Category Archives: Brain Function

The neurotransmitter dopamine has been linked to the process of human bonding for the first time in a recent study from Northeastern University. Conditions such as post-partum depression, Parkinson’s disease, addiction, and social dysfunction are all affected by disorders in the dopamine system, meaning that this better understanding could lead to new therapeutic methods. Using ...click here to read more

Researchers have confirmed that ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – is actually a disorder of the brain and not just the result of “poor parenting” that leads to bad behavior. Those with ADHD were found to have structural differences within their brains, meaning the variance can be seen physically. The analysis also found that ...click here to read more

We’ve often been told to eat our fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced and healthy diet, as they provide us with essential nutrients to keep our bodies healthy. However, new research from the University of Otago in New Zealand has shown that consuming fresh produce can also boost mental health and increase motivation ...click here to read more

Patients living with Parkinson’s disease may experience tremors, slower movement, and issues with balance that can inhibit their ability to exercise and keep their body strong. This has proven to be an issue, as without regular exercise that includes some measure of strength training, these symptoms can worsen as muscle mass decreases, making moving progressively ...click here to read more

The University of Eastern Finland has found an association between postmenopausal estrogen-based hormone therapy and a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is one of the most prevalent forms of dementia, especially among women, so these findings indicate that the female sex hormones—estrogen and progesterone—may be useful in preventing its onset and preserving cognitive ability ...click here to read more

Lowering blood pressure is important as elevated levels are known to contribute to a higher risk of cardiovascular events and stroke, but did you know that lowering your blood pressure can benefit other parts of your body – aside from your heart? A study has found that reducing risk factors for heart disease, including blood ...click here to read more

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease cases are on the rise as the world’s population gets older. These brain disorders are associated with significant memory loss and can impair one’s ability to care for themselves. As time goes by, a person’s memory begins to fade away, forgetting loved ones’ names and even important life events. Although Alzheimer’s ...click here to read more

In the span of ten years, the number of American seniors who are taking at least three medications that affect the brain has increased two-fold, despite the risks associated with polypharmacy. This information comes from a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine and was conducted by a research team from the University of Michigan ...click here to read more

A new study from Carnegie Mellon University has found that marital status can affect your stress level. Cortisol, the stress hormone, was measured in participants of various marital statuses, and it was found that those who were currently married had lower stress levels than those who were divorced, widowed, or had never been married. Researchers ...click here to read more

Typically, doctors rely on a spinal fluid test to differentiate between patients with Parkinson’s disease and those with an atypical parkinsonism disorder (APD). However, a blood test may be just as accurate when determining whether a patient’s symptoms are caused by Parkinson’s or an APD, according to a study published by the American Academy of ...click here to read more

The prebiotics found in food like asparagus, oatmeal, and legumes could help you manage stress and regulate your sleep after a traumatic event, according to a new study from the University of Colorado Boulder. Acute stress can affect the gut bacteria within your intestines, and researchers set out to discover whether eating a prebiotic enriched ...click here to read more

Research from Lund University has found a link between intestinal bacteria and the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Gut bacteria interact with the immune system, intestinal mucosa, and your diet, and can affect your health and well-being. The team studied mice both with and without Alzheimer’s and compared the composition of their intestinal bacteria. Those with ...click here to read more

New findings published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society have found that nursing home patients have a better quality of sleep after receiving acupressure treatment. The study was conducted by the Taipei Medical University in Taiwan and followed 62 nursing home patients who were randomly split into two groups. The first group received ...click here to read more

February 13 is International Epilepsy Day, and in honor of this event, Bel Marra Health has gathered a collection of articles related to epilepsy, including information on diabetes, cataracts, heart rate, and asthma. Diabetes, epilepsy, and asthma may increase risk of suicide and self-harm Diabetes, epilepsy, and asthma may increase the risk of suicide and self-harm. ...click here to read more