Category Archives: Conditions of the Brain

Omega-3 fatty acids have been touted for many disorders, primarily linked to their ability to influence inflammatory conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in significant amounts in cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel and cod.

Sleep disorders such as Insomnia affect millions of American adults. Now, research reports that yoga practice effectively treats chronic insomnia.
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Sufferers of migraine headaches know that pain medications such as NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory), ergot alkaloids, and triptans (Immitrex) can be their lifesavers. However, recent information about chronic migraine sufferers points to over use of medication as a potential culprit.
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A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry measured the efficacy of light therapy as a treatment for SAD or winter depression. Researchers in Canada wanted to determine if light therapy would be as effective as the antidepressant Prozac.
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According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 4.5 million people have Alzheimer’s disease. They expect the number to rise to approximately 16 million people by 2050. Alzheimer’s disease occurs in older adults and causes memory loss, confusion and eventually death. Now … Continue reading →

Depression is a common condition, adding up to over 25 million yearly doctor visits. Antidepressant medications are prescribed for most cases of depression. Now research reports that antidepressants work only slightly better than placebo.
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Leptin, a hormone made in the body’s fatty tissue, is known to help regulate body weight and appetite. Leptin receptors found in the limbic part of the brain suggest that leptin may also have a potential role in emotional processes. More recently, studies have reported that leptin may help relieve depression.
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This study examines the effectiveness of antioxidants and ibuprophen on Alzheimer’s Disease management/treatment.
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Research reports that acupuncture and sham acupuncture intervention may be as effective as standard drug treatment in preventing migraines.
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The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, investigated whether screening adults for depression improved recognition, treatment, and clinical outcome.
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A possible link between cell phone use and brain health is being debated by the medical community. Some experts believe that long-term cell phone use can raise the risk for brain tumors. Other experts argue that there is no link … Continue reading →

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that has no cure. Now research has found five more major genes linked to Parkinson’s. Combined with six previously identified genes, there are now 11 genes associated with the disease, suggesting that Parkinson’s … Continue reading →

Research also shows that mental exercise is a specific way to reduce the risk of developing dementia.
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A study published in European Journal of Internal Medicine (2004;15:381-386) suggests an infection may also play a role in Alzheimer’s disease.
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Previous research has suggested that resveratrol, an antioxidant polyphenol found in grapes, berries, and red wine, may have anticancer and neuroprotective benefits. Now research reports that resveratrol may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease by lowering the level of amyloid-beta peptides that create plaques in the brain.
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Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that has no cure. Over one million people in the U.S. have Parkinson’s disease. Now research has found 10 defective mitochondrial gene sets in brain cells that may be the basic cause of … Continue reading →

An article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(3):627-635) shows that folate levels are independently predictive of cognitive function in a group of elderly men.
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A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(3):627-635) now shows that low levels of folate and high levels of homocysteine are independent predictors for development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that has no cure. The symptoms include tremors, a shuffling walk, muscle stiffness, stooped posture, and a mask-like, expressionless face. Now research reports that low levels of vitamin D can increase the risk … Continue reading →

Previous studies suggest that nuts have numerous health benefits including lowering the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Now research reports that pecans may prevent muscle-nerve degeneration and promote nerve health. Muscle neuron degeneration is found in amyotrophic lateral … Continue reading →

Increase in mobile phone use worldwide has raised concerns about possible health risks due to RF (radiofrequency) emissions. In 2000 the Interphone Study Group, comprised of 21 scientists, was initiated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) to … Continue reading →

Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes and red wine, as well as other plant foods like blueberries and nuts. Previous studies suggest that resveratrol has anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Now research reports that resveratrol … Continue reading →

Alzheimer’s disease  occurs in older adults and causes memory loss, confusion and eventually death. Now research reports that a variation of gene MTHFD1L is linked with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The same gene variation has also been associated … Continue reading →

Amyloid plaques accumulate in the brain and cause neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. At this time, there is no treatment for destroying amyloid plaques in the human brain. Previous cell studies suggest that the green tea polyphenol EGCG … Continue reading →

More than 25 million Americans visit their doctor every year for treatment of depression. Antidepressant medications are prescribed for most cases of depression. However, less than half of people taking antidepressants get relief. The current dogma is that stress is … Continue reading →

It’s been reported that following surgery, some elderly patients develop permanent Alzheimer’s-like memory loss. Research suggests that anesthesia during surgery may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, the studies did not use animals or people genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s … Continue reading →

Parkinson Disease is a debilitating neurological disorder for which there is not yet a cure. Researchers are hoping to find substances that significantly reduce the progression of the disease symptoms. Right now the main treatment is L-dopa supplementation, which can … Continue reading →

A study from Italy published in the May issue of Tumori investigated the effects of acetyl-l-carnitine on peripheral neuropathy in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
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