Health Report - Separate stories podcast

After studies showed certain vaccines had a protective effect against Alzheimer's, researchers wanted to see if treating the virus might slow disease progression.
However in a group of people with early Alzheimer's disease this had no effect on cognitive decline. 
Also, a new study urges us to rethink the side effects of statins. And GLP-1s under the spotlight for nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss. 
References
Valacyclovir Treatment of Early Symptomatic Alzheimer Disease: The VALAD Randomized Clinical Trial
Assessment of adverse effects attributed to statin therapy in product labels: a meta-analysis of double-blind randomised controlled trials
Nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss in adults with type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 receptor agonists: A retrospective observational study

Cardio might be the most effective way to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms, according to a new review of the evidence.
It also suggests the kind of class, and how long you exercise for, should differ depending on whether you’re addressing depression or anxiety.
It indicates exercise could be prescribed as a first-line therapy, being as good as, or better than, medication and talking therapies.
Guest/s
Neil Munro, James Cook University
References
Effect of exercise on depression and anxiety symptoms: systematic umbrella review with meta-meta-analysis

In recent years more women have been opting for home births, and in some extreme cases women have eschewed medical support entirely.
In some states, including recently in Victoria, new advice has come in to address gaps in the maternal care system that leave some women feeling disempowered.
They’ve placed emphasis on open discussions between doctors and patients, and a woman’s right to deny certain aspects of care.
Guest/s
Dr Nisha Khot, obstetrician in Victoria, and president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
References
Respectful Maternity and Newborn Care Framework

Beta blockers, which can slow down the heart rate, are often prescribed after a heart attack.
But recent studies have painted a conflicting picture of how effective these drugs are in reducing heart problems in this scenario.
While these studies have complicated the story, experts are cautioning people not to act without checking in with their doctors.
Guest/s
Professor Jason Kovacic, director and CEO of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, and cardiologist at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney
References
β blockers after myocardial infarction with mildly reduced ejection fraction: an individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Beta-Blockers after Myocardial Infarction in Patients without Heart Failure
Beta-Blockers after Myocardial Infarction without Reduced Ejection Fraction

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.
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