Behind the Headlines

No proof heading footballs causes brain damage

Wednesday Jun 12 2013

"Headers can damage a footballer's brain, study finds," is the worrying warning in The Daily Telegraph. Football is one of the world's biggest participation sports, so it's important to know if it has any adverse…

Scientists identify gene pattern linked to autism

Friday Jun 7 2013

The Independent reports that "Scientists have identified a genetic pattern common to people with autism that is linked to the way messages are sent in the brain"…

Stem cell stroke treatment trial results 'show promise'

Tuesday May 28 2013

'Stroke patients see signs of recovery in stem cell trial,' BBC News reports. The news, which has saturated the media, is based on a press release from the University of Glasgow. This press release reports further positive early findings…

Claims vitamin B prevents Alzheimer's are unproven

Tuesday May 21 2013

'Should you be taking vitamin B to protect against Alzheimer's?,' asks the Daily Mail. Its question is prompted by new research into whether a daily dose of vitamin B could reduce the loss of brain tissue in people with mild cognitive impairment…

Is the rise in neurological deaths due to modern life?

Tuesday May 14 2013

'Technology, food additives and air pollution are causing people to develop dementia earlier than ever,' reports the Mail Online website. But this is a claim with little to no evidence to support it. The study the Mail reports on looked at...

No proof kids of lone parents are less intelligent

Friday May 3 2013

"Children brought up by two parents are more intelligent," is the baseless claim on the Mail Online website. The headline fails to acknowledge that the research the story is based on involved only mice...

Abnormal growth rate in womb linked to autism

Thursday May 2 2013

'Babies that are abnormally heavy or underweight are at 62% greater risk' of developing autism, reports the Daily Mail. The news is based on a large study of Swedish children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers…

Does fish in Mediterranean diet combat memory loss?

Tuesday Apr 30 2013

The health benefits of a Mediterranean-style diet have hit the headlines, with The Daily Telegraph reporting we should, 'Eat oily fish to prevent memory loss,' while the Mail Online focuses on how oily fish can keep the memory 'sharp'...

Benefits of brain training for dementia uncertain

Wednesday Apr 17 2013

"Forget popping pills – the best way to boost your brainpower is a crossword or sudoku," the Mail Online website states. The website reports that fish oils and gingko supplements won’t prevent cognitive decline, but that brain training games might…

Is exercise to blame for Andrew Marr's stroke?

Monday Apr 15 2013

TV presenter and journalist Andrew Marr has given his first interview since experiencing a stroke. In the interview he blamed vigorous exercise for triggering it. But experts advise that exercise, if done in the right way, can reduce your stroke risk…

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