Mental Health Daily

D-Mannose & ACSS2 Enzyme: Rapid Depression Treatment via BDNF & TPH2

by GLOOM

Researchers have uncovered a critical role for the metabolic enzyme acetyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2) in depression, identifying it as a novel target for rapid-acting and long-lasting antidepressant therapies. Findings show ACSS2 regulates both brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels to improve synaptic plasticity and serotonin synthesis through tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) to mediate …

Depression Linked to 12 Gastrointestinal Diseases in Genetic Analysis Study

by GLOOM

A new study published in Translational Psychiatry found evidence that genetic predisposition to depression is associated with increased risks of 12 different gastrointestinal diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcerative colitis, and more. The study helps establish a causal relationship between depression and gastrointestinal disease risk while minimizing confounding …

Statins & Depression: Antidepressant Effect by Lowering Cholesterol?

by GLOOM

Statins are among the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide. While best known for lowering cholesterol, emerging evidence suggests that statin drugs may also impact mental health – but in complex, and sometimes contradictory, ways. Key Facts: Animal and some human studies show statins may have antidepressant effects by altering neurotransmitters, promoting neurogenesis, and reducing inflammation. …

Long COVID Brain Fog & Cognitive Deficits Linked to Specific Biomarkers

by GLOOM

A large prospective study has uncovered two blood biomarker profiles measured during acute COVID-19 that are associated with cognitive deficits months later. Higher fibrinogen and lower C-reactive protein predict both objective and subjective cognitive impairment. Higher D-dimer and lower C-reactive protein predict subjective deficits and occupational impact. Key Facts: In 1,837 COVID-19 patients, two acute …

Milk Fat Globule & Lactoferrin Infant Formula May Boost Intelligence (IQ)

by GLOOM

Parents naturally want to do everything they can to optimize brain development in their children. The first years of life are a critical window when nutrition lays the foundation for lifelong brain health and abilities. A new study shows that an infant formula augmented with certain milk fats and an immune protein offers cognitive advantages …

Parkinsons Disease Diagnosis Years in Advance? Retinal Thinning via Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

by GLOOM

Recent research provides evidence that Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with thinning of specific retinal layers that can be detected years before diagnosis. Key facts: Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) had thinner retinal ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers compared to controls. Thinning of the inner nuclear layer, which contains dopamine cells, was also seen …

Antidepressants (SSRIs) & Permanent Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD): A Risk to Consider

by GLOOM

Treatment with commonly prescribed antidepressants may cause a small proportion of patients to develop persistent sexual side effects that continue even after stopping the medication. This condition is known as post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD). Key Facts: The study found 0.46% of patients developed erectile dysfunction that continued after stopping antidepressants. This suggests the risk of …