Category Archives: Brain Function

Concussion (traumatic brain injury) and head impact may accelerate brain aging. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury which alters the way the brain functions. Effects of concussion are usually temporary but continuous head trauma or lack of healing can have long-lasting effects. Aside from a direct blow to the head concussions can also be ...click here to read more

New findings suggest that teens that are highly stressed and have difficulties managing stress are at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes as adults. Researchers examined data from 1.5 million teen men over the age of 18, part of the Swedish military from 1969 and 1997. All the participants underwent standard stress testing and ...click here to read more

A new study has found that poor sleep in senior’s increases hardening of the arteries in the brain which in turn increases the risk of stroke. Researchers performed autopsies on 315 people with an average age of 90 who underwent at least one week sleep quality assessment prior to death. Researchers found that 29 percent ...click here to read more

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sleep disorders may contribute to multiple sclerosis fatigue. Sleep problems and lack of sleep is a common problem in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with nearly 50 percent of MS patients experiencing sleep disturbances, this according to Multiple Sclerosis Trust. Poor or lack of sleep can have a negative impact on ...click here to read more

Researchers from the Monell Center recently collaborated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other institutions to do a study on odor as a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease. The study was conducted on mouse models. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, and close to 5.1 million Americans over the age of 65 ...click here to read more

Sjögren’s syndrome consists of neurological symptoms including peripheral neuropathy and myelitis. In nearly 20 percent of Sjögren’s syndrome cases the condition can affect the nervous system. The main symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome include dry eyes and dry mouth, but neurological symptoms, too, may occur, the three most common being sensory ganglionopathy (also known as sensory ...click here to read more

A team of researchers from the Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have identified a hitherto unknown cellular defect in patients suffering from idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. They also discovered a string of pathological events that can either trigger premature death of certain cerebral neurons, or even accelerate the process. Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder ...click here to read more

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Saint Louis University, reveals that while opioids help elevate moods in the short term, prolonged usage could lead to new-onset depression. The study is published online in the Jan 11 edition of Annals of Family Medicine, under the heading “Prescription Opioid Duration, Dose, and Increased Risk of ...click here to read more

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms have been linked to high rates of anxiety and depression. Due to the high rates of anxiety and depression among IBS patients it sparked researchers to believe there may be a casual relationship between psychological factors and IBS symptoms. A study presented at the 22nd United European Gastroenterology Week (UEG ...click here to read more

Migraine headaches with auras may double the risk of stroke as found in much research. An aura refers to feeling and symptoms experienced prior to the onset of a migraine headache – this is also called prodrome. Although the exact cause of migraine headache auras are unknown, scientists believe that two common brain chemicals – ...click here to read more

A recent study found that insomnia, depression and fatigue are linked to frequent nightmares. Lead author Nils Sandman said, “Our study shows a clear connection between well-being and nightmares.” Although the study did not prove that depression causes nightmares it did reveal a close association between the two. The study consisted of 14,000 adults aged ...click here to read more

Many people understand the importance of a getting a good night’s sleep, but recent research indicates that two inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis could relapse due to sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances are associated with absenteeism at work, as well as an increased need for healthcare services. Research shows that it is also ...click here to read more

In a recent national survey conducted by Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, researchers found that many younger patients (under the age of 45) underestimate the urgency of stroke symptoms. This is a disturbing trend as doctors see the first three hours after developing a stroke as the “golden window” and these three hours are crucial ...click here to read more

If you find yourself tossing and turning and not achieving at least eight hours a night of sleep, a new study may have an easy solution for you. The Mayo clinic has recently found that sleeping with a pet may offer benefits when it comes to sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ...click here to read more