PTSD responds to hyperbaric therapy; patients with heart conditions want to talk about sexual health; frailty may increase risk for dementia – Morning Medical Update

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Biological damage from PTSD responds to hyperbaric therapy

Researchers have demonstrated that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) improves the condition of those suffering from PTSD who have not responded to psychotherapy or psychiatric medications. “Our unique therapeutic protocol affects the biological brain ‘wound’ associated with PTSD, and effectively reduces typical symptoms such as flashbacks, hyper-vigilance and irritability. We believe that our findings give new hope to millions of PTSD sufferers and their families, all over the world,” the researchers explained in a news release. The paper, published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, can be found here.

Patients with heart conditions want guidance on sexual health

Older adults with heart conditions reported that their sexual health has an impact on their mood and overall well-being, according to a Swedish survey. That said, although 78% of respondents said they wanted information about sexual health from clinicians, only 5% said they received it. Patients have the most interest in discussing medication side effects, erectile dysfunction, impact that their conditions could have on relationships, anxiety prior to sex and pain during sex.

“I believe the health care professionals should change their patient standards to make discussing sexual health a standard and respectable topic in health care settings,” Tiny Jaarsma, PhD, lead author of the study and a professor of nursing at the University of Linkoping in Sweden, said in a university release. “This way, every person with a heart disease would receive information or at least be encouraged to seek information about their sexual health.”

Frailty may increase risk of dementia

A study has uncovered a connection between frailty and dementia, although early intervention may be a key to prevention. In a study of nearly 30,000 individuals, researchers found that frailty trajectories accelerated four to nine years before the onset of dementia, and they were able to determine that frailty was positively associated with dementia risk.

“By understanding the connection between aging, frailty and dementia, we can use targeted intervention strategies to reduce risk and improve quality of life,” David Ward, PhD, lead author of the study and research fellow in aging and geriatric medicine at the Center for Health Services Research, explained in a news release. “This finding supports integrating frailty screening into routine check-ups and could be used to inform health programs which promote lifestyle interventions such as exercise and nutrition.”