DR. JOHN PATRICK FOGARTY, MD

Plain English
The COMPASS-ND study looked at over 1,100 participants with varying levels of dementia to create a new set of tests that measure different thinking skills, like memory and attention. This battery of tests aims to provide consistent and useful data for understanding cognitive decline and developing better approaches to care. The study plans to improve its diversity and develop a comprehensive database that researchers can access to help in studying dementia. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and researchers working on dementia treatments.

Plain English
This study focused on creating a list of essential health services for people affected by humanitarian crises, called the H3 Package. The package includes six key areas of care, such as sexual health, mental health, and care for injuries and diseases. Its standardized approach aims to ensure that those affected by crises receive consistent and prioritized healthcare globally. Who this helps: This helps patients in humanitarian crises by ensuring they get critical health services.

Plain English
This study looked at how Hispanic and Latinx community members in Washington State feel about using mobile health (mHealth) tools, which can help manage chronic health issues. Researchers held eight focus groups with 48 participants and found seven main points: many see mHealth as helpful for health, but some are not comfortable with technology; there are financial and practical barriers; and while mHealth can be useful, it raises concerns about privacy and over-reliance on technology. Understanding these perspectives is crucial to creating mHealth tools that truly meet the needs and concerns of these communities. Who this helps: This study benefits patients in Hispanic and Latinx communities by tailoring health technology to their needs.

Plain English
This study examined how well iron oxide can protect sensitive drugs from light exposure, especially since titanium dioxide, a common protective ingredient, is being phased out. Researchers found that adding just 1-1.5% red or yellow iron oxide in a new type of film coating provided 75-85% protection, and using 2% or more of red iron oxide nearly eliminated damage from light. These findings are important because they offer a way to maintain the stability and safety of medications that are sensitive to light without relying on titanium dioxide. Who this helps: Patients who rely on light-sensitive medications will benefit from more effective and safer drug formulations.

Plain English
This study looked at how using technology can improve teamwork between patients and healthcare providers when treating cancer patients who also have depression. Researchers found that a mobile app helped patients engage more with their care, made it easier for patients and providers to share important information, and improved the overall collaboration among the care team. Notably, the app encouraged better communication and supported personalized treatment goals, but also highlighted some challenges in implementing this approach. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients dealing with depression and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
Researchers tested a device called Beacon that allows patients with chronic liver disease to monitor their brain function at home by measuring how quickly they perceive a flickering light. They studied 21 patients over 6 weeks and found that the device provided consistent results regardless of when or where the patients used it. This is important because it enables early detection of potential neurological issues, which can improve treatment outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with chronic liver disease and their caregivers.

Plain English
This study looked at how people who use visual accessibility tools, like screen readers and braille displays, experience deceptive design patterns on websites and apps. Researchers interviewed 16 participants and found six deceptive design patterns that led to confusion or frustration, including both intentionally misleading designs and unintentional barriers that made things harder to use. These problems not only make it difficult for users to navigate but also highlight how accessibility efforts can be undermined by poor design. Who this helps: This benefits people who rely on visual accessibility technology, as well as designers and developers working to create more inclusive online experiences.

Plain English
This study looked at how the design of reusable medical devices affects their cleaning. Researchers found that complex shapes and hidden parts on these devices make cleaning much harder, especially if dirt has had time to dry. For example, parts like ball bearings and screws were tough to clean thoroughly, which can put patients at risk. Improving cleaning methods for these devices is essential for keeping patients safe and may lead to better automated cleaning options in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by ensuring safer medical devices.

Plain English
This study looked at how well different health care referral systems work to connect people with the medical care they need. It reviewed 181 reports and found that effective systems rely on clear communication, organized protocols, and the use of digital tools to ensure patients are referred quickly and appropriately. Many systems are broken or inconsistent, which can lead to delays in treatment and poor care quality, making improvements in these systems essential for better health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients by ensuring they receive timely and appropriate medical care.

Plain English
This research looked at what "accessibility" really means for disabled people by studying the experiences of 25 diverse individuals. The study found that accessibility is influenced by different types of barriers, the technology people have, and their personal circumstances, which all affect how they seek solutions. Understanding these factors is crucial because it allows for better design and implementation of accessible technologies that truly meet the needs of diverse users. Who this helps: This helps disabled individuals seeking better access and tailored solutions in their daily lives.

Plain English
This study looked at how people use Generative AI (GAI) to help them keep track of their health data and manage their health goals. Researchers interviewed 19 people who self-track their health and found that GAI can help in several ways, such as deciding what health data to track and understanding the information they gather. Participants particularly liked using GAI for planning and reflecting on their health journeys, but they also pointed out some limits to using this technology effectively. Who this helps: This benefits individuals who self-track their health, as well as health professionals looking to support their patients.

Plain English
The study focused on a new app called MigraineTracker, designed to help patients with migraines keep track of their symptoms and manage their condition by setting personal goals. After testing the app with 10 patients over 12 months, researchers found that it helped patients clarify their goals, customize their tracking methods, and gain insights into their conditions, which improved their understanding and communication with healthcare providers. This matters because aligning self-tracking with personal goals can enhance the overall management of chronic conditions like migraines. Who this helps: Patients with migraines and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at how quickly and consistently people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Lewy body disease (LBD) can respond to different tasks compared to healthy individuals. It found that people with AD were slower and less consistent in their responses than those who were cognitively healthy, while the LBD group also showed slower and less consistent performance than healthy individuals, although the differences between the two disease groups were also noted. This is important because it helps to understand how cognitive performance declines in these diseases, which can guide better diagnosis and treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients with neurodegenerative diseases and their doctors by providing clearer insight into cognitive decline patterns.

Plain English
The Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) was established to tackle dementia through coordinated research efforts starting in 2014. Over eight years, researchers studied 1,173 patients with different types of dementia and launched a national prevention program called CAN-THUMBS UP, which has joined an international consortium for dementia prevention. This organized approach has led to meaningful progress in dementia research and has shown that teamwork and shared resources can create significant improvements in understanding and combating this condition. Who this helps: This benefits patients, researchers, and healthcare professionals working in dementia care and prevention.

Plain English
This study looked at how women experience menopause and how they can share these experiences with future generations. Researchers talked to 17 women about what they want to pass down regarding menopause, finding that many participants valued storytelling and documented memories as ways to connect and discuss this often-stigmatized topic. This matters because sharing personal stories can help normalize menopause and provide support for those going through it, making it easier for women to understand and relate to their experiences. Who this helps: This helps women experiencing menopause, their families, and healthcare providers.

Plain English
Researchers studied how substitute decision-makers (SDMs), like family members or friends, make choices for patients with severe brain injuries who cannot communicate effectively. They interviewed SDMs about their experiences and found that all recognized the patients' ability to understand spoken language as crucial for making decisions. They concluded that if SDMs know how a patient communicates and use simple tests to see how the patient is functioning now, they can make better, more informed decisions that reflect the patient's current state, rather than just their past preferences. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with communication impairments and their families.

Plain English
This study looked at how well different tests can evaluate the mental and behavioral functioning of patients with two rare metabolic disorders: methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) and propionic acidemia (PA). Researchers found that while language and motor difficulties made testing challenging for some, all patients aged 12 and older could complete a particular picture task, indicating it could be useful in assessments. The study highlighted important differences between the two disorders and helped identify which tests might not accurately reflect each patient’s abilities or the severity of their condition. Who this helps: This helps healthcare providers and researchers working with patients with MMA and PA by improving the way they measure treatment impacts.

Plain English
This study examined different ways to analyze brain wave data (EEG) to better understand human emotions. Researchers looked at five sets of EEG features and found that one method, using fractal dimension (FD) with a classification tree approach, achieved the best results, identifying emotional states with an accuracy of 85.06% for valence (how positive or negative an emotion is) and 84.55% for arousal (the intensity of the emotion). These findings suggest that using FD features could help create real-time systems for recognizing emotions through EEG. Who this helps: This helps patients and developers working on emotion recognition technology.

Plain English
This study tested a new portable device called "Beacon" that helps measure a visual response (critical flicker frequency) in patients with liver disease. Researchers found that Beacon is reliable and gives results that closely match those from a standard device, showing that scores from Beacon were about 4.1 Hz higher on average. This matters because it allows patients with liver disease to easily check for early signs of a serious brain condition at home. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic liver disease and their doctors.

Plain English
This paper discusses the need for clear rules and guidelines for conducting research on humans in commercial space travel. The authors found that without established ethical standards, there is a risk of harming participants or compromising the quality of research. This is important because it ensures the safety and well-being of people participating in space studies while promoting trustworthy scientific results. Who this helps: This helps researchers and participants in commercial spaceflight.

Plain English
This study looked at how to improve health services in Somalia, which has been struggling with financial and regulatory issues. Over 18 months, the health ministry worked with various stakeholders to agree on a plan that focuses on effective and affordable health services. They decided on a phased approach to make sure everyone can access the care they need, especially in areas where safety is a concern. Who this helps: This benefits patients in Somalia who need better access to essential health services.

Plain English
This study looked at how well people with communication difficulties can think and understand information. Four participants were tested: two in a minimally conscious state, one with locked-in syndrome using alternative communication methods, and one using augmentative communication. The findings showed that those using augmentative and alternative communication performed similarly to people without communication impairments, while the minimally conscious participants had mixed results, indicating that their ability to understand and remember was affected by how their memory works. These results highlight the importance of assessing cognitive abilities in patients with communication issues to better understand their mental functions. Who this helps: This helps patients with communication impairments and the professionals who work with them.

Plain English
This study looked at how alcohol taxes affect how much people drink in wealthy countries. Researchers found that a 1% increase in alcohol taxes could lead to a 0.4% decrease in alcohol consumption. If taxes don’t go up as incomes rise, people are likely to drink more over the next decade, but if taxes are increased by about 1.0-1.5% each year, alcohol consumption could be better controlled. Who this helps: This helps policymakers and public health officials aiming to reduce alcohol consumption in society.

Plain English
This research focused on a new way to evaluate early versions of health technology, specifically through a method called health concept surveying. The study involved three case studies, finding that incentives for shorter wait times could encourage more people to visit dermatologists after a skin cancer test, visual explanations could build trust but not change decisions, and that priorities regarding test accuracy vary depending on the condition. This research is important because it helps developers understand what factors influence how people accept new health technologies early on, without needing a working prototype. Who this helps: This benefits patients and health technology developers.

Plain English
This study looked at the populations of wild mammals in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic by using camera traps set up in various locations. Researchers recorded over 117,000 observations of 78 mammal species, compared to data from a similar survey in 2019. The findings reveal that wildlife populations were influenced more by their locations than by changes over the two years, helping us understand how these populations and their interactions with humans may be changing over time. Who this helps: This helps wildlife researchers and conservationists track animal populations and their behaviors.

Plain English
This study evaluated a new online tool designed to help patients with small kidney tumors (up to 4 cm) make better treatment decisions, comparing surgical and nonsurgical options. The researchers found that using this web-based decision aid improved patients' understanding of their treatment choices and increased their satisfaction with the decisions they made. This matters because it could lead to more personalized care and better alignment of treatments with patients' health priorities, especially since many of these tumors do not necessarily require surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients with small kidney tumors and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at how plastic waste piles up on the beaches of the remote south coast of Western Australia. Researchers found that there are about 2.01 pieces of plastic per square meter, with the most plastic found at the eastern ends of bays. The amount of plastic decreases after winds come from the east, and ocean currents also affect how much plastic ends up on the beaches. Who this helps: This helps environmental scientists and conservationists working to reduce plastic pollution in marine environments.

Plain English
This study looked at the idea of brain health, which has been defined differently in various medical fields. Researchers found that brain health means the brain's ability to adapt well to changes throughout a person's life, leading to better cognitive and emotional responses and overall brain function. This understanding is important because it can help improve people’s long-term health, maintain independence, and slow down memory loss as they age. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing a clear definition of brain health to guide treatment and research.

Plain English
This study focused on a new imaging technique that quickly measures fatty acid composition in breast fat using a method that corrects for changes in frequency caused by breathing and other factors. They tested this technique on an oil sample and 10 postmenopausal women, finding that their new method significantly improved the accuracy of measurements for double bonds and chain lengths in fatty acids, reducing errors from around 9-18% to just 2-9%. This is important because better measurements can enhance our understanding of breast health and fat tissue composition, which can have implications for disease risk and treatment. Who this helps: Patients and doctors involved in breast health assessments.

Plain English
This study looked at a new way to use MRI technology to better understand the levels of sodium in breast cancer cells and their surrounding tissues. Researchers found that in women with triple negative breast cancer, the total sodium concentration in tumors was two to three times higher than in normal tissue, mainly because the sodium concentration inside the cancer cells was about 130% greater than what is seen in healthy tissue. This method is important because it could help doctors better assess the characteristics of breast tumors and potentially improve treatment plans. Who this helps: This helps patients with breast cancer and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at a patient with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDSv) who had serious abdominal wounds and complications. The treatment involved using mesenchymal stromal cells and high doses of vitamin C, which resulted in a nearly complete healing of the wound and a significant reduction in its size by 94%. This is important because it suggests a new way to treat difficult wounds in patients with EDSv, a condition that currently lacks clear treatment guidelines. Who this helps: This helps patients with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome by providing a new treatment option for their complicated wounds.

Plain English
This study looked at how to improve the design of personal health apps to better meet people's needs. Researchers created a set of design cards to help designers think differently about their assumptions when creating these apps. Interviews with 24 designers revealed that designers often face challenges in knowing what people really need and how to advocate for those needs, highlighting the importance of these resources in making better health technologies. Who this helps: This helps designers of health applications create better tools for patients.

Plain English
This study looked at the levels of microplastics in stormwater drains in the Perth area. Researchers found that the drains contained anywhere from 0 to 3,500 microplastics per kilogram of sediment, with an average of 664 particles per kilogram. Most of these microplastics were fibers made from common plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene, and urban drains had more microplastics than agricultural ones. Understanding how microplastics move from land to the ocean is important because it helps us tackle pollution that affects marine environments. Who this helps: This information benefits environmental scientists, city planners, and anyone concerned about marine health.

Plain English
In a Southern Ethiopian prison, researchers studied an outbreak of leg swelling and found that 118 prisoners were affected, with 11 of them dying from severe problems linked to scurvy, a condition caused by a lack of vitamin C. The prison diet lacked fruits and vegetables, contributing to the issue, and after vitamin C treatment was started, all affected prisoners showed improvement within four weeks. This matters because it highlights the importance of proper nutrition in preventing diseases like scurvy, especially in confined environments. Who this helps: This helps prisoners who need better nutritional care to avoid serious health issues.

Plain English
This study focused on how to create water-sensitive cities in Australia, a goal that has not seen much progress. Researchers found that several key reforms are needed, including stronger government support for water-friendly design, increased funding for community-valued outcomes, and better accountability and incentives for water utilities. Addressing these areas could lead to significant improvements in how cities manage water, benefiting both residents and the environment. Who this helps: This helps communities, local governments, and water utility companies.

Plain English
This study looked at brain changes in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and healthy older adults. Researchers found that individuals with MCI and AD had lower levels of certain brain chemicals (glutamate and N-acetyl aspartate) and lost white matter in specific brain areas compared to healthy individuals. These changes were linked to poorer memory performance, indicating that monitoring these brain chemicals might help us understand and track memory issues early on. Who this helps: This helps patients with cognitive issues and their doctors by providing tools for early diagnosis and monitoring.

Plain English
This study looked at how patients with both cancer and depression struggle to get the care they need, particularly because their mental health is often overlooked. Researchers found that these patients find it difficult to manage their treatment paths for both conditions, as they tend to be treated separately instead of as connected issues. The study highlights the need for better technology solutions to create a more integrated care experience, which could lead to improved outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer and depression, as well as their healthcare providers.

Plain English
The study looked at how families can monitor and discuss sleep patterns together using a new tool called DreamCatcher, which collects data from sleep sensors worn on the wrist and mood reports. Over 10 families used DreamCatcher for 15 to 50 days, revealing that children can actively participate in tracking their health, which fosters teamwork but sometimes causes discomfort for parents when sharing personal sleep and mood information. This research is important because it helps in designing tools that meet the needs of both parents and children when it comes to health tracking. Who this helps: This benefits parents and their school-age children.

Plain English
This study focuses on how important it is for people to set personal health goals before they start tracking their health data. Researchers found that not having clear goals can lead to ineffective health tracking, misunderstandings between patients and their doctors, and even promote actions that go against what the patient actually wants. Addressing these issues can greatly improve the way individuals manage their health over time. Who this helps: This benefits patients and their healthcare providers by improving communication and personalized care.

Plain English
This study explored how to improve mobile apps for mental health by making them align better with established therapy techniques, specifically dialectical behavior therapy, which teaches coping skills to manage mental health. Researchers analyzed data from a month-long study of one app, finding that certain coping skills were more effective than others in reducing emotional distress and that personal factors, like individuals' disorders and preferences, impacted how well these skills worked. They concluded that considering a person's unique context can lead to better app design and recommend using advanced technology to customize skill suggestions for users. Who this helps: Patients seeking better mental health support through technology.

Plain English
This study focused on a large online course about COVID-19 created by The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, which aimed to provide accurate information and foster discussion among participants. Over 200,000 people from 184 countries took part, generating more than 88,000 comments, where they supported each other's learning by sharing questions and insights. This approach shows that open education can be an effective way to combat misinformation during health crises. Who this helps: Patients and the general public seeking reliable information about COVID-19.

Plain English
This study looked at how people can use self-tracking tools to monitor their health and experiment with different treatments. Researchers found that most questions individuals want to answer about their health can be addressed more effectively using Bayesian analysis instead of traditional statistical methods, with Bayesian approaches being suggested for about 70% of the questions considered. This matters because it helps people better understand their health and make informed decisions about their treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients who are managing chronic conditions and seeking personalized health insights.

Plain English
This study explored how a tool called Foodprint, a photo-based food diary, could improve communication between patients and health experts regarding healthy eating and managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Researchers conducted two studies, involving 33 total participants (17 focusing on healthy eating and 16 IBS patients), and found that this tool helped both patients and experts better share information and create personalized health plans. This matters because effective communication can lead to better health outcomes and tailored strategies for individuals. Who this helps: Patients with healthy eating goals and those with irritable bowel syndrome.

Plain English
The COMPASS-ND study looked at 2,310 people in Canada who have different types of dementia or memory issues, as well as some older adults without cognitive problems. Researchers are gathering a broad range of information, like medical history, genetics, and brain scans, to better understand what causes dementia and to find ways to prevent or treat it. This research is significant because it aims to improve the way we diagnose and manage dementia, potentially benefiting many people as more data becomes available. Who this helps: Patients with dementia and their families, as well as healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked into how self-tracking can help people manage chronic conditions, particularly migraines, by focusing on personal health goals. Researchers found that a new method, called goal-directed self-tracking, made it easier for individuals to clarify and achieve their health tracking goals. Out of 19 participants, the approach helped identify different types of goals and improved the collaboration between patients and their healthcare providers, showing that such tools can better support personal health management. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic conditions and their doctors.

Plain English
This research reviewed how well different types of grief treatments work for older adults who have lost loved ones. Out of 24 studies, the results showed that treatments focusing on helping these individuals get active and cope effectively had some impact, but the overall benefits were small. This is important because as the number of grieving older adults grows, there is a clear need for better support options tailored to their unique challenges. Who this helps: This helps grieving older adults and the professionals supporting them.

Plain English
This study focused on the Toronto Cognitive Assessment (TorCA), a test designed to help identify early signs of memory problems in older adults. Researchers discovered that they mistakenly included one person in their original group of 303 participants, which could affect the accuracy of the test results. This matters because having accurate data is crucial for doctors to correctly diagnose and monitor cognitive decline in patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare professionals working with older adults at risk of cognitive impairment.