In a world where the allure of ‘microdosing’ candies is on the rise, hidden dangers lurk beneath their innocent facade. Join us as we uncover the risks of illness and even death associated with this trend, while also exploring the promising emergence of a new drug for Alzheimer’s disease. Let’s delve into these distinct yet significant developments shaping health and wellness.
Elliot Thompson is a seasoned journalist specializing in health and science topics. With a keen eye for uncovering societal risks and promoting public awareness, Elliot’s goal is to inform and educate readers through comprehensive and engaging articles. Known for their investigative and thought-provoking writing style, Elliot brings critical insights to complex medical issues.
The Alarming Risks of ‘Microdosing’ Candies
Hello, health-conscious readers! Let’s dive into the sweet, yet ominous world of ‘microdosing’ candies. Recently, federal health officials have sounded the alarm about serious health issues tied to these trendy treats.
Microdosing products, like chocolate bars, gummies, and cones from Diamond Shruumz, contain the psychoactive chemical muscimol, derived from amanita mushrooms. While muscimol is legal in the United States, it has led to some frightening consequences.
What Are the Symptoms?
After indulging in these seemingly innocent candies, at least 48 people across 24 states have reported severe symptoms:
- Seizures
- Abnormal heart rates
- Loss of consciousness
Perhaps the most concerning development is that one death is currently under investigation. The extent of these symptoms has led to the hospitalization of 27 individuals.
What You Need to Know
Despite the growing popularity and accessibility of microdosing products, a significant lack of industry regulation remains. More research is urgently needed to assess the potential therapeutic benefits and risks of muscimol. While officials are still working to identify the exact cause of these illnesses, they advise anyone in possession of these products to stop using them immediately.
New Hope for Alzheimer’s Patients
Switching gears from a cautionary tale to a beacon of hope: the FDA has recently approved a new drug for Alzheimer’s. Eli Lilly’s donanemab, marketed under the brand name Kisunla, presents a significant breakthrough in the battle against this debilitating disease.
How Does the Drug Work?
Donanemab is a monoclonal antibody infusion given every four weeks. The drug targets amyloid, a protein in our bodies that can turn into harmful plaques in the brain when they clump together. Clinical trials have shown that donanemab slows Alzheimer’s progression by around 35% over 18 months.
Implications of This Approval
The approval of Kisunla offers crucial time for patients and caregivers to make essential health and caregiving decisions. This new treatment will likely be covered by Medicare, making it more accessible to a broader audience. Remarkably, this isn’t the only Alzheimer’s drug on the market; last year, the FDA approved Leqembi by Japanese drugmaker Eisai, which also slows the disease’s progression.
A Double-Edged Sword: Weight Loss Drugs and Their Potential Risks
Let’s touch briefly on another health topic sparking conversation: weight loss drugs. New research has found that individuals with type-2 diabetes who took GLP-1 medications, like semaglutide (an ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy), reduced their risk of 10 common obesity-associated cancers. However, these medications were also linked to a rare eye condition called Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION), which can cause blindness.
Bottom Line
Whether it’s the unforeseen dangers of microdosing candies or the hopeful advancements in Alzheimer’s treatment, staying informed is your best defense. Always seek medical advice if you notice any adverse symptoms and keep yourself updated on the latest health news.
Stay healthy and informed, everyone!