Dementia – a syndrome characterized by declining cognitive function that interferes with daily living – represents one of the most significant health challenges facing aging populations worldwide. While sometimes viewed as an inevitable consequence of aging, research increasingly shows that dementia risk can be modified through life experiences. For instance, higher levels of education are associated with lower risk of dementia, but the exact relationship between years of schooling and cognitive health remains an important area of investigation. Professor Mark Hayward at the University of Texas at Austin and his colleagues, Hyungmin Cha and Mateo Farina, recently explored how education affects dementia risk and onset timing, as well as prevalence trends across different population groups.

Cannabis is becoming increasingly common in many countries, with more people using it both recreationally and medicinally. This increased usage has given rise to many questions about the long-term effects of cannabis on health – particularly when it comes to cancer. Some studies suggest that cannabis use may be linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, while others show that cannabis compounds may have anti-cancer properties. One area that remains under-researched is the potential link between cannabis use and prostate cancer – one of the most common cancers affecting men. A recent study by Dr Tara Rosewall and her colleagues at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto explored whether a person’s lifetime cannabis use is associated with an increased or decreased risk of developing prostate cancer.

In modern healthcare, the stakes can be very high. Every decision made by medical professionals can have significant and life-changing consequences for patients. In this environment, it is crucial that medical staff work effectively together to do the best for their patients, and you may assume that their competence and skills are the most important factors in their success. However, as Dr. Matthew Sherrer at the University of Alabama at Birmingham argues in his new paper, Building Trusting Healthcare Teams, it’s not just competence that saves lives – it’s trust.