News from NYU Langone Health
Blood tests can now detect Alzheimer’s. Should you get one?
The Wall Street Journal
Two new FDA-cleared blood tests are simplifying the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease by detecting key proteins like tau and beta-amyloid. While designed for patients with early cognitive decline, neurologists report increased demand from healthy individuals. Experts caution that the tests are not for predicting risk in asymptomatic people. Arjun Masurkar, MD, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Cognitive Neurology in the Department of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, warns that a positive result is not definitive proof of Alzheimer's, as levels can be affected by daily fluctuations. He recommends a baseline brain MRI and cognitive test for concerned individuals.
Also reporting was: MSN
6/15/2026
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 7 ways to prevent soccer injuries
Forbes
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway, experts emphasize essential injury prevention strategies to protect players. Shae Datta, MD, a clinical assistant professor of neurology at NYU Langone Health and co-director of the NYU Langone Concussion Center, stresses the importance of head safety. She advocates for regular concussion screenings during and between games, ensuring players have sufficient time to recover from any head trauma. Dr. Datta also recommends that each team have experienced doctors on hand to implement international safety protocols. Additional preventative measures include staying hydrated in extreme heat, maintaining muscle flexibility, using proper equipment, and listening to pain.
6/14/2026
This 5-second pinky exercise to reduce dementia is going viral — and neurologists have thoughts
HuffPost
A viral TikTok 'pinky exercise' is being promoted to reduce dementia risk, but neurologists advise caution. While finger exercises can engage the brain, experts say this specific trend has not been studied. They emphasize that the value lies in challenging the brain with novel, complex movements. Shae Datta, MD, a clinical assistant professor of neurology at NYU Langone Health and co-director of the NYU Langone Concussion Center, recommends hobbies with fine motor tasks like playing the piano, tai chi, or art to help strengthen brain pathways.
Also reporting was: MSN
6/15/2026
Study: Weight loss drug users exercise less
Top Story With Tom Llamas
Holly Lofton, MD, director of the medical weight management program at NYU Langone Health, addresses a recent study showing that GLP-1 users often exercise less. She explains that because these drugs produce significant fat loss, some patients feel they can reduce physical activity while still seeing results. While concerns about muscle loss exist, Dr Lofton clarifies that the majority of weight dropped is fat; however, she emphasizes resistance training to maintain strength. She also notes that a small percentage of patients may experience "anhedonia"—a lack of enjoyment in activities like the gym—which may require a dosage adjustment. Dr Lofton recommends patients consume daily protein equivalent to half their body weight in grams to preserve their health.
6/16/2026
Rewriting cancer care through epigenetics
Inside Precision Medicine
Matija Snuderl, MD, a neuropathologist and director of Molecular Pathology at NYU Langone Health, is at the forefront of using epigenetics to transform cancer diagnostics. By identifying unique DNA methylation "fingerprints," Dr Snuderl developed a machine learning classifier that accurately identifies over 180 brain tumor subtypes. In 2019, his team made NYU the first U.S. lab to clinically implement this method, resulting in changed diagnoses for 15% of patients and resolving 85% of previously ambiguous cases. Dr Snuderl’s work ensures precise treatment, preventing overtreatment while correctly escalating care for aggressive diseases. His pioneering efforts demonstrate how epigenetics provides the essential biological context needed for effective precision medicine.
6/15/2026
NYU Langone's recipe for better hospital food
American Hospital Association (AHA)
In an interview, Dan Dilworth, senior director of food and nutrition services at NYU Langone Health, discusses the organization's ambitious hospital food program. The initiative, which serves 9,000 meals daily, prioritizes nutrition, sustainability, and patient choice by using high-quality ingredients and preparing meals in-house. Dilworth notes the program offers over 15 therapeutic diets and allows patients to select their meals. Sustainability efforts include a 44% reduction in plastic bottle usage and a switch to compostable cutlery. NYU Langone Health also produces a YouTube cooking show, 'Cooking for Wellness,' to provide nutritional guidance to patients.
6/15/2026
How Paterson's Dr. Albert Sabin rescued childhood with a sugar cube
NorthJersey.com
A new biography, 'Albert Sabin: The Life of a Polio Vaccine Pioneer,' chronicles the life of the Paterson native who developed the oral polio vaccine. The article highlights that Sabin earned his medical degree from what is now NYU Grossman School of Medicine and trained at Bellevue Hospital. It details his rivalry with Dr. Jonas Salk and how his easily administered sugar-cube vaccine was crucial in the global effort to eradicate polio. The book's author also discusses the importance of vaccination and herd immunity in the context of Sabin's legacy.
Also reporting was: Aol, Daily Record (Parsippany, NJ), New Jersey Herald, MSN Mexico
6/15/2026
