BENJAMIN MATTHEW HICKS, M.D.

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This study looked at how often people with serious blood cancers, like leukemia and lymphoma, used prescription drugs before and after they were diagnosed. Researchers found that patients increased their medication use from 45% to 85% after being diagnosed with blood cancer. This matters because understanding medication patterns can help doctors provide better care and support for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and their doctors.

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This study looked at a type of lung cancer called lung adenocarcinoma in people who have never smoked. Researchers examined data from 684 patients and identified three subtypes of the cancer, each with different characteristics and outcomes—one subtype is linked to longer survival while another is associated with a worse prognosis even in early stages. A new 60-gene test was developed that can help predict how long patients might live, which can guide treatment decisions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with lung adenocarcinoma and their doctors by providing better tools for prognosis and treatment planning.

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This study looked at how young, healthy people who use e-cigarettes perform during exercise compared to similar non-users. It found that e-cigarette users had a lower exercise capacity and experienced more shortness of breath, with 17% less oxygen uptake during exercise and 12% more breathing effort than non-users. These findings highlight potential early signs of lung problems in young e-cigarette users, indicating that even they can experience serious respiratory issues. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and health professionals working with young e-cigarette users.

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This study examined how much English teenagers know about dementia by surveying 1,371 adolescents aged 11 to 18. The findings revealed that teens answered about 48% of the questions correctly; only 30% knew that dementia is not a mental illness, and just over half (53%) believed it is not a normal part of aging. This highlights a need for general education about dementia, as many young people have common misconceptions about it. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families, as well as young people who may play a role in supporting those with dementia.

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A large genetic study of over 2,300 cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) patients identified new inherited genetic variants — particularly in the HLA immune gene region — that increase disease risk. Subtype-specific variants were found for extrahepatic cancer and for cancers linked to the inflammatory bile duct disease PSC. The findings advance understanding of why some people are more susceptible to this rare cancer and may eventually support genetic-based screening or prevention.

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This study focused on assessing the risk of lung adenocarcinoma (a type of lung cancer) among East Asian women who have never smoked, using genetic risk scores based on data from different ancestry groups. The researchers found that a multi-ancestry approach to calculating these risk scores was more effective than using scores based only on East Asian data, improving the prediction accuracy from 0.629 to 0.640 out of 1.0. For women in the highest risk group, their chance of developing the disease was almost four times higher compared to those in the lowest group, and they reached a typical risk level of developing lung cancer much earlier in life. Who this helps: This research helps patients, especially East Asian women who have never smoked, by identifying their risk of developing lung cancer more accurately.

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This study looked at the genetic risk factors for lung adenocarcinoma (a type of lung cancer) in 998 never-smoking women from East Asia, comparing those with and without a specific mutation in the EGFR gene. It found that those with the higher genetic risk scores were much more likely to have EGFR-positive lung cancer, with an odds ratio of 8.63 compared to 3.50 for EGFR-negative cancer, showing a significant link between genetics and cancer type. Understanding these differences is important for improving cancer risk assessments and prevention strategies. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially women at risk for lung cancer, and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at whether a type of drug used for type 2 diabetes, called GLP1 receptor agonists, increases the risk of thyroid cancer compared to another diabetes medication. The researchers followed over 98,000 people using GLP1-RAs and almost 2.5 million using another drug type, finding that the risk of thyroid cancer was not higher for GLP1-RA users (with a risk estimate of 0.81). This is important because it suggests that, in the short term, these medications might not pose a greater risk for thyroid cancer, giving reassurance to both patients and doctors. Who this helps: Patients with type 2 diabetes and their healthcare providers.

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This study developed a new test called MpoxPlex to diagnose mpox (previously monkeypox) by measuring immune responses in people who have been infected or vaccinated. The test can evaluate responses to 12 different virus pieces and showed 98% accuracy in distinguishing between post-vaccination and post-infection samples, with 88% sensitivity for identifying recent infections. This is important because it improves the way health agencies can monitor and respond to mpox outbreaks and vaccine effectiveness. Who this helps: This helps patients, public health officials, and healthcare providers.

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This study examined a new mRNA-based flu vaccine called mRNA-1010 to see how safe it is and how well it works compared to standard flu vaccines in adults. Researchers found that a single dose of mRNA-1010 produced strong immune responses that were equal to or better than those from currently licensed flu vaccines. While some people experienced mild side effects more often after getting mRNA-1010, older adults (aged 65 and up) had fewer and less severe reactions, and no serious safety issues were found. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially older adults, who might need a more effective flu vaccine with fewer side effects.

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This study looked at how a diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, and low in fat affects the bacteria in rectal tissue, which could be linked to colorectal cancer. Researchers found that after following this diet, two specific types of bacteria decreased significantly in participants who changed their eating habits. For instance, the amount of Porphyromonas bacteria decreased by about 24% and Prevotella by about 40% compared to those who did not change their diet. Understanding these changes is important because it helps clarify the potential role diet plays in reducing cancer risk. Who this helps: Patients at risk for colorectal cancer.

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This study looked at how pressure in the pulmonary artery affects the lungs' ability to exchange gases during exercise. Researchers found that when they restricted blood flow in the legs of participants, the pressure in the pulmonary artery increased, leading to better lung function; specifically, the lung diffusing capacity improved from 38 to 41 mL/min/mmHg. This matters because enhancing lung function can improve oxygen delivery during physical activity, which is important for overall health and athletic performance. Who this helps: This helps patients with respiratory issues and athletes looking to enhance their performance.

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Researchers studied the safety and effectiveness of an experimental mRNA-based flu vaccine called mRNA-1010 in over 14,000 adults. They found that mRNA-1010 generated a strong immune response against certain flu strains, particularly influenza A, but performed less well against influenza B. This research is important because it paves the way for further development of mRNA vaccines for flu, which could improve protection for people during flu seasons. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking better protection against seasonal influenza.

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This study looked at how the medications pregabalin and gabapentin are prescribed in Denmark from 2010 to 2023. The research found that use of these drugs surged nearly four times, rising from 11 out of every 1,000 adults to 41 in 2023, especially among people over 80, where the rate hit 96 per 1,000. The study highlights concerns about the increase in prescriptions and the low rates of long-term use, suggesting a need for careful monitoring to ensure these medications are used appropriately. Who this helps: This study benefits doctors and healthcare providers by highlighting prescribing trends that may impact patient care.

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This study looked at how often glioma patients in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Wales are prescribed psychiatric medications before and after their cancer diagnosis. Researchers found that these patients started using new psychotropic drugs significantly more often starting seven months before their diagnosis, reaching peak rates of 227 to 753 new prescriptions per 1,000 individuals within a month of diagnosis. This increased use remained higher than in similar patients without gliomas for two years, primarily driven by medications for seizures, anxiety, sleep issues, and sedation. Who this helps: This information helps patients and doctors understand the mental health challenges faced by glioma patients and the need for appropriate psychiatric care.

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This study looked at the factors that make it easier or harder for people to get a dementia diagnosis, focusing on how different social groups are affected. Researchers found 45 relevant studies, mostly from high-income countries, and noticed that while ethnicity was somewhat covered, other important social factors like income, gender, and sexual orientation were largely ignored. This matters because understanding these barriers can help create better support for people seeking a diagnosis, ensuring everyone receives timely care. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families, as well as healthcare providers aiming to improve dementia diagnosis processes.

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This study looked at how people with dementia and their family caregivers plan for future care. Researchers interviewed 16 recently diagnosed individuals and 31 family members and found that while participants wanted to feel secure and manage their futures by following care recommendations, many felt unsupported and confused about medical options. For example, participants often described a lack of clear discussions with healthcare professionals, with some feeling abandoned and confused about important decisions regarding end-of-life care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with dementia and their family caregivers.

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This study introduces ClusterRadar, an easy-to-use online tool that helps researchers analyze and understand spatial patterns over time using multiple methods. The tool allows users to perform clustering, compare different results, and visualize these patterns in a clear and interactive way, all while keeping data secure and private. This matters because it makes complex spatial analysis more accessible and efficient, supporting better decision-making in various scientific fields. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists working with geospatial data.

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This study looked at whether using glucocorticoids, a type of medication, affects the risk of developing breast cancer in women. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 68,000 women with breast cancer and found that while 12% had used glucocorticoids at some point, there was no increased risk of breast cancer from using these medications. In fact, long-term users of glucocorticoids seemed to have a lower risk of breast cancer, with a 13% reduction in risk compared to those who never used them. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients considering glucocorticoids for treatment.

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This research looked at the genetics of Burkitt lymphoma, a type of cancer that mainly affects children in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found a specific region on chromosome 21 associated with a lower risk of developing the disease, with a protective factor showing odds of 0.57. Additionally, a particular gene variant was linked to better survival rates for patients with abdominal Burkitt lymphoma, indicating a hazard ratio of 0.39 among 106 patients studied, where 59 died. Who this helps: This research benefits children in Africa at risk for Burkitt lymphoma, as well as their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at whether using systemic glucocorticoids (a type of medication) affects the risk of developing prostate cancer by examining data from over 56,000 men diagnosed with prostate adenocarcinoma in Denmark. The findings showed that 12% of these men had used glucocorticoids, but there was no significant link between using these medications and a higher risk of prostate cancer. Interestingly, men who used glucocorticoids the most (more than 1,500 daily doses) actually had a slightly lower chance of getting prostate cancer. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients considering the use of glucocorticoids for various medical conditions.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected people living with dementia and their caregivers in England and Wales. Researchers spoke to 130 individuals, including those with dementia, their family members, and health professionals, and found that the pandemic changes made it harder for these individuals to connect socially, leading to increased isolation and stress for both patients and caregivers. The findings highlight the urgent need to recognize social support as critical care for people with dementia, especially in tough times, showing that person-centered care can still be possible during crises. Who this helps: This research benefits patients living with dementia and their caregivers.

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This study examined a new test called TypeSeq2 (TS2) for identifying 46 types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical cancer. Researchers found that TS2 worked well in detecting HPV when compared to an established test, showing high accuracy and agreement between different labs—especially for harmful HPV types. This is important because reliable testing helps ensure that HPV vaccines are effective in preventing infections. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by improving HPV detection and vaccine monitoring.

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This study looked at the relationship between gut bacteria and bile acids in the colon and how they relate to the presence of colorectal adenomas (precancerous growths) in women considered to be at average risk for colorectal cancer. They found that a type of bacteria from the mouth, named Porphyromonas, was linked to adenomas, with a chance of 2.5 times higher for those with this bacteria compared to those without. Understanding these connections is important because it can help identify at-risk individuals and possibly inform prevention strategies. Who this helps: This research benefits patients by highlighting potential risk factors for colorectal cancer.

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This study examined lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, in people who have never smoked. Researchers analyzed data from 684 patients and identified three types of tumors, with one aggressive type having the worst outlook, even in early-stage cases, while another type linked to better survival rates. They created a 60-gene test that can predict survival outcomes across different patient groups. Who this helps: This benefits patients with lung cancer, especially those who have never smoked, by providing better prognostic information.

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This study looked at families exposed to radiation from the Chornobyl accident to see if it increased the risk of clonal hematopoiesis (CH), a condition that can lead to leukemia. They analyzed 882 participants and found no significant link between low to moderate radiation levels and CH in both fathers and mothers, with radiation doses averaging 0.24 Gy for fathers and 0.009 Gy for mothers. These results indicate that the radiation levels investigated are unlikely to significantly increase CH risk, which is important for understanding health risks related to past environmental radiation exposure. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health officials in assessing cancer risks related to environmental radiation exposure.

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This study looked at how taking antibiotics affects survival rates for breast cancer patients, focusing on over 44,000 individuals in England and Wales. Researchers found that patients who took 12 or more antibiotics had a significantly higher risk of dying from breast cancer, with the risk increasing by 62% compared to those who did not use that many antibiotics. However, the overall impact of antibiotic use on breast cancer survival was not strong, suggesting that other factors, like infections, could play a role in these findings. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors treating breast cancer patients who may need antibiotics.

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This study looked at predicting the risk of lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, in East Asian women who have never smoked. Researchers created risk scores using genetic information from both East Asian and European populations, finding that their best model improved risk prediction significantly: the top 20% of those assessed had nearly four times the risk of developing the cancer compared to the bottom 20%. This information is important because it helps identify individuals at higher risk earlier, allowing for potentially better monitoring and prevention. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially East Asian women, by providing better insights into their cancer risk.

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This study looked at whether using vaginal estrogen therapy affects the survival of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 50,000 women and found that only 5% used vaginal estrogen after their diagnosis. Importantly, they discovered that using this therapy did not increase the risk of dying from breast cancer compared to those who did not use hormone replacement therapy, with a hazard ratio of 0.77, meaning a lower risk. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and their patients, especially those with breast cancer experiencing menopause symptoms.

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This study looked at the link between a specific genetic variant related to sickle cell disease and the risk of developing Burkitt lymphoma, a fast-growing cancer in children, in East Africa. The researchers found that children with the HBB-rs334(T) variant had a 31% lower risk of Burkitt lymphoma and a 25% lower risk of malaria, which is associated with this type of cancer. These findings highlight the important role of genetics in understanding health risks, particularly in areas heavily impacted by malaria. Who this helps: This helps children in East Africa who are at risk for Burkitt lymphoma and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the connection between certain genetic factors and the risk of Burkitt lymphoma, a type of childhood cancer common in sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers found that children with the HLA-DQA1*04:01 variant had a 61% increased risk of developing this cancer, while those with another variant (rs2040406(G)) had a 43% higher risk. Understanding these genetic links is important because it can help identify children at higher risk and improve strategies for prevention and treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers identify at-risk children and better manage their care.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the quality of life for people newly diagnosed with dementia and their family caregivers. Researchers found that while the quality of life for people with dementia mostly stayed the same or improved slightly over two years, caregivers reported a decline, especially during the pandemic; only some felt better afterward. This is important because it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by caregivers, suggesting they need more support to cope after such a stressful period. Who this helps: This helps caregivers of people with dementia as well as healthcare professionals supporting them.

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This study looked at whether taking 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (medications used for treating an enlarged prostate) affects the risk of developing colorectal or gastro-oesophageal cancers in men. After following these patients for an average of 6.6 years, the researchers found no increased risk of these cancers among users of 5ARis compared to those using another type of medication called alpha-blockers, with risk ratios of 1.13 for colorectal cancer and 1.14 for gastro-oesophageal cancer. This matters because it offers reassurance that these commonly prescribed medicines don't appear to lead to higher cancer risks in this patient group. Who this helps: This research benefits men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and their doctors.

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The IDEA Challenge 2022 studied 240 prototype designs, detailing their connections and the methods used to create them. The dataset includes over 1,000 connections and offers insights that can help improve how prototypes are made in the future. This is important because it gives designers and engineers practical knowledge to enhance their prototyping skills and strategies. Who this helps: This benefits designers, engineering students, and industry professionals.

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This study looked at how certain genetic variants related to a serious inflammatory condition called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) affect outcomes for patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) who undergo bone marrow transplantation. Out of 684 patients studied, 19 had harmful HLH variants, resulting in a 5-year survival rate of 89% for those with these variants compared to 66% for those without them—though this difference was not statistically significant. The results indicate that having these HLH gene variants doesn't harm survival chances after transplantation, meaning doctors do not need to take special precautions for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with severe aplastic anemia and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) affects the chances of dying from cancer in women diagnosed with 17 different types of cancer, excluding breast cancer. Researchers found that only 7% of the nearly 183,000 women used HRT after their cancer diagnosis and there was no increase in mortality among HRT users compared to non-users. This means that for women with various cancers (not including breast cancer), using HRT does not seem to lead to higher cancer death rates, which is important for patient care options. Who this helps: This information benefits cancer patients seeking relief from symptoms during and after treatment.

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This research looked at how we can measure attitudes about dementia among teenagers. The review found 14 studies that used 13 different tools to assess these attitudes, but many of these tools lacked solid testing for reliability and didn't have strong theoretical backgrounds. Understanding and improving these measures is important because it can help reduce the stigma around dementia, especially in programs that bring together different age groups. Who this helps: This helps adolescents and programs designed to educate them about dementia.

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This study looked at 184 patients with chordoma, a rare type of bone cancer, to better understand the disease and its treatment. They found that patients' average age at diagnosis was 45.5 years and that most were treated with surgery, often followed by other treatments. Their genetic analysis revealed certain genetic mutations, with 12% of patients having a specific mutation called PIK3CA, and those with specific genetic deletions were more likely to experience persistent disease. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with chordoma and their doctors by providing insights into the cancer's unique traits and potential treatment challenges.

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This study looked at how people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) experience getting diagnosed with dementia and the support they receive afterward. Five LGB individuals and their caregivers shared that they often didn't feel comfortable disclosing their sexual orientation to health professionals, even though it was important to them. They relied heavily on supportive friends and family, as many felt existing care services were not welcoming to their identities. This research highlights the need for healthcare providers to be more accepting and inclusive so that LGB individuals with dementia can receive the appropriate care they need. Who this helps: This helps LGBTQ+ patients living with dementia and their caregivers.

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This study looked at a new test designed to measure antibodies in people who have had either the Monkeypox virus (MPXV) or its vaccine. The test was very accurate, identifying antibodies with sensitivity rates ranging from 62% to nearly 99% and specificity rates from about 76% to nearly 96%. Understanding how our immune system responds to these viruses is important for managing current and future outbreaks and developing better vaccines. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by improving ways to track immunity against Monkeypox and related viruses.

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This study looked at what factors contribute to negative attitudes about dementia among teenagers in England. It found that younger adolescents, those who have more contact with people who have dementia, as well as those with greater empathy and knowledge about dementia, are more likely to have positive attitudes. For example, having higher levels of empathy and dementia knowledge were key factors in reducing stigma. This is important because lowering stigma can improve the well-being of those living with dementia. Who this helps: Patients with dementia and their families.

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This study looked at normal breast tissues near tumors in 43 breast cancer patients from Hong Kong to better understand early cancer changes. Researchers found that one-third of the normal tissues had genetic mutations often seen in tumors, particularly in genes like PIK3CA and TP53. This matters because it highlights how normal tissues can also reflect cancer's genetic activity, suggesting they play a role in tumor development and could help tailor early detection and treatment strategies. Who this helps: Patients at risk of breast cancer.

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This study explored new ways to analyze complex health data that changes over time and location. Researchers developed a tool called EpiVECS, which helps visualize patterns in disease data using advanced methods. They found that one technique, k-means clustering, works better than another method for most real-world scenarios. EpiVECS is now available online for anyone to use. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and researchers who track diseases and outbreaks.

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This study looked at genetic changes in the blood cells of children in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically focusing on those with Burkitt lymphoma, a serious type of cancer. Researchers found that 8.4% of children with Burkitt lymphoma had certain genetic changes, compared to 3.4% of children without cancer. These findings are important because they could help us understand why some children develop this aggressive cancer and point to new ways to identify those at risk. Who this helps: This helps children at risk of Burkitt lymphoma and their doctors.

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This study looked at how certain factors influence the way teenagers think about dementia. It found that female adolescents, those with more contact with dementia, and those who are more empathetic tend to have better, more positive attitudes toward dementia. Specifically, empathy plays a crucial role in shaping these attitudes, acting as a bridge between having contact with dementia and forming positive views about it. This is important because better attitudes can lead to improved support for individuals with dementia in the future. Who this helps: This helps teenagers, caregivers, and healthcare workers who will interact with people living with dementia.