Progress in brain research最新文献

Stress can cause severe damage to the CNS and contribute to an increased risk of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Gaining more insight into the neurobiology of stress is essential to treating neurological disorders associated with stress, which account for a high percentage of the world's disease burden. However, because of complicated variations in stressor types, stress perception, and preceding exposure to stressors, studying the impacts of stress is challenging. Gender, age, and timing are other crucial variables that can influence the stress response. Behavioral, physiological, genetic, and cellular/molecular neuroscience methodologies have all been widely applied in various research contexts to examine the neurobiological impacts of stress. Furthermore, because these approaches are invasive and hence undesirable or impractical for use in humans, they are frequently challenging to adapt to a therapeutic context. As an alternative to invasive procedures, functional neuroimaging approaches are starting to be developed. We discuss in this chapter brain neural networks under stress brain connection.

Human sexuality is shaped by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors, influencing individual identity, behaviors, relationships, and sexual experience. Far from merely reflecting anatomical characteristics, sexuality encompasses emotional and sexual attraction toward individuals across gender spectrums, guided by factors including hormones, genetics, brain processes, and environmental influences. Societal norms and cultural beliefs also mold sexual expression, with diverse sexual identities being either embraced or stigmatized, impacting individual well-being. Sexual health, essential for mental and physical health, connects closely to brain morphology, function, and associated neural mechanisms. The hypothalamus and neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin influence desire, feeling, and pleasure. Additionally, sexuality is linked with the progression and prevalence of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Sexual dysfunction relating to these diseases often emerges due to neurological changes, cognitive decline, and physical limitations. However, the feeling of sexual satisfaction can mitigate the impact of these diseases by promoting cognitive function, emotional intimacy, and stress reduction. Sexual activity in older adults is linked to better cardiovascular and cognitive health, emphasizing the broader health benefits of sexual well-being. Understanding sexuality across all stages of life, in both health and illness, is essential as it forms an integral part of general well-being and human existence.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in high income countries and third most common cause of blindness worldwide. This chapter provides an overview of existing literature pertaining to the ways in which AMD impacts clinical measures of visual function, quality of life, and performance of everyday tasks. As well as being used in clinics, some of the tests described in this chapter have the potential to be piloted in patients' homes as self-monitoring tools, or as patient-centred outcome measures in clinical trials for new treatments in AMD. Moreover, the research findings reported in this literature review should help clinicians with patient management and expectations, and should to inform future patient, public and professional education on AMD.

The intricate relationship between cardiovascular health and cognitive function has emerged as a critical area of research in neurodegenerative diseases. This review explored the role of cardiac biomarkers as predictors of cognitive decline, elucidating the types, mechanisms, and clinical implications of these molecular indicators. We examined established biomarkers such as troponins, natriuretic peptides, and C-reactive protein, as well as emerging soluble biomarkers and microRNAs. The mechanisms linking cardiac dysfunction to cognitive decline were discussed, including vascular damage, neuroinflammation, and neurohormonal imbalances. Evidence from clinical studies demonstrated associations between elevated cardiac biomarkers and structural brain changes, as well as a decline in memory and executive function. Despite promising findings, current research faces limitations, including population-specific biases, limited biomarker diversity, and incomplete understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms. We highlighted the clinical implications of incorporating cardiac biomarkers into cognitive health assessments, emphasizing their potential for early detection, risk stratification, and personalized management strategies. The integration of cardiac biomarkers with neuroimaging, genetic data, and neuropsychological assessments is recognized to offer a comprehensive approach to managing high-risk populations. Looking ahead, we identified key areas for future research, including the need for large-scale, longitudinal studies across diverse populations, the exploration of novel biomarkers, and the application of artificial intelligence to enhance predictive models. The potential of cardiac biomarkers in public health initiatives and preventive screening programs was also discussed. Cardiac biomarkers represent a vital link between heart and brain health, offering valuable insights into the complex pathways of cognitive deterioration in neurodegenerative diseases. Their integration into clinical practice holds promise for improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals at risk of, or suffering from, cognitive decline worldwide.

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation is commonly observed in a class of neurodegenerative disorders known as α-synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease (PD), Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), and Pure Autonomic Failure. The ANS controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and respiratory rate, and its disruption can significantly impact patients' quality of life. In neurodegenerative disorders, damage to brain regions that regulate the ANS, such as the brainstem and hypothalamus, leads to impaired autonomic functions. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart function by balancing sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. The sympathetic branch increases heart rate and contractility during stress, while the parasympathetic branch slows heart rate during rest. This dynamic control ensures optimal heart function, adjusting to physiological demands and maintaining cardiovascular stability. In Parkinson's disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies disorder, degeneration of dopaminergic neurons affects the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS, contributing to cardiovascular dysfunction symptoms like orthostatic hypotension, postprandial hypotension, nondipping, and supine hypertension. In Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), autonomic nervous system dysfunction disrupts heart regulation, leading to severe cardiovascular issues such as orthostatic hypotension, abnormal heart rate, and impaired blood pressure control. These autonomic disturbances increase the risk of fainting, cardiovascular instability and contribute to significant morbidity in MSA patients. The cardiac autonomic function is assessed through some tests like heart rate variability (HRV), isometric handgrip test, orthostatic test, deep breathing tests, baroreflex sensitivity test, and Valsalva manoeuvre which evaluate the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity. These assessments help identify autonomic dysfunction, which can indicate underlying conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases or cardiovascular disorders.

Introduction: Pharmacological interventions for behavioral symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are limited and recent studies point out benefits with the use of cannabinoids.

Method: This longitudinal observational study investigates ASD symptoms after 3 months of starting cannabidiol (CBD)-rich extract therapy and it's impact on the mental health of caregivers. Assessment was based on clinical and socioeconomic questionnaire, Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Vineland 3 Scale. The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) was applied to evaluate caregiver's health.

Results: Sixteen patients with ASD who received cannabinoid treatment (CBD group) and seventeen patients with ASD without cannabinoid treatment (control group). CBD group was characterized as severe autism, ATEC total (SD) 85.5 ± 34.00, while controls as moderate, ATEC total (SD) 58.6 ± 25.53 (p = 0.047). After 3 months of treatment, CBD group showed a reduction in maladaptive behavior - internalizing (Vineland 3) (p = 0.008), and their caregivers a reduction in symptoms of Interpersonal Sensitivity (BSI) (p = 0.038), Global Severity Index (BSI) (p = 0.025) and Positive Symptom Distress Index (BSI) (p = 0.007), indicating reduction on mental health symptoms. For the control group, after 3 months there was a significant increase in scores for Daily Living Activities (Vineland 3) (p = 0.031) and Socialization (ATEC) (p = 0.037).

Conclusion: This study suggests that therapy with cannabidiol (CBD)-rich extract in severe ASD may have positive effects on anxious and depressive symptoms, potentially positively impacting on the mental health of their caregivers.

This chapter explores the ethical landscape of non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) in elderly adults for neuropsychiatric illnesses. As drug-free alternatives, NPIs ranging from cognitive and behavioral therapies to lifestyle changes, sensory modalities, and AI-based devices, are becoming increasingly popular due to their therapeutic utility and reduced risk of side effects. However, their use raises pertinent ethical concerns of autonomy, informed consent, equity, privacy of information, and the role of artificial intelligence. The chapter addresses the impact of cognitive impairments on decision-making capacity and, therefore, the place of shared decision-making and supported consent. Structural access barriers, including geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic differences, are also addressed. Of particular interest are the ethical use of digital technology, where confidentiality of data, transparency, and impartiality of algorithms are crucial in upholding patient trust and dignity. By threading ethical critique throughout each area of intervention, the chapter invokes inclusive, patient-centered practice respectful of justice, beneficence, and respect for persons. The objective is to support responsible innovation in neuropsychiatric care that is continuous and participative, with stakeholders and ethical oversight at all stages.

Stress remains a pervasive challenge in modern life, exerting significant impacts on cognitive performance and overall well-being by triggering release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. It has profound implications for education, work performance, and everyday life, impacting cognitive performance, health outcomes, and social relationships. It does this by impacting memory, attention and focus, informed decision-making, developmental and cognitive performance, work and educational performance, genetic and epigenetic influence, and public health. When a stressor is perceived, the hypothalamus in the brain signals the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone, hence adrenaline is quickly released into the bloodstream, causing immediate physiological changes and thus releasing cortisol gradually to help maintain the body's response to stress over a longer period through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and sympathetic-adrenomedullar axis. The impacts can be short-term or long-term focusing on the working memory, pre-frontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. By recognizing these implications and implementing targeted interventions, we can foster environments that support resilience, optimize performance, and enhance overall well-being across diverse contexts. This chapter also highlighted some mitigation strategies to reduce stress-related activities and improve cognitive performance, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, healthy lifestyle adoption, pet therapy, time management and prioritization, and workplace interventions.

Chronic stress is a striking cause of major neurodegenerative diseases disorders (NDDs). These diseases share several common mechanisms regarding to disease pathology, in spite of they have various properties and clinical manifestations. NDDs are defined by progressive cognitive decline, and stress contribute to the promotion and progression of disease. In addition, various pathways such as production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurodegeneration are the main crucial hallmarks to develop common NDDs, resulting in neuronal cell death. Although the exact mechanisms of NDDs are underexplored, the potential neuroprotective critical role of such therapies in neuronal loss the treatment of NDDs are not clear. In this regard, researchers investigate the neuroprotective effects of targeting underlying cascade to introduce a promising therapeutic option to NDDs. Herein, we provide an overview of the role of non-pharmacological treatments against oxidative stress, mitochondrial symbiosis, and neuroinflammation in NDDs, mainly discussing the music, diet, and exercise effects of targeting pathways.

Emotions have a significant impact on how decisions are made, affecting both intuitive and rational decisions. The dynamic interaction between emotions and cognition is examined in this chapter, with a focus on how emotions like fear, excitement, and empathy might influence judgment in ambiguous situations. This chapter explores the unconscious ways in which emotions influence risk assessments and decision-making, based on dual-process theories, neurobiological underpinnings, and the function of emotional priming. The impact of the neuropeptide oxytocin on prosocial behavior and trust is also demonstrated, highlighting its significance in social decision-making. The chapter highlights how crucial it is to comprehend the emotional foundations of decision-making in order to enhance both personal and professional outcomes.