Aspartame is an artificial sweetener found in over 6,000 food products. While it provides a sweet taste without calories, emerging research suggests aspartame may negatively impact brain health and function. Key Facts: Aspartame is made up of phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol. High levels of these metabolites may cause neurophysiological issues. Studies link aspartame to …
A new study published in PLOS Medicine has found associations between consumption of artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame and acesulfame potassium, and increased risk of overall cancer as well as breast and obesity-related cancers. Key findings: Higher consumers of artificial sweeteners had a 13% increased risk of overall cancer compared to non-consumers. Aspartame intake was associated …
Headaches are an extremely prevalent health issue, but medications can have side effects or lose effectiveness over time. Primary headaches, which have no identified underlying cause, include migraine, tension-type headache, and cluster headache. These cause significant disability worldwide. While medications are commonly used, non-pharmacological treatments are gaining interest as alternatives or additions to drug regimens. …
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (TACS) is an emerging non-invasive brain stimulation technique that shows promise for enhancing cognition and treating psychiatric conditions like depression and schizophrenia. Recent research indicates TACS may improve symptoms and function by modulating brain oscillations and connectivity. Key facts: TACS delivers alternating electrical current to the brain at specific frequencies, which …
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent mental illness and leading cause of disability worldwide. While treatments exist, they are far from optimal and up to 30% of patients fail to respond. There is an urgent need to identify factors that may enhance treatment response in MDD. Targeting inflammation has been proposed as a …
The novel combination drug dextromethorphan-bupropion (Auvelity) was recently approved by the FDA as an oral antidepressant that works rapidly to treat major depressive disorder in adults. This new medication represents an exciting development for depression treatment. Here are some key facts about this drug: Works significantly faster than standard antidepressants, showing efficacy in as little …
Personality disorders like borderline and avoidant involve differences in brain structure and function that relate to symptoms. New research sheds light on the neurobiology underlying these disorders. Key Facts: Borderline patients showed reduced medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) volume compared to healthy controls. MPFC is involved in cognitive control of emotion. Both borderline and avoidant patients …
Depression affects over 300 million people globally. Current treatments have limited efficacy for many patients. Exciting new research highlights the potential of allopregnanolone agonists like brexanolone and zuranolone as more targeted, rapid-acting antidepressants. Key Facts: Allopregnanolone is a neurosteroid that regulates mood and is decreased in depression. Its agonists boost allopregnanolone activity. Brexanolone is the …
Brain death during pregnancy is extremely rare but presents profound ethical, medical, and legal challenges. Key Facts: Brain death during pregnancy is very rare, with about 35 cases reported worldwide. The most common cause is bleeding in the brain from ruptured aneurysms or trauma. Infection, unstable vital signs, and hormone deficiencies are common after brain …
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting children. A new randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science suggests that mobile neurofeedback training may help improve attention and reduce symptoms in children with ADHD. Key Takeaways: 74 children aged 8-15 with ADHD participated in a …
