Tension around autonomy increases family conflict at end of life

Conflict within families can be stressful and confusing, and it can lead to feelings of sadness. It also is incredibly common and in many cases, a necessary part of family dynamics. New research highlights how caregivers can better manage family conflict as they deal with the approaching death of a loved one.

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New approach to pain treatment in diseases of the pancreas

One of the worst symptoms associated with inflammation or cancer of the pancreas is severe chronic pain. Pancreatic pain is difficult to treat, because many painkillers prove ineffective in pancreatic patients. In a recent study, medical researchers discovered the cause of this phenomenon for the first time: a particular neuroenzyme in the body is present in the nerves of the organ in high concentrations.

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A brain protein that could put the brakes on Alzheimer's

Biologists blazing new approaches to studying Alzheimer's have made a major finding on combating inflammation linked to the disease. The researchers' discovery about the role of a protein called TOM-1 heralds a shift toward examining the molecular underpinnings of Alzheimer's processes.

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Genetic markers linked to the start of symptoms of Parkinson's disease

Researchers have identified a group of genetic variants related to the starting point of Parkinson's disease. These results, published in the journal Movement Disorders, will enable delimiting the research on new therapeutic targets, and could have implications in the diagnosis of the disease.

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Simple cardiac risk score can predict problems with blood flow in the brain

The study shows that for those participants who do not have a history of heart disease or stroke that a simple cardiac risk score — a summary measure of factors such as blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, abdominal fat, and dietary factors — is associated with MRI-detected pre-clinical cerebrovascular disease like carotid artery plaque and silent strokes.

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