Alcohol-related liver disease has doubled in the last 20 years; this nasal spray delivers Alzheimer’s drug to brain; Trump admin to destroy $9.7M in contraceptives meant for global aid – Morning Medical Update

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Alcohol-related liver disease has doubled in the last 20 years

Cases of alcohol-related liver disease in the U.S. have more than doubled over the past 20 years, according to a Keck Medicine of USC study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Researchers say the increase is driven largely by four high-risk groups: women, adults over 45, people living in poverty and those with metabolic syndrome. Despite steady national drinking rates, shifting demographics and underlying health risks appear to be fueling the surge.

Nasal spray delivers Alzheimer’s drug to brain

A Wake Forest study has validated that intranasal insulin reaches memory-related brain regions, offering a promising new delivery method for Alzheimer’s treatments. Published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the PET imaging trial showed the spray safely targets key brain areas — though absorption differed in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

Trump admin to destroy $9.7M in contraceptives meant for global aid

The Trump administration will incinerate nearly $10 million worth of long-acting contraceptives originally intended for women overseas, citing restrictions tied to abortion-related aid. The move, part of a broader dismantling of USAID, will cost taxpayers $167,000 and comes amid reported shortages in at least 10 countries. Critics call the decision wasteful and dangerous, warning it could worsen unintended pregnancies and maternal deaths globally.