Autism Oddities

  Sulforaphane, derived from broccoli sprouts, reduces behavioral disturbances...described by Leo Kanner, MD 70 years ago.... in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Sulforaphane boosts the bodies natural defenses against oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage as well improving the bodies heat-shock response, processes used to protect cells from stress caused by high temperatures....including fever.
  Half of parents with ADSs affected children report their autistic behavior improves noticeably when they have a fever.
PNAS:2014 Oct 13

Five Factors to Reduce Stroke in Women

  Healthy diet, moderate alcohol consumption, never smoking, physical activity and a healthy BMI reduce the risk of stroke by 54% in women.
Neurology 2014 Oct 8

Walnuts to Reduce Risk of Alzheimer's

  Researchers studied the effects of dietary supplementation on mice given a human equivalent of 1 to 1.5 oz per day of walnuts and found significant improvement in learning skills, memory, and reduced anxiety. This study suggests possible human studies regarding the effect a walnut enriched diet may have on AD.
Journal of Alzheimer's disease Oct 21,2014

Blood Transfusions Decrease Stroke Risk in Sickle Cell Children

  Children with sickle cell anemia who received regular (monthly) blood transfusions were 58% less likely to have silent or overt strokes compared to those that did not receive regular blood transfusions. These regularly transfused patients also experienced fewer episodes of pain as well.
NEJM Aug 21, 2014

Higher Potassium Intake Lower Risk of Stroke in Women

  In older women, higher potassium intake was associated with a lower risk of all stroke, ischemic stroke and all-cause mortality.
Stroke Sept 4, 2014

Fish Oil to Reduce Seizure Frequency

  In a study of patients with epilepsy, those that took 3 capsules of fish oil per day demonstrated fewer seizures than a higher dose fish oil group and placebo (corn oil).
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry Sept 8, 2014

Increase In MS Exacerbations With Increased Dietary Sodium

  High intake of dietary sodium increases exacerbations of multiple sclerosis almost four-fold.
  These studies suggests that clinicians advise their patients with MS to follow a low-salt diet.
Nature 2013;496(7446):513-517
J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2014;Epub2014 Aug 28