The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: **New Research Brings Reassurance on Calcium Supplements and Dementia Risk** A major new study finds that **daily calcium supplements do not increase the risk of dementia or dementia-related deaths in older women**. This result offers much-needed reassurance for women who take calcium supplements to maintain bone health and prevent osteoporosis[1][6]. **Debunking Earlier Fears** For years, some research had prompted concerns that calcium supplements could negatively impact brain health or raise dementia risk, especially in older women. This new, long-term study directly counters those fears, showing no significant association between calcium supplement use and dementia[1][3][5][7]. **How the Study Was Conducted** Researchers followed **1,460 women aged 70 and older** who were randomly assigned to receive either daily calcium supplements or a placebo for five years. After the initial supplement period, participants were tracked for nearly another 10 years to monitor who developed dementia or experienced dementia-related hospitalizations or deaths[2][5][6]. **What Did the Results Show?** Analysis revealed **no difference in dementia rates** or related deaths between women taking calcium and those taking the placebo, even after accounting for compliance, dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and genetic risk[1][2][3][4][5]. Dementia-related events occurred in about 18% of participants, but these were evenly spread between both groups[5]. **Study Strengths and Limitations** This research is notable for its **large sample size**, **randomized placebo-controlled design**, and **long follow-up period** of almost 15 years, making it more reliable than past observational studies[2][4][5]. However, the authors caution that the findings apply to **older women using calcium alone (not combined with vitamin D)**. There is not yet enough evidence to say the findings extend to men, younger people, or other supplement combinations[4][5]. **Advice for Patients and Professionals** For women concerned about osteoporosis, these results support **continuing calcium supplements as recommended for bone health**, without increased worry about dementia risk[3][4][6]. Clinicians and pharmacists can point to this evidence when counseling patients, but should continue to review individual medical history, possible side effects, and medication interactions[4]. **Looking Forward** While this study settles a major question about calcium monotherapy in older women, future research is needed to explore the link, if any, in other populations and with different supplement regimens[5]. **Summary** Daily calcium supplements do not appear to raise the risk of dementia in older women, supporting their ongoing use in maintaining bone health as people age[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][9]. Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9