Sleep problems lead to Parkinson's disease

Sleep disorders associated with rapid eye movements and accompanied by nightmares and very vivid dreams, involve a risk of developing Parkinson's disease, the researchers found.

Alex Iranzo, a neuroscientist at the Hospital of Barcelona conducted three studies in order to prove a link between these two disorders, writes The Times of India. The latter finding he used a test that determines the level of dopamine in the brain. It was found in patients with Parkinson's disease it is lowered.

With a deficit of dopamine Parkinson's disease in a black substance - the area of ​​the brain associated with learning and coordination of movements. Due to lack of the hormone dopamine in humans develops tremors, muscle rigidity. In turn, the hormone released when a person experiences the pleasure of eating, sex, drugs.

The scientist watched over the health of a control group of volunteers for three years. After that period, hormone levels fell by 8% due to age-related changes. But a group of people with sleep disorder reduction was 20%.

When completed a three-year period, three of 20 patients with sleep disorders were diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and reduce the concentration of dopamine in their recorded at 30%.

Depression leads to stroke

American scientists have come to the disappointing conclusion: Depression increase the risk of strokes. With women who take antidepressants are at particular risk.

This is the conclusion reached by experts analyzing the data collected during the study Nurses' Health Study, which began in 1976. Under the supervision of physicians were 12 thousand women aged 60 years. From time to time, scientists have evaluated their level of depression, and asked whether they accept the anti-depressants.

At the beginning of the experiment depression was found in 22% of the member experience. Six years later, scientists have recorded a 1033 stroke. Experts estimate that depression increased the risk of stroke by 29%. Among women who took antidepressants, the risk increased to 39%.

According to Dr. Catherine Reksroud, led the study, depressed women are more often alone, a lot of smoke, have extra pounds and led a sedentary lifestyle.

Perhaps the depression is triggered inflammation that can injure blood vessels in the heart and brain.