Health News: Parkinson’s Link, Autism Advances, Prediabetes in Teens

Major studies reveal new insights into disease triggers and potential treatments.

This week, health researchers are making headway in understanding underlying causes of Parkinson’s and autism. Also, alarming new data on prediabetes rates among teenagers raises concerns for long-term public health.

Parkinson’s Disease: Viral Connection?

Researchers at Northwestern Medicine have made a significant discovery, finding the Human Pegivirus in 50% of the Parkinson’s disease cases they examined. Currently, there is no available test for this virus, but the findings may create more research opportunities.

Speaking with CBS News Chicago, Dr. Igor Koralnik, Northwestern Medicine chief of neuroinfectious diseases and global neurology, stated that while genetics cause some cases of Parkinson’s, the cause is unknown in most.

Autism Subtypes Identified

A groundbreaking study from Princeton University and the Simons Foundation has identified four distinct subtypes of autism. This discovery marks a major step toward understanding autism’s genetic components and tailoring care for affected individuals.

Blood Test to Determine Brain Age

Stanford scientists have developed a blood test to determine if a person’s organs appear older or younger than their chronological age. The study found that an “extremely aged” brain was associated with a 182% increased risk of dying in the next 15 years and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Concerning Prediabetes Stats Among Teens

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that approximately 1 in 3 teens and preteens between 12 and 17 have prediabetes. The CDC estimates that 8.4 million young people, about 32.7% of the U.S. adolescent population, had prediabetes in 2023. Without intervention, 15% to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years (NIDDK).

COVID-19 and Flu Updates

The Nimbus variant, NB.1.8.1, is now the dominant COVID-19 strain in the U.S., according to the CDC. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services reports that Nimbus accounts for between 13% and 68% of circulating COVID strains.

An experimental flu drug may offer better protection than current flu vaccines, according to phase 2b trial results from Cidara Therapeutics. Data submitted to the FDA showed single doses provided between 58% and 76% protection from symptomatic flu for about 6 months after injection.

Medicare Enrollment and Gun Violence Prevention

The Trump administration is cutting programs designed to prevent gun violence. Seniors who don’t sign up for Medicare at age 65 can be responsible for medical bills, even with employer-provided health insurance, according to KFF Health News.

“Memory cafés,” gatherings that help people with dementia and their caregivers reduce depression and isolation, may provide support, while the end of some Affordable Care Act subsidies will increase the cost of ACA plans.