Research that appeared in Annals of Internal Medicine (2000;132:903-910) analyzed 23 earlier studies of “distance healing” (like prayer) and therapeutic touch (like the “laying on of hands’). Seven of the studies involved distance healing and 11 of the studies involved therapeutic touch. Therapeutic touch is based on the idea that the patient has an energy […]
Prayer and Therapeutic Touch Aids Healing Read More »
Twenty children took part in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in theAmerican Journal of Psychiatry (2006; 163(6): 1098-100). The subjects were divided into two groups; one group was given omega-3 supplementation (a combination of EPA and DHA) and the second group was given a placebo. The children were evaluated using the Children’s Depression Scale, Children’s
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression in Children Read More »
According to a new study, omega-3 fatty acids, the type found in fish oil, may help protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease. A team of researchers at UCLA studied mice that were genetically predisposed to get an Alzheimer-like disease. The mice had a tendency to form plaques in the brain, similar to those seen in
Omega three essential fatty acids protect the brain Read More »
A small study involving 13 patients, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry (September, 1996) showed that inositol may be useful for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. It was a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. One group of subjects was given 18 grams per day of inositol. After six weeks, the group taking the inositol had a
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Inositol Read More »
A double-blind, placebo controlled study that was published in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica (1979;59:395-414) compared three different treatment approaches in 25 severely depressed individuals aged 18-60. One group was given a combination of nicotinamide and tryptophan, one group was given imipramine (a tricyclic antidepressant medication) and a third group was given a combination of imipramine with
Nicotinamide, Tryptophan and Depression Read More »
Research appearing in the March, 2005 issue of the journal Cell shows that mice kept in a stimulating environment were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than mice kept in an environment that is not stimulation. Mice that had access to toys, running wheels, tunnels and other activities to keep mind and body active had
Mental Activity Slows Alzheimer’s Disease Progression Read More »
A small study appearing in the International Journal of Neuroscience (1991;61:87-90) showed a possible link between schizophrenia and magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is an important cofactor for the synthesis of GABA, serotonin and melotonin. It is also important for reactions involving B vitamins and ATP. Deficiency in magnesium can affect neurotransmitter function, and can create depression,
Magnesium and Schizophrenia Read More »
Mark Goodman Ph.D. has some interesting observations of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He believes that many patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease actually have dementia caused by a lack of vitamin B12. Dr. Goodman has an accredited Ph.D. in behavioral medicine (with a specialization in clinical neuropsychology) from the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Is it Alzeheimers of is it B12 Read More »
Homocysteine is an amino acid that has shown to be linked to heart disease and osteoporosis. Homocysteine is normally converted by the body to cysteine and eventually taurine; amino acids that do not have the same negative implications. The conversion reactions that change homocysteine to the more benign amino acids are dependent on vitamins B6,
High homocysteine increases risk of dementia and alzheimer’s Read More »
According to a study of cognitive function funded by the National Institute on Aging, the brain is vulnerable to free radicals, which cause oxidative damage. Free radicals are like chemical “bullets” that can damage tissue (oxidative damage). The study followed change in mental function in 3000 people over the age of 64 living in Cache
Foods rich in vitamin C helps mental health Read More »
