Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Dopamine plays an important role in PD development. Here are some key facts: Dopamine is a chemical messenger in the brain involved in movement, motivation, and mood. Loss of dopamine-producing neurons causes the motor symptoms of PD like tremors, rigidity, and …
Plant-based milk alternatives like almond, oat, rice, and soy milk are growing in popularity. But how do these plant milks compare to cow’s and goat’s milk in terms of nutrition? A new study investigated the protein, fat, carbohydrate, and mineral composition of various plant-based beverages (PBBs) and animal milk to find out. Key Facts: Cow’s …
The neurotransmitter serotonin plays many important roles in our brains and bodies by binding to various serotonin receptor proteins. One of these receptors, called 5-HTR1E, has remained mysterious even after its discovery over 30 years ago. Facts about 5-HTR1E receptor: It is one of the 13 known serotonin receptor proteins that serotonin can bind to …
A new study suggests that eating more acid-producing foods may increase the risk of depression and anxiety, especially in women. Here are the key facts: Women with high dietary acid load had 21% higher odds of severe depression compared to those with low acid load. People with high dietary acid load had 13% higher odds …
Major depressive disorder (depression) is very common. It causes a lot of suffering and disability around the world. The good news is many people get better with medication, psychotherapy (talk therapy), or both. But for some people, depression just won’t go away even after trying multiple treatments. This is called treatment-resistant depression or TRD. Key …
A new study tracked changes in brain volume in depressed patients after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT or “electroshock therapy”). The study found that ECT led to increases in gray matter (brain tissue), which then decreased substantially over the next 2 years. The initial increases did not relate to improvement in depression symptoms. However, greater decreases 2 …
Researchers explored how our brain’s reward system connects to depression and other common mental health problems like social anxiety and eating disorders. They found that a dampened reward response seems to follow, rather than precede, symptoms of depression and other disorders. This highlights the important role that blunted enjoyment plays in the persistence of mental …
New research shows that a man’s income has become increasingly important for his chances of getting married in the U.S. over the past century. This suggests men face growing pressure to earn higher pay to attract a wife. Key Facts: A man’s income explained only 2.5% of whether he ever married if born in 1890. …
The brain is protected by something called the blood-brain barrier that makes it hard for drugs to reach the brain from the bloodstream. But new research shows that delivering drugs through the nose could be an effective way to bypass the blood-brain barrier and get drugs to the brain to potentially treat brain disorders like …
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been called the “signature injury” of recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. TBIs are concerning because they can cause long-term issues like headaches, memory problems, and trouble thinking clearly. A new study looked at which military jobs put service members most at risk for TBIs. It found that certain combat-related …
