Men would rather sit in traffic than talk prostate health; new skull clamp speeds healing after brain surgery; light activity to slow Alzheimer’s progression – Morning Medical Update

Men would rather sit in traffic than talk about prostate health

A new national survey from Orlando Health finds that 38% of men would rather be stuck in traffic or watch their favorite team lose than talk about their prostate health. The reluctance to discuss urinary symptoms can delay diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia, which affects up to 80% of men by age 80. Urologist Jay Amin, M.D., highlights the effectiveness of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), a minimally invasive, durable procedure with a 1% retreatment rate even after two decades. Marathon runner Chris Golden, 50, shared how the procedure restored his urinary function and quality of life. Physicians are urging men to overcome stigma and discuss symptoms early — before urinary problems derail daily routines.

Absorbable skull clamp speeds healing after brain surgery

Closing the skull after surgery may soon get safer and simpler. Researchers at Central South University and MedArt Technology in China have developed a fully absorbable cranial fixation device that holds bone flaps firmly in place, then naturally dissolves as healing completes. In a multicenter trial published in the Chinese Neurosurgical Journal, the new poly-L-lactic acid clamp outperformed the titanium-based CranioFix system — maintaining strength longer, reducing complications and leaving no residue once the skull had fused. The team says the technology could be especially valuable for trauma and pediatric patients who benefit from devices that vanish when the job is done.

Light activity may slow Alzheimer’s progression

Older adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease may protect their brains by simply moving more, according to new research from Mass General Brigham published in Nature Medicine. Among 296 cognitively healthy adults tracked for up to 14 years, those walking 3,000–7,500 steps per day had markedly slower cognitive decline and less buildup of tau protein than more sedentary peers with high brain amyloid levels. Participants averaging 3,000–5,000 daily steps delayed decline by about three years, while those reaching 5,000–7,500 steps gained roughly seven years. Researchers said even modest physical activity builds “cognitive resilience,” suggesting that simple lifestyle changes early in disease risk could help delay symptoms and progression.