News from NYU Langone Health
Walking 7,500 steps a day may delay Alzheimer’s by up to seven years, study finds
KTAZ-TV (Phoenix, AZ)
A recent study discussed by Joel Salinas, MD, MBA, clinical assistant professor, Department of Neurology, the Pearl I. Barlow Center for Memory Evaluation and Treatment, found that walking between 3,000 and 7,500 steps a day can delay Alzheimer’s disease by up to seven years. The research followed 300 adults without dementia for 14 years and showed that even moderate physical activity slowed the buildup of tau proteins—linked to Alzheimer’s—and reduced cognitive decline. Salinas, MD, MBA, explained that sedentary lifestyles harm brain circulation and accelerate neuron damage, while consistent movement supports brain health. He emphasized that extreme exercise isn’t necessary—simple habits like taking the stairs, dancing, or parking farther away can make a difference. In addition to regular activity, he advised maintaining a Mediterranean-style diet, strong social connections, and good sleep. Starting healthy routines early in life helps build long-term protection. He also noted that persistent memory lapses affecting daily life should prompt medical evaluation by a neurologist.
11/03/2025
Secukinumab Tops Ustekinumab for PsA Functional Improvement
Medscape
A randomized, double-blind trial presented at the American College of Rheumatology 2025 Annual Meeting found secukinumab more effective than ustekinumab for psoriatic arthritis patients who failed TNF inhibitors. Odds of improvement on the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index were over three times higher with secukinumab. Jose U. Scher, MD, professor of medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and director of the NYU Colton Center for Autoimmunity and the NYU Langone Health Psoriatic Arthritis Center, commented that IL-17 blockade remains a more potent option for joint disease. He noted the trial's unique head-to-head design and use of a patient-reported functional endpoint, which is relevant for payers.
11/05/2025
Statins May Improve Breast Cancer Survival Outcomes
Medscape
A Danish registry study indicates that initiating statins within 3 years of early-stage breast cancer diagnosis is associated with a 10% lower risk of breast cancer mortality and an 8% lower risk of all-cause mortality. Naomi Y. Ko, MD, MPH, medical oncologist and section chief & disease management group leader for Breast Cancer Medical Oncology, Perlmutter Cancer Center, commented on the intriguing findings, noting the plausible role of statins in improving outcomes. She emphasized the need for individualized statin use and further research before universal recommendations.
11/04/2025
Why Don't Human Beings Have A Tail?
IFL Science
Research led by Bo Xia, PhD, a graduate student in stem cell biology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, investigated why humans lack tails. The study, co-authored by Jef D. Boeke, PhD, the Sol and Judith Bergstein Director, Institute of System Genetics Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, and Itai Yanai, PhD, a professor in NYU Langone Health’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, identified a specific Alu element in the TBXT gene responsible for tail loss in great apes. This genetic mutation, which occurred approximately 25 million years ago, was shown to cause tail absence in mice but also increased the risk of spinal cord defects similar to spina bifida. The findings highlight a rapid evolutionary change with a significant trade-off.
11/04/2025
NYU Langone expands rehab collaborative with post-acute partner
Becker's Hospital Review
NYU Langone Health’s Rusk Rehabilitation expanded its rehabilitative care collaboration with Centers Health Care. A five-year pilot program, which placed a Rusk physician onsite at a Centers Health Care nursing facility, served over 1,000 patients and achieved discharge goal rates significantly above state and national averages. The expanded partnership now includes a Rusk physician at Centers Health Care’s Amsterdam Nursing Home in New York City. Centers Health Care operates 42 skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities across the Northeast.
11/05/2025
What happens if you take Eliquis only once a day?
SingleCare
Eliquis must be taken twice daily, 12 hours apart, to maintain consistent blood levels and prevent clots. Taking it once daily or self-adjusting dosage increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, or dangerous bleeding. Nieca Goldberg, MD, clinical associate professor, Department of Medicine, the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, advises taking a missed dose as soon as remembered, unless the next dose is within four hours, and never doubling a dose. Patients should always follow their healthcare provider's instructions and contact them with any dosing questions to ensure safety and effectiveness.
11/04/2025
Becker's ASC Review
Becker's Healthcare highlights five gastroenterology leaders to watch in 2025, featuring Mark Pochapin, MD, director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and vice chair for clinical affairs in the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone Health. Pochapin, MD, specializes in preventing and detecting gastrointestinal cancers, advocating for colorectal cancer screening. His research explores the role of gut bacteria and advanced endoscopic technologies in cancer prevention. He is recognized for expanding NYU Langone's GI programs in patient care, education, and innovation.
11/04/2025
GLP-1 Agonists Tied to Lower Risk of Death in Dialysis Patients
MedPage Today
Research presented by Babak J. Orandi, MD, PhD, transplant surgeon and obesity medicine specialist at the NYU Langone Weight Management Program and the NYU Langone Transplant Institute at the ObesityWeek annual meeting found GLP-1 receptor agonists were associated with a lower mortality risk for dialysis patients with type 2 diabetes. A retrospective cohort study of Medicare enrollees showed GLP-1 drug use was linked to a 0.77 adjusted hazard ratio for death and a higher likelihood of kidney transplant waitlisting. Patients also experienced greater weight loss. Orandi, MD, PhD, noted these real-world data support GLP-1 use in this complex population, often excluded from trials. The study also observed an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy, possibly due to rapid diabetes correction.
11/05/2025
Doctors Reveal Surprising Symptoms That May Signal an Anxiety Attack
Yahoo Health
Mental health experts discuss surprising physical symptoms that may indicate an anxiety attack. Joseph Laino, PsyD, assistant director of clinical operations at Sunset Terrace Family Health Center at NYU Langone, explains that anxiety triggers the body’s alarm system, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Other manifestations include chills, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, tingling, sharp pains, and tightness. The article suggests mindfulness practices like yoga and tai chi, and advises consulting a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing that anxiety and its physical effects can be managed through various therapies.
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11/04/2025
Study Suggests Concerning Connections Between Seizures and Heart Disease
MedPage Today
A study suggests a bidirectional association between late-onset epilepsy and myocardial infarction in adults aged 40 and older, with heart attack survivors having a greater risk of late-onset epilepsy. Daniel Friedman, MD, neurologist at NYU Langone Comprehensive Epilepsy Center and Director, Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, co-authored an editorial, noting that new-onset late-onset epilepsy should prompt concern for undiagnosed atherosclerosis requiring optimal vascular risk factor control. The editorial also highlighted that some anti-seizure medications might influence cardiac conduction. Further large clinical trials are needed to prove interventions are effective in mitigating risk.
11/04/2025
NYU Langone Health begins first clinical trial of gene-edited pig kidney transplants
News Medical
NYU Langone Health initiated the first clinical trial, EXPAND, for gene-edited pig kidney transplants in patients with end-stage renal disease. Robert Montgomery, MD, DPhil, the H. Leon Pachter, MD, Professor of Surgery; chair of the Department of Surgery; and director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, led the initial surgery. The study, sponsored by United Therapeutics, utilizes a UKidney with 10 gene edits to reduce rejection risk. This milestone advances xenotransplantation, offering new hope for the critical organ shortage. Previous xenotransplant procedures at NYU Langone are also noted.
11/04/2025
One Year of Virtual GI Care Shows Real-World Gains in Outcomes and Costs
MedCentral
A prospective observational study presented at the 2025 American College of Gastroenterology annual scientific meeting found that individuals receiving virtual multidisciplinary gastroenterology care experienced reduced symptom severity and lower utilization costs. Sameer K. Berry, MD, MBA, clinical assistant professor and Director, Health Economics Research, co-authored the study, noting that benefits were sustained over time and across thousands of patients. The research showed symptom severity improved from 78% to 28% post-care, with global symptom control increasing from 14% to 90%. The intervention group also demonstrated lower all-cause costs compared to controls.
11/04/2025
