Cashew nuts could help treat multiple sclerosis
Researchers have found that a chemical compound found in the shell of cashew nuts could repair myelin, which could have benefits for the treatment of autoimmune disorder multiple sclerosis (MS).
In lab experiments, researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, US, found that anacardic acid could help in the treatment for demyelinating diseases, which cause damage to the protective covering surrounding nerve fibres in the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord. Anacardic acid is known to inhibit an enzyme involved in gene expression called histone acetyltransferase, and whatever inhibits this, induces the production of IL-33. Researchers already knew that IL-33, a chemical made in response to injury, induces myelin formation, and is therefore an immune response regulator. MS and other neurological disorders stem from damage to myelin.
New device could improve spinal injury outcomes
When the spinal cord is injured, it swells, which restricts blood flow and can cause permanent motor, sensory, and autonomic function damage.
Preventing initial swelling, therefore, is key to minimising damage. But the only treatment available for this is a steroid therapy that has minimal effects. But a team of researchers have devised a new therapy device that removes fluid from the spinal cord using osmosis to reduce swelling. While the device has only been tested on injured rats, they’re confident it will soon be applied to humans. The researchers, from the University of California’s Department of Bioengineering, found that spinal fluid can increase in the area within one hour of the injury happening, and levels can remain elevated for 28 days.
Charity launches ‘Step-by-step Cookbook’
Brain injury charity the Children's Trust is launching a recipe book developed by children and rehabilitation therapists.
'The Step-by-step Cookbook’ features 16 recipes with simple icons to show what equipment and ingredients are needed, and steps that can be ticked off with a wipeable marker. Recipes include breakfast dishes and drinks, main meals and desserts, with cooking tips and information on healthy eating. Therapists came up with the idea for the cookbook when they recognised a need for more accessible recipes.
Diet linked to reduced Parkinson’s symptoms
Eating a healthy diet in middle age may help reduce some of the symptoms that can come before a Parkinson’s diagnosis, according to new research.
People with Parkinson’s can experience symptoms including constipation, daytime sleepiness and depression for more than 10 years before any movement-related symptoms start. Researchers from Harvard University in Boston, US, analysed the diets of almost 50,000 people. They were asked about their diets every four years from the 1980s until they were middle-aged. They were then asked, in 2012, if they experienced two symptoms: constipation, and rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder, which causes people to shout and rapidly move in their sleep. Both symptoms are associated with Parkinson’s.
Action among the daffodils
William Wordsworth urged to the world to “come forth into light, let nature be your teacher”. He was obsessed with the natural world’s power to help, heal and nourish. Surely then, the lake poet would have approved of the owners of his old Cumbrian bolt hole. For they are also channelling the power of nature, in the name of rehabilitation.
Leading the remote resistance
COVID-19 could spark a cultural renaissance, according to some in the art world. Artists thrive on isolation, BBC arts chief Jonty Claypole points out, and therefore an explosion of new work could emerge from current conditions. The spirit of renaissance – meaning ‘rebirth’ in French – might also course through our workplaces. Kitchen tables, spare bedrooms and garden sheds are among the many residential quarters to have been commandeered by home workers recently.
Carrying on regardless
The way coronavirus has swept through the world has created an unprecedented situation which each country has had to adapt to. In the UK, the total numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases and fatalities due to the virus continue to rise and lockdown remains in place at the time of writing. While business has had to temporarily end for many, particularly in sectors including retail and leisure, however, the situation is vastly different for those working in care. Work must carry on to ensure patients are looked after as usual - particularly for neuro patients, whose needs are often particularly complex - with the additional challenge of protecting them, as well as fellow care professionals, from the deadly COVID-19.
Help us to be better and stronger
UK charity The Children’s Trust, which supports children with brain injuries and their families, says demand for its services is at the highest point in its 36-year history. At the same time, however, donations are declining rapidly as people become more cautious amidst economic uncertainty. And it is not alone, with similar challenges being felt elsewhere in the third sector that supports neuro-rehab.
If your resolve is flagging…
The poem ‘If’ was borne out of Victorian-era stoicism, something we could have perhaps done with while all about were panic buying and refusing to stop partying. But just in case anyone has missed Rudyard Kipling’s message and its relevance today, care home technology company Care Planner has given it a modern update; to help recharge your batteries for the tough weeks ahead: But just in case anyone has missed Rudyard Kipling’s message and its relevance today, care home technology company Care Planner has given it a modern update; to help recharge your batteries for the tough weeks ahead:
