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dementia

An acquired, progressive decline in memory, reasoning and other thinking abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life.

dendritic cell

A dendritic cell captures and displays antigens to other immune cells, acting as a key link between the body's initial and adaptive immune responses.

Denys-Drash syndrome

Denys-Drash syndrome is a rare genetic disorder combining early kidney failure, abnormal sexual development, and a high risk of Wilms tumor.

depression

Not simply sadness turned up: the loss of interest and the physical changes are as central as the low mood itself.

dermis

The dermis is the thicker, deeper layer of skin beneath the epidermis, containing blood vessels, nerves, glands, and hair follicles.

DHEA

DHEA is a steroid hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands that serves as a building block for testosterone and estrogen.

diffuse

Diffuse describes a finding, symptom, or process that is spread broadly through a tissue or region rather than confined to one specific area.

diverticulum

A diverticulum is a small pouch that bulges outward from the wall of a hollow organ such as the colon.

dose

/ DOHS /

A measured amount of a medicine or therapeutic agent given at one time or over an interval.

double-blinded

A trial design in which neither side knows who received what, so that expectation cannot quietly steer the result.

doubling time

Not how long one cell takes to divide, but how long a whole population takes to double, which is usually far longer.

dysfunction

Dysfunction refers to the abnormal or impaired operation of an organ, system, or process, ranging from mild to severe depending on the cause.

echinacea

Echinacea is an herbal supplement derived from purple coneflower, popularly used in an effort to prevent or shorten the common cold.

ectopic pregnancy

A positive pregnancy test alongside an empty uterus on ultrasound is the combination that raises the question before symptoms make it obvious.

edatrexate

Built as a close chemical relative of methotrexate, it was designed to enter cells more readily and was tested in cancer without reaching approval.

EGF

The signal telling skin and lining cells to divide, and a pathway where treatment targets the receiver rather than the signal.

electron microscope

An electron microscope uses a focused beam of electrons instead of light to produce highly magnified images of extremely small structures.

electrophoresis

Electrophoresis separates charged molecules such as proteins or DNA using an electric current, a technique behind tests like serum protein and hemoglobin analysis.

eligibility criteria

In clinical trials, requirements that must be met for an individual to be included in a study.

EMF

EMF refers to the electric and magnetic fields surrounding power lines and electronic devices, whose long term health effects remain an active research question.