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A gene long thought to just raise the risk for Alzheimer’s may cause some cases

WASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer’s disease — in people who inherit two copies of a worrisome gene. Scientists have long known a gene called APOE4 is one of many things that can increase people’s risk for Alzheimer’s, including simply getting older. The vast majority of Alzheimer’s cases occur after age 65. But research published Monday suggests that for people who carry not one but two copies of the gene, it’s more than a risk factor, it’s an underlying cause of the mind-robbing disease. The ...

What are the different types of strokes?

All strokes involve potential damage to an area of the brain. And all strokes have the same symptoms — which makes it easier to know when to seek help. But strokes have different causes, and that means different treatments and different recovery paths. Strokes fall into two categories: — Ischemic stroke — Hemorrhagic stroke Most strokes — almost 90 percent — are ischemic. These happen when blood flow through the artery to the brain becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot. There are two types of ischemic strokes: — Embolic stroke — Thrombotic stroke An ...

A new form of mpox that may spread more easily found in Congo’s biggest outbreak

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Congo is struggling to contain its biggest mpox outbreak, and scientists say a new form of the disease detected in a mining town might more easily spread among people. Since January, Congo has reported more than 4,500 suspected mpox cases and nearly 300 deaths, numbers that have roughly tripled from the same period last year, according to the World Health Organization. Congo recently declared the outbreak across the country a health emergency. An analysis of patients hospitalized between October and January in Kamituga, eastern Congo, suggests recent genetic ...

What parents should know about measles

You might think of measles as an old-time disease — and you’d be right. Measles used to be a common childhood disease decades ago, but is rare today in this country thanks to widespread vaccination. However, millions of cases occur worldwide every year, and measles outbreaks in parts of ...