An experimental treatment happens to be the solution to delay Alzheimer's symptoms in some people. These people are the ones who are genetically destined to get the disease in their 40s or 50s. These new findings form ongoing research has now been caught up in Trump administration funding delas. The early results of the study has been published on Wednesday and the participants too are worried that politics could cut their access to a possible lifeline.

One of the participants had said, "It is still a study but it has given me an extension to my life that I never banked on having." The participant is named Jake Henrichs, form New York City, who is 50 years old. He is one of them to be treated in that study for more than a decade now and has remained symptom-free despite inheriting an Alzheimer's-causing gene that had killed his father and brother around the same age.

Slowing Down The Symptoms

Two drugs which can modestly slow down early-stage Alzheimer's are sold in the United States. These drugs clear the brain of one of its hallmarks, a sticky gunk-like part called the amyloid. However, there have not been any hints that removing amyloid far earlier, way many years before the first symptoms appear, may postpone the disease.

How Was The Research Conducted?

The research is led by Washington University in St Louis, which involved families that passed down rare gene mutation as participants. This meant it was almost guaranteed that they will develop symptoms at the same age their affected relatives did.

The new findings is based on a subset of 22 participants who received amyloid-removing drugs the longest, on average eight years. Long-term amyloid removal cut in half their risk of symptom onset. The study is published in the journal Lancet Neurology.

Washington University's Dr Randall Bateman, who directs the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Network of studies involving families with these rare genes says, "What we want to determine over the next five years is how strong is the protection. Will they ever get the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease if we keep treating them?”

The researchers before though did not know what exactly caused Alzheimer's which affects nearly 7 million Americans, most of them in their later life. However, it is clear that these silent changes occur in the brain at least two decades before the first symptom shows up. The big contributor. At some point amyloid buildup can trigger a protein named tau that then starts to kill neurons, which can lead to cognitive decline.

Researchers are now thus studying the Tau-fighting drugs and are looking into other factors, like inflammation, brain's immune cells and certain virus.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) has expanded its focus as researchers have found more reasons for Alzheimer's. In 2013, the NIH's National Institute on Aging funded 14 trials of possible Alzheimer's drugs over a third targeting amyloid. By last fall, there were 68 drugs and 18% of them target amyloid. However, there are scientists too who think that amyloid is not everything and their is way more in the brain tissue, immune cells, and more which can be studied.

Long COVID—a debilitating condition that can persist for months or even years after a SARS-CoV-2 infection—may be preventable if treatment begins early, according to a new study.

Long COVID is an infection-associated chronic condition marked by fatigue, cognitive impairment, exercise intolerance, and multisystem dysfunction. It has affected an estimated 400 million people worldwide and continues to have significant health, social, and economic consequences. Despite the ongoing risk, prevention strategies have received relatively little attention.

Now, a landmark randomized trial, published in The Lancet, provides some of the strongest evidence to date that early treatment with the antiviral drug Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir–ritonavir) can reduce the risk of developing Long COVID by 40%. The treatment was effective when started during the acute phase of COVID-19.

“The message is profound: what happens in the first few days of COVID-19 may determine health for months—or even years,” said researchers from the University of California, San Francisco.

The researchers added that preventing Long COVID "may become the next frontier in COVID care."

Paxlovid combines two antiviral medicines—nirmatrelvir and ritonavir—and remains one of the most effective outpatient treatments for people at high risk of severe COVID-19.

What Did the Study Find?

Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial in Norway involving patients with acute COVID-19. They found that a five-day course of nirmatrelvir–ritonavir significantly reduced the risk of Long COVID three months after infection.

For the study, Long COVID was defined as patient-reported fatigue, shortness of breath (dyspnea), or cognitive symptoms during the post-acute phase.

The findings provide some of the first randomized trial evidence that antiviral treatment during acute infection can lower the risk of Long COVID, supporting earlier observational studies.

Importantly, the trial was conducted during the circulation of successive Omicron subvariants, from XBB to LP.8.1, making the findings relevant to the current phase of the pandemic.

A notable finding was the high rate of Long COVID among participants. In the placebo group, 33 of 77 participants (43%) met the criteria for Long COVID despite widespread vaccine-derived immunity. While vaccination offers partial protection, the study suggests a substantial risk still remains.

Why Might Early Treatment Help?

The researchers suggest several biological mechanisms that may explain the protective effect of early antiviral treatment:

Reducing viral replication early may lower peak viral load and shorten viral shedding, both of which have been linked to Long COVID.

Early treatment may limit immune dysregulation, allowing the body's antiviral immune response to control the virus more effectively.

Treating the infection during its acute phase may prevent or reduce processes associated with Long COVID, including persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection, herpesvirus reactivation, and immune dysfunction.

The trial suggests that early viral replication may trigger "self-sustaining or persistent harmful biological processes" that contribute to Long COVID.

"Defining these relationships could yield predictive biomarkers and more targeted prevention strategies," the researchers noted.

Are There Any Side Effects of Paxlovid?

The researchers noted that nirmatrelvir–ritonavir commonly causes dysgeusia (altered taste), which may have influenced how some participants perceived their treatment and reported symptoms. They said future studies should evaluate this possibility and investigate antivirals with less distinctive side-effect profiles.

Other common side effects include diarrhea and high blood pressure (hypertension).

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Paxlovid can also interact with several commonly used medications, including statins. Patients should discuss all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements they are taking with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.

While the current study assessed participants three months after infection, the researchers said longer follow-up is needed to determine whether early antiviral treatment provides durable protection against Long COVID or simply accelerates recovery from acute illness. They also emphasized the need for larger studies to evaluate its impact on severe, disabling forms of Long COVID.

Millions of people with hypothyroidism depend on levothyroxine every day to replace the thyroid hormone their body cannot produce.

Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a nationwide recall of certain batches of levothyroxine sodium tablets after they were found to be subpotent, meaning they contain less active medication than stated on the label.

Experts caution that ingesting a lower-than-prescribed dose could allow hypothyroidism symptoms to return, particularly in vulnerable groups like pregnant women, infants, and people with thyroid cancer.

Why Did FDA Recall Levothyroxine?

The FDA has issued a Class II recall for specific lots of levothyroxine sodium tablets distributed by Major Pharmaceuticals. Testing found that the recalled tablets were below the approved potency specification, meaning they may not deliver the intended amount of thyroid hormone.

The recall affects multiple strengths packaged in 100-tablet cartons and 10-count blister packs. Dosages involved include 25 mcg, 50 mcg, 75 mcg, 88 mcg, 112 mcg, 125 mcg and 150 mcg.

The FDA has categorized the action as a Class II recall. According to the agency, a Class II recall means: "Use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote."

This means the recall is important but does not come under FDA's highest-risk category.

Also read: Is Your Allergy Medicine Safe? FDA Recalls Antihistamine Tablets Over Life-Threatening Contamination Concerns

Why A Subpotent Thyroid Medicine A Concern?

Even relatively small differences in levothyroxine dose can affect how well the medicine works. If they contain less hormone than needed, patients may receive insufficient thyroid replacement. Possible consequences include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Feeling unusually cold
• Constipation
• Depression or low mood
• Brain fog
• Dry skin
• Slower heart rate

In some higher-risk individuals, inadequate thyroid hormone replacement could have more severe consequences, including worsening hypothyroidism or interference with thyroid cancer treatment.

Also read: CDC's 'Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism' Webpage Sparks Debate; Republican Senator Seeks Clarity

What Does This Recall Mean For Patients?

Because thyroid hormone influences nearly every organ system, taking the correct dose consistently is essential.

Also read: Montelukast Mental Health Warning Still Largely Overlooked By Psychiatrists

Do not stop taking levothyroxine on your own. Stopping thyroid medication suddenly can lead to worsening hypothyroidism and other complications. Instead, patients should:

• Check whether their medication's lot number matches the recalled batches.
• Contact your pharmacist or physician.
• Obtain a replacement if their medication is affected.
• Continue treatment unless instructed otherwise by a healthcare professional.

Other Recently Recalled Medications

The FDA also announced recently that it is recalling four lots of Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets USP 5 mg made by India-based company Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories due to potential cross-contamination with ranitidine, a medication used to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers.

Although Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories said it has not received any reports of adverse reactions related to the recalled tablets, the contamination could pose a serious risk for people who are allergic or hypersensitive to ranitidine.

The latest FDA recall serves as a reminder that quality control remains critical for medications taken every day. For anyone taking levothyroxine, experts recommend checking medication packaging against the FDA recall notice and speaking with a healthcare provider or pharmacist if there is any uncertainty.

Florida is once again reporting an increase in Hansen's disease (leprosy) cases, renewing attention to a disease that got eradicated decades ago.

While the infection remains rare in the United States, health officials say Florida continues to report one of the country's highest numbers of locally acquired cases, with recent infections concentrated in several Central Florida counties.

According to the Florida Department of Health, 17 cases of leprosy had been reported statewide through mid-July 2026, with multiple cases identified in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties.

Local health experts say the disease is uncommon but not unexpected in Florida, where environmental and wildlife factors contribute to its persistence.

Why Does Leprosy Still Exist In Florida?

Also read: WHO Declares Australia Free Of Trachoma: All About The Irreversible Blindness

Unlike many parts of the world where leprosy is associated human-to-human transmission, Florida has a unique risk factor: wild nine-banded armadillos.

Research has shown that armadillos are natural reservoirs of Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium that causes leprosy.

Humans may become infected after frequent contact with infected armadillos or contaminated soil where the bacteria may persist. Experts emphasize that not every armadillo carries the bacteria.

Scientists also believe Florida has become endemic for leprosy, meaning the disease is now established locally rather than being introduced through international travel.

Increasing numbers of patients have reported no history of foreign travel or known contact with someone diagnosed with leprosy, suggesting local transmission is still prevalent.

All About Leprosy

Also read: Chile Becomes The First Country In Americas To Eliminate Leprosy, Says WHO

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic bacterial infection caused primarily by Mycobacterium leprae. The disease mainly affects:

• Skin
• Peripheral nerves
• Eyes
• Upper respiratory tract lining

If diagnosed early, it is completely curable. Delayed treatment, however, can result in permanent nerve damage, muscle weakness, and disability.

How Does It Spread?

Contrary to longstanding myths, leprosy is not highly contagious. Health experts say the infection usually spreads through prolonged, close contact with untreated individuals, likely via respiratory droplets.

Casual interactions like shaking hands, hugging, sharing meals, or sitting next to someone do not typically spread the disease.

The illness also has an unusually long incubation period, often taking 2 to 20 years before symptoms appear, making it difficult to identify exactly where and when an infection occurred. Early symptoms may include:

• Pale or reddish skin patches with reduced sensation
• Numbness in the hands or feet
• Tingling or nerve pain
• Muscle weakness
• Thickened peripheral nerves

Because symptoms develop gradually, many patients are diagnosed only after nerve damage has already begun.

Experts advise avoiding unnecessary handling of wild armadillos and seeking medical evaluation for persistent numb skin lesions, especially after possible exposure

Although leprosy is curable, its persistence in Florida highlights how infectious diseases can survive in animal reservoirs even after becoming rare in humans.

Public health experts say improving awareness among both doctors and the public is essential for early diagnosis, timely treatment, and preventing permanent disability.