Health Research: Sniffing and gasping can prevent fainting ♦ Stressed dads affect offspring brain development through sperm microRNA ♦ Regrow a tooth?

Cancer drug improved cognition, motor skills in small Parkinson's clinical trial An FDA-approved drug for leukemia improved cognition, motor skills and non-motor function in patients with Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia in a small phase I clinical trial, report researchers. In addition, the drug, nilotinib (Tasigna by Novartis), led to statistically significant and encouraging changes in toxic proteins linked to disease progression (biomarkers).

Study finds mechanisms of early insulin treatment for diabetes may produce better outcomes A pilot study of 23 adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes found early insulin therapy to be as effective as 15 months of oral therapy and may improve the body's ability to produce insulin.

Sniffing and gasping can prevent fainting Sniffing and gasping can prevent fainting, reveals new research

Stressed dads affect offspring brain development through sperm microRNA Researchers have shown at the molecular level how experiencing stress changes a male mouse's sperm in such a way that it affects his offspring's response to stress. This change is imparted epigenetically, or through a means other than the DNA code, by molecules called microRNAs, or miRs

Regrow a tooth? Fish, yes; humans, maybe some day When a Lake Malawi cichlid loses a tooth, a new one drops neatly into place as a replacement. Why can't humans similarly regrow teeth lost to injury or disease?

Brain Research: Inflammation in the brain is linked to risk of schizophrenia, ♦ New treatments for Parkinson's ♦ Laser-based imaging tool could increase accuracy, safety of brain tumor surgery

Laser-based imaging tool could increase accuracy, safety of brain tumor surgery Researchers are testing technology that gives brain surgeons real-time microscopic vision of tumors, potentially allowing the surgical decision-making process to become data driven, instead of subjective "best guesses,".

Scientists make advancements that may lead to new treatments for Parkinson's A research team has made breakthrough advancements on a new molecular mechanism that may provide a means to “melt” pathological clumps known as Lewy clumps. These clumps are a hallmark sign of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease protein controls movement of precious cargo inside cells, A new study marks a step toward understanding the Huntingtin protein (Htt) is responsible for Huntington's disease. The research shows that Htt controls the movement of precious cargo traveling up and down neurons, the cells that form the core of the nervous system in animals.

Inflammation in the brain is linked to risk of schizophrenia,  A new study is the first to find that immune cells are more active in the brains of people at risk of schizophrenia as well as those already diagnosed with the disease.

Brain Research:Hint of increased brain tumor risk five years before diagnosis ♦ Detect early brain damage from hypertension ♦ Potential for treatment of schizophrenia

Hint of increased brain tumor risk five years before diagnosis Changes in immune function can occur as long as five years before the diagnosis of a brain tumor that typically produces symptoms only three months before it is detected.

New imaging technique detects early brain damage from hypertension Some people with high blood pressure also have early signs of brain damage, a new imaging technique has found. The damage is linked to difficulties in certain cognitive skills, decision-making, and the ability to regulate emotions. Researchers suggest physicians should start to consider potential brain damage as they treat patients with high blood pressure.

Parkinson's disease: Everyday activity more beneficial than occasional strenuous exercise Parkinson’s patients often become sedentary because of motor symptoms such as gait, balance problems or falls. However, new research finds that non-exercise physical activity, more than occasional trips to the gym, is linked to less severe motor symptoms.

Repairing the brain: Two genes unlock potential for treatment of schizophrenia Research has linked the abnormal behavior of two genes (BDNF and DTNBP1) to the underlying cause of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a devastating mental disorder that affects nearly 1 percent of the total human population. These findings have provided a new target for schizophrenia treatment.

Health News: More children getting drunk on and sanitizer ♦ Teach neurons damaged by Parkinson's to heal themselves ♦ Why MS symptoms may improve as the days get shorter

More children getting drunk on and sanitizer Six-year-old Nhaijah Russell swallowed three or four squirts of seemingly innocuous liquid hand sanitizer at school. It tasted good, she said, like strawberry. It also contained enough alcohol to make her dangerously drunk. She arrived at the emergency room slurring her words and unable to walk.

Melatonin and multiple sclerosis: Why MS symptoms may improve as the days get shorter Researchers have found an explanation that could lead to a deeper understanding of multiple sclerosis and more targeted treatment options for patients. By first looking broadly at possible environmental factors and then deeply at preclinical models of MS, the research team found that melatonin -- a hormone involved in regulating a person's sleep-wake cycle -- may influence MS disease activity.

Changing patient's position helps effectiveness of colonoscopy, especially on one side Having patients lie on their left side while the right side of their colon is being examined can result in more polyps being found, thus increasing the effectiveness of colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening.

Smart cells teach neurons damaged by Parkinson's to heal themselves As a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease, scientists have created smarter immune cells that produce and deliver a healing protein to the brain while also teaching neurons to begin making the protein for themselves.

Connection found between fitness level, brain activity, and executive functionBrain function associated with higher cardiorespiratory fitness plays a role in increased cognitive performance in older adults.. Specifically, the scientists found that dual-task processing in a core executive function brain region is associated with higher cardiorespiratory fitness and dual-task performance

Brain Research: Brain protein discovery could lead to better treatments ♦ Antidepressant may change brain differently in depressed and non depressed people

Common antidepressant may change brain differently in depressed and non depressed people A commonly prescribed antidepressant may alter brain structures in depressed and non depressed individuals in very different ways.

A new factor in depression? Brain protein discovery could lead to better treatments Low. Down. Less than normal. That's what the word depression means, and what people with depression often feel like. But sometimes, depression can mean too much of something -- as new research shows.The discovery, about a protein called fibroblast growth factor 9 or FGF9, goes against previous findings that depressed brains often have less of key components than non-depressed brains.

External brain stimulation temporarily improves motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's People with Parkinson's disease (PD) tend to slow down and decrease the intensity of their movements even though many retain the ability to move quickly and forcefully. Now, scientists report evidence that the slowdown likely arises from the brain's 'cost/benefit analysis,' which gets skewed by the loss of dopamine in people with PD. In addition, their small study demonstrated that noninvasive electrical stimulation of the brain corrected temporarily improved some patients' motor symptoms.

Routinely screen those older than 70 for brain health In a consensus paper, a global panel of leading aging experts suggests physicians routinely screen everyone older than 70 annually for cognitive problems

Brain Research: Super-small needle technology for the brain ♦ Altered brain development among former NFL players ♦ Molecular origins of Parkinson's disease

New research sheds light on the molecular origins of Parkinson's disease Scientists have identified two proteins that appear to have a protective effect in the set of neurons most affected by this degenerative disease. When their activity wanes, disease sets in. This discovery suggests new avenues for preventing or treating Parkinson's.

Receptor that helps protect brain cells has important role in support cells for the retina A receptor that is already a target for treating neurodegenerative disease also appears to play a key role in supporting the retina.

Altered brain development among former NFL players Former National Football League players who started playing tackle football before the age of 12 were found to have a higher risk of altered brain development compared to those who started playing at a later age. The study is the first to demonstrate a link between early exposure to repetitive head impacts and later life structural brain changes.

Super-small needle technology for the brain A methodology for brain penetration using diameter flexible needles has been developed by scientists. This should further reduce invasiveness and provide tissue penetrations hardly broken than conventional approaches.

Brain Research: New therapy slows spread of deadly brain tumor cells ♦ Insulin resistance increases risk for Alzheimer's disease ♦ biomarkers key to early intervention in Alzheimer's diseas

New therapy slows spread of deadly brain tumor cells The rapid spread of a common and deadly brain tumor has been slowed down significantly in a mouse model by cutting off the way some cancer cells communicate.

Insulin resistance increases risk for Alzheimer's disease A strong association between insulin resistance and memory function decline has been found by researchers who suggest that this link increases the risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Low-dose lithium reduces side effects from most common treatment for Parkinson's disease Low-dose lithium reduced involuntary motor movements -- the troubling side effect of the medication most commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) -- in a mouse model of the condition that is diagnosed in about 60,000 Americans each year. The third in a series of studies from involving PD and low-dose lithium, the results add to mounting evidence that low-doses of the psychotropic drug could benefit patients suffering from the incurable, degenerative condition.

Identifying bio markers key to early intervention in Alzheimer's disease Researchers are looking for bio markers that might serve as an early warning system for Alzheimer's disease. The process is not without complications, but these scientists possess a collective “Rosie the Riveter” spirit.

National study of deep brain stimulation for depression fails to demonstrate efficacy Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and treatment-resistant symptoms of depression have a terrible personal and societal cost. They can devastate lives, careers, and families. Some severely ill patients may be unable to attend to even the basic elements of self-care, while others attempt or complete suicide. Now researchers report the results of the first large-scale, randomized, sham-controlled trial of deep brain stimulation treatment for treatment-resistant symptoms of depression.

Health Research: Cannabis may be used to treat fractures ♦ The emerging science of human screams ♦ Potential treatment for Parkinson's disease discovered

Massive study: Birth order has no meaningful effect on personality or IQ For those who believe that birth order influences traits like personality and intelligence, a study of 377,000 high school students offers some good news: Yes, the study found, first-borns do have higher IQs and consistently different personality traits than those born later in the family chronology. However, researchers say, the differences between firstborns and 'later-borns' are so small that they have no practical relevance to people's lives

No bones about it: Cannabis may be used to treat fractures A new study explores another promising new medical application for marijuana. According to the research, the administration of the non-psychotropic component significantly helps heal bone fractures

The emerging science of human screams Our noisy world is no match for a screaming infant. An airplane could be flying by as a house party rages on downstairs while a literal cat fight takes place outside, and still a wailing baby will win your attention. One possible explanation is that human screams possess a unique acoustic property found to activate not just the auditory brain but also the brain's fear circuitry

Surprise: Subtle distractors may divert action more than overt ones What's more distracting, something overt or something subtle? We all know the right answer when it comes to perception, but in a new study, the less salient of two distractors had the greater power to affect an action.

Potential treatment for Parkinson's disease discovered Scientists have found that existing antimalarial drugs could be a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that causes a person to lose control of motor movements, such as the ability to move his or her hands, arms, and legs.

Health News: North Wales food places with Zero hygiene ratings ♦ Stem cell researchers poke around for blood genes ♦ Older athletes able to return to sport after rotator cuff repair

North Wales food places with Zero hygiene ratings The issue of food hygiene has once again reared its head after the Daily Post published pictures showing the disgusting state of a Porthmadog restaurant which was fined £5,000 by hygiene inspectors. David Alexander Paton pleaded guilty to seven food hygiene offences at Caernarfon magistrates court after fish and chicken months past their expiry dates were found among

Older athletes able to return to sport after rotator cuff repair  Outcomes following the arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears in older athletes appears to be successful a majority of the time, according to new research.

Surgery a better treatment option for some hamstring injuries Patients treated surgically for a hamstring rupture demonstrated better results than those treated only with therapy.

Stem cell researchers poke around for blood genes Even though the transplantation of blood stem cells, also known as bone marrow, has saved many lives over many decades, the genes that control the number or function of blood stem cells are not fully understood. In a new study, researchers have uncovered new genes that affect blood stem cell development and maintenance.

Fishing for new ways to stop Parkinson's, a researcher makes big catches in the gene pool A geneticist is exploring the protective power of coffee, nicotine and NSAIDs -- and the damage    

Health News: Health-department investigating cyclospora outbreak ♦ How neurons control muscle movement ♦ Whooping cough: New findings on pertussis pathogen

Health-department investigating cyclospora outbreak. The Austin and Travis County Health and Human Services Department announced June 23 that it is investigating a cyclospora outbreak in response to 15 - 7 - confirmed and 11 probable new cases of the intestinal illness.

Parkinson's disease may begin in the gut A major epidemiological registry-based study indicates that Parkinson's disease begins in the gastrointestinal tract. The study is the largest in the field so far.

How neurons control muscle movement How the brain controls movement in people with paralysis, related to their diagnosis of Lou Gehrig's disease, have found that groups of neurons work together, firing in complex rhythms to signal muscles about when and where to move

Whooping cough: New findings on pertussis pathogen The worldwide spreading of the whooping cough, also known as pertussis, has substantially increased since 2010. Researchers have investigated structure and function of an important membrane protein of the bacterium causing pertussis. They discovered that the protein structure differs from a previously postulated model.

New family of bio inspired antibiotic compounds developed The first results of a study of a new antibacterial compound based on natural peptides capable of selectively killing resistant pathogens have been released by scientists. The study has proved that these compounds are highly active against clinically relevant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In vitro and in vivo tests have showed compounds’ low toxicity.

Brain Research: what happens in the brain when we think? ♦ What controls blood flow in the brain? ♦ How does the brain recognize faces?

What controls blood flow in the brain? Scientists present the strongest evidence yet that smooth muscle cells surrounding blood vessels in the brain are the only cells capable of contracting to control blood vessel diameter and thus regulate blood flow. This basic anatomical understanding may have implications in stroke and migraines

Potential drug lessens neuron degeneration in Parkinson's disease model The first test in a mammalian model of a potential new class of drugs to treat Parkinson’s disease shows abatement of neurodegeneration in the brains of test rats and no significant toxicities.

Therapy affects the brain of people with Tourette Syndrome In addition to its effect on chronic tics, cognitive behaviour therapy can change the brain function of people with Tourette syndrome.Tourette syndrome is a disorder mainly characterized by motor and vocal tics in affected people.

what happens in the brain when we think New research questions the prevailing doctrine on how the brain absorbs and processes information.

How does the brain recognize faces from minimal information? Our brain recognizes objects within milliseconds, even if it only receives rudimentary visual information. Researchers believe that reliable and fast recognition works because the brain is constantly making predictions about objects in the field of view and is comparing these with incoming information. Only if mismatches occur in this process do higher areas of the brain have to be notified of the error in order to make active corrections to the predictions.

Brain Research:Solving the next step in the mystery of prions ♦ Safety issue' with widely used MRI contrast agent ♦ Thinking tests may signal Alzheimer's 18 years prior to diseas

Brain scan can predict who responds best to certain treatment for OCD A certain detail from patients' brain scans could help clinicians identify which people are more likely to relapse after cognitive-behavioral therapy -- and why. Tens of millions of Americans will suffer at some point in their lifetimes from obsessive-compulsive disorder, a disorder characterized by recurrent, intrusive, and disturbing thoughts, and/or stereotyped recurrent behaviors .

Low scores on memory and thinking tests may signal Alzheimer's 18 years prior to disease Errors on memory and thinking tests may signal Alzheimer's up to 18 years before the disease can be diagnosed.

Solving the next step in the mystery of prions Working towards the ultimate goal to develop therapeutics to treat diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and Mad Cow Disease, scientists are investigating the physical principles underlying the formation of misfolded protein aggregates. The aggregates of misfolded proteins -- proteins that clump together in the 'wrong' structure -- feature prominently in these fatal degenerative diseases.

Smartphone app may prevent dangerous freezing of gait in Parkinson's patients CuPID is striving to provide personalized rehabilitation for patients with Parkinson's disease who experience gait disturbances. It is a home-based personalized rehabilitation tool in the form of a smartphone app that harnesses wearable sensors, audio biofeedback, and external cuing to provide intense motivational training tailored to each patient.

Study highlights 'important safety issue' with widely used MRI contrast agents New results in animals highlight a major safety concern regarding a class of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents used in millions of patients each year. The study adds to concerns that repeated use of specific "linear"-type gadolinium-based contrast agents lead to deposits of the heavy-metal element gadolinium in the brain.

Cancer Research: Parkinson's disease appears associated with many cancer ♦ Supercomputers surprisingly link DNA crosses to cancer ♦ Tubal ligation may improve prognosis of endometrial cancer

Parkinson's disease appears associated with many cancers in Taiwan Parkinson's disease appeared associated with 16 types of cancer in a study in Taiwan, an effort to explain the association in an East Asian population because most prior research has been conducted in Western populations.

Researchers discover mechanism leading to BRAF inhibitor resistance in melanoma patients The development of targeted therapies has significantly improved the survival of melanoma patients over the last decade; however, patients often relapse because many therapies do not kill all of the tumor cells, and the remaining cells adapt to treatment and become resistant. Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism that can lead melanoma cells to develop resistance to drugs that target the protein BRAF.

Supercomputers surprisingly link DNA crosses to cancer DNA naturally folds itself into cross-shaped structures called cruciforms that jut out along the sprawling length of its double helix. DNA cruciforms are abundant; scientists estimate as many as 500,000 cruciform-forming sequences may exist on average in a normal human genome. Supercomputers have now helped scientists find a surprising link between cross-shaped (or cruciform) pieces of DNA and human cancer.

Tubal ligation may improve prognosis of endometrial cancer later in life Endometrial cancer (EC) can spread by several routes, including the lymph system, blood vessels, through the uterine wall, as well as through the fallopian tubes into the peritoneal cavity, but the association of transtubal dissemination of EC with cancer stage, histological type, and mortality is unknown.

Brain Research: Scientists identify new drug target to treat ALS, ♦ Single protein causes Parkinson's disease ♦ Keeping mind, body active may not protect against underlying signs of Alzheimer's

Keeping mind, body active may not protect against underlying signs of Alzheimer's While participating in physical activities such as bike riding, dancing, walking and gardening and mentally stimulating activities such as crosswords and reading may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, they may not do so by affecting the underlying markers for the disease, according to a study

Single protein causes Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy Several neurodegenerative disorders are caused by aggregates of a single protein known as alpha-synuclein. Neurobiologists have discovered that the shape of these aggregates -- 'cylinders' or 'ribbons' -- determines whether a patient develops Parkinson's disease or multiple system atrophy, respectively.

Scientists identify new drug target to treat ALS Cellular mechanism that can be targeted to treat ALS has been discovered by scientists. The researchers revealed that increasing levels of a certain key protein successfully protected against cell death in both genetic and sporadic versions of the disease. What's more, treating this pathway may also have implications for frontotemporal dementia because many of the same proteins are involved.

Regular soda, please: Hormone that differentiates sugar, diet sweeteners could exist in humans We've all been there: We eat an entire sleeve of fat-free, low-calorie cookies and we're stuffing ourselves with more food 15 minutes later. One theory to explain this phenomenon is that artificial sweeteners don't contain the calories or energy that evolution has trained the brain to expect from sweet-tasting foods, so they don't fool the brain into satisfying hunger. However, until now, nobody understood how organisms distinguish between real sugar and artificial sweetener.

Brain Research: Special fats proven essential for brain growth ♦ Breakthrough measures Parkinson's progression in brain ♦ Genetic variants with cognitive impairment

Patterns of brain activity reorganize visual perception during eye movements Oscillations of activity observed in the brain could have a role in resetting the sensitivity of neurons after eye movements. Further results suggest these waves could also have a role in supporting the brain's representation of space.

Special fats proven essential for brain growth Certain special fats found in blood are essential for human brain growth and function. New published studies show that mutations in the protein Mfsd2a causes impaired brain development in humans. Mfsd2a is the transporter in the brain for a special type of fat called lysophosphatidyl cholines (LPCs) -- composed of essential fatty acids like omega-3.

Rates of rehospitalization for patients with traumatic brain injury higher than previously reported A new, study shows that rates of hospital readmission following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are greater than other chronic diseases and injuries and are higher than previously reported.

Breakthrough measures Parkinson's progression in brain A biomarker that shows the progression of Parkinson's disease in the brain has been identified by researchers, opening the door to better diagnosis and treatment of the degenerative disease.

Study examines association of genetic variants with cognitive impairment Individually rare but collectively common, intermediate-size copy number variations may be negatively associated with educational attainment. Copy number variations (CNVs) are regions of the genome that differ in the number of segments of DNA.

Brain Research: Predict people at risk of schizophrenia ♦ Game changer for Parkinson's ♦ Breaking through the blood-brain barrier

Hacked Kinect controller game changer for Parkinson's Microsoft's Kinect games controller has been hacked by researchers to relieve one of the most distressing symptoms of Parkinson's - freezing of gait. Many patients are afflicted by freezing of gait when suddenly, in mid-stride, the muscles freeze and they are left unable to move forward or they simply fall over.

Breaking through the blood-brain barrier The bacteria that sneak past the brain's defenses to cause deadly bacterial meningitis are clever adversaries. New research investigates the molecular tricks bacteria use to convince their host that they are harmless and cause

First cancer-promoting oncogenes discovered in rare brain tumor of children and adults Researchers have identified three genes that play a pivotal role in the brain tumor choroid plexus carcinoma, a discovery that lays the groundwork for more effective treatment of this rare, often fatal cancer

Advanced MRI scans could help predict people at risk of schizophrenia Scientists have long known that the symptoms of schizophrenia are partly explained by disordered connectivity in the brain. Now new scanning methods that map the wiring of the brain could provide a valuable new tool to predict people at risk of schizophrenia, according to a new study

Brain Research: Premature birth alters brain connections ♦ Brain scan reveals out-of-body illusion ♦ Cellular bubbles used to deliver Parkinson's meds

Brain scan reveals out-of-body illusion  Neuroscientists have created an out-of-body illusion in participants placed inside a brain scanner. They then used the illusion to perceptually 'teleport' the participants to different locations in a room and show that the perceived location of the bodily self can be decoded from activity patterns in specific brain regions.

Fuzzy thinking' in depression, bipolar disorder: New research finds effect is real People with depression or bipolar disorder often feel their thinking ability has gotten “fuzzy”, or less sharp than before their symptoms began. Now, researchers have shown in a large study that effect is indeed real – and rooted in brain activity differences that show up on advanced brain scans.

Premature birth alters brain connections Premature birth can alter the connectivity between key areas of the brain, according to a new study. The findings should help researchers to better understand why premature birth is linked to a greater risk of neurodevelopmental problems, including autistic spectrum disorders and attention deficit disorders

Cellular bubbles used to deliver Parkinson's meds directly to brain Exosomes could help with longstanding medical issues from cancer diagnosis to sophisticated research tool. Now, they could potentially help with delivering potent antioxidants into the brain of Parkinson's patients.

Study points to possible treatment for lethal pediatric brain cancer Using brain tumor samples collected from children in the United States and Europe, an international team of scientists found that the drug panobinostat and similar gene regulating drugs may be effective at treating diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas, an aggressive and lethal form of pediatric cancer.

Health Research: New class of insecticides offers safer ♦ Ebola virus diagnostic tool developed ♦ Possible progress against Parkinson's

New class of insecticides offers safer, more targeted mosquito control

A new class of chemical insecticides has been identified that could provide a safer, more selective means of controlling mosquitoes that transmit key infectious diseases such as dengue, yellow fever and elephantiasis

Ebola virus diagnostic tool developed by physician who worked in Liberia

An emergency medicine physician who treated Ebola-infected patients in Liberia last year used his field experience to create a tool to determine the likelihood that patients presenting with Ebola symptoms will actually carry the virus. Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has affected 24,000 persons during the current epidemic, which is the largest recorded outbreak of EVD in history.

Possible progress against Parkinson's and good news for stem cell therapies

Researchers have taken an important step toward using the implantation of stem cell-generated neurons as a treatment for Parkinson's disease. Using an FDA approved substance for treating cancer, they were able to grow dopamine-producing neurons derived from embryonic stem cells that remained healthy and functional for as long as 15 months after implantation into mice, restoring motor function without forming tumors

Antibacterial enzymes to combat drug-resistant bacterial pathogens developed

By engineering antibacterial enzymes, investigators are using novel strategies to target the prevalent drug-resistant bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. "Antibacterial enzymes, which kill via catalytic mechanisms, represent promising candidates in the fight against drug-resistant microbes," explained the lead researcher. "Staph infections in hospital settings are a serious problem that has gained widespread public attention, and there's an urgent need to address the threat of antibiotic resistance. Using molecular engineering, we are expanding the pool of antibacterial drug candidates and improving their performance."

Senior Health News: Can virtual reality help treat anxiety in older people? ♦ Statins may not lower Parkinson's risk,♦ kin test may shed new light on Alzheimer

Can virtual reality help treat anxiety in older people?  Up to 25% of people aged 65 and over experience varying degrees of anxiety. Although cognitive behavioral therapy is a preferred treatment approach, it has limitations as people age (decreased mobility and visualization skills). Could virtual reality be an effective therapy for anxiety in older people? Continue Reading

Statins may not lower Parkinson's risk, experts say  The use of statins may not be associated with lowering risk for Parkinson's disease, according to a new study. The findings cast doubts on reports suggesting that the cholesterol-lowering medications may protect against this neurodegenerative brain disorder. Continue Reading

Independent home living or healthcare facility? Web tool to speed data collection By 2030, one in five Americans will be age 65 or older. To understand the role neighborhoods play in seniors' ability to 'age in place' -- living safely and independently in one's home of choice rather than in a healthcare facility -- researchers created a web application that speeds up researchers' data collection. Continue Reading

Skin test may shed new light on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases  Scientists have discovered a skin test that may shed new light on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The study showed that skin biopsies can be used to detect elevated levels of abnormal proteins found in the two diseases.Continue Reading

Health News for Seniors: Beer fend off Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases ♦ Antibiotics with diuretic can double risk of sudden death ♦ Compound found in grapes may help prevent memory loss

Beer compound could help fend off Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases

The health-promoting perks of wine have attracted the spotlight recently, leaving beer in the shadows. But scientists are discovering new ways in which the latter could be a more healthful beverage than once thought. It turns out that a compound from hops could protect brain cells from damage -- and potentially slow the development of disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Continue Reading

Commonly used antibiotics with diuretic can double risk of sudden death in older patients

The combination of the commonly prescribed antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole with the diuretic spironolactone, widely used for heart failure, more than doubles the risk of death for older patients, reports a study Continue Reading

Compound found in grapes, red wine may help prevent memory loss

A compound found in common foods such as red grapes and peanuts may help prevent age-related decline in memory, according to new research. Continue Reading