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BRAIN SWITCH TELLS BODY TO BURN FAT AFTER A MEAL

Researchers report the brain’s ability to sense insulin and coordinate feeding with energy expenditure is controlled by a mechanism that is turned on after fasting to inhibit insulin response and conserve energy. After feeding, the mechanism is turned off to facilitate insulin response and expend energy. However, in obese people, researchers believe the switch may stay on all the time.  READ MORE…
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RISK FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER ASSOCIATED WITH FASTER AGING

A new study in Neuropsychopharmacology reveals an association between faster aging and bipolar depression. Researchers discovered those with bipolar disorder who did not take lithum had shorter telomere length than those with the disorder who took the medication. The study suggests reduced telomere length could reduce hippocampal neurogenesis, increasing the risk for mood disorders. READ MORE…
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HIGH-FAT DIET IN PREGNANCY CAN CAUSE MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS IN OFFSPRING

Mothers who eat high fat diets during pregnancy could be elevating the risk of future depression and anxiety symptoms for their children, a new study in Frontiers in Endocrinology reports. High fat diets may impair the development of the central serotonin system, researchers discovered. Further studies noted that introducing a healthy diet to the offspring at an early age did not reverse the effect. READ MORE…
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1 IN 3 CASES OF DEMENTIA ARE PREVENTABLE

Researchers have identified nine risk factors during different stages in life that may increase a person’s likelihood of developing dementia. At least 35% of dementia cases, researchers say, may be directly linked to these risk factors. By taking steps to reduce risks and by improving education, it is estimated that the incidence of dementia can be reduced by as much as 20%. READ MORE…
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WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA?

A common misconception is that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are the same thing. Alzheimer’s disease is simply one form of dementia. Researchers from Texas A&M describe how Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia impact the lives of both patients and their families, and provide new insights into minimizing the risks of developing neurodegenerative conditions. READ MORE…