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 …
Researchers have uncovered an important new mechanism that causes inflammation and damage to the brain’s white matter in Alzheimer’s disease. This discovery about how brain cells called microglia die could lead to new Alzheimer’s treatments. Key Facts: The study found that microglia, which are immune cells in the brain, die through a process called “ferroptosis” …
A new large genetics study has discovered new clues into how levels of a protein called apolipoprotein E (ApoE) in the blood may influence a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Key facts: Researchers found 9 new genetic variants that influence ApoE levels in the blood. Some raise levels, while others lower levels. People with …
Prescription opioid painkillers like oxycodone can be very addictive. People who use them for a long time often have trouble stopping, even if the drugs start causing problems. A new study tested a drug that blocks brain signals that keep people wanting opioids. The drug helped rats stop seeking oxycodone and improved their sleep and …
Researchers explored the relationship between body weight and depression symptoms in teens and adults. They found a link between higher body weight and increased depression, especially among teens. Genetic factors appear to play only a small role. Key Facts: Teens who had higher body mass index (BMI) at age 12 were more likely to have …
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects how people think, feel, and behave. It involves problems with hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, lack of motivation, and impaired functioning. Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population and typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood. The causes are still poorly understood. In a new study, researchers found …
