Progress in brain research最新文献

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.

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.

Early life stress is the term used to describe a variety of traumatic events that a person may have as a kid, such as being subjected to domestic or public violence, being neglected, experiencing parental conflict, being abused physically, emotionally and sexually. These events have the potential to seriously impair the brains normal growth and development, which could have long term psychological and physiological repercussions. Early life stress (ELS) has profound and enduring effects on brain development, contributing to long-term neurological and behavioral changes. Neurologically, ELS can reduce hippocampal volume, impairing memory and emotional regulation, while also sensitizing the amygdala, leading to exaggerated fear and anxiety responses. Additionally, ELS can disrupt the development of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), affecting decision-making, planning, and impulse control. It also alters neurotransmitter systems, such as serotonin and dopamine, influencing mood and motivation, and can trigger chronic neuroinflammation, increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Behaviorally, ELS heightens the risk of anxiety, depression, and impulsivity, and can contribute to conditions like ADHD and substance abuse Social and emotional difficulties, such as challenges in relationships and empathy, often arise, along with cognitive impairments in learning and memory. Furthermore, ELS increases stress responsiveness, making individuals more vulnerable to future stress. However, these effects can be mitigated by supportive environments and targeted interventions.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuron loss, α-synuclein aggregation, and oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. These contribute to motor symptoms like bradykinesia, tremor, rigidity, and postural instability, alongside non-motor issues such as cognitive decline and autonomic dysfunction. With rising global prevalence, especially in aging populations, understanding PD's complex pathophysiology is essential for advancing effective therapeutic strategies. This chapter offers a comprehensive overview of Parkinson's disease, covering its demographic trends, molecular mechanisms, symptoms, and current pharmacological treatments, including their mechanisms, classifications, benefits, and side effects. The central focus is on the emerging shift from standard symptomatic care to personalized, precision-based treatment strategies. These include gene-targeted therapies like RNA interference and CRISPR-Cas9, mitochondrial-based approaches, and stem cell innovations such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Pharmacogenetic profiling and biomarker-based interventions further support individualized therapeutic plans by predicting drug responses and tracking disease progression. This chapter explores patient-centric models like personalized neurorehabilitation, DBS, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, alongside advanced technologies such as AI, VR, AR, and wearable devices that enhance treatment, symptom monitoring, and real-time feedback through mobile applications. Lifestyle adaptations, including precision nutrition and customized exercise regimens, are highlighted as key components of comprehensive care. This chapter highlights a personalized, multi-dimensional approach to Parkinson's disease management, integrating molecular, technological, and lifestyle strategies to both ease symptoms and modify disease progression.

The chapter outlines how precision medicine is reshaping the way neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) which includes Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease (HD) are understood, diagnosed, and treated. It discusses the limitations of current therapies, which mainly address symptoms without altering disease progression. Genetic and molecular factors that influence disease development are described, including distinctions between familial and sporadic forms. The chapter also covers the roles of epigenetic changes, gene expression, protein dysfunction, mitochondrial DNA, and non-coding RNAs in NDs. Biomarkers in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, along with imaging techniques and digital tools, are presented as key elements in early diagnosis and disease monitoring. Patient stratification based on clinical features, molecular profiles, and biomarkers helps guide treatment decisions and improve outcomes. The chapter reviews ongoing developments in genotype-based drug design, gene therapy, pharmacogenomics, and personalized lifestyle strategies. Clinical case studies show how these approaches are being used in practice. The chapter also discusses challenges in applying precision medicine, such as trial design, data integration, unequal access, and regulatory hurdles. Finally, it highlights the future tools like single-cell transcriptomics, digital twins, and global research collaborations that aim to bring precision approaches into everyday care.

Neuropsychiatric disorders are chronic diseases present in the community and cause both personal and community burdens. Though therapeutically useful and beneficial, standard treatments and managements face some challenges such as social discrimination, concerns about treatments' side effects, and delay in the delivery of the healthcare services. To overcome these barriers, technology-assisted interventions have emerged and are nowadays increasingly used due to their potentials to offer accessible, personalized, and cost-efficient care in neuropsychiatric field. It is believed that these new advancements provide many advantages, such as accessibility, the direct follow-up of the patients, and the development of neuropsychiatric care in the low-income countries. In contrast, technology-assisted interventions in neuropsychiatric disorders encounter certain limitations, especially those related to ethical considerations such as patient privacy, equal access, and data security. This article reviews the role of digital health tools, neurostimulation techniques, and brain-computer interface in neuropsychiatric field. Also, it discusses the advantages and limitations of each technology.

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.

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.

This chapter explores the profound impact of love and joyful memories on the brainstem, emphasizing their significance for mental and emotional well-being. It introduces the brainstem's role in essential life functions and its connection to higher emotional processes. Topics delve into the neurobiology of love, detailing how chemicals like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin interact with brainstem activity, influencing physical health and emotional resilience. The chapter also examines the role of positive memories, explaining how recalling them activates relaxation responses, reduces stress, and enhances well-being. Practical strategies for cultivating love and creating positive memories are discussed, including mindfulness and intentional relationship-building. The chapter also explores emerging research on love and memory as therapeutic tools for conditions such as PTSD and anxiety. In conclusion, the chapter highlights the interconnectedness of love, memory, and the brainstem, proposing that nurturing these connections can lead to increased joy and emotional fulfillment, making it a valuable resource for both neuroscience and personal development.