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Health briefs
August 9, 1996
Web posted at: 12:30 a.m. EDTStress could shrink the brain
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- New research suggests that stress could do more than just cause a headache -- it may actually shrivel the brain.
According to a study published in the journal Science, major emotional upheaval could generate changes that damage the brain -- specifically the hippocampus, which is responsible for complex memory.
Separate studies of patients with severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and a condition called Cushing's Syndrome all showed high levels of stress hormones called glucocorticords.
Using new, high-resolution scans, scientists were able to show brain shrinkage in the presence of these hormones.
While glucocorticords help people mobilize their bodies in a crisis situation, too much of the hormones can be damaging.
The findings on stress and brain chemistry also suggest new methods of treatment. Drugs that curtail the production of stress hormones are already under study as a therapy for depression.
Related stories:
- Acknowledging stress from trauma helps get rid of it - July 29, 1996
- Research: Anger kills - June 26, 1996
U.S. orders more checks on 'mad cow' in humans
ATLANTA (CNN) -- There is no sign yet that a new strain of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) has come to the United States from Britain. Nevertheless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that doctors should be on the lookout.
CJD, a disease that infects humans, has been linked in some studies to a similar disease that infects cows, called bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or "mad cow disease."
The CDC found 94 cases of the human disease in the United States between 1991 and 1994. But none of them were the same strain seen in Britain, which British officials said might be transmitted by eating beef infected with BSE. The British strain has killed eight people.
Despite the lack of U.S. cases, the CDC urged doctors to "increase their index of suspicion" for the disease among patients of all ages. Health officials will now investigate any deaths from CJD among people under age 55.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- U.S. takes steps to evade 'mad cow' disease - April 26, 1996
- Scientists urge caution in 'mad cow' panic - March 29, 1996
- USDA: American burgers still safe - March 22, 1996
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