From a Parkinson’s fall prediction breakthrough to a cancer therapy being tested for autoimmune disease, here’s your daily dose of health news.
Falls are one of the most serious complications of Parkinson’s disease, which affects nearly one million Americans. As the disease progresses, fall risk increases — but until now, it’s been difficult to predict when a patient will fall for the very first time.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute say they’ve developed a model that can do exactly that — and the earlier warning signs are identified, the sooner patients can take action.
Two key risk factors emerge from the research. The first is slowed brain processing speed. Walking isn’t just a physical act — it requires the brain to continuously compute visual information. When that processing slows, it affects gait in ways patients may not notice on their own. The second is reduced walking speed. Specifically, patients who walk slower than 1.1 meters per second face a higher risk of their first fall.
The good news is that once those early shifts appear, patients can be taught to compensate. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and dual-task training — which pairs a physical movement like walking with a mental task like counting — can all help patients adapt before a fall occurs.
Researchers also note that this prediction model may extend beyond Parkinson’s. Because aging itself raises fall risk, ongoing studies are now examining whether the same markers apply to older adults without the disease.
A cancer therapy is being tested for autoimmune disease
About 80 million Americans live with an autoimmune disease — conditions like lupus, multiple sclerosis, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks the body’s own healthy tissue. Most patients require daily medication, often for the rest of their lives, with no cure in sight.
Researchers at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo are working to change that — by adapting a breakthrough cancer treatment for autoimmune disease patients.
CAR T-cell therapy works by extracting a patient’s own immune cells, engineering them in a lab to identify and destroy the specific cells driving disease, then returning them to the body. Originally developed to fight cancer, early clinical trials suggest it may work for autoimmune diseases, too.
Patients with lupus, scleroderma, multiple sclerosis and stiff person syndrome are seeing significant improvement in early trials — and some are experiencing full reversal of their symptoms. The ultimate goal is a one-and-done immune reset, potentially freeing patients from long-term medication altogether.
Clinical trials are currently open and enrolling at this location and other major medical centers. If you or someone you know lives with a severe autoimmune condition, talk to your health provider about whether you might qualify.
Pickleball is booming — So are the injuries
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, popular across every age group and easy to pick up. But as more people grab a paddle, injuries are climbing, too.
Cleveland Clinic says the most common pickleball injuries involve ligament sprains and muscle strains — particularly in the shoulders, knees, hips, wrists and ankles. Elbow tendonitis is also very common.
The sport itself isn’t necessarily dangerous. Experts point out that more players simply means more injuries overall. But there are smart steps you can take to protect yourself.
Stretch before you play. Focus on proper form and technique from the start. Give your body adequate recovery time between games. If you’re new to pickleball, avoid competing against advanced players too soon. The pace and intensity of those matches can push a beginner beyond what their body is ready for.
And don’t underestimate your footwear. The right shoes matter more than most players realize. Look for proper cushioning, arch support that fits your foot, and ankle support appropriate for your needs. A shoe that doesn’t fit well can contribute directly to ankle and knee injuries.
Finally, listen to your body. Pain or discomfort during play is a signal to stop — pushing through it risks turning a minor issue into a serious one. If pain persists for more than a few days, check in with your provider.