August Newsletter
August, 2023
Welcome to the August newsletter. Our aim is to present you with valuable information and analysis on timely topics from recent medical literature. We hope that the insights provided in this newsletter will be helpful to you in your health journey. Should you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We hope you will enjoy reading these articles!
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This month starts with a focus on an affordable supplement that can lower the chances of developing colon cancer. The supplement is reasonably priced and does not need to be consumed daily. Additionally, we will be discussing a couple of articles that cover methods of decreasing the risk of dementia. Our blood sugar levels are crucial when it comes to the risk of dementia. If you're curious about how important it is, the second article has the answer. Lastly, if you're one of the 15 million Americans who take an over-the-counter medication, long-term use of this medication class may increase your risk of dementia.

As mentioned in our last update, our practice is evolving. Within the next 4-6 weeks, we will be undergoing significant changes, which include a new name, a new location, and the addition of a new doctor, Dr. Jessica Furey, who will join our team in September.

Despite these changes, we want to reassure you that we will continue to provide the same personalized care for you and your loved ones. We will be releasing a separate email announcement soon with all the details, so stay tuned! If you are on our waiting list, we will be in touch with you shortly.
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Is Vitamin D Protective Against Colon Cancer?
Lately, there has been increased attention towards colon cancer in individuals who are younger. As a result, several organizations are now suggesting that screening colonoscopies should be done at the age of 45 instead of 50. To minimize the risk, there are certain measures we can take such as consuming an adequate amount of vegetables, fruits, and fiber, cutting back on red meat (especially processed meats), engaging in physical activity, managing weight, abstaining from smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. Nonetheless, is there anything else that may contribute to reducing the risk? This study examines a cost-effective supplement to determine if it could provide any benefits.
Diabetes and Dementia
Have you ever wondered about the connection between blood sugar and dementia risk? A recent study analyzed the risk of dementia for people with normal blood glucose levels, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. The results showed that developing diabetes significantly increases the risk of dementia, but the age of onset also plays a vital role. This analysis is a must-read for anyone who is concerned about dementia.
Proton Pump Inhibitors and Dementia
Stomach acid blockers, known as Proton pump inhibitors (PPI), are available both as prescription and over-the-counter medications. Popular brands like Prilosec and Nexium are commonly used. However, there are rising concerns about their potential links to various diseases such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and stroke. This study aimed to investigate the connection between long-term use of PPI medication and the risk of dementia. Specifically, the study sought to determine the duration of PPI medication use that could lead to an increased risk of dementia.

To Your Health...
Thank you for taking the time to read through this newsletter. We hope you have found this information useful. Feel free to pass this on to anyone you think would benefit from this newsletter.

Mark Niedfeldt, M.D.


Old-fashioned medicine with 21st Century convenience and technology