MedNews — Mental Health
Brain Changes in Elderly Can Affect Mobility and Balance
Changes in the brain can affect old people's mobility and balance, according to a recent study. Particularly affecting balance and walking are white matter changes called leukoaraiosis.
The 639 men and women between the ages of 65 and 84 in the study underwent brain scans and walking and balance tests. 284 people in the group had mild age-related white matter changes, 197 moderate changes, and 158 severe changes. More »
Despite Successful Antidepressant Treatment, Despair Can Remain
While antidepressants can successfully treat depressive symptoms, despair can remain; and this may result in the patient not taking the medication any longer, according to a study that tbe journal, General Hospital Psychiatry.
For many in the study, feelings of hopefulness did not improve until several weeks, or even months, after depressive symptoms lifted, says lead author James E. Aikens, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Michigan Health System. More »
Cognitive Impairment Among Older Americans Decreasing
A recent study shows a downward trend in the rate of cognitive impairment among people aged 70 and older. The study was led by two University of Michigan Medical School physicians and their colleagues, and is based on data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a national survey of older Americans funded by the National Institute on Aging and based at the U-M Institute for Social Research (ISR). More »
Study Suggests Folate Deficiency Increases Dementia Risk Three-Fold
Recent research suggests that the risk of dementia in elderly people is increased three times by a lack of folate. More »
Rate of Memory Loss Greater in Dementia Patients With More Education
According to a recent study in the journal Neurology, while higher education levels initially delay the onset of dementia, once dementia starts, the rate of memory loss is more rapid than in less educated individuals.
According to study author Charles B. Hall, PhD of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, "our study showed that a person with 16 years of formal education would experience a rate of memory decline that is 50% faster than someone with just four years of education." More »
Researchers Find Major Clues on How Schizophrenia Develops
Scientists have found some major clues in learning more about why schizophrenia develops. The new research may lead to better medications to correct gene-related problems that can lead to schizophrenia. More »
Study Shows Brain Mechanism May Help Some Deal With Stress Better Than Others
Some cope with stress much better than others, and a new study of mice shows that a naturally occurring mechanism in the brain promotes resilience to psychological stress. More »
Vision and Hearing Impairment May Contribute to Depression in Seniors
It is commonly known that hearing and vision impairment are much more pronounced in the elderly population. With the gradual onset of hearing and vision loss, certain tasks become more difficult for seniors.
In addition to the direct difficulties, such as having trouble reading smaller type or understanding conversations, hearing and vision loss is also associated with the development of mood disorders, according to Dennis Norman, Chief of Psychology at Massachusetts General Hospital. More »
Donepezil Shows Promise for Severe Alzheimer's
In a study released last week published in the Journal of the American Academy of Neurology, the drug donepezil has improved the cognitive functioning and memory of individuals with severe Alzheimer's disease.
The study, funded by Eisai Inc. and Pfizer, makers of the drug, took place over six months and studied 343 individuals.Half of the group took donepezil and the other half received a placebo.
The results showed that over 63% of the individuals demonstrated memory stabilization or increased function, compared to 39% on the placebo.
Angry Men at Higher Risk for Heart Disease, Diabetes
It's not healthy to be hostile, according to a recent study from Duke University.
Steven Boyle, Ph.D., a researcher at Duke University Medical Center, says men who regularly exhibit strong feelings of anger or depression may face increased risk of coronary heart disease.
The study was conducted on 313 men who were given a standard psychological test that measures hostility, anger and depression. More »
