Find Counseling > Resources > Psychology Briefs > Myelin 'Internet' Makes Human Brain Unique But Vulnerable, Researcher Says

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

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This page contains a single entry from Psychology Briefs, the FindCounseling.com Blog, posted on November 21, 2006 12:07 PM.

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