Brain activity may affect immune functions

MADISON, Wis., Sept. 4 (UPI) -- A new study indicates good health may involve more than washing hands or keeping a positive attitude -- it might also involve your brain activity.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison monitored activity levels in the human brain's prefrontal cortex in demonstrating for the first time that people who have more activity in the left side of their brain also have a stronger immune response against disease.

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The finding, soon to be published in the online edition of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, pinpoints one of the mechanisms underlying the link between mental and physical well being.

University neuroscientist and lead researcher of the study Dr. Richard Davidson told Science Daily magazine: "Emotions play an important role in modulating bodily systems that influence our health. We turned to the brain to understand the mechanisms by which the mind influences the body."

While earlier studies linked emotional and physical health, as well as brain activity and affective style, Davidson says none established a direct link between brain activity and immune function. The latest study by the UW-Madison group demonstrates that connection.