Medical Watch 9/24

  When it comes to choosing a seasonal flu vaccine… going for an injection rather than the nasal spray may be your best bet. A new study of last year’s seasonal flu vaccine shows that getting a shot in the arm was twice as effective as using a nasal spray. Researchers note the results may be different in children and in H-1-N-1 vaccines.
  Keeping the brain active could reduce a person’s chances of developing dementia. New research shows elderly people who do activities like crossword puzzles, playing cards, or going to a movie can cut their risk in half. Over 4 years—dementia risk was 50 percent lower for seniors who participated in those activities at least twice a week.
  Statins may not just be for those with high cholesterol. A new study suggests even healthy people with normal or even low cholesterol levels may benefit. Researchers studied people with normal cholesterol but high levels of a protein that causes inflammation. They found statins reduced the risk of heart attacks, clogged arteries and other problems.