Myelin 'Internet' Makes Human Brain Unique But Vulnerable, Researcher Says
Myelin, the layer of fat and protein insulating neurons and conducting the neuronal impulses in human brains, was called a "recent invention of evolution" which causes man's "unique vulnerability to highly prevalent neuropsychiatric disorders" in a paper published by UCLA neurologist George Bartzokis, M.D. in the British Journal of Psychology this week. The paper argues that viewing the brain as a myelin-dependent "Internet" may be key to developing new and novel treatments against disease and aid in assessing the efficacy of currently available treatments, including the use of nicotine (delivered by a patch, not smoking), which may enhance the growth and maintenance of myelin.The paper further suggests that variations in the myelination process may be linked to a wide variety of diseases including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and schizophrenia. Read more: Myelin to Blame for Many Neuropsychiatric Disorders ABSTRACT: Quadratic trajectories of brain myelin content: unifying construct for neuropsychiatric disorders SHARE:
Posted In: Cognitive Psychology | Tags: Brain | Internet | Vulnerable | Posted by FindCounseling.com Staff on November 21, 2006 at 06:07 AM | Permalink |
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