Brain Archives

Testing gene therapy for Alzheimer’s disease

University Hospitals Case Medical Center testing gene therapy for Alzheimer’s disease — Phase 2 study will examine effectiveness, safety of nerve growth factor in slowing AD – University Hospitals Case Medical Center is one of 12 sites conducting the first Phase 2 clinical trial of a gene therapy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The study uses a viral-based gene transfer system called CERE-110, which is designed to deliver nerve growth factor (NGF) into the brain.

Deep brain stimulation successful for depressive patient

Neurosurgeons in Heidelberg perform the world’s first operation on the ‘habenula’ to treat depression; cooperation with psychiatrists from the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim – A team of neurosurgeons at Heidelberg University Hospital and psychiatrists at the Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim have for the first time successfully treated a patient suffering from severe depression by stimulating the habenula, a tiny nerve structure in the brain.

Why light worsens migraine headaches

Study explains why light worsens migraine headaches — Extreme light sensitivity in blind patients helps researchers identify a new visual pathway for photophobia during migraines – Ask anyone who suffers from migraine headaches what they do when they’re having an attack, and you’re likely to hear “go into a dark room.” And although it’s long been known that light makes migraines worse, the reason why has been unclear.

Brain imaging may help diagnose autism disorder

Brain imaging may help diagnose autism — Subtle language delay, visible in MEG, may flag disorder – Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) process sound and language a fraction of a second slower than children without ASDs, and measuring magnetic signals that mark this delay may become a standardized way to diagnose autism.

Cell phone may boost memory in Alzheimer’s disease patients

Cell phone exposure may protect against and reverse Alzheimer’s disease — Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center study in mice indicates long-term exposure to cell phone signals may even boost normal memory. – The millions of people who spend hours every day on a cell phone may have a new excuse for yakking. A surprising new study in mice provides the first evidence that long-term exposure to electromagnetic waves associated with cell phone use may actually protect against, and even reverse, Alzheimer’s disease.

Preparing for successful aging in the new year 2010

Preparing for successful aging — Successful Cognitive and Emotional Aging – It’s never too early or too late to start working toward the goal of improving brain health. So perhaps the New Year is the perfect time to consider how one achieves a long and satisfying life.

Earlier bedtimes may protect adolescents against depression

Earlier bedtimes may help protect adolescents against depression and suicidal thoughts – Earlier bedtimes could have a protective effect on adolescents against depression and suicidal thoughts, by lengthening sleep duration and increasing the likelihood of getting enough sleep.

TENS device for pain not recommended for chronic low back pain

Guideline: Widely used device for pain therapy not recommended for chronic low back pain – The transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS), a widely used pain therapy involving a portable device, is not recommended to treat chronic low-back pain — pain that has persisted for three months or longer — because research shows it is not effective.

Cannabis in teens can cause depression and anxiety

Cannabis and adolescence — Cannabis in teens can cause depression and anxiety – Canadian teenagers are among the largest consumers of cannabis worldwide. The damaging effects of this illicit drug on young brains are worse than originally thought.

Food aromas may prevent overeating helping obese

Food aromas could become new weapon in battle of the bulge – A real possibility does exist for developing a new generation of foods that make people feel full by releasing anti-hunger aromas during chewing, scientists in the Netherlands are reporting after a review of research on that topic.

High leptin levels may protect against Alzheimer’s disease, dementia

Researchers find high leptin levels may protect against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia – Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have found that higher leptin (a protein that controls weight and appetite) levels were associated with a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and dementia.

Antidepressant may change personality while relieving symptoms

Antidepressant may change personality while relieving symptoms – Individuals taking a medication to treat depression may experience changes in their personality separate from the alleviation of depressive symptoms, according to a report in the December issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.