(January 5, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Atlanta - According to research published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, smoke-free laws may reduce the number of hospitalizations for heart attack. Researchers studied a small city in Colorado and found that, 18 months before any policies were enacted, 399 people were hospitalized for heart attacks. In contrast, 3 years after a smoke-free policy was implemented the number dropped to 237 - a 41% decrease.

From California - According to research in the Journal of the American Dental Association, some osteoporosis drugs may increase the risk of necrosis of the jaw bone. In a study of 208 patients who had been taking alendronate, a bisphosphonate sold as Fosomax, researchers found that 9 of the patients were being treated for osteonecrosis of the jaw. Despite previous studies alluding to these risks, many doctors are not providing this information to patients.

And finally, from Toronto - According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, an increasing number of people suffering from dementia are under 65 years of age. Currently, about half-a-million Canadians are affected by some form of dementia, and new research suggests that about 15% of patients are under age 65. Furthermore, researchers predict that an additional 250,000 people could be diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia within the next 5 years.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.