Staying #Up2Date 🚨

1: Pressure Point: Hypertension Management and Dementia 

This RCT looked at whether blood pressure (BP) reduction could lower the risk of all-cause dementia in adults aged 40+ with uncontrolled hypertension in rural China. The intervention group — treated with antihypertensive meds by non-physician community healthcare providers — saw significant drops in systolic and diastolic BP (22.0 mmHg and 9.3 mmHg, respectively) compared to usual care. All-cause dementia was significantly lower in the intervention group (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.95, P = 0.0035), supporting the role of intensive BP control in dementia prevention.

2: Clearing the Air on Varenicline for Youth Vaping Cessation 

This RCT tested varenicline for nicotine vaping cessation in 261 treatment-seeking youth who don’t smoke regularly. Compared to placebo, varenicline led to higher continuous abstinence rates — 51% vs 14% in the last month of treatment and 28% vs 7% at 6-month follow up. Varenicline was well-tolerated, supporting its combination with behavioral counselling to support vaping abstinence in youth. 

3: After the Finish Line: Body Image and Disordered Eating in Retired Female Athletes

This qualitative study of elite women athletes explored how body image issues persist after retirement. Themes highlighted the wide range of sociocultural factors affecting body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in high-level sports, pointing to the need for better support for women athletes — during their careers and after.

Metabolic Woes 🧠

What your metabolism and dementia might have in common

What happened: A new study has found a link between metabolic syndrome and young-onset dementia. 

Why it’s interesting: High blood pressure, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high blood sugar are just some symptoms of metabolic syndrome, and the study found that patients who have been diagnosed are 24% more likely to develop dementia at a young age. 

By looking at checkups from almost 2 million Koreans, researchers found that those who had metabolic syndrome also developed early-onset dementia between 2009 and the end of 2020. Unfortunately, the risk is even greater for Canadians, as 1 in 5 have metabolic syndrome due to things like high obesity rates and type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have also shown that racialized communities are at greater risk of developing these issues because of systemic racism in Canada’s healthcare. 

While it can be scary to think about how something as common as high blood pressure might cause dementia, one Florida neurologist said the study could encourage people to make healthier choices for their brains. Regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining stress levels are just a few things people can do to lower their risk of metabolic syndrome (and eventually dementia). Sadly, for some, dementia is genetic, and no amount of running will stop the disease from happening.

But: The study was observational, and researchers couldn’t claim that metabolic syndrome caused dementia; instead, they found a correlation between the two. More research needs to be done on the topic, starting with studying more populations and figuring out whether or not treating metabolic syndrome lowers the chances of dementia.

Bottom line: While the race to find a cure for dementia and Alzheimer's is still up for grabs, unravelling how it might start is a huge game changer for folks at risk. 

Hot Off The Press

1: 🇨🇦 After securing a minority win, Mark Carney used his victory speech to sharpen Canada’s diplomatic stance. He denounced US interference in the election and pledged to “chart a more self-reliant path” — distancing Canada from its southern neighbour as trade tensions flare. “The old relationship is over,” he said.

2: 😲 New Quebec legislation will force medical school graduates to stay in the public system for five years before shifting to private practice. Under Bill 83, Santé Québec must approve any doctor who wants to leave — and violations could bring fines up to $200K a day. Officials say the law aims to shore up public care access amid a sharp rise in private-only physicians.

3: 💉 A single dose of the HPV vaccine may protect against cancer just as well as 2, according to new clinical trial data. Researchers found 97% efficacy in a Costa Rican study tracking 20,000 girls over 4.5 years. Experts hope the findings could drastically expand access — especially in low-income countries where cervical cancer remains a leading cause of death.

4: 🧠 Peer influence is edging out clinical advice — especially among Gen Z. New Edelman survey data show 45% of young adults say they’ve trusted friends or family over doctors in the past year, and 38% have turned to social media instead. While most still value individual providers, trust in traditional health institutions continues to slide.

5: 🚫 Dr. Esther Park — the Toronto gynecologist whose clinic failed to properly sterilize instruments for nearly 5 years — has officially resigned. As we reported in March, around 2,500 patients were warned they may have been exposed to hepatitis B, C, or HIV due to dirty tools and diluted disinfectant. The risk is low — but Park’s exit includes a lifetime ban from practicing medicine in Canada.

Notable Numbers 🔢

167: seats won by Mark Carney’s Liberals — just 5 short of a majority. It’s a comeback few predicted earlier this year, and it means another round of minority rule in Ottawa.

7.3 million: Canadians who voted early this election, a 25% jump from last time. Advance turnout like that doesn’t just suggest engagement — it signals urgency.

1: seat held by the Green Party. Elizabeth May kept Saanich–Gulf Islands, but she’ll be the only Green voice in Parliament, again.

Picks

😂Laugh: at this meme about gall bladder stones:

🤑Save: Looking to get your yard ready for spring? Home Depot’s got what you need during their Spring Black Friday sale.

👂Listen: To the newest episode of the Beyond MD Podcast. This episode discusses the state of the stock market and what one doctor has to say about it.

Relax

First Question: Infectious disease causing parotitis, orchitis, meningitis, and pancreatitis

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