MentalHealthDaily

Prostate Cancer Survivors Who Smoke Showed Lower Verbal Memory Scores

by GLOOM

MHD featured image for smoking, verbal memory, and cognition in prostate cancer survivors.

A 2026 study involving 118 prostate cancer survivors found the clearest lifestyle-cognition signal around smoking: smokers learned fewer words across repeated verbal-memory trials, while obesity and physical activity produced narrower reaction-time findings and no significant anxiety or depression differences. Research Highlights Smoking tracked verbal learning: in 118 prostate cancer survivors, smokers scored lower on Verbal …

Parental Mental Illness and Offspring IQ: Schizophrenia Hits Hardest

by GLOOM

Stylized illustration of cognitive trajectories in children of parents with severe mental illness, suggesting a gradient of effect across schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.

A 1.6M-participant meta-analysis shows a clear gradient: parental schizophrenia hits offspring cognition harder than bipolar, which hits harder than MDD.

Alcohol & Brain Volume in Older Adults: Cortical Thinning & White Matter Loss in Heavy Drinkers (250g/Week) (2023 Study)

by GLOOM

Alcohol’s effects on the brain, especially among the elderly, have long been a subject of scientific inquiry. A recent study from Gothenburg, Sweden, provides new insights into how varying levels of alcohol consumption impact brain structure in individuals aged 70 and over. This research sheds light on the relationship between alcohol intake and the aging …

Cognitive Function Does Not Predict Response to tDCS for Depression (2023 Trial)

by GLOOM

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has been explored as a potential treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This non-invasive technique involves applying a weak electrical current to the prefrontal cortex of the brain, aiming to modulate neurocognitive functions. However, …

Effect of A Short Nap on Cognitive Function & Brain Connectivity with Sleep Deprivation (2023 Study)

by GLOOM

Sleep deprivation (SD) is a common issue in today’s fast-paced world, leading to temporary cognitive impairments that can significantly affect daily functioning. However, new research reveals that even a short nap following a period of SD can help reverse these impairments to some extent, shedding light on the brain’s remarkable ability to recover. Highlights: Cognitive …

Abnormal EEG Microstates Linked to Major Depression & Related Cognitive Impairment (2024 Study)

by GLOOM

In the quest to understand the enigmatic nature of depression, scientists are turning to the intricate patterns of brain activity, seeking clues hidden within the electrical storm of thoughts and emotions. By examining electroencephalography (EEG) microstates—brief, recurring patterns of brain activity—researchers have begun to piece together how depression alters the fundamental dynamics of the brain. …

Berberine for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment: Mechanisms & Efficacy (2023 Review)

by GLOOM

In the quest for more effective treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), berberine, a bioactive compound derived from traditional Chinese medicine, has emerged as a promising candidate. Recent preclinical studies have showcased its potential to combat the debilitating effects of AD, with evidence pointing towards its ability to improve cognitive functions, reduce hallmark AD pathologies such …