Medi Watch
Tie the knot and live longer
People who have never married are significantly more likely to die earlier, at all ages, than those who are married - and before those who are separated, widowed or divorced, even though so-called singletons often have healthier lifestyles. Those who have never married have a 58 per cent higher risk of an earlier death than those who are married and still living together, according to a University of California analysis of data from 80,000 Americans. Those separated or divorced have a 27 per cent higher risk of early death, and those widowed have a 39 per cent higher risk, medpage.com and WebMD report. The so-called never-married penalty 'rivals the risks of having increased blood pressure or high cholesterol'. Compared with married people, never-marrieds are: five times more likely to die of infectious disease; twice as likely to die in accidents, murder or by suicide; and 38 per cent more likely to die of heart disease. 'Evidence suggests that social isolation increases the risk of premature death,' the study says. 'Marriage is a rough proxy for social connectedness.'
Alzheimer's breakthrough
Scientists have discovered an apparent direct molecular link between ageing and Alzheimer's: proteins that clean the brain of the excess beta-amyloid plaque associated with the disease, but that slow down with age. The breakthrough comes from research on worms at California's Salk Institute for Biological Studies, AP reports. Scientists are already working on ways to control amyloid build-up, but the cleaner proteins suggest a new approach.
Activity keeps dementia at bay
Exercise may help keep the mind sharp and stave off Alzheimer's and other dementias in old age, according to a review by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign of 40 years' research. One study of people over 65 found that those who exercised for about 30 minutes three times a week were less likely to develop Alzheimer's, even if they were genetically predisposed to it. Other studies suggested that aerobic exercise and physical activity moderate age-related changes in brain structure on a cellular level, healthday.com reports. Many studies indicated 'significant and sometimes substantial' links between physical activity and later cognitive function and dementia.
Nicotine puts drag on Parkinson's
Good news for smokers: nicotine may slow the onset of Parkinson's disease if given early enough, according to a study of monkeys by the Parkinson's Institute in California reported in the Journal of Neurochemistry. Smokers are known to get Parkinson's less often than non-smokers. The disease occurs when brain cells that produce dopamine - a key chemical messenger - die. Nicotine appears to protect the cells, although it's not clear how, WebMD reports.
Mornings better for induced labour
If labour has to be induced it should be in the morning, according to an Australian study of 620 women, because it's the most natural time for the onset of labour and is associated with fewer complications. In particular, the University of Adelaide study found that the number of first-time mothers requiring operative vaginal birth (typically using forceps or vacuum extraction) was lower among those induced in the morning - 16 per cent compared with 34 per cent. Nonetheless, there was no statistical difference for other key measures such as labour going beyond 24 hours, caesarian sections and foetal heart-rate changes, healthday.com reports. And a US study suggests that mornings also may be the safest time for surgery. Serious anaesthesia-related problems - typically related to pain management rather than being life-threatening - were most common in operations that started between 3pm and 4pm, Duke University researchers found, although they weren't sure why, WebMD reports.
Jason Sankey is a tennis professional
