Head trauma may activate latent viruses; childhood smoking increases risk of COPD; 1 in 4 U.S. veterans over 60 diagnosed with CVD – Morning Medical Update

Author(s):

Austin Littrell

Key Takeaways

Traumatic brain injuries may activate latent brain viruses, suggesting antiviral medications as early preventative treatments.
Childhood smoking before age 15 significantly raises COPD risk, highlighting the need for preventive public health measures.
Cardiovascular disease is prevalent among older U.S. veterans, linked to age, trauma, and lifestyle factors, necessitating integrated health strategies.

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Head trauma may activate latent viruses, study says

Researchers at Tufts University and Oxford University have uncovered mechanisms that connect traumatic brain injuries to latent viruses lurking in most people’s brains that may be activated by the jolt. The results of the study, which is published in Science Signaling, suggest the use of antiviral medications as potential early preventative treatments post-head injury.

Childhood smoking increases risk of developing COPD

Children who began smoking before the age of 15 have an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study published in the November 2024 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation.

“Our study suggests that a person with a childhood smoking history has an increased risk of developing COPD, regardless of current smoking status, smoking duration, cigarette pack years and exposure to secondhand smoke,” Laura M. Paulin, MD, MHS, a pulmonologist at Dartmouth Health’s Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and senior author of the study, said in an organizational release. “Critical lung development occurs in childhood and early adolescence, making children’s lungs particularly susceptible to damage caused by cigarette smoking. These findings highlight the need for additional public health efforts to reduce, and ultimately prevent, childhood smoking.”

1 in 4 U.S. Veterans over 60 diagnosed with CVD at some point

A recent study, published in PLOS Mental Health, highlights the significant health burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among older U.S. military veterans, with 25.5% reporting a lifetime diagnosis of CVD. Using data from 3,001 veterans aged 60 and older in the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, researchers found that CVD is linked to greater age, cumulative trauma, nicotine use and conditions including hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. The study also revealed strong associations between CVD and various mental and physical health conditions. These findings emphasize the need for integrated prevention and intervention strategies to address the complex health challenges faced by this population.