The results reported by researchers at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, in Los Angeles, California reinforce the recommendation to quit smoking — even for older women. Continue reading Effect of smoking cessation on age-related macular degeneration in older women
Category Archives: Macular Degeneration
The value of nutritional supplements in older adults
We commonly take them, but studies show mixed results regarding their health benefits, according to researchers at Duke University Medical Center, in Durham, North Carolina. Continue reading The value of nutritional supplements in older adults
Consumer Alert: FDA warns about OTC chelation products
8 companies of over-the-counter (OTC) chelation products were told that they are selling unapproved drugs and devices and are violating federal law with respect to unproven claims about these products.
These products purport to treat a range of diseases by removing toxic metals from the body. Some also claim to treat autism spectrum disorder, cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and other serious conditions. Continue reading Consumer Alert: FDA warns about OTC chelation products
A quick review of Ginkgo
As part of the Charms & Harms series in the Journal of Primary Care, Dr. Joanne Barnes, from the University of Auckland, in New Zealand distilled the evidence.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading A quick review of Ginkgo
Nuritional supplements to treat age-related macular degeneration
It’s a leading cause of visual loss in older adults and has limited treatment options.
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health, in Bethesda, Maryland reviewed the evidence for using nutritional supplementation to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Continue reading Nuritional supplements to treat age-related macular degeneration
Vitamins to prevent macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe irreversible vision loss in older Americans.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School in Boston examined the combined effect of folic acid, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), and cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) on the risk of AMD. Continue reading Vitamins to prevent macular degeneration
Omega-3 to prevent macular degeneration
Researchers from Australia reviewed the medical literature and conclude omega-3 fatty acids and fatty fish might offer protection from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Continue reading Omega-3 to prevent macular degeneration
Intake of omega-3 in nursing home residents
Researchers from the University of Waterloo in Canada tell us that increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids “is associated with the decreased risk and incidence of several morbidities afflicting the elderly, including cognitive decline, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, and macular degeneration.”
With that information, one would think maintaining omega-3 intake would be a priority. But is it? Continue reading Intake of omega-3 in nursing home residents
Vitamin D and age-related macular degeneration
Researchers from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey report that vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) might protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Continue reading Vitamin D and age-related macular degeneration
Sources of lutein and zeaxanthin to help prevent age-related macular degeneration
Diets rich in lutein plus zeaxanthin may protect against intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in healthy women younger than 75 years, according to a study just published in the Archives of Ophthalmology.
The findings are significant because there is no cure for AMD, only limited treatments are available, and there is no established means of prevention. Therefore, any intervention that lowers the risk for AMD is potentially important.
But what are lutein and zeaxanthin, and where can you get them?
Continue reading Sources of lutein and zeaxanthin to help prevent age-related macular degeneration
Yes, omega-3 reduces age-related macular degeneration risk — No, I don’t think so.
In July, two studies in well-respected ophthalmology journals came to different conclusions on this topic.
First, the good news. Then, the not so good news. Finally, news you can use.
Harvard researchers concluded that increased intake of fish reduced the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — particularly for 2 or more servings per week. Also, higher intake of dietary omega-3 fatty acid was associated with a lower risk of AMD. The study population came from the National Research Council World War II Veteran Twin Registry.
Contrary to this, researchers from the University of Ottawa reviewed 6 studies and concluded that the results were inconsistent and they couldn’t say for sure.
What to do?
Continue reading Yes, omega-3 reduces age-related macular degeneration risk — No, I don’t think so.