Medical Bulletin 4/June/2025

Here are the top medical news for the day:

How Your Morning Coffee Could Boost Brain and Body Health?

A recent study presented at NUTRITION 2025, the flagship annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition held in Orlando, reveals that drinking caffeinated coffee in midlife may be associated with healthier aging in women.

Coffee is not only a popular morning beverage but also offers several potential health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, it can help protect cells from damage, support cognitive function, and may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the caffeine content in coffee is known to enhance energy levels, improve focus, and elevate mood.

The study drew from data collected in the long-running Nurses’ Health Study, tracking the diets and health outcomes of 47,513 women since 1984. Researchers assessed caffeine intake through detailed food frequency questionnaires, which included common sources like coffee, tea, cola, and even decaffeinated coffee. The primary goal was to determine whether caffeine consumption in midlife contributed to what they defined as “healthy aging”—living past 70 without any of 11 major chronic diseases, while remaining physically active, mentally sharp, emotionally well, and free from serious memory issues.

According to the researchers, "having coffee in the morning hours has the power to keep women mentally strong and physically robust, the two key parameters for healthy living."

Health experts suggest waiting 30 to 60 minutes after waking to consume coffee, as this timing better aligns with the body's natural circadian rhythm and helps prevent potential disruptions to sleep later in the day.

In conclusion, your daily cup (or two) of coffee can be more than just a comforting ritual—it might actually be a powerful ally in promoting long-term physical and mental well-being.

Reference: https://nutrition.org/meeting/

Exercise Cuts Cancer Death Risk by Over a Third: Study Finds

In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers have provided the most definitive evidence to date that structured exercise significantly improves survival outcomes for cancer patients. The international randomized controlled trial, conducted across 55 cancer centers in six countries, followed nearly 900 patients and found that those who participated in a structured exercise program had a 37% lower risk of dying and a 28% lower risk of cancer recurrence or new cancer, compared to those who did not.

While earlier studies hinted at the benefits of exercise in cancer care, they fell short of establishing a causal relationship.

The trial focused on patients diagnosed with Stage III or high-risk Stage II colon cancer who had undergone standard treatments including surgery and chemotherapy. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: a control group that received educational materials promoting physical activity and nutrition, and a treatment group that also received three years of support from a “physical activity consultant,” a blend of personal trainer and life coach, to encourage sustained aerobic exercise.

Most patients chose brisk walking—about 45 minutes, four times a week—as their primary activity. “Eighty percent of patients in the exercise group remained disease-free after five years, compared to 74% in the control group,” Christopher Booth, senior author and professor of oncology at Queen’s University reported. After eight years, the exercise program had prevented one death for every 14 people who participated in the exercise arm of the study. The reduction was specifically in colon cancer deaths, Booth said - not deaths from other causes, like cardiovascular disease.

Although the biological mechanisms remain unclear, blood samples collected during the study may provide insights. This study suggests it may be time to reframe exercise not just as rehabilitation, but as a vital part of cancer treatment itself.

Reference: JOUR, Structured Exercise after Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer, Kerry S. Courneya, Janette L. Vardy, doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2502760, New England Journal of Medicine, https://www.nejm.org/doi/abs/10.1056/NEJMoa2502760, 2025/06/02

Study Shows Combination Therapy May Improve Survival in Severe Heart Disease

A new study has demonstrated that combining aortic valve replacement with targeted drug therapy significantly improves survival in patients suffering from both aortic stenosis and cardiac amyloidosis—two serious heart conditions common in the elderly. The findings are published in the European Heart Journal.

Aortic stenosis is a condition in which the heart valve that directs blood from the left ventricle into the bloodstream becomes narrowed, reducing blood flow. Cardiac amyloidosis, on the other hand, involves the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the heart muscle, impairing its function. Both diseases frequently affect older adults and often co-exist, compounding the risk of heart failure and death. Traditionally, treatment has focused on valve replacement, while the amyloidosis component has largely gone unaddressed.

To explore the benefits of a combined treatment approach, the research team analyzed data from 226 patients across ten countries diagnosed with both conditions.

The study found that patients who underwent aortic valve replacement and received the amyloidosis-specific drug tafamidis had a significantly lower risk of death compared to those who received only one form of treatment or none. “Our results even show that patients with both conditions who received valve replacement and specific amyloidosis therapy had similar long-term survival rates to people with aortic stenosis without amyloidosis,” emphasized study leader Christian Nitsche.

Both conditions compromise the heart’s pumping ability and, if untreated, can be fatal. The study reinforces the importance of addressing both the mechanical and molecular aspects of these diseases. However, a key challenge remains: around 10% of patients with aortic stenosis also have cardiac amyloidosis, yet this often goes undiagnosed. “Our findings also suggest that patients with severe aortic valve stenosis should be screened for amyloidosis so that we can offer them targeted life-prolonging treatment options,” Nitsche added.

This research paves the way for more personalized and effective care for aging patients with complex cardiac conditions.

Reference: https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/en/ueber-uns/news/2025/news-in-may-2025/combination-therapy-can-prolong-life-in-severe-heart-disease/