Newsline — Tuesday, March 11, 2014 13:00
Smoking Cessation May Improve Mental Health
Mechanism Discovered for How ALS Mutations Damage Nerve Functions
Tuesday, March 11, 2014 9:00
A study led by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital found that mutations in a gene responsible for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), disrupt the RNA transport system in nerve cells. The gene, TDP-43, is known to cause ALS when mutated. However, the study showed for the first time that the mutations disrupt efficient movement within nerve cells of RNA molecules, which direct protein assembly based on instructions carried in DNA. Without RNA molecules, nerves cannot make proteins necessary to function normally. Motor neurons control movement — including breathing — and their death and deterioration are traits of ALS. The results of this study provide insight into how problems in RNA metabolism, including its regulation and functioning, can lead to ALS or other neurodegenerative diseases. To read more about this study, click here.
Study Provides Surprising New Clue to the Roots of Hunger
Monday, March 10, 2014 13:00
A recent study published in the journal Nature, discovered a group of nerve cells in the brain’s hypothalamus that are activated by caloric deficiency, giving scientists a better understanding of how the brain controls hunger. Among the findings, was the discovery of the group of nerve cells called Agouti-peptide (AgRP) expressing nerve cells, which when stimulated (naturally or artificially), will cause mice to eat voraciously after conducting a search for food. Additionally, these hunger-inducing neurons are located in the paraventricular nucleus — a brain region long thought to be responsible for feelings of satiety. The findings are significant for increasing the understanding of what drives appetite, adding to the potential for treating abnormal hunger associated with obesity and eating disorders. To read more about this study, click here.
Experimental Care Program Keeps Dementia Sufferers at Home Longer
Monday, March 10, 2014 9:00
In a report published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, an 18-month pilot program that brought resources and counselors to elderly patients with dementia and other memory disorders, significantly increased the length of time they were able to remain living at home. The program, known as Maximizing Independence (MIND) at Home involved 303 people, age 70 and older with memory disorders, primarily dementia and mild cognitive impairment. The goal of the program was to determine if a dementia-care coordination model that incorporated evidence-supported care practices could delay or prevent the need to move from their homes to another setting, such as a nursing home or assisted-living facility. In a median follow-up period of 2 years, those who got 18 months of care coordination with home visits were able to stay in their homes 9.5 months longer. To read more about this report, click here.
Women Fare Worse Than Men Following Stroke
Friday, March 7, 2014 13:00
According to a study published in the journal Neurology, researchers found that women who survive strokes have a worse quality of life compared to men. The patients’ quality of life was measured at three months and again at one year after a stroke or TIA using a formula that assessed mobility, self-care, everyday activities, and depression/anxiety. Findings showed that women had a worse quality of life up to 12 months following a stroke, even after factoring in variables such as stroke severity and disability. The findings also showed that age, race, and marital status accounted for the biggest differences between men and women at three months, with marital status as the most important factor. The results of the study suggest further research is needed on mobility, pain, and discomfort in order to provide a clear understanding of how to improve the lives of women after stroke. To read more about this study, click here.
Bionic Hand Allows Amputee to Feel Again
Friday, March 7, 2014 9:00
In a recent report published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, a sophisticated prosthetic hand allowed an amputee to regain the sense of touch. In concentrated tests, the bionic hand allowed the patient to grasp and identify objects even while blindfolded. Ultra-thin electrodes (the width of a human hair) were surgically implanted into the patient’s ulnar and median nerves before being attached to the robotic hand, which is equipped with various sensors, in order to transform information into an electrical signal that the nerves can interpret. Although more clinical trials are needed to confirm its viability, the prosthetic hand could revolutionize the lives of many amputees. To read more, click here.
Study Links Steroid-dependent Asthma to Depression
Thursday, March 6, 2014 13:00
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Amsterdam and the Institute of Psychiatry at Leiden University found that people suffering from severe asthma who rely on prednisone are more than three times likely to be depressed than those with severe asthma who don’t use the medication. Prednisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid medication used to treat asthma attacks for those with severe symptoms. Previous research has linked steroid use to depression and other mood problems. Findings from the study showed that patients with prednisone-dependent asthma were 3.4 times more likely to be depressed and 2.5 times more likely to have anxiety. To read more about this study, click here.
High-intensity Strength Training Shows Benefit for Parkinson’s Patients
Thursday, March 6, 2014 9:00
Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham found in a recent study that high-intensity strength training produced significant improvements in quality of life, mood, and motor function in older patients with Parkinson’s disease. During the study, 15 patients with Parkinson’s disease underwent 16 weeks of high-intensity resistance training combined with interval training designed to simultaneously challenge strength, power, endurance, balance and mobility function. The lead author of the study noted that improvements were seen in strength, muscle size, power, balance, and muscle control when compared to age-matched controls who did not have Parkinson’s disease and who also did not undergo the exercise regimen. To read more about this study, click here.
Stroke Prevention Guidelines Issued Specifically For Women
Wednesday, March 5, 2014 13:00
The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association recent issued guidelines to help doctors and patients recognize stroke risk factors that put women at particular risk for the condition. The author of the statement published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, explains that although women share many of the same risk factors as men, a woman’s risk is also influenced by hormones, reproductive health, pregnancy, child birth and other gender-related factors. Other risk factors more common in women than in men include migraine with aura, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, depression and emotional stress. The new stroke guidelines stress how more focus needs to be geared towards women when scientific studies are conducted in the medical community. Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in men, and the third-leading cause of death in women; with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking as shared risk factors. To read more about the stroke guidelines, click here.
Toxin from Brain Cells Triggers Neuron Loss in Human ALS Model
Wednesday, March 5, 2014 9:00
Researchers from Columbia University reported in a recent study that toxins released by cells that normally nurture neurons in the brain and spinal cord can trigger loss of nerve cells that are affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The toxin is produced by star-shaped cells, called astrocytes, and kills nearby motor neurons. The death of motor neurons causes a loss of muscle control required for movement, breathing, and swallowing. Researchers have not yet identified the toxin released by the astrocytes, but were able to examine the neuronal death process triggered by the toxin. The findings may lead to a way to prevent motor neuron death in patients and potentially prolong their lives. To read more about this study, click here.