A small trial suggests that “scent therapy” may help people with depression recall specific autobiographical memories (AMs) that are often challenging to access. The study involved 32 adults with major depressive disorder who were prompted to recall memories using familiar scents like coffee grounds, oranges, and Vicks VapoRub. The trial, described in the journal JAMA… Continue reading Using Scent Therapy to Help With Depression
The Effect of Smoking on the Immune System
A recent study published in the journal Nature has revealed the harmful effect of smoking tobacco. It not only harms the body but also has a lasting impact on the immune system. It makes individuals more susceptible to diseases and infections even after quitting. Despite a decline in rates since the 1960s, it remains the… Continue reading The Effect of Smoking on the Immune System
What is Sundowning?
Sundowning, also known as sundown syndrome or nocturnal delirium, is a phenomenon defined as increased confusion, agitation, and anxiety later in the day. This condition is often observed in individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive impairments. Signs and Symptoms of Sundown Syndrome Signs of sundowning show up as behaviors, feelings, and thoughts. Sundowning… Continue reading What is Sundowning?
Understanding Muscle Weakness From MS
Muscle weakness is a prevalent symptom of multiple sclerosis, and it occurs due to the damage to the nerves that control muscle movement. The immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, called myelin, leading to disruptions in the communication between the brain and muscles. As a result, individuals with MS may experience… Continue reading Understanding Muscle Weakness From MS
Root Problem: Hair Loss from Lupus
Hair loss because of a medical condition is distressing. Unfortunately, this is one aspect of living with lupus. As an autoimmune disease, lupus affects various organs and systems in the body. This can lead to inflammation, affecting the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood cells, and more. One of the ways lupus can impact health… Continue reading Root Problem: Hair Loss from Lupus
Can Fibromyalgia Feel Like an Electric Shock?
Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to touch. While the primary symptoms are well-recognized, individuals with fibromyalgia frequently report a range of sensations, including what is often described as feeling like electric shocks. Why does this happen? Let’s explore the possible causes, and what you… Continue reading Can Fibromyalgia Feel Like an Electric Shock?
How is Marijuana Legal? State vs. Federal Law
For the last few years, the legal status of marijuana in the United States has been changing rapidly. The most commonly taken drug in the country, an estimated 48.2 million people used marijuana in 2019 according to the CDC. While it remains illegal at the federal level, a number of states have legalized its medical… Continue reading How is Marijuana Legal? State vs. Federal Law
Is This The Future of Organ Transplants?
Nearly 120,000 people are in need of healthy organ transplants in the United States alone. Twenty people pass away every day waiting for a viable organ to become available. The most dire need is for kidneys, with a waitlist over 88,000 people alone. What are scientists doing to try and fix this problem? It turns… Continue reading Is This The Future of Organ Transplants?
Pregnancy and MS: What to Know
Discovering that you’re pregnant is a moment filled with joy! If you are living with multiple sclerosis (MS), it can be natural to have questions and concerns about how pregnancy might impact your health and the course of your condition. The Basics Let’s start with the most important information. There is no evidence that pregnancy… Continue reading Pregnancy and MS: What to Know
Weight Loss Drugs Linked to Lower Depression, Anxiety Diagnoses
A recent study by Epic Research has come out on the link between GLP-1 medications and depression. They found that most weight loss drugs, particularly those belonging to the GLP-1 medication class like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, lead to a reduced likelihood of depression and anxiety diagnoses. The research involved over three million diabetic… Continue reading Weight Loss Drugs Linked to Lower Depression, Anxiety Diagnoses