Biomedical subjects

M J Mintzer

Publications and source records attributed to M J Mintzer.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1999

Music therapy increases serum melatonin levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

CONTEXT: Music therapy is known to have healing and relaxing effects. Although these effects appear to be mediated by release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, the specific neurohormonal systems involved have not been fully investigated. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of a music therapy intervention on concentrations of melatonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin, and prolactin in the blood of a group of patients with Alzheimer's disease. DESIGN: Blood samples were obtained before initiating the therapy, immediately at the end of 4 weeks of music therapy sessions, and at 6 weeks follow-up after cessation of the sessions. SETTING: Miami Veterans Administration Medical Center, Miami, Fla. PATIENTS: 20 male inpatients with Alzheimer's disease. INTERVENTION: 30- to 40-minute morning sessions of music therapy 5 times per week for 4 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in melatonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin, and prolactin following music therapy. RESULTS: Melatonin concentration in serum increased significantly after music therapy and was found to increase further at 6 weeks follow-up. A significant increase was found between baseline values and data recorded after the music therapy sessions as well as at 6 weeks follow-up. Norepinephrine and epinephrine levels increased significantly after 4 weeks of music therapy, but returned to pretherapy levels at 6 weeks follow-up. Serum concentration of prolactin and platelet serotonin levels remained unchanged after 4 weeks of music therapy and at 6 weeks follow-up. CONCLUSION: Increased levels of melatonin following music therapy may have contributed to patients' relaxed and calm mood.

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PubMed1992

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in the elderly.

Thyroid disease in the elderly can be easily overlooked. Symptoms too often are explained away as normal processes of aging. Development of unstable illness, especially cardiac disease, is a frequent mode of presentation. One symptom or one clinical feature of thyroid disease in the elderly may be overwhelming in its presentation, as in apathetic hyperthyroidism, thyroid myopathy, depression and dementia. Physical examination of the thyroid gland can be helpful but in a high percentage of older patients the gland is normal to palpation. The treatment of hypothyroidism is straightforward. Only myxedema coma requires large doses of levothyroxine parenterally; all other forms of hypothyroidism are treated with oral levothyroxine. The dose is started very low and increased gradually over months. The euthyroid state is achieved gradually and safely. Hyperthyroidism can be treated by several modalities. In the unstable elderly patient, antithyroid medication can quickly produce a euthyroid state. When the patient is stable, further decisions can be made regarding definitive therapy. Radioactive iodine therapy is well-tolerated and effective. On occasion, a second course of therapy is needed to suppress hyperthyroidism. Close follow-up of all patients ever having received this therapy is needed to identify the development of hypothyroidism. Surgical thyroid ablation may be necessary in patients who fail to respond to radioactive iodine therapy. Abnormalities associated with unresolved thyromegaly, dysphagia, or tracheal compression may require surgical intervention. If suspicion exists that the gland is cancerous, surgical intervention is warranted.

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PubMed1990

Asthma therapy: present trends and future prospects.

The short-term treatment of asthma has for years included supplemental oxygen, IV theophylline, and subcutaneously administered and inhaled beta-adrenergic agonists, anticholinergics, and corticosteroids. This regimen has not really changed. What have changed, however, are the specificity of the drugs and the mode of their administration. Metered-dose inhalers can deliver selective beta-adrenergic agonists, anticholinergics, and corticosteroids directly to the airway mucosa. Topical delivery of medication has dramatically reduced the side effects of all classes of medication. As experience accrues, more studies indicate that inhalation therapy may become the mainstay of asthma treatment, even in the emergency department. Metered-dose inhalers have also aided in the resurgence of the use of cromolyn. There is certainly improved ease of administration and perhaps a reduced incidence of rebound bronchospasm. The appearance of newer beta 2-adrenergic agonists with improved beta 2-adrenergic selectivity and longer half-lives underscores the activity in asthma research. There is hope that selective bronchodilating corticosteroids or calcium-channel blockers can be developed. Bronchodilating prostaglandins and leukotrienes, or inhibitors of prostaglandins and leukotrienes that cause bronchoconstriction, are being investigated. An oral mast-cell membrane stabilizer is available and hopefully can be improved. Finally, the transdermal delivery of medication may open an entirely new avenue for the treatment of those suffering from asthma.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗