Tag Archives: depression
Behavior, brain SPECT scan, hormones, gratitude, neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity, also known as brain plasticity, is an umbrella term that describes lasting change to the brain throughout an individual’s life course. The term gained prominence in the latter half of the 20th century, when new research[1] showed many aspects of the brain remain changeable (or “plastic”) even into adulthood.[2] This notion contrasts with theContinue reading “Behavior, brain SPECT scan, hormones, gratitude, neuroplasticity”
Depression is a brain disease
In a genome-wide study, Perlis and colleagues found 17 genetic variations linked to depression at 15 genome locations. In addition to hinting at a link between depression and brain gene expression during development, there was also evidence of overlap between the genetic basis of depression and other mental illnesses. While the genome sites identified stillContinue reading “Depression is a brain disease”
Hypocretin, Insomia or Sleep Disturbances, Narcolepsy, Depression and Parkinson’s
Drowsy Driving Driving and feeling sleepy. Repetitive tasks make you sleepy because you already lack sleep. You have taken your calcium and magnesium and melatonin and the bedroom has cool environment. Still, you have worries and you keep tossing back and forth on your bed. You cannot get the more than 5 hrs sleep. YourContinue reading “Hypocretin, Insomia or Sleep Disturbances, Narcolepsy, Depression and Parkinson’s”
Dry mouth and bad breath by Dr Mercola
The bothersome combination of dry mouth and bad breath, also known as xerostomia, can be chalked up as yet another common problem caused by prescription drug use. Xerostomia is not to be confused with halitosis, or bad breath, which is typically caused by systemic diseases, gastrointestinal and/or upper respiratory tract disorders, and microbial metabolism fromContinue reading “Dry mouth and bad breath by Dr Mercola”
Depression among older adults due to social strains
Social relationships, loneliness, and mental health among older men and women in Ireland: A prospective community-based study Data is lacking on the association of interpersonal stressors and social isolation with mental disorders and the mediating role of loneliness. Thus, we examined this association prospectively using community-based data. Methods Data on 6105 adults aged ≥50 yearsContinue reading “Depression among older adults due to social strains”
Loneliness or social isolation increases risk of stroke/CHD
Nicole K Valtorta, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK; nicole.valtorta@york.ac.uk Background The influence of social relationships on morbidity is widely accepted, but the size of the risk to cardiovascular health is unclear. Objective We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between loneliness or social isolationContinue reading “Loneliness or social isolation increases risk of stroke/CHD”
Diet and exercise for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson
Recent studies report that diet can mediate the vasculoplastic reserve of the hippocampus. For example, consuming high levels of cocoa flavanols increased capillary density and enhanced dentate gyrus-associated cognitive function in cognitively normal healthy subjects. This suggests an interaction between vasculoplasticity and neuronal plasticity during normal aging and dementia, but how this relationship is affectedContinue reading “Diet and exercise for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson”
Diet for the elderly
A personalised nutrition approach Micronutrients such as zinc, copper and selenium play a pivotal role in a range of physiological functions and maintain immune and antioxidant systems (Eugenio Mocchegiani et al.). The complex interactions between micronutrients and genes could help in understanding how best to use nutrients as supplements in clinical practice. Further genetic andContinue reading “Diet for the elderly”
Parkinson and Alzheimer’s start with Depression
Much of the current clinical research surrounds the frequency and impact of nonmotor symptoms in PD, which are common but often underrecognized and, in turn, undertreated. For example, depression is present in about 50% of patients, anxiety in 30%, impulse control disorders in 14%, and cognitive change occurs in up to 80%.16,–,18 Since the developmentContinue reading “Parkinson and Alzheimer’s start with Depression”
Dopamine pathways and Parkinson
Dopamine pathways is to Parkinson and Serotonin pathway is to Alzheimer’s Dopaminergic pathways, sometimes called dopaminergic projections, are neural pathways in the brain that transmit the neurotransmitter dopamine from one region of the brain to another.[1][2] The neurons of the dopaminergic pathways have axons that run the entire length of the pathway. The neurons’ somataContinue reading “Dopamine pathways and Parkinson”
More men with Parkinson and more women with Alzheimer’s
More men than women are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and a number of gender differences have been documented in this disorder. Examples of clinical characteristics that appear in men more often than women include rigidity and rapid eye movement behavior disorder, whereas more women than men exhibit dyskinesias and depression. Differences between men andContinue reading “More men with Parkinson and more women with Alzheimer’s”
Resolve to be happy
Interested in starting 2012 with a more realistic approach? Below are three suggested depression-fighting resolutions that make use of tools found right here in the Depression Toolkit. (Remember: no need to undertake them all – to start, try taking on just one.) #1. “Resolved: I’m going to keep better track of my recovery process.” IfContinue reading “Resolve to be happy”
Depression in the Sandwich Generation
Are you a member of the “Sandwich” generation? The phrase was aptly coined to describe those of us who, at midlife, find ourselves with the responsibility for caring for not only a child (or children), but an elderly parent (or parents) as well. If you’re living your life in the middle of that “sandwich,” you’reContinue reading “Depression in the Sandwich Generation”