Hypertensive Patients Not Following Diets, Corneal Transplantation & Risk of Infection, Link Found Between Speech and Learning Disabilities

(February 11, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Mississippi - Despite evidence of the importance of dietary modification for the management of high blood pressure, patients with the condition are not complying. Over a decade ago, research showed that a diet high in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products could significantly lower blood pressure. But researchers analyzing data from over 4000 hypertensive patients showed that only 19% regularly follow this diet - down 7% from a decade ago.

From Houston - The source of corneal donation may influence the risk of a post-operative infection in cases of corneal transplantation. In a study of nearly 500,000 corneas distributed by the Eye Bank Association of America, serious eye infections occurred in 3 cases per 10,000. When donor tissue came from hospitalized patients the risk of infection was 3 times higher and if the patient suffered from cancer the risk was twice as high.

And finally, from Chicago - Patients with a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects speech report a significantly higher likelihood of having previously had a learning disability. In a study of nearly 700 patients, half of whom had Alzheimer's disease, dementia or primary progressive aphasia, those with progressive aphasia were 10 times more likely to report having had a learning disability when compared to controls - particularly dyslexia.