Smartwatches May Be Able to Detect Depression Symptoms
A joint research team from Korea and the United States has developed technology to predict symptoms of depression, from the activity and heart rate data collected from smartwatches. The researchers conducted a large-scale study involving approximately 800 shift workers and showed that the circadian rhythm data estimated via phone technology can predict the next day’s mood as well as six depression symptoms, including sleep problems, appetite changes, decreased concentration, and suicidal thoughts. The scientists expect that this smartphone research will lead to continuous and noninvasive mental-health-monitoring technology. This would be a positive step for women, given that studies show women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression.
Study Finds Rural Women Face Tougher Time with Menopause
Menopausal and postmenopausal women who live in rural areas reported more mood swings, muscle and joint pain, vaginal dryness, and urinary problems than their urban counterparts, according to an online study published in the journal Menopause in January. A survey of 1,531 respondents showed that rural women experience greater menopause-related psychological and physical burdens than their suburban and urban counterparts. This is one of the first studies to look at how menopause might affect women based on their place of residence, their socioeconomic status, and access to health care. Ideally, women should be able to look to their health-care providers for education about menopause and therapeutic options such as menopausal hormone therapy, in which patches, pills, or vaginal rings increase estrogen levels. However, the researchers found that if a woman had to drive more than one hour to see a specialist to discuss these issues—which is more likely in rural communities than in urban environments—their likelihood of making an appointment drops dramatically.
Delayed REM Sleep Could Be an Early Sign of Alzheimer’s
A study published in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia in January suggests that people who take significantly longer to start the dream phase of sleep, known as rapid eye movement (REM), may be experiencing an early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. The study included 128 people with an average age of 70. Half had Alzheimer’s, and about one‑third had mild cognitive impairment; the rest had normal cognition. Slightly less than 57 percent of study participants were women. Those with Alzheimer’s were more likely to have delayed REM sleep, and they also tended to have higher levels of the proteins amyloid and tau, which are found in people with the condition. The researchers say people who are concerned about their risk for Alzheimer’s should practice healthy sleep habits that facilitate the transition from light sleep to REM sleep. This includes treating conditions like sleep apnea and avoiding drinking alcohol, since both can interfere with a healthy sleep cycle.
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