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Those With Thyroid Issues Shouldn't Jump To Self-diagnosis Of Alzheimer's
Is hypothyroidism linked to dementia?
According to the American Thyroid Association, more than 12 percent of the U.S. Population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime, and an estimated 20 million Americans currently have some form of thyroid disease. Additionally, up to 60 percent of individuals with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain crucial hormones. Untreated, the condition can cause a number of health problems, including heart disease, obesity, joint pain and cognitive decline. If an individual is experiencing concerns about lack of focus and signs of memory loss, he/she should also be aware of other symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. These include fatigue, weight gain, fluid retention, enlarged tongue with teeth indentations, cold intolerance, hair loss, dry skin, depression, joint pain, constipation, headaches, brittle fingernails, elevated cholesterol and enlarged thyroid gland.
These symptoms often lead to the individual thinking that he/she might have the onset of Alzheimer's or dementia. The individual shouldn't rush to judgment about that possibility. Rather, the symptoms of memory loss and lack of focus might be related to low thyroid function.
Because the brain uses so much energy, individuals with hypothyroidism (slowed metabolism and less energy) tend to experience a decline in their mental acuity — the "brain fog" that many individuals describe as they experience the symptoms of the disorder. Hypothyroidism is often associated with mood disturbances and cognitive impairment, meaning that the thyroid hormones are critical for normal brain functioning. Specifically, hypothyroidism has been associated with several cognitive deficits, including general intelligence, visual-spatial skills and memory.
Hypothyroidism can often be diagnosed with a simple blood test. With some individuals, however, it may be more complicated and more detailed tests are needed. In an individual with an underactive thyroid gland, the blood level of T4 (the main thyroid hormone) will be low, while the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level will be high. This means that the thyroid is not making enough hormone and the pituitary gland recognizes it and is responding appropriately by making more TSH in an attempt to force more hormone production out of the thyroid. For the majority of individuals with hypothyroidism, taking some form of thyroid hormone replacement (synthetic or natural, pill or liquid, etc.) will make the "thyroid function tests" return to the normal range, and, this is accompanied by a general improvement in symptoms making the individual feel better, including easing concerns about cognitive functioning.
Hypothyroidism is one of the most frequent causes of symptomatic dementia and is recognized as a cause of reversible dementia. Consultation with a physician, preferably an endocrinologist, is recommended to determine an accurate diagnosis.
GLP-1 Drugs For Diabetes And Weight Loss Unlikely To Affect Thyroid Cancer Risk
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists are an effective treatment for controlling blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, particularly those who do not respond, or stop responding to, first-line treatments, such as metformin.
There are many versions of GLP-1 drugs, including:
They work by increasing the release of insulin — the hormone that controls blood glucose by moving it into cells — and suppressing the release of glucagon, which releases glucose from the liver into the blood.
GLP-1 agonists also improve insulin sensitivity, slow gastric emptying and increase feelings of fullness after eating.
Clinicians also prescribe the drugs for weight loss in people without type 2 diabetes. Both the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) in the United States and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom have approved some GLP-1 agonists for weight loss and weight control in people with obesity and overweight with related health conditions.
Use of GLP-1 agonists has increased greatly since they were first approved. One concern about the medications, however, is that some studies suggest they may increase the risk of thyroid cancer. However, these studies point out that the health benefits of the drugs are likely to outweigh this increased risk.
Now, a large-scale study has found no significant increase in thyroid cancer risk for people with type 2 diabetes on GLP-1 agonists compared with people treated with DPP4 inhibitors, which, the study reports, have no known thyroid cancer risk.
The study appears in The BMJ.
Björn Pasternak, MD, PhD, lead author, and principal researcher at the Department of Medicine, Solna, at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, explained why the team conducted the the study.
"Many people take these medicines, so it is important to study potential risks associated with them," he noted in a press release.
"Our study covers a broad group of patients and provides strong support that GLP-1 analogues are not associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer," he added.
This large cohort study used data on more than 145,000 people treated with GLP-1 agonists, and almost 292,000 people treated with DPP4 inhibitors from Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
The GLP-1 agonists used were liraglutide (57.3%), followed by semaglutide (32.9%), dulaglutide (4.9%), exenatide (4.1%), and lixisenatide (0.9%).
The researchers followed up participants after a mean of 3.9 years for the GLP-1 group and 5.4 years for the DPP4 group.
They identified cases of thyroid cancer from nationwide cancer registers. In the GLP-1 group, 76 of 145, 410 people developed thyroid cancer, and in the DPP4 group, 184 of 291, 667 developed the disease.
From these data, the researchers worked out that the relative risk was increased by no more than 31% for those on GLP-1 agonists.
Mir Ali, MD, bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, not involved in this research, explained what this means for people taking GLP-agonists.
He told Medical News Today that:
"The meaning of relative risk is the risk compared to someone not taking the medication — 31% is very low and indicates that the risk of developing thyroid cancer due to this medication is relatively low."
Nevertheless, "[c]aution still needs to be taken in patients who fall into the category of hereditary thyroid cancers — like multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes," he added.
Thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men, but is still a relatively rare form of cancer. The incidence rates are 10.1 cases per 100,000 women and 3.1 per 100,000 men, and mortality rates from thyroid cancer are low and decreasing. Therefore, a slight increase in relative risk means that the likelihood of developing the cancer is still very low.
GLP-1 agonists have other health benefits, alongside controlling blood glucose and weight loss. Studies have shown that they have cardiovascular benefits, particularly in people with obesity.
Other beneficial effects include reducing blood pressure and blood lipid levels, reducing inflammation, and possibly even helping to treat heart failure in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A recent study found that they may also help delay the progression of chronic kidney disease, which often develops in people with type 2 diabetes.
People should be aware that there are common side effects of GLP-1 agonists, but they are mostly mild. The symptoms, which are generally dose-dependent and usually lessen with ongoing treatment, may include:
Ali told MNT that the study should reassure people, since previous concerns about thyroid cancer risk were from animal studies, adding: "I think this study can help reassure patients taking these medications that they are safe and risk of thyroid cancer is very low."
The 27 Best Lotions For Extremely Dry Skin
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Having extremely dry skin also means having extremely red, irritated, and itchy skin. Get rid of that discomfort by using one of the best lotions for extremely dry skin that we've outlined here!
What Causes Extremely Dry Skin?There are a number of reasons why you might have dry skin:
Luckily, you don't have to grin and bear dry skin. Here are some tips for combating dryness: Understand what your triggers are, weather, climate, food, clothes etc.Once you are aware it is easier to tackle and mange.
While there are lots of powerful formulas out there for dry skin, the best contain one or more of these moisturizing ingredients:
Extremely dry skin doesn't stand a chance when up against Blu Atlas Body Lotion. That's because this product is loaded with hydrating and skin-soothing ingredients that come together in a clean formula you can feel good about putting on your skin. Opt for the unscented version if your skin is hyper-sensitive, or go for the naturally scented Classic or Coconut Apricot versions to add a little extra delight to your daily skincare routine.
All hail shea butter, the king of moisturizers! This ingredient is packed with fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins to soothe while it smooths. Jojoba oil is also rich in vitamins and provides satisfying hydration by penetrating the skin the way your natural sebum does. Seaweed draws in moisture while protecting the skin with antioxidants, and squalane provides anti-inflammatory benefits while it hydrates. This blend of ingredients ensures that even the driest of skin gets some relief.
2. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream CeraVeIf you have extremely dry skin, it means your skin barrier is somehow damaged. This moisturizing cream from CeraVe works to repair that barrier, quenching your skin's thirst to get rid of symptoms like flaking, itching, or rough texture. Somehow, even though this formula is full to the brim with moisturizing ingredients, it's still non-greasy, locking in moisture without a trace.
Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, and petrolatum are the moisturizing ingredients here, working in tandem to draw moisture through the skin and make sure it stays put. This formula also contains MVE Delivery Technology, helping to ensure continuous moisture over a period of time for optimal hydration.
3. Avène XeraCalm AvèneIf your skin is dry and prone to eczema, this is a great option for you. Avéne's XeraCalm is one of the best lotions for extremely dry skin, containing lipid-restoring ingredients that placate even the most aggravated skin. This super-rich formula is all about i-modula, a complex found in thermal spring water that alleviates itching and reinforces the skin barrier. Plus cer-omega, a fatty acid from primrose oil that hydrates deeply. Glycerin and tocopherol also ensure skin stays moisturized for a long time.
4. Augustinus Bader The Body Cream Augustinus BaderThis product from Augustinus Bader is called The Body Cream, probably because (if you can afford it) it's the only one you'll ever need. Using sustainably sourced ingredients, this lotion promotes healthier, firmer, smoother, and—yes—more moisturized skin. Bisabolol is a key player in the formula, calming irritated skin. Shea butter moisturizes and soothes, a polysaccharide moisture complex targets dry skin, and camellia sinensis leaf provides quick-absorbing hydration. While this body cream will set you back over 100 dollars, its many benefits are worth it if you can afford to shell out that much for a lotion.
5. Dove Body Love Sensitive Care Body Lotion DoveThis drugstore favorite is all about showering your body in love, no matter how dry your skin gets. It works to comfort and hydrate dry, cracked skin and gives you 48 hours of intensive moisture you can feel. Slather this all over sensitive skin, too—it's dermatologist-tested and fragrance-free, so safe even on skin that tends to overreact. By working to replace ceramides and renew your moisture barrier, this lotion helps skin retain nine times its regular amount of moisture! It also contains hydrating heroes glycerin, dimethicone, petrolatum, and sunflower seed oil for lasting moisture.
6. Eucerin Advanced Repair Dry Skin Lotion EucerinEucerin is a go-to brand for those suffering from a number of uncomfortable skin conditions, and this Advanced Repair formula makes for definitely one of the best lotions for extremely dry skin. It's right in the middle of the light-to-rich scale, meaning it absorbs quickly enough that you can grab your phone immediately after applying rather than waiting for the grease to subside. It contains shea butter and urea, a carbamide found naturally in the skin that keeps its moisture in balance.
7. AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion AmLactinLactic acid is the secret to this formula's moisturizing effects, relieving the skin of dead flakes for great turnover. Glycerin and dimethicone also help on the moisturizing front, sealing moisture into renewed skin. This lotion is built for those with rough, dry skin, exfoliating and moisturizing to make skin smoother.
8. Vaseline's Intensive Care Sensitive Skin Relief VaselineVaseline's Intensive Care Sensitive Skin Relief gets to work fast but delivers long-lasting results, which is perfect if you're experiencing particularly dry skin. It's great for those with sensitive skin, too, and was created with dermatologists to ensure efficiency and gentleness. The key ingredients in this formula are lipids for skin barrier reinforcement, plus shea butter and other hydrating ingredients. What sets this formula apart is the inclusion of colloidal oatmeal, a multi-tasking ingredient that keeps skin hydrated while also softening, alleviating itching, and regulating your skin's pH levels.
9. Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream VanicreamWhile this tub of lotion may seem more like a medical device than a skincare product, it's actually one of the best lotions for extremely dry skin, and sensitive skin as well! Without dyes, fragrances, parabens, formaldehyde, or lanolin, you're left with milder ingredients that moisturize and won't clog pores. This lotion has also earned a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association and works great on easily irritated skin.
10. Dr. Barbara Sturm's Anti-Aging Body Cream Dr. Barbara SturmWhy not fight back against time while you're also hydrating your extremely dry skin? That's the idea behind this body cream from Dr. Barbara Sturm. While it's on the pricier end of the spectrum, this formula harnesses the power of natural oils to hydrate, soften, tighten, and firm, leaving you with more youthful and radiant skin while assuaging dryness. The ingredient list includes favorites like shea butter, panthenol, and olive oil, but also meadowfoam seed oil to balance and hydrate, purslane for calming and boosting skin cell turnover, and chickpea seed extract to fill in fine lines.
11. Eos 24-Hour Moisture Body LotionThis 24-hour formula comes in a number of different scents, and we like this Coconut Waters version the best. It smells like a tropical rainforest, with coconut, hibiscus, and musk, plus brings the moisturizing power so you no longer have extremely dry skin. Shea butter and oil come to the hydrating party, plus dimethicone, coconut fruit extract, and glycerin. Pro tip: apply right before bedtime and wake up with totally renewed skin!
12. Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream AveenoIf you have eczema, you know the feeling of extreme dryness well. The rash, itching, discoloration, and cracked skin are no fun. Luckily, there's this cream from Aveeno that's designed to bring you relief from all those symptoms with a rich, creamy texture and a formula made up of some of the biggest hydrators in the game.
Oat kernel is the most exciting ingredient in this formula, helping skin retain moisture while also addressing some of the more uncomfortable symptoms of dryness. Ceramides from corn oil back up your moisture barrier, and panthenol sucks moisture through the skin while also soothing. The result is one of the top-recommended lotions for eczema and dryness.
13. La Roche-Posay Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream La Roche-PosayLa Roche-Posay creates luxurious skincare products loaded with science-backed ingredients straight from nature. This moisturizing cream is no exception, getting after all kinds of dryness while also balancing your skin's microbiome for improved health. Perhaps the best part about this product is how gentle it is—it's even safe for babies and those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation.
The key is prebiotic thermal water, sourced from the French town of La Roche-Posay, which contains antioxidants and plenty of important skin minerals. Ceramides line the skin's lipid barrier to keep moisture in, shea butter softens and soothes, niacinamide hydrates while targeting discoloration, and glycerin acts as a humectant to restore the skin's moisture levels.
14. SkinFix Eczema+ Extra Strength Body Cream SkinFixTurn extremely dry skin into the smooth skin of your dreams with this Extra Strength Body Cream. It combats everything from dryness to puffiness, using a combination of colloidal oatmeal and sweet almond oil to soothe and stop itching. Allantoin and aloe vera also calm skin while moisturizing, shea butter softens, and rice bran extract targets aging and discoloration for some additional benefits.
15. EltaMD Moisture Rich Body Crème EltaMD Moisture Rich Body CrèmeAll skin types can benefit from this lotion, which contains important hydrators and nutrients to nurse the skin back to full health and hydration. Niacinamide lends its anti-inflammatory properties, ceramide creates a stronger skin barrier, hyaluronic acid binds moisture to the skin, and fruit enzymes target the symptoms of extreme dryness. The product also contains mango seed butter for softening and squalane for fast-absorbing hydration.
16. Free + True All Over Creamy Serum Free + TrueUse this product before or after you go catch some UV rays, as it quenches your skin's thirst in an oh-so-satisfying way. This product is like a hybrid of a cream and a serum, meaning it will soak right into the skin but still has all you need to stop symptoms of dryness. The formula is packed with powerful botanicals for relief, plus the added benefits of greater skin resilience and smoothness.
Aloe leaf juice is the first ingredient listed, giving your body a refreshing dose of moisture and some much-needed zen. Chamomile and calendula take charge of calming, plantain leaf treats eczema, yarrow reduces inflammation, and pumpkin seed oil renews skin while delivering vitamin C for extra protection. There are plenty of other natural goodies in here, too!
17. Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion CetaphilSometimes the best lotion for extremely dry skin is sitting right on the shelf of your local drugstore! Like this moisturizing lotion from Cetaphil. While the formula itself is lightweight, it also provides two whole days of moisture and a little extra skin comfort along the way. This lotion is 18. Ole Henriksen's BeamCream Smoothing Body Moisturizer Ole Henriksen
It's true—this lotion will leave your skin beaming. With a satisfying whipped texture, a handful of renewing ingredients, and extra brightening power, this body moisturizer is sure to reverse your skin's dryness. Hydration is long overdue! Just keep in mind that this product contains sun-sensitizing ingredients, so it's best used at night.
A combo of chemical exfoliants starts by sloughing off dead skin to leave your skin renewed and ready to accept all the benefits of the formula. Caffeine invigorates the skin, and then natural butters and oils complete the work by drenching the skin in moisture. Some of the highlight ingredients include carrageenan for moisture, citrus extracts for protection and brightening, and rosehip for strengthening and hydrating.
19. La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm La MerLa Mer products are some of the most expensive out there, but that hefty price tag comes with a whole slew of benefits. In this particular formula, those benefits include softer, more hydrated, and less irritated skin, plus you'll get some extra protection from pollutants and some brightening powers.
What we love most about this formula is that it comes out thick but dissolves into an oil upon contact with your skin, seeping in to deliver benefits without leaving residue. The brand's Miracle Broth is in here, providing extreme skin nourishment in the form of sea kelp and lots of micronutrients. There are a number of natural oils in here, too, like sesame, olive, soybean, and meadowfoam seed.
20. Fresh Milk Body Lotion FreshWhen your skin is burning and chapped, there is nothing more refreshing than dunking it in milk. Or at least in a milky body lotion like this one from Fresh. It provides a luscious blend of hydrating ingredients for a full 24 hours of moisture, plus linseed to strengthen skin against damage, Centella milk to calm, and rice milk for an extra dose of comfort. Squalane, niacinamide, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid serve as the main hydrators of the formula.
21. Nivea Body Lotion With Aloe Vera NiveaAll you need is a pump of this lotion for relief that lasts a full 48 hours. This is a great option to use daily, ideally right after a shower when your skin is already damp and your pores are open. It contains a number of moisturizing ingredients, plus aloe vera for extra soothing and conditioning, ensuring fast absorption and skin bliss.
22. Gold Bond Eczema Relief Skin Protectant Lotion Gold BondThe key to extremely dry skin is to protect the skin barrier, which keeps out pollutants and other aggressors and maintains moisture retention within the skin. This Skin Protectant Cream from Gold Bond relieves five different skin symptoms: dryness, redness and irritation, itchiness, roughness, and peeling. It contains colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera for help on this mission, plus shea butter for soothing and ginger extract to reduce roughness.
23. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream First Aid BeautySkin in distress? It's First Aid Beauty to the rescue! This Ultra Repair Cream is not for just any skin—it remedies extreme dryness. One hundred percent of users in a trial found a lasting improvement in their skin's dryness and increased conditioning and soothing. It works with colloidal oatmeal to combat irritation, shea butter to provide emollient properties, allantoin to calm, plus feverfew to fade redness, and licorice to calm inflammation.
24. Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion Summer FridaysThis nourishing lotion from Summer Fridays is the answer to parched skin. It's enriched with plant butters and oils for ultimate efficacy and smells like a warm summer day. Cocoa butter and shea butter appear in this formula for their fatty acid content, then grapeseed, rosehip, argan, and linseed oils penetrate the skin to deliver moisture quickly. Ceramides protect the skin and stop moisture from leaving, and hyaluronic acid works with glycerin to ensure lasting hydration and plump, soft skin.
25. Selfmade Corrective Experience Comfort Cream SelfmadeThis Comfort Cream isn't just a treatment for your extremely dry skin—it's also an indulgence. It works with time-release technology to slowly moisturize skin over time, leading to the ultimate comforting experience. A proprietary ingredient cortinhib g™ reinforces the skin barrier, hemisqualane softens, algae stops moisture loss, and fruit extracts deliver nutrients and plenty of additional benefits for skin that looks and feels fantastic.
26. Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin MoisturizerUse this Ultra Healing lotion from Jergens on all your problem areas to get rid of roughness and promote healing moisture. Glycerin, petrolatum, allantoin, panthenol, and tocopherol join forces to draw moisture into the skin and help it stay there. When used daily, this best lotion for extremely dry skin turns your roughness and dryness around.
27. Nécessaire The Body Lotion NécessaireTreat your skin to this hypoallergenic formula from Nécessaire, which provides the nutrients necessary for strong, healthy skin so it can overcome dryness. In addition to glycerin and shea butter glycerides, this lotion contains jojoba oil for moisture and nutrients, sugar cane for gentle exfoliation, meadowfoam seed oil to seal moisture in, and fruit extracts for their high vitamin content.
Just because you have extremely dry skin doesn't mean you need to grin and bear it! Any of these lotions will provide you lasting relief, and some may just improve the overall look and feel of skin as an added bonus.
Members of the editorial and news staff of Us Weekly were not involved in the creation of this content.
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