Sneeze_l June 2011

sneeze_l@email.rutgers.edu

21 participants
68 discussions

Comments on documentaries: Food, Inc. & Fresh?
by Suzy Pelican 06 Dec '13

06 Dec '13

SNE and F&NSPEC listserv members: **Apologies for any duplicate messages** I am hoping some of you may be able to point me toward information I think must be out there...but that I haven't been able to find! I've seen both "Food Inc." and "Fresh" - two recently released documentaries about the contemporary U.S. food system, with emphasis on serious problems created by factory farms and other practices common within large-scale agricultural operations. These are powerful and thought-provoking films, and they put forth - visually and orally - some critical issues (health, ethical, environmental to name just a few) for all to consider. That said, I am also interested in viewers who may question some of the perspectives/facts shared in either or both of these films. As I said above, I know the films raise critical issues, but I sense that some of the films' generalities might be overstated. (Admittedly, I may be wrong in this, but I'd like a broader foundation for evaluation than just my own inadequate knowledge base!) Thanks, in advance, for any insights you could share with me and/or any references/websites/etc. you could point me toward. Suzy Suzanne Pelican, MS, RD Food & Nutrition Specialist / WIN Wyoming Coordinator Family & Consumer Sciences University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service Dept. 3354, 1000 E. University Laramie, WY 82071 307-766-5177; fax: 307-766-5686 pelican(a)uwyo.edu www.uwyo.edu/cesnutrition www.uwyo.edu/winwyoming

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UMass Assistant Professor Nutrition
by Nancy L Cohen, PhD,RD 04 Aug '11

04 Aug '11

Dear Colleagues: Attached is a position description for a new tenure-track faculty position in Nutrition at the UMass-Amherst. We would appreciate it greatly if you could post or send this to potentially interested individuals. Thank you! Sincerely, Nancy Cohen, PhD,RD,LDN Assistant Professor Department of Nutrition, University of Massachusetts Amherst The Department of Nutrition is seeking applications for a tenure-track 9-month Assistant Professor position. The faculty member will be in the Department of Nutrition with affiliation as Honors Faculty in the Commonwealth Honors College, and is expected to contribute to teaching and mentoring in the departmental Honors program. Preferred areas of interest include dietary intake methodology and interventions; eating patterns and diets in diverse populations; nutritional epidemiology and biomarker studies; and nutrition, physical activity and prevention of obesity, diabetes, or other chronic diseases. Shared laboratory space available for cell culture, biomarker assessment, or other related laboratory activities. Doctorate in Nutrition or closely related field required; Post-doctoral research experience preferred; R.D. desirable. Must have strong demonstrated ability or potential in research and teaching, and ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Duties include: Establish and develop an active research program with an independent base of support funds; advise undergraduate nutrition majors and guide graduate student and honors research; teach undergraduate and graduate-level nutrition courses to a diverse body of student learners including general education courses to Commonwealth Honors College students; develop courses in areas of expertise. Starting Date: September 1, 2011. Review of applications will begin January 10, 2011 and will continue until position is filled. Please submit a cover letter with statement of accomplishments, teaching philosophy and future research plans along with a curriculum vitae, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to: Dr. Alayne Ronnenberg, Department of Nutrition, Chenoweth Laboratory, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003-9282; alayner(a)nutrition.umass.edu (413) 545-0740. The University of Massachusetts at Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.

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Survey from the NIFA Nutrition and Health Committee for Planning & Guidance to continue the conversation about MyPlate and MyPyramid - due on or before Thurs, July 14, '11
by Schuster, Ellen R. 06 Jul '11

06 Jul '11

Hello! The NIFA Nutrition and Health Committee for Planning & Guidance would like to continue the conversation about what you are doing to respond to the release of MyPlate. Want to know more about the NIFA Nutrition and Health Committee for Planning & Guidance? Go to http://www.nifa.usda.gov/nea/food/in_focus/health_if_committee.html to find a membership list and a brochure about our committee and subcommittees - first bullet under Resources. ►Take a few minutes to respond to the survey about what you are doing to respond to the release of MyPlate at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SNRHZ7N ►Consider adding materials you are developing or have developed to our Collaborate Wiki site at http://collaborate.extension.org/wiki/USDA-NIFA_Nutrition_and_Health_Commit… - it’s easy! Really! There’s a submission form on the page. There are resources already posted on this page. We don’t require that resources be reviewed. ►Consider joining the NIFA Nutrition and Health Committee for Planning & Guidance. There are 2 ways you can participate: 1) Look for a recruitment email this summer and complete the application. We seek Extension specialists in the areas of nutrition, nutrition and health, and/or health. If chosen, you will start this October. Members are appointed for three-year terms based on their preferences and staggered to maintain continuity. 2) Inquire about joining a subcommittee on an ad hoc basis. Some subcommittees have fuller memberships than others. The 5 subcommittees are: evaluation indicators, curriculum oversight, nutrition and physical activity policies and programs, professional training and communication. Feel free to drop me an email – schusterer(a)missouri.edu<mailto:schusterer@missouri.edu> - and I can give you the email of the subcommittee chair. The full committee meets monthly by phone – no travel! Subcommittees meet as needed. Personally, I can say that this committee has been very rewarding. It is a fun, energetic and outcome-oriented group! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me, Ellen Schuster, Chair at schusterer(a)missouri.edu<mailto:schusterer@missouri.edu> Have a happy and healthy summer! Ellen Schuster, University of Missouri Extension Service Chair, NIFA Nutrition and Health Committee for Planning & Guidance

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Recording and handouts from 6/27 MyPlate Webinar now online
by Rachel Daeger 04 Jul '11

04 Jul '11

An Insider's View of USDA's MY Plate Webinar co-hosted by SNE Click here to link to the webinar recording and the speaker handouts <http://www.reversechildhoodobesity.org/content/june-27-2011-webinar> The webinar provided an insider's view of the recently released United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) MyPlate icon, provided insights into the use of MyPlate in nutrition promotion and obesity prevention efforts for vulnerable populations, and discussed strategies for getting the word out to the public. Featured Speakers: § Margo Wootan, DSc, Center for Science in the Public Interest § Jackie Haven, MS, RD, United States Department of Agriculture § Tracy Fox, MPH, RD, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity Rachel Daeger Membership and Marketing Director Society for Nutrition Education 9100 Purdue Road, Ste. 200 Indianapolis, IN 46268 p: 317-328-4637 | w: www.sne.org

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DINE: GM cotton seeds a threat to Indian farmers: Researchers
by Chris McCullum 01 Jul '11

01 Jul '11

Dear SNEEZEers: Please see the below article that may be of interest to DINE members. Other SNE members who are interested in food system sustainability issues may also be interested in this information, especially DSFS members. Please feel free to forward this information along to your colleagues in the extension service and others who you know may be interested in this topic. Best regards, Chris McCullum-Gomez, PhD, RD, LD Independent Food and Nutrition Consultant Houston, TX 77077 ph/fax: 281-597-8482 cell: 832-563-0261 TITLE: GM COTTON SEEDS A THREAT TO INDIAN FARMERS: RESEARCHERS SOURCE: Thaindian News, Thailand AUTHOR: Indo-Asian News Service, India URL: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/gm-cotton-seeds-a-threat-to-in… DATE: 06.27.2011 SUMMARY: "Leading agricultural research institutions Monday warned that extensive use of genetically modified cotton seeds was destroying farming bio-diversity and jeopardising the livelihood of over four million cotton growers in India. ”Indian farmers grow 90 percent of hirsutum (species of cotton), of which 90 percent is GM cotton. Desi cotton will only survive if yields and fibre quality will improve and the maturity period reduced,” said a joint statement by Karnataka’s University of Agricultural Science, Dharwad, company bioRe India Ltd. and Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Switzerland." GM COTTON SEEDS A THREAT TO INDIAN FARMERS: RESEARCHERS Dharwad (Karnataka), June 27 (IANS) Leading agricultural research institutions Monday warned that extensive use of genetically modified (GM) cotton seeds was destroying farming bio-diversity and jeopardising the livelihood of over four million cotton growers in India. ”Indian farmers grow 90 percent of hirsutum (species of cotton), of which 90 percent is GM cotton. Desi cotton will only survive if yields and fibre quality will improve and the maturity period reduced,” said a joint statement by Karnataka’s University of Agricultural Science, Dharwad, company bioRe India Ltd. and Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Switzerland. The statement cautioned farmers and other stake-holders that the supply shortage in organic cotton seeds will even effect the global organic cotton market, as India was the world’s largest producer of organic cotton. ”The global market for organic cotton is threatened by erosion of conventional varieties by GM cotton,” the statement said, adding that the voracious use of GM seeds amplified the risk of physical and genetic contamination of organic cotton with GM cotton. The institutions also urged the government to implement policy changes in the sector to promote organic cotton seeds. ”The provision for the safeguard of organic farmer from contamination of GM crop has to be included in the seed act,” said the statement, suggesting that a board for organic cotton with financial and implementation powers be formed.

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Ideas for last minute articles, FB postings, blogs, etc. before leaving for long 4th weekend!
by Alice C Henneman 30 Jun '11

30 Jun '11

Hi Everyone, If you're trying to clear your desk of projects before taking off for the 4th of July, we have some ideas for you. We've just posted our July National food Days, Weeks & Months Calendar at http://food.unl.edu/web/fnh/july (Yes, we're hurrying, too!) We've linked to several articles, websites, etc. that may give ideas to finish a project before going the door. Have a fantastic 4th! Alice ---------------------------------------------------------------- Alice Henneman, MS, RD, Extension Educator University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County 444 Cherrycreek Rd., Ste. A, Lincoln, NE 68528 USA ahennema(a)unlnotes.unl.edu 402/441-7180 Fax: 402/441-7148 - Website: Connecting you to information, resources & food experts from farm to fork at http://food.unl.edu - Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/alicehenneman - Slideshare: http://www.slideshare.net/alicehenneman - Twitter: http://twitter.com/alicehenneman - Flickr: http://flickr.com/alicehenneman - Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/alicehenneman

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USDA Inspector General report criticizes regulation deficiencies regarding GE animals, insects
by Chris McCullum 27 Jun '11

27 Jun '11

Dear SNEEZEers: Here is a very important report that you may be interested in reading, particularly those of you who are interested in issues pertaining to genetically engineered organisms, also known as GEOs and living modified organisms (LMOs). Best regards, Christine McCullum-Gomez, PhD, RD, LD Independent Food and Nutrition Consultant Houston, TX ph/fax: 281-597-8482 cell: 832-563-0261 NOTICE: This email message and/or its attachments may contain information that is confidential or restricted. It is intended only for the individuals name as recipients in the message. If you are NOT an authorized recipient, you are prohibited from using, delivering, distributing, printing, copying, or disclosing the message or content to others and must delete the message from your computer. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by return mail. > TITLE: USDA INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORT CRITICIZES REGULATION DEFICIENCIES REGARDING GE ANIMALS, INSECTS > > SOURCE: Lexology, USA > > AUTHOR: Mark Anstoetter & Madeleine McDonough > > URL: http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=c811ba89-6201-4ec9-929e-80c89… > > DATE: 06.17.2011 > > SUMMARY: "The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General has issued an audit report criticizing USDA agencies for lacking coordinated oversight of regulations behind research and development of genetically engineered animals and insects. The agencies conduct and fund research into how GE animals can enhance the productivity of food animals and how GE insects can reduce problems posed by agricultural pests, according to the report." > > > USDA INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORT CRITICIZES REGULATION DEFICIENCIES REGARDING GE ANIMALS, INSECTS > > The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Office of Inspector General (IG) has issued an audit report criticizing USDA agencies for lacking coordinated oversight of regulations behind research and development of genetically engineered (GE) animals and insects. The agencies conduct and fund research into how GE animals can enhance the productivity of food animals and how GE insects can reduce problems posed by agricultural pests, according to the report. > > Among its criticisms, the report faults the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for not developing regulations for GE animals and insects that pertain specifically to their introduction for ”import, interstate movement, or field release.” Noting that ”APHIS program units focusing on biotechnology and animal health, respectively, had not coordinated with one another to prioritize the development of a regulatory framework for GE animals and insects,” the report states that consequently ”the requirements that apply to these organisms were not clear to researchers and the public.” > > Food & Water Watch has called for a similar IG review of the Food and Drug Administration’s research process for GE animals.”They should start with asking why the approval of genetically engineered salmon for human consumption is being approved as a veterinary drug,” said the group’s executive director Wenonah Hauter. > > > > PART 2 > > > TITLE: NEW REPORT REVEALS LACK OF REGULATORY STRUCTURE BEHIND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED ANIMALS AT USDA > > SOURCE: Food & Water Watch, USA > > AUTHOR: Press Release > > URL: http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/pressreleases/new-report-reveals-lack-of-r… > > DATE: 06.14.2011 > > SUMMARY: "A scathing new report released late last week by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General notes glaring deficiencies in the agency’s regulation of research into the development of genetically engineered animals and insects, said national consumer advocacy group Food & Water Watch today. The group also asked for a similar Inspector General review of the Food and Drug Administration’s research process for genetically engineered animals; the FDA is currently aiming to approve the first GE animal for human consumption as a ”veterinary drug”." > > > NEW REPORT REVEALS LACK OF REGULATORY STRUCTURE BEHIND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED ANIMALS AT USDA > > Washington, D.C.—A scathing new report released late last week by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) notes glaring deficiencies in the agency’s regulation of research into the development of genetically engineered (GE) animals and insects, said national consumer advocacy group Food & Water Watch today. The group also asked for a similar Inspector General review of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) research process for genetically engineered animals; the FDA is currently aiming to approve the first GE animal for human consumption as a ”veterinary drug”. > > The USDA OIG report revealed that the agency had not issued necessary regulations, lacked coordination, and had security problems when it came to the development of genetically engineered animals and insects. > > ”This report illustrates the nonchalant view the U.S. government has taken when it comes to developing potentially damaging technologies like genetically engineered organisms,” said Food & Water Watch executive director Wenonah Hauter. ”No one is steering the ship at APHIS, which is not surprising, given the government’s near total acquiescence to industry interests in developing and bringing to market genetically engineered crops like sugar beets and alfalfa—and soon genetically engineered animals like pigs, salmon, or mosquitoes.” > > The report found that the agency’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has not issued regulations that apply to the introduction of GE animals or insects and had little internal coordination to prioritize the development of a regulatory framework for these new organisms. As a result, requirements applying to GE animals and insects were not clear to researchers and the public, said the report. It also described the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s failure to develop a process for dealing with research ”incidents,” such as the release of 386 potentially transgenic pigs into the food supply. > > The report also noted that officials responsible for laboratory security at the Center for Plant Health Science and Technology (CPHST) within APHIS were unaware that their labs were subject to regulations requiring a comprehensive security plan, and therefore did not develop one. > > Among its conclusions to the report, the OIG recommended that APHIS develop regulations that clearly define its role in regulating the introduction of GE animals and insects, calling for it to ”act proactively to strengthen their controls” to prevent future problems. It also recommended that APHIS direct CPHST to create comprehensive security plans for its laboratories. > > ”It’s good that the OIG has documented these deficiencies with APHIS, but the government should take the next step and acknowledge a far larger system-wide problem in the development and commercialization of genetically engineered animals and crops,” said Hauter. ”We also call on the Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a similar audit over the Food and Drug Administration’s research process of GE animals. They should start with asking why the approval of genetically engineered salmon for human consumption is being approved as a veterinary drug.” > > ”And until long-term safety studies in humans are conducted, the U.S. should stop the trend of uncritical adoption of genetically engineered foods,” said Hauter. > > Contact: Darcey Rakestraw, 202-683-2467; drakestraw(at)fwwatch(dot)org > > Food & Water Watch works to ensure the food, water and fish we consume is safe, accessible and sustainable. So we can all enjoy and trust in what we eat and drink, we help people take charge of where their food comes from, keep clean, affordable, public tap water flowing freely to our homes, protect the environmental quality of oceans, force government to do its job protecting citizens, and educate about the importance of keeping shared resources under public control. > > >

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Cook It Quick E-newsletter: ideas for your blogs, articles, tweets, websites, programs ...
by Alice C Henneman 26 Jun '11

26 Jun '11

Hi Everyone! If you're always on the lookout for ideas for articles, blogs, tweets, websites, programs, etc. -- consider subscribing to our free online Cook It Quick Newsletter. Each month, if offers 12 quick ideas for healthy food preparation, based on common ingredients and kitchen tools. You're welcome to use/reproduce/adapt these ideas. View our June Cook It Quick newsletter, subscription information, and archives of past E-letters at: http://food.unl.edu/web/fnh/cook-it-quick-newsletter-june-2011 The June newsletter gives 12 quick ideas for enjoying summer produce from preparation to preservation. Cook It Quick is offered as community outreach from our office to help others promote healthy eating. Wishing you a terrific summer! Alice ====================================== Alice Henneman, MS, RD, Extension Educator University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County 444 Cherrycreek Rd., Ste. A, Lincoln, NE 68528 USA ahennema(a)unlnotes.unl.edu 402/441-7180 Fax: 402/441-7148 - Website: Connecting you to information, resources & food experts from farm to fork at http://food.unl.edu - Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/alicehenneman - Slideshare: http://www.slideshare.net/alicehenneman - Twitter: http://twitter.com/alicehenneman - Flickr: http://flickr.com/alicehenneman - Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/alicehenneman

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Fwd: [Nutrition_Reports] Life expectancy for those with Type 1 diabetes improving, Pitt study says
by Joanne Ikeda 25 Jun '11

25 Jun '11

Joanne P. Ikeda, MA, RD Nutritionist Emeritus Department of Nutritional Sciences University of California, Berkeley Current 1777 View Drive San Leandro, CA94577 PH 510-895-5300 Emial: jikeda(a)berkeley.edu -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [Nutrition_Reports] Life expectancy for those with Type 1 diabetes improving, Pitt study says Date: Sat, 25 Jun 2011 07:07:54 -0500 From: Kathrynne <fivestar(a)nutritionucanlivewith.com> Reply-To: Nutrition_Reports(a)yahoogroups.com To: Nutrition_Reports(a)yahoogroups.com <Nutrition_Reports(a)yahoogroups.com> Public release date: 24-Jun-2011 Contact: Allison Schlesinger SchlesingerAP(a)upmc.edu 412-648-9725 University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences Life expectancy for those with Type 1 diabetes improving, Pitt study says PITTSBURGH, June 24 – The life expectancy of people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes dramatically increased during the course of a 30-year, long-term prospective study, according to a University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health study being presented at the 71st Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association. The life expectancy for participants diagnosed with type 1 diabetes between 1965 and 1980 was 68.8 years – a 15-year improvement, compared to those diagnosed between 1950 and 1964, according to the study. Meanwhile, the life expectancy of the general U.S. population increased less than one year during the same time period. "The estimated 15-year life expectancy improvement between the two groups persisted regardless of gender or pubertal status at diagnosis," said Trevor J. Orchard, M.D., lead author of the study and professor of epidemiology, pediatrics and medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. The results, found in Abstract Number 0078-OR, are based on participants in the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC) study, a long-term prospective study of childhood onset type 1 diabetes, which began in 1986. Participants in the study, who were an average age of 28 when entering the study and 44 at its completion, were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes between 1950 and 1980. "Type 1 diabetes mortality rates have decreased over time, but formal life expectancy estimates for those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the United States are lacking," Orchard said. "Therefore, we estimated the all-cause mortality experience and life expectancy of the EDC study cohort." The 30-year mortality of participants diagnosed with type 1 diabetes from 1965 to 1980 was 11.6 percent – a significant decline from the 35.6 percent 30-year mortality of those diagnosed between 1950 and 1964, according to the study. Previously known as juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin to properly control blood sugar levels. It is typically treated with insulin replacement therapy. ### In addition to Dr. Orchard, other authors include Rachel G. Miller, M.S.; Aaron M. Secrest, Ph.D.; Ravi K. Sharma, Ph.D.; and Thomas J. Songer, Ph.D., all of the University of Pittsburgh. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health. The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health (GSPH), founded in 1948 and now one of the top-ranked schools of public health in the United States, conducts research on public health and medical care that improves the lives of millions of people around the world. GSPH is a leader in devising new methods to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases, HIV/AIDS, cancer and other important public health issues. For more information about GSPH, visit the school's Web site at http://www.publichealth.pitt.edu. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-06/uops-lef062411.php ------------------------------------ -- Kathrynne Holden "Parkinson's disease: Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy" http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nutrition_Reports/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nutrition_Reports/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: Nutrition_Reports-digest(a)yahoogroups.com Nutrition_Reports-fullfeatured(a)yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: Nutrition_Reports-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

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Fwd: [Nutrition_Reports] Common drugs linked to cognitive impairment and possibly to increased risk of death
by Joanne Ikeda 25 Jun '11

25 Jun '11

Joanne P. Ikeda, MA, RD Nutritionist Emeritus Department of Nutritional Sciences University of California, Berkeley Current 1777 View Drive San Leandro, CA94577 PH 510-895-5300 Emial: jikeda(a)berkeley.edu -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [Nutrition_Reports] Common drugs linked to cognitive impairment and possibly to increased risk of death Date: Sat, 25 Jun 2011 07:06:21 -0500 From: Kathrynne <fivestar(a)nutritionucanlivewith.com> Reply-To: Nutrition_Reports(a)yahoogroups.com To: Nutrition_Reports(a)yahoogroups.com <Nutrition_Reports(a)yahoogroups.com> Public release date: 24-Jun-2011 Contact: Cindy Fox Aisen caisen(a)iupui.edu 317-274-7722 Indiana University School of Medicine Common drugs linked to cognitive impairment and possibly to increased risk of death INDIANAPOLIS – A large, long-term study confirms that medications with anticholinergic activity, which include many drugs frequently taken by older adults, cause cognitive impairment. The research is also the first to identify a possible link between these drugs – which include over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids and incontinence treatments – and risk of death. The two-year study of the impact of these medications on 13,000 men and women aged 65 and older is part of the Medical Research Council (UK) Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies (CFAS), a large UK-based longitudinal multi-center study initiative looking at health and cognitive function in older adults. Results of the study of anticholinergics appear June 24, 2011 in an advanced online publication of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Anticholinergics affect the brain by blocking acetylcholine, a nervous system neurotransmitter. Over-the-counter products containing diphenhydramine, sold under various brand names such as Benadryl®, Dramamine®, Excedrin PM®, Nytol®, Sominex®, Tylenol PM®, and Unisom®, have anticolinergic activity. Other anticholinergic drugs, such as Paxil®, Detrol®, Demerol® and Elavil® are available by prescription. "Our findings make it clear that clinicians need to review the cumulative anticholinergic burden in people presenting with cognitive impairment to determine if the drugs are causing decline in mental status," said co-author Malaz Boustani, M.D., Regenstrief Institute investigator, Indiana University School of Medicine associate professor of medicine, and research scientist with the IU Center for Aging Research. "Physicians should review with older patients all the over-the-counter and prescription drugs they are taking to determine exposure," said Dr. Boustani a geriatrician who sees patients at Wishard Health Services' Healthy Aging Brain Center in Indianapolis. The researchers, led by Chris Fox, M.D., of the University of East Anglia and Carol Brayne, M.D. of the University of Cambridge, used the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale developed by Dr. Boustani and colleagues at the Regenstrief Institute, Indiana University and in the United Kingdom to evaluate the link between anticholinergic activity and cognitive decline. Medications with anticholinergic effects are used for many diseases including hypertension and congestive heart failure. The study found that older age, lower income, and greater number of health conditions increased use of medications with anticholinergic activity. Women were more likely to report taking anticholinergic medications, due to the greater number of health conditions reported by women than by men. Participants living in institutions were more likely to report taking anticholinergic medications. "We looked at drugs with either moderate and severe anticholinergic activity. After adjusting for age, sex, baseline mental status, education, income level, number of non-anticholinergic medications and health conditions, we found that taking anticholinergic medications was linked to cognitive impairment and for the first time to death," said study corresponding author Dr. Fox, a psychiatrist. "We need follow-up to determine the degree to which anticholinergics are being prescribed for diseases with significant risk of death and the impact of that on our findings." Authors of the study are Chris Fox, M.D., University of East Anglia; Carol Brayne, M.D., Kathryn Richardson, M.Sc. and George M. Savva, Ph.D, University of Cambridge; Ian D. Maidment, M.A., Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust; Fiona E. Matthews, Ph.D., Medical Research Council Biostatistics Unit; David Smithard, M.D., Kent Community Health NHS Trust; Simon Coulton M.Sc., University of Kent; Cornelius Katona, M.D., University College London and Malaz Boustani, M.D., M.P.H., Regenstrief Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine and IU Center for Aging Research. "The Anticholinergic Medication Use and Cognitive Impairment in the Older Population: The Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (CFAS)" was funded by the Medical Research Council. "The Medical Research Council invests in cohort studies like CFAS because they provide vital clinical information through observation. Such projects require long-term commitment to fulfill their potential but having supported cohort studies for well over half a century, MRC funding and collaborations have made us an international leader in this field," said Chris Kennard, MBBS, Ph.D., chairman of the MRC's Neuroscience and Mental Health Board. ### Dr. Boustani's development of the Anticholinergic Burden Scale was supported by the U.S. National Institute on Aging. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-06/iuso-cdl062411.php ------------------------------------ -- Kathrynne Holden "Parkinson's disease: Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy" http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nutrition_Reports/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nutrition_Reports/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: Nutrition_Reports-digest(a)yahoogroups.com Nutrition_Reports-fullfeatured(a)yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: Nutrition_Reports-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

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Sneeze_l June 2011