Brain ASAP

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Cognitive Enhancement: What the Research Suggests

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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is emerging as a revolutionary tool in enhancing cognitive functions, with over sixty studies indicating significant improvements in various tasks. Unlike traditional pharmaceutical approaches, TMS offers a non-invasive alternative to modulate brain activity, potentially benefiting healthy individuals and those with neurological conditions. Key Facts: Over 60 Studies Show TMS Enhancement: Research …

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Methamphetamine Dependence Linked to Parkinson’s Disease Risk

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New research reveals that people with a history of methamphetamine dependence face a startling elevated risk of developing Parkinson’s disease or related movement disorders later in life. Key Facts: Individuals dependent on methamphetamine had almost 3 times the rate of Parkinson’s outcomes compared to matched controls from the general population. For women with methamphetamine dependence, the risk …

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Antidepressants & Mania Risk in Bipolar Patients via Mitochondrial Effects

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A new Mayo Clinic study is the first to clinically investigate whether antidepressants that impact mitochondrial function differently are associated with varying rates of treatment-emergent mania in bipolar disorder. The study found that antidepressants that increase mitochondrial energetics were associated with nearly double the rates of treatment-emergent mania compared to antidepressants that decrease mitochondrial energetics. …

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Examining the Effects of Methylphenidate, Modafinil, Caffeine as Cognitive Enhancers in Healthy Adults

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Stimulants like caffeine, methylphenidate, and modafinil have repeatedly been shown to boost cognitive abilities such as attention, focus, and memory in healthy individuals. A new study provides insight into the underlying brain mechanisms of this cognitive enhancement effect. Key Facts: All three stimulants (caffeine, methylphenidate, modafinil) enhanced performance across different memory tasks Stimulants increased functional …

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Comparing Depression Treatments for Adults: Antidepressant Drugs, Talk Therapy (CBT), & Other Non-Drug Interventions

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A large review of research found that talk therapy works about as well as antidepressant medications for treating depression. The study also looked at other non-drug options, like exercise. While benefits were similar across treatments, side effects differed. Key Facts: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) achieved comparable results to medications for treating major depression. Remission rates …

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Key Anticancer Peptides (ACPs): Advances in Cancer Treatment

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Anti-cancer peptides (ACPs) offer a potentially more targeted way to detect and treat cancer compared to conventional therapies like chemotherapy. ACPs can discriminate between cancerous and healthy cells, resulting in fewer side effects. Key Facts: ACPs can actively penetrate and kill tumor cells or enhance the immune system’s response against tumors They have high specificity, …

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NLRP3 Inflammasome & Depression: Antidepressant Potential with Targeted Therapy?

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The NLRP3 inflammasome is increasingly being recognized as a mediator between inflammation and depression. Targeting this molecular complex shows promise for developing new antidepressant therapies. Key Facts: The NLRP3 inflammasome is made up of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 proteins that trigger inflammatory responses when activated. Evidence shows the NLRP3 inflammasome is overactivated in the brains …

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BPC-157 Peptide May Treat CNS Disorders: Stroke, Schizophrenia, Spinal Cord Injury

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The naturally occurring peptide BPC 157 shows potential to treat stroke, schizophrenia symptoms, and spinal cord injury in animal models. Key facts: BPC 157 rapidly counteracted stroke damage and led to full recovery of memory, coordination and movement in rats. The peptide alleviated schizophrenia-like symptoms and catalepsy in rodent models by modulating dopamine, glutamate and …

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Improving Addiction Treatment by Targeting Cognitive Deficits

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People struggling with substance use disorders often have difficulties with memory, attention, planning, and decision-making. New research explores how these cognitive deficits relate to treatment outcomes and whether targeting them could improve addiction recovery. Key Facts: Cognitive deficits are common in people with substance use disorders, especially relating to memory, attention, self-control, and reward-based decision-making. …

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Ketamine’s Long-Lasting Antidepressant Effects via “Trapping” in NMDA Receptors & LHb

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Researchers uncover a surprising molecular mechanism that explains ketamine’s exceptionally long-lasting antidepressant effects. Key Facts: Ketamine’s antidepressant effects last for days after its concentration drops to low, ineffective levels only an hour after administration. This contrasts starkly with ketamine’s short 13-minute half-life in the body. Ketamine continues blocking NMDA receptors and suppressing activity in the …

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