Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) from the breakdown of plastic materials pollute the environment and make their way into the human body, raising concerns over potential health impacts. Research shows that microplastics and nanoplastics are able to cross the blood-brain barrier in mice within 2 hours of ingestion. Key Facts: Polystyrene nanoparticles with a size of …
Obesity now affects over 650 million adults globally and is a major risk factor for various chronic diseases including cognitive decline and impairment. Recent evidence shows a link between obesity, reduced brain volume and neuronal loss, increased dementia risk, and impaired learning, memory and cognition. Preliminary evidence suggests that weight loss drugs like semaglutide may …
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by problems with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While ADHD has historically been considered a disorder of childhood, it is now known that symptoms frequently persist into adulthood. A new pilot study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry provides the first data indicating that a newer …
Advanced analysis of multidimensional EEG data reveals significant differences in brain activity patterns between Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Depressive Disorder (DD). The distinguishing factors seem to be differences in beta brain waves and functional connectivity between various brain regions. Key Facts: Patients with DD exhibited higher power spectrum density (PSD) values and fuzzy entropy …
A new study provides promising evidence that delivering transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) remotely in people’s homes could be an effective treatment approach for major depressive disorder. The key facts are: tDCS is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation that uses electrical currents to modulate activity in targeted brain regions. When applied to the left …
New research suggests a U-shaped relationship between dietary niacin and depression risk, with the lowest risk around 36 mg/day. Key Facts: Moderate niacin intake was associated with a 24-32% lower odds of depression compared to the lowest intake. The relationship was U-shaped – higher and lower intakes were associated with higher depression risk. 36 mg/day …
A study suggests that mindfulness training can not only improve mindfulness, but also make functional brain reconfiguration more efficient in older adults with sleep issues. Mindfulness training enhanced measures of “mindfulness” (i.e. the quality or state of being conscious or aware) as well as functional brain connectivity patterns – relative to a control intervention. Key …