Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Dopamine plays an important role in PD development. Here are some key facts: Dopamine is a chemical messenger in the brain involved in movement, motivation, and mood. Loss of dopamine-producing neurons causes the motor symptoms of PD like tremors, rigidity, and …
A new study suggests that eating more acid-producing foods may increase the risk of depression and anxiety, especially in women. Here are the key facts: Women with high dietary acid load had 21% higher odds of severe depression compared to those with low acid load. People with high dietary acid load had 13% higher odds …
Major depressive disorder (depression) is very common. It causes a lot of suffering and disability around the world. The good news is many people get better with medication, psychotherapy (talk therapy), or both. But for some people, depression just won’t go away even after trying multiple treatments. This is called treatment-resistant depression or TRD. Key …
A new study tracked changes in brain volume in depressed patients after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT or “electroshock therapy”). The study found that ECT led to increases in gray matter (brain tissue), which then decreased substantially over the next 2 years. The initial increases did not relate to improvement in depression symptoms. However, greater decreases 2 …
Researchers explored how our brain’s reward system connects to depression and other common mental health problems like social anxiety and eating disorders. They found that a dampened reward response seems to follow, rather than precede, symptoms of depression and other disorders. This highlights the important role that blunted enjoyment plays in the persistence of mental …
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been called the “signature injury” of recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. TBIs are concerning because they can cause long-term issues like headaches, memory problems, and trouble thinking clearly. A new study looked at which military jobs put service members most at risk for TBIs. It found that certain combat-related …
Trouble sleeping may raise your risk of dementia later in life, according to a new 19-year study of over 22,000 middle-aged and older adults in Sweden. Both insomnia symptoms and shorter sleep were linked to higher chances of developing dementia down the road. Key facts: Adults reporting insomnia symptoms had an 18% higher risk of …
A new drug recently approved for Alzheimer’s disease aims to treat the underlying cause of the condition by removing amyloid plaques in the brain. Though promising, the drug called aducanumab also comes with potential side effects that require careful monitoring. Key facts: Aducanumab is the first drug that targets and removes amyloid plaques, sticky buildups …
Experiencing chronic stress or taking addictive drugs like cocaine can change your brain and behavior in similar ways, making you prone to anxiety or addiction. Key Facts: Chronic stress and chronic drug abuse both impair the striatum, which can make people become rigid in their thinking and unable to update information. This can promote anxiety, …
A new study in mice shows how the immune system may play a role in the early gastrointestinal symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, decades before movement problems develop. Researchers found that injecting a specific piece of the alpha-synuclein protein into genetically modified mice triggered inflammation and loss of nerve cells in the gut, leading to constipation …
