NBC News (2/11, Carroll) reported “a handful of factors, such as education, income and job type, may increase the likelihood that people in their mid-50s will still be mentally sharp,” according to “an analysis of data from more than 7,000 U.S. adults” who “were 54 to 65 years old in 1996 and then 20 years later.” The results published in PLOS One “showed that these factors could explain nearly 40% of the differences in the amount of cognitive ability people had lost by age 54.” According to researchers, “education, in particular whether a person had finished college, made the biggest difference in cognitive abilities such as memory, judgment and focus.”

Related Links:

— “Education may be the best way to protect against cognitive decline, new research suggests “Linda Carroll, NBC News, February 11, 2023

ABC News (2/11, Livingston) reported, “In the six months since the launch of the national, government-backed 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, contact and answer rates have risen dramatically, while the average speed to answer has dropped,” data released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) revealed. The SAMHSA data found that “371,655 people contacted the lifeline in December, compared to 260,095 in December 2021.”

Related Links:

— “988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline expands capacity, access in 6 months since launch “Kelly Livingston, ABC News, February 11, 2023

HCPlive (2/10, Walter) reported, “A family history of major depression can drastically increase the individual risk of developing major depression,” researchers concluded in a cohort study that “examined data for all Danish citizens born between 1960-2003 with known parental identity followed up from their 15th birthday until the time of major depression, censoring, or December 31, 2018.” The study revealed that “exposure to maternal, paternal, or full sibling major depression was associated with a two-fold higher risk of major depression…for men specifically,” and “the associated risk increased with the number of affected family members.” The study also found “a similar pattern…in women.” The findings were published online Feb. 8 in JAMA Psychiatry.

Related Links:

— “Family History Affects the Individual Risk of Major Depression “Kenny Walter, HCPlive, February 10, 2023

Healio (2/10, Firment) reported, “Most Americans value the impact of their friends, family and social connections on their mental health,” according to the findings of the latest Healthy Minds Monthly survey, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Included in the survey were responses from 2,200 adults. In a Feb. 8 news release, APA President Rebecca W. Brendel, MD, JD, said, “It is encouraging to see that many Americans recognize the importance of maintaining healthy relationships. … It is one of the most mentally healthy things we can do, for ourselves and the people in our lives.” APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, MD, MPA, stated, “We need the people in our lives that listen to us, can cheer us on and can provide comfort when things go wrong.”

Related Links:

— “Americans value social connections, friendships for mental health “Hunter Firment, Healio, February 10, 2023

USA Today (2/10, Alltucker) reported, “Medicare will begin collecting penalties in 2025 from pharmaceutical companies that raise prices on prescription drugs faster than the rate of inflation, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service said” last week. Also, “on April 1, Medicare enrollees on Part B drugs, typically administered by a doctor, might benefit from more moderate coinsurance charges, CMS officials said.” CMS “released draft guidance Thursday on the rebate program and will solicit feedback from the public over the next 30 days before finalizing details.”

Related Links:

— “Medicare targets drug companies that raise prices above rate of inflation “Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, February 10, 2023