MentalHealthDaily

Effects of Spaceflight on Astronauts’ Mental Health: Neuroplasticity Changes & Cognitive Decline

by GLOOM

The extreme environment of spaceflight induces a myriad of stresses on astronauts – and these stresses may negatively impact mental health, neuroplasticity, and cognitive abilities. New research offers insight into the neurological mechanisms underlying these effects. Key Facts: Prolonged spaceflight can lead to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline in astronauts. The composite stresses of the …

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 …

TMS For Cognitive Enhancement (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

by GLOOM

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a technique utilized to stimulate specific regions of the brain via electromagnetic induction. The regions that receive stimulation typically depend on an individual’s reason for using TMS. For example, individuals using TMS for the treatment of depression may administer electrical pulses to the left prefrontal cortex, while individuals using TMS …

Genetically Modified Mice: PDE4B Inhibition Increases Intelligence, Reduces Anxiety

by GLOOM

Perhaps you’ve heard of the fictional story “Flowers for Algernon” about a laboratory mouse named Algernon. The mouse undergoes a nootropic-esque surgical procedure that dramatically amplifies his intelligence. The experiment is deemed so successful, that scientists decide to test the procedure in a human character named Charlie Gordon. Prior to the artificial enhancement of Charlie’s …

“MIND Diet” Foods May Prevent Alzheimer’s & Age-Related Cognitive Decline

by GLOOM

While people will always be in search of specific diets to help them lose weight, in recent years there is an increasing interest in how certain foods affect the human brain. It is estimated that there are currently over 5 million individuals in the United States that have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and dietary …

L-Tyrosine Benefits & Unestablished Claims (Scientific Research)

by GLOOM

Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid that was discovered circa 1846. The word “tyrosine” is derived from the Greek word “tyros” which translates roughly to “cheese.” Tyrosine is most commonly cited as “L-tyrosine” or the levorotatory “L” enantiomer due to the fact that L-amino acids are manufactured in cells and used in protein synthesis; dextrorotatory …

Ginkgo Biloba Benefits & False Claims Debunked (Scientific Research)

by GLOOM

Ginkgo Biloba is a highly popular tree native to China that is often cultivated for use as both a food source and dietary supplement. Some fossil evidence suggests that Ginkgo has been utilized for over 270 million years. Various temples in China are noted to have very old Ginkgo trees, some of which were planted …