(July 16, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From North Carolina - According to research in the New England Journal of Medicine, a minimally invasive procedure for harvesting veins may lead to poor long-term outcomes. In a study of over 1,700 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, researchers found that endoscopic vein harvesting lead to higher rates of graft failure, heart attack and death than a more invasive procedure.

From Utah - According to research presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease, the DASH diet may slow cognitive decline. In a study of over 3,800 older adults, researchers found that those who adhered closely to the DASH diet, which is rich in fruits and vegetables, and low in salt, sugar and red meat, scored higher on measures of cognitive function than those who did not.

And finally, from Belgium - According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, the camera pill is not as effective as traditional colonoscopy. While the PillCam provided good images of the colon in over 320 patients, only 14 cancers were detected, compared to 19 detected with traditional colonoscopy. However, the PillCam's sensitivity increased as colon cleanliness improved.

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