Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Targeting the Gut Microbiome to Treat Epilepsy & Seizures: Future Potential (2024 Research)

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Gut microbiota may influence epilepsy, but the exact mechanisms and involved microbiota are unclear, with potential treatments including ketogenic diets, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplants being explored. Highlights: Approximately 33% of epilepsy patients are resistant to all antiseizure medications, with the role of gut microbiota in epilepsy being increasingly evident. The gut-brain axis, involving neuroendocrine, …

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The Glymphatic System vs. Brain Health & Impact of Exercise & Sleep (2024 Research)

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Researchers reviewed the potential impacts of physical exercise on the glymphatic system and its implications for neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on the mechanisms involved and the interplay between exercise and sleep quality. Highlights: The glymphatic system, a brain cleansing mechanism, may play a critical role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases by clearing metabolic waste, including …

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Nanoparticle Enhanced Radiotherapy (NERT) for Brain Tumor Treatment (2024 Research)

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Nanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapy (NERT) is a promising approach to improving brain tumor treatment by enhancing radiotherapy efficacy through targeted delivery and radiosensitization while overcoming challenges posed by the blood-brain barrier. Highlights: Mechanisms of Action: NERT utilizes nanoparticles (NPs) as radiosensitizers, enhancing radiation-induced damage through physical dose enhancement and biological/chemical sensitization. Types of Nanoparticles: Various NP types, …

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Cocaine Addiction Linked to Brain Shrinkage & Grey Matter Deficits (2024 Study)

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Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD) patients exhibit widespread gray matter atrophy, with specific brain volume deficits associated with crack-cocaine use and relapse outcomes. Highlights: Widespread Gray Matter Atrophy: CUD patients show significant gray matter volume reductions in frontal and temporal cortices, cerebellum, and subcortical structures compared to healthy controls. Route of Use: Crack-cocaine use is linked …

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Social Anxiety Disorder & Brain Structure Abnormalities: Cortical Thickness Analysis (2024 Study)

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The study found that patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) exhibit distinct structural brain alterations, including cortical thickening and thinning in specific regions, which fit into existing neurocircuitry models of the disorder. Highlights: Cortical Thickness Alterations: Patients with SAD showed increased cortical thickness in the left insula, superior parietal lobule, superior temporal gyrus, and frontopolar …

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OCD Treatment with Antidepressants (SSRIs) Alters Brain Structure & Functions (2024 Study)

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Antidepressant treatment in OCD is linked to structural and functional brain changes, particularly in corticosubcortical areas, but these findings need further validation in larger, more homogeneous samples. Highlights: Antidepressant Use: Antidepressants, especially SSRIs, are a primary treatment for OCD, resulting in significant brain changes. Brain Structure Changes: Studies show volume alterations in the thalamus, amygdala, …

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Fidgeting May Enhance Attention in Adults with ADHD During Cognitively Demanding Tasks (2024 Study)

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Fidgeting in adults with ADHD may serve as a compensatory mechanism to sustain attention during cognitively demanding tasks, particularly during correct task performance and when reaction time variability is low. Highlights: Fidgeting was significantly higher during correct trials compared to incorrect trials, suggesting it may aid in task performance. Increased fidgeting was observed in later …

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Shared Genes & Biological Pathways in Depression & Alzheimer’s Disease (2024 Study)

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A study found shared brain-specific mechanisms between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and depression, particularly involving synaptic signaling and immune system pathways in the hippocampus, but no direct genetic overlap. Highlights: Six brain-specific eQTL genes (SRA1, MICA, PCDHA7, PCDHA8, PCDHA10, PCDHA13) are shared between AD and depression. Pathway analysis identified shared biological pathways, including synaptic signaling, myelination, …

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Lithium Appears Neuroprotective in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) (2024 Research)

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Lithium shows promise in treating traumatic brain injury (TBI) by mitigating neuroinflammation, protecting against neuronal damage, and improving cognitive functions. Highlights: Neuroprotective Mechanisms: Lithium’s therapeutic effects involve complex molecular mechanisms including gene expression, neurotransmitter signaling, and circadian modulation, contributing to neuronal protection and recovery post-TBI. Targeted Brain Regions: Post-treatment, lithium concentrations are notably higher in …

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Mitochondrial Dysfunction Linked to Psychiatric Disorders Like Autism & ADHD (2024 Study)

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A study found a strong link between mitochondrial disorders and conditions like autism, ADHD, and various psychiatric issues. Highlights: Common Link: Mitochondrial disorders are frequently found in people with autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities. ASD Emphasis: Most research focused on autism, suggesting it might be more strongly linked to mitochondrial issues or simply better funded. …

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