The Wall Street Journal (7/20, Wang, Subscription Publication) reports that yesterday at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, researchers presented data from the Biocard study, a long-term study of people at higher risk for Alzheimer’s. As a result of this study, investigators now believe that six biomarkers considered together may predict future Alzheimer’s disease.

The AP (7/20, Neergaard) reports, “Tracking about 350 people starting in middle age,” investigators “found a combination of tests predicted development of mild cognitive impairment within five years.” In addition to presence of the ApoE4 gene, the tests “include a spinal tap to measure toxic levels of Alzheimer’s hallmark amyloid and tau proteins; MRI scans to detect shrinking brain regions; and two standard memory assessments.” As of right now, “the combination isn’t ready for doctors’ offices, but should help” pharmaceutical makers “tell who to enroll in early-stage treatment studies.”

Related Links:

— “Study Shows Promise in Detecting an Individual’s Likelihood of Developing Alzheimer’s,” Shirley S. Wang, , July 19, 2015.

The Houston Chronicle (7/17, Hawryluk) reports that “according to researchers from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Medical School, mental illness was the most common reason for a hospital admission among children age 10 to 14 from 2004 to 2010, while pregnancy topped the list for those age 15 to 17.”

Related Links:

— “Mental health, pregnancy top reasons for teen hospitalizations,” Markian Hawryluk, Houston Chronicle, July 16, 2015.

HealthDay (7/17, Preidt) reports, “Childhood stress appears to play a significant role in some women’s weight gain,” according to a study published online in the journal Social Science & Medicine. However, “stress during adulthood does not affect women’s weight gain.” The study also found that “neither childhood nor adult stress is associated with weight gain in men.” Investigators came to these conclusions after analyzing data on approximately 2,200 women and 1,300 men.

Related Links:

— “Childhood Stress May Spur Weight Gain in Women,” Robert Preidt, HealthDay, July 16, 2015.

The Congressional Quarterly (7/16, Attias, Subscription Publication) reported that efforts in Congress “to overhaul the mental health system are expected to get a boost before the August recess with the introduction of a bipartisan Senate plan tracking with a House package that isn’t likely to be considered until later this year.” According to CQ, “Sen. Christopher S. Murphy, D-Conn., said the soon-to-be introduced bill would resemble the House plan (HR 2646) by Pennsylvania Republican Tim Murphy.” The Senate bill “is being crafted with Louisiana Republican Bill Cassidy.”

Related Links:

— Congressional Quarterly (requires login and/or subscription)

In continuing coverage, the Washington Post (7/15, Cha) “To Your Health” blog reported that a “population-based study, published in the BMJ, found that mixing antidepressants with common painkillers appears to be linked to a higher risk of intracranial bleeding…shortly after starting the treatment.” Researchers “found that during that initial 30-day window of antidepressant use, 742 people experienced intracranial bleeding, with 169 on antidepressants only and 573 taking both antidepressants and NSAIDs.” Interestingly, “there were no significant differences based on which antidepressants…were taken or the age of the person.” Men appeared to have a greater risk than women did for such bleeding.

Related Links:

— “Study: Mixing antidepressants and painkillers may be tied to elevated risk of bleeding,” Ariana Eunjung Cha, Washington Post, July 15, 2015.