardiology team uses AI-guided electrocardiograms to detect faulty heart rhythms before symptoms appear, and to identify the presence of a weak heart pump, preventing future heart failure.

✚ At the AI & Tech Collaboratory for Aging Research at Johns Hopkins, the team is exploring robots that can help patients with cognitive impairments, dementia or Alzheimer’s navigate daily living tasks; using Alexa to administer cognitive tests at home; and configuring Apple Watches to provide alerts of possible falls or wandering.

Sources:

AI in Healthcare with Dr. Eric Topol https://youtu.be/s7vur7ckBE0?si=_9sewIVcAAHc2n1g

AI Will Make Medicine More Human Again https://youtu.be/zmID4msEk-Y?si=qzwFsRBUE2gsNT0U

Groundbreaking Research in Health AI, The Check Up, Google Health https://youtu.be/3Ud-BMOCkDI?si=dOsnjb4LMKiinMta

Is Medicine Ready for AI? NEJM podcast https://www.nejm.org/action/showMediaPlayer?doi=10.1056%2FNEJMdo007065&aid=10.1056%2FNEJMp2301939&area=

Widner, K., Virmani, S., Krause, J. et al. Lessons learned from translating AI from development to deployment in healthcare. Nat Med 29, 1304–1306 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02293-9

A Better Model of Heart Disease Prediction https://www.cedars-sinai.org/discoveries/better-model-heart-disease-prediction.html

AI in Cardiovascular Medicine https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/ai-cardiology/overview/ovc-20486648

Can We Trust AI? https://hub.jhu.edu/2023/03/06/artificial-intelligence-rama-chellappa-qa/

 

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A New Era for Diabetes and Weight Loss Drugs

For patients seeking new solutions to managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, the introduction of a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists (RA) has simultaneously inspired hope and excitement along with misuse and confusion. We developed the following Q&A to go beyond the headlines and explore how Ozempic and similar drugs work, who may benefit most from them, and why they may ultimately represent a true breakthrough in the way these chronic conditions are classified, considered and treated.

What defines type 2 diabetes?

More than 37 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, a chronic disease that affects the ability of the body to regulate glucose (blood sugar) levels. This leads to an increase of glucose over
time which significantly increases the risk for complications to vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. Diagnosis is made when testing shows: fasting glucose of 126 mg/dl or higher; or non-fasting glucose of 200 mg/dl or higher; or A1C (average of glucose over the past 3 months) of 6.5% or higher.

How was type 2 diabetes previously treated?

Approved by the FDA in 1994, Metformin is well established as the first line therapy for management of type 2 diabetes if lifestyle changes (low-carbohydrate diet, weight loss and exercise activity) are not enough to bring blood sugar levels down near the normal range. Metformin works by decreasing the amount of blood sugar produced by the liver in a fasting state, decreasing the absorption of food through the intestines, and restoring the body’s response to insulin.

What is different about the GLP-1 RA drugs?

Among the major benefits this class of drugs brings to patients with type 2 diabetes is
lowering their risk for heart disease and stroke, and providing a significant boost to weight loss, in addition to helping reduce glucose levels to a near-normal range. As a result of the positive outcome reported in trials, the American Diabetes Association changed its longstanding guidelines for first-line treatment of type 2 diabetes to include recommendations for GLP-1 RA drugs in patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease or with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or chronic kidney disease.

How do GLP-1 RA drugs work?

Known as incretin mimetics, this class of drugs mimics the effect of a hormone, glucagon- like peptide-1, or GLP-1, which is normally produced naturally to stimulate the release of insulin secretion after eating a meal. Receptors to GLP-1 are found in the pancreas, the brain and elsewhere in the body. The drug enhances these receptors, which help the pancreas release more insulin and help reduce blood sugar levels without raising the risk for hypoglycemia (too- low blood sugar levels). By limiting the amount of sugar the liver releases into the bloodstream in a fasting state, and slowing down how long food stays in the stomach, the drug promotes a feeling of satiety, leading people to be satisfied with eating smaller portions. In addition, some patients have reported a marked decrease in cravings for carbohydrate-rich and fatty foods.

What are GLP-1 RA drugs intended to treat – diabetes, obesity, or both?

Under certain names, GLP-1 RA drugs are FDA-approved only for treatment of type 2 diabetes while offering added benefits of weight loss and cardiovascular protection; under other names, the drugs are indicated only for weight loss, but not for treatment of diabetes. While the ingredients can be identical, the difference is in dosage amounts and whether the trials focused on the drug’s impact on blood sugar or weight changes. For example, semaglutide, a GLP-1 drug, is approved to treat diabetes under the name Ozempic; a higher-dose version of semaglutide, Wegovy, is only FDA approved for weight loss. The same is true for liragutide, approved for type 2 diabetes as Victoza, and for weight loss as Saxenda.

Are there side effects?

Most side effects for these types on drugs are gastrointestinal, including nausea, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain.

How effective are GLP-1 RA drugs like Saxenda and Wegovy for weight loss?

Trials to date have shown excellent results, with patients able to lose between 5 to 20% of their total body weight. However, these drugs are not meant for people wanting to lose 10 or 15 pounds. They are indicated for those who are obese, as measured by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher; or for people with a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related coexisting condition such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels. It’s important to note that obesity is a chronic disease, and these drugs may be needed as a long-term treatment to help lose pounds and maintain weight loss, along with lifestyle changes that include a healthy diet and 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities.

How do SGLT2 inhibitors fit into the mix of drugs for diabetes?

This is a newer class of drugs that lowers blood sugar levels by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose back into the bloodstream but instead releasing it through urine. Originally intended only for lowering blood sugar, later research data showed the drugs offered significant benefits for type 2 diabetes patients with coexisting conditions. Now some SGLT2 drugs- Invokana (canaglifozin), Farxiga (dapaglifozin), and Jardiance (empagliflozin) – have also been approved for use by non-diabetic patients with a history of chronic kidney disease or congestive heart failure.

Are other drugs in the wings?

Mounjaro, a GLP-1 RA drug that also promotes a second gut hormone (glucose-dependent
insulinotropic polypeptide, or GIP) is currently approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes, and on a fast track approval by the FDA to be used as a weight loss medication.

How will I know which drug is right for me?

This is a decision best made on an individual basis with your physician, who will consider factors such as your overall health status, drug intolerances, risk factors for developing diabetes-related complications, benefits versus possible harm from side effects, and preferred formulation (oral or injection).

Drugs with Benefits: A Guide to GLP-1 RA Therapies

NOTE: Non-GLP-1 RA drugs used for weight loss are not listed here… Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your best option.

Brand Name Active Ingredient Dosage/Form Approved For Also Beneficial For
Ozempic Semaglutide Weekly injection Type 2 diabetes Weight loss; decreased risk of stroke and heart attack
Wegovy Semaglutide Weekly injection Weight Loss n/a, studies not conducted
Rybelsus Semaglutide Daily pill Type 2 diabetes Weight loss, cardiovascular safety
Trulicity Dulaglutide Weekly injection Type 2 diabetes Weight loss; decreased risk of stroke and heart attack
Victoza Liraglutide Daily injection Type 2 diabetes Weight loss; decreased risk of stroke and heart attack
Saxenda Liraglutide Daily injection Type 2 diabetes n/a, studies not conducted
Soliqua Insulin glargine & lixisenatide Daily injection Type 2 diabetes Weight loss
Byetta Exenatide Twice daily injection Type 2 diabetes Weight loss
Bydureon BC Exenatide Weekly injection Type 2 diabetes Weight loss
Mounjaro (GLP-1 RA/GIP) Tirzepatide Weekly injection Type 2 diabetes Weight loss

Sources: GoodRx, American Diabetes Association

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Ticked Off: How to Recognize, Relieve and Resist Lyme Disease

Ticked Off: How to Recognize, Relieve and Resist Lyme Disease

Summertime is prime time for ticks, which are becoming more prevalent each year. A combination of changing land use and warmer winters has greatly expanded the ticks’ habitat and they’re now found in more than half of U.S. counties. As a result, tick-borne Lyme disease has doubled over the last two decades to nearly 500,000 cases annually, earning it the unfortunate distinction of being the most common vector-borne illness in the Northern hemisphere. Read on for details on how to protect yourself this season, and in the summers to come.

Identifying Lyme

In its acute phase (one to two weeks after the bite), Lyme can cause fevers and chills, joint pain, headache, muscle aches and is frequently accompanied by a salmon-colored rash at the site of the tick bite. It may have a “bulls-eye” appearance, often considered a sign of infection, but the rash can manifest differently, or not at all. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), the possibility of exposure to infected ticks, and antibody tests. A high number of false negative tests occur in the early phase, however, because it takes time for the immune system to respond to the infection and create antibodies. As the infection progresses, virtually everyone with Lyme disease has a positive test result.

Treating early, late and long Lyme

Most people recover from Lyme disease rapidly and completely if diagnosed early and treated with a short course of oral antibiotics. More serious symptoms, including joint pain and swelling, nerve problems and neurological issues, may develop if Lyme disease is left untreated. Known as late Lyme disease, it can occur months to years after a tick bite, and requires a longer course of antibiotics, administered intravenously. Post-Treatment Lyme disease, sometimes called chronic or long Lyme disease, is experienced by 5% to 15% of patients who have lingering symptoms such as headache, fatigue, joint pain and “brain fog.” While the condition is not yet well understood, experts have found additional antibiotic treatments are not usually helpful, and the symptoms gradually resolve over time.

Preventing Lyme

The best way to avert the complications of Lyme disease is to vigilantly avoid ticks. These tips can help you prevent Lyme disease:

  • Wear shoes, long pants tucked into socks, a long-sleeved shirt, hat and gloves in wooded or grassy areas.
  • Stick to trails, stay clear of low bushes and long grass.
  • Use insect repellants such as DEET, picardin, permethrin (apply to clothing).
  • Do tick checks on your body after outside activities. Be sure to check your dogs for ticks
    too!
  • Remove any ticks promptly with clean, fine-tipped tweezers. Be reassured that just finding a tick on your skin doesn’t mean you’ll get Lyme disease; a tick needs to be attached for at least 48 hours before it can transmit the bacteria.
  • Look for advanced protection in the next few years from two well-known names in vaccines – Pfizer and Moderna. An earlier vaccine, LYMERix, was discontinued in 2002 due to lack of interest at a time of lower Lyme disease cases, as well as concerns over side effects. Pfizer’s VLA15 is intended to block the bacteria from leaving the tick. Moderna is applying mRNA technology used in its COVID vaccine to target the Borrelia bacteria species at the root of most U.S. Lyme disease cases. Also of note is MassBiologics’ shot that delivers a single, human anti-Lyme antibody directly to a person to provide immediate immunity…now in trials.

QUICK BITES: Fast Facts About Lyme Disease

  • Most Lyme disease infections in the U.S. occur May through September.
  • Cases of Lyme disease are most commonly seen in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states
    (from Maine to Virginia), the Midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan), and the
    West Coast (California).
  • The disease was first recognized in Old Lyme, Connecticut in 1975 when a cluster of
    children developed unexplained, rheumatoid arthritis-like symptoms. Not until the next decade was the cause discovered: the spiral bacteria Borrelia burdorferi in deer ticks prevalent in the forests near where the infections occurred. Testing confirmed the Lyme disease bacterium was passed to humans via the bite of a deer tick.

Sources: NIH, National Geographic

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Staying Hydrated This Summer: Water Infused with Fruits, Vegetables, and Herbs

Staying Hydrated This Summer: Water Infused with Fruits, Vegetables, and Herbs

Stay hydrated and energized this summer by refreshing yourself with generous amounts of water, nature’s best elixir. Inspire yourself to keep reaching for another sip by infusing water with fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs…no sugar or artificial flavoring needed. Have a Plant shares how:

  • Wash all produce and herbs before slicing and dicing.
  • Start with a large glass bottle or jar with a lid, add your desired ingredients and fill with cold or room temperature water.
  • Refrigerate for at least one hour. For a more intense flavor, refrigerate overnight. Some fruits and herbs will infuse more quickly than others. The longer it soaks, the more the flavors are released into the water.
  • Foster even more concentrated flavor by muddling – the process of mashing ingredients to draw out essential oils in herbs, rinds and fruits.
  • Extract multiple uses from the ingredients by adding more water and letting it infuse again. Make sure to drink within one day.
  • Experiment with sparkling, seltzer or unsweetened coconut water as the base.

Try making infused water ice cubes for your beverages with this simple technique: Half fill each section of an ice cube tray with water; add small pieces or slices of desired fruits, vegetables to each section; fill remaining space with water and freeze.

Source: Have a Plant, Kathryn Long, RDN, LDN

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Joint Assets: An Osteoarthritis Update

Joint Assets: An Osteoarthritis Update

The aching, swollen, stiff joints associated with osteoarthritis (OA) have long been considered a “wear and tear” condition, associated with aging. It was thought that cartilage, the smooth connective tissue on the end of bones that cushion the joints, simply breaks down over a lifetime of walking, exercising and moving. New research shows that it is a disease of the entire joint that also causes bony changes of the joints, deterioration of tendons and ligaments and inflammation of the synovium (lining of the joint). While more prevalent in people over 50, OA can show up in younger patients, especially those who’ve experienced a joint injury such as a torn ACL or meniscus. The promising news is that according to the Arthritis Foundation, “OA is not an inevitable aging disease” and the Cleveland Clinic notes: “Age is a contributing factor, although not all older adults develop osteoarthritis and for those who do, not all develop associated pain.”

Still, currently OA is by far the most prevalent form of arthritis, affecting more than 32.5 million Americans, and primarily targeting knees, hips, hands and spine. A variety of factors contribute to the development of OA, including congenital joint deformity, family history, previous joint injury, and years of physically demanding work or contact sports. However, reducing risk is possible with attention to these modifiable factors:

  • Obesity adds stress and pressure to joints. Consider that your knees bear a force equivalent to three to six times your body weight with each step, so a lighter weight relieves the burden considerably – losing one pound takes 3 pounds off the knees.
  • Lifestyle. Being physically active is crucial, as a sedentary lifestyle and obesity are associated with a higher risk of OA. While sports such as football, baseball and soccer may pose a risk because of their impact on joints, most types of regular or moderate exercise can be safely done.

Living with Osteoarthritis

Unfortunately, there is no cure for OA, and managing symptoms such as joint stiffness, tenderness, swelling, and popping or crackling can become increasingly difficult over time. While seeking a pill to alleviate discomfort is a natural reaction, consider trying alternative solutions to help break the cycle of chronic pain.

“The longer the brain processes pain, the more hypersensitive it becomes to pain,” explains Rachel Welbel, MD, a physiatrist who is extensively trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation and sports medicine. “The brain, now constantly on high alert, may respond to non-painful sensations as if they are painful. Poor diets and stress can increase chemicals in the brain that reinforce this response, prolonging the pain cycle.”

Reflecting a more holistic and multi-faceted approach to managing pain, she says: “Opioids are almost never the answer.” Instead, she recommends lifestyle modifications, treatments and medications that help tackle pain in a variety of ways.

Lifestyle Modifications, Treatments and Medications for Osteoarthritis

Weight management. Obesity is not only a leading risk factor for OA, but adds to the pain for those with the condition. Body fat produces proteins called cytokines that cause inflammation, and in the joints, can alter the function of cartilage cells. Shedding even a few pounds can make a difference: losing just 10% of your body weight can cut arthritis pain in half, and losing another 20% can reduce the pain by an additional 25% or more, and may slow or even halt progression of the disease.

Exercise and movement. “Exercise is key to living well with OA,” says Welbel. “While resting aching joints may bring temporary relief, lack of movement ultimately leads to more discomfort. The focus is not on weight loss but on minimizing pain and maximizing strength.” Plan on 150 minutes of light to moderate exercise each week. She recommends working with a physical therapist who can analyze your joint biomechanics and suggest exercises to strengthen muscles and improve range of motion while reducing stiffness and pain. “In addition, exercise is a natural mood elevator,” says Welbel. “Walk, swim, or try mindfulness-based, stress-reducing exercise such as yoga and tai chi.”

Anti-inflammatory diet. Increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and fish, while reducing consumption of red and processed meats, refined grains, and sugar-containing beverages and foods, may play an important role in reducing pain associated with inflammation from OA, says Welbel. Try incorporating into your diet fatty fish; herbs and spices such as garlic, turmeric and cinnamon; yogurt and other fermented foods; and healthy fats such as avocados, extra virgin olive oil and walnuts.

Supportive devices. A cane or walker can help lighten the load on your joints, decrease pain, and reduce your risk of falling. Intermittent use of a knee brace may be helpful for added stability, especially if walking on uneven surfaces. Foot orthotics such as arch supports and metatarsal pads may reduce foot pain.

Medications. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help joint pain and stiffness for some. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also used to relieve pain, including OTC medications such as Advil or Aleve, or Celebrex, a prescription medication with a somewhat lower risk of ulcers and upper gastrointestinal bleeding than other NSAIDs. Topical NSAIDS such as Aspercreme and other creams or patches containing ingredients such as capsaicin, menthol or lidocaine can help.

Injections. Corticosteroids injections may provide temporary relief for acute flare-up of OA pain in knees and finger joints, but effectiveness can vary, and you must wait at least 3 to 6 months to repeat an injection in a specific joint if needed. Viscosupplementation involves injection of a gel-like substance containing hyaluronic acid, which acts as a lubricant in the fluid between bony surfaces and is decreased in OA joints. Research results for significant pain reduction or improved function are not yet convincing, but there appear to be a number of patients with mild to moderate knee OA who report symptom relief.

Supplements. Research results are mixed, but we note some of the more well-known supplements with the caution that these are not recommended to be used alone as treatments for OA. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, naturally occurring compounds found in healthy cartilage, may help reduce joint pain and stiffness, and have been available in the U.S. and Europe for several decades. Other supplements such as tart cherry and turmeric may help reduce OA symptoms for some.

Other promising but not yet proven treatments. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and stem cell therapy have been used to treat pain of mild to moderate knee OA, but evidence of effectiveness is mixed, and these are still considered experimental. Elements of Eastern medicine, including herbs and acupuncture, may help control OA symptoms, but have not yet been confirmed in large clinical studies.

A Generation of Joint Replacements

When diet and exercise modifications, supportive devices, medications and injections no longer sufficiently ease the pain of OA, a hip or knee replacement may be recommended. The number of people opting for this surgery increases each year, now totaling more than 790,000 knee and 450,000 hip replacements annually.

The implants, made of plastic, metal or ceramic, are traditionally kept in place with bone cement, which is gradually being replaced by newer cementless and porous titanium systems to improve bone fixation and durability. Also on the rise is computer-assisted surgery to increase placement accuracy of the prosthetic components, and patient-specific implants using 3D printing technology. The combination of modern materials and advanced surgical techniques have extended the durability of most implants to 20 years, a marked improvement over the previous standard of 10 to 15 years.

Recovery time has also changed for the better. With rehabilitation to regain strength and motion, normal activities can usually be resumed within weeks to months. Most importantly, the majority of patients are highly satisfied with the results, reporting minimal to no pain and significantly improved function and quality of life. However, outcomes can vary and potential complications should be discussed before proceeding.

Additional breakthroughs may be on the horizon: researchers at Duke University start trials this spring of a hydrogel-based cartilage substitute that may prove more durable than natural cartilage…stay tuned!

Every patient is unique…please check with your healthcare provider to discuss recommendations for prevention and treatment based on your individual health situation.

Sources: Arthritis Foundation, AAOS, Orthoworld, Cleveland Clinic, National Academy of Medicine (formerly Institute of Medicine), UpToDate, US Department of Agriculture, American College of Rheumatology.

 

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