On the Heights: May 2025
Departmental news, research highlights, community achievements, and more to help you stay connected with the Michigan Public Health community.
Aging
Abnormal menstrual bleeding, a likely culprit in menopausal fatigue, rarely discussed as cause
Q&A with Siobán Harlow
Although midlife women going through menopause often report feeling tired or fatigued, the causes of this fatigue are seldom discussed in the lay or scientific literature. Among other causes, excessive menstrual bleeding may increase the risk of iron deficiency/anemia that contributes to fatigue.
Alzheimer's disease, dementias chronically undiagnosed yet early detection rarely used
Despite the potential benefits of early detection and increasing treatment options for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, there is limited use of valuable screening and testing tools, say researchers at the University of Michigan.
Rising pollen levels pose deadly risk for older adults
As climate change intensifies pollen seasons across the country, new research from the University of Michigan reveals a connection between pollen exposure and death rates among older adults with breathing problems.
Loneliness and isolation: Back to pre-pandemic levels, but still high, for older adults
Loneliness and isolation among older Americans have mostly returned to pre-pandemic rates, but that still means more than one third of people age 50 to 80 feel lonely, and nearly as many feel isolated, new findings show.
Grandparents help grandkids in many ways -- but the reverse may be true too, poll suggests
New data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging shows grandparents who see their grandchildren regularly are less likely to feel isolated.