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
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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 characterized by increased confusion, agitation, and anxiety that tends to occur in the late afternoon, evening, or night. This condition is often observed in individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive impairments. What are the key things to know about sundowning? Let’s… 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
Link Found Between Loneliness and Mortality
A recent study, published in December 2023, has unveiled the severe consequences of loneliness on senior health. The research, involving 9,032 patients with a median follow-up of over 10 years, indicates that individuals experiencing loneliness have a significantly higher risk of mortality. The mean age of study participants was 63.99 years. Notably, those reporting loneliness… Continue reading Link Found Between Loneliness and Mortality
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
Studies Cited in Abortion Pill Ruling Retracted
Sage Publications, an academic publisher, has retracted several studies that tied to a Texas judge’s ruling to suspend federal approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. They retracted the studies after concerns over unreliable data and conflicts of interest came to light. These were because of the authors’ ties to the anti-abortion movement. Citing the Studies… Continue reading Studies Cited in Abortion Pill Ruling Retracted
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?