Progress in brain research最新文献

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.

Hormesis, the concept that low doses of potentially harmful stressors can elicit adaptive, beneficial effects, plays a significant role in brain health and aging. Neurohormesis refers to the adaptive response of neurons to mild stress, activating pathways that enhance cellular repair. As the brain ages, it experiences disruptions in energy metabolism, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation, all of which contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like stroke, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis (MS). However, low-dose stressors such as exercise, fasting, and certain dietary compounds have been shown to activate stress-resilience mechanisms, promoting brain health and delaying neurodegeneration. Dietary interventions, such as calorie restriction (CR) and intermittent fasting (IF), stimulate neuroprotective signaling, involving molecular targets like NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These factors regulate stress-related chaperones and promote cognitive function. The chapter highlights the role of mitochondrial health, autophagy, and circadian rhythms in aging and neurohormesis by CR and IF. Despite the potential of hormetic interventions, aging impairs the capacity of the brain to respond to stress, making it more vulnerable to neurodegeneration. Understanding neurohormesis offers promising therapeutic avenues for enhancing brain resilience and delaying the onset of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. The integration of advanced technologies, such as multi-omics and epigenetic studies, could further elucidate the protective effects of hormesis on brain health, paving the way for targeted interventions to combat neurodegeneration.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has emerged as a promising indicator of brain health in neurodegenerative diseases. This chapter explores the intricate relationship between HRV and cognitive function, shedding light on its potential as a biomarker for neurological decline. We delve into the mechanisms underlying HRV and its connection to autonomic nervous system function, stress response, and memory processes. The chapter examines how HRV is affected in various neurodegenerative conditions and its associations with depression and cardiovascular health. We discuss the methods of monitoring HRV and factors influencing its measurements. The role of HRV in predicting agitation and its correlation with neuroimaging findings in neurodegenerative diseases are also explored. Finally, we consider strategies for improving HRV and their potential impact on brain health, offering insights into possible interventions for individuals at risk of or living with neurodegenerative disorders.

This chapter explores the intricate relationship between neurocardiology and neurodegenerative diseases, shedding light on the complex interplay between the brain and heart. It delves into the nervous control of cardiac function, emphasizing the role of intrinsic and extrinsic neural networks. The text examines emotional regulation's impact on cardiovascular health, highlighting the neuroendocrine pathways involved in stress responses. Furthermore, it investigates how neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease affect the brain-heart axis. The chapter also discusses cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques used to study these connections, providing a comprehensive overview of this emerging field. By integrating insights from neurology, cardiology, and psychology, this work contributes to our understanding of how cognitive decline and emotional states influence heart function, paving the way for novel therapeutic approaches.

The main purpose of this work is to identify the intersections between decolonial thought and psychedelic philosophy. By "psychedelic" we mean a pharmacological category, the effects of substances that modulates perception, a myriad of consciousness states, a set of ecstatic practices, a variety of countercultural movements, a constellation of artistic avant-gardes, and a plurality of ways of being. We thus intend to demonstrate how visionary aesthetics, liminal phenomenologies, ancestral epistemologies, ethics of resistance, politics of freedom and kaleidoscopic metaphysics are conceptual horizons from which a decolonization of the "manifestations of the mind" can come to light. Through an analytical-descriptive methodology, we idealize obtaining, as a result of this research, a philosophical justification of the indispensability of integrating decoloniality into the reflorescence of psychedelia. In a nutshell: we envision to clarify the extent to which psychedelic experiences can be ways of understanding insurgent knowledges, as well as explaining the proportion to which decolonial conceptions can be keys to interpreting psychedelic experiences.

Neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease present with increasing neurodegeneration and derangement. Genomic mutations and epigenetic changes are known to be part of their causation. This particular chapter discusses the key genetic factors like APP, SNCA, HTT, and C9orf72 mutations that influence the development and course of the disease. Furthermore, we examine epigenetic mechanisms-DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs-that regulate gene expression and contribute to neuronal susceptibility. The discussion also focuses on environmental and behavioral factors that affect the epigenome, highlighting gene-environment interactions. Advancements in omics technology and integrative studies have enhanced comprehension of biological pathways and uncovered novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The chapter therefore integrates epigenetic and genetic viewpoints to elucidate the intricate regulatory processes responsible for neurodegeneration and highlights potential avenues for early diagnosis, precision medicine, and therapeutic interventions aimed at remodeling disease pathways.

The global rise in age-related neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia, significantly impacts healthcare systems and quality of life. Mindfulness and meditation (MM), rooted in ancient philosophical traditions, are gaining attention as promising non-pharmacological treatments. This chapter examines the historical evolution, scientific foundations, therapeutic benefits, and existing challenges of mindfulness and meditation practices in promoting emotional and cognitive health among older adults. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, drawing from clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, neuroscientific studies, and literature reviews available in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Only peer-reviewed articles published in English, focusing specifically on mechanisms and therapeutic impacts of MM in aging populations, were included. Evidence supports MM's efficacy in enhancing cognitive function, emotional resilience, and overall mental health through mechanisms like neuroplasticity, increased gray matter density, improved autonomic balance, and reduced cortisol secretion. However, substantial challenges persist, including methodological variability, psychological risks such as anxiety or dissociative symptoms, and cultural sensitivity concerns, complicating broader implementation. Mindfulness and meditation are effective therapeutic approaches for addressing emotional and cognitive impairments associated with aging. Nevertheless, addressing methodological consistency, psychological safety, and cultural inclusivity remains critical. Further studies should emphasize methodological standardization, culturally adapted interventions, and technological innovations such as digital platforms and virtual reality to enhance MM's accessibility and effectiveness.

As individuals age, they undergo both biological and physiological changes that are apparent and expected. Another often overlooked aspect of senescence are the changes in cognition and behaviour. These are often misunderstood or complicated with common neurodegenerative disorders found in the elderly. This chapter acts as an introduction into these cognitive-behavioural changes. There are a variety of methodologies currently employed in the investigation of these changes, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, and animal studies. Novel methodologies are being deployed for the analysis of gut-flora interactions with the CNS and how they may impact behavioural changes as our microbiota changes in late-life. Multiple modulatory factors are at play as well, further complicating the multifaceted nature of ageing cognition differences. Sex and genetics are major factors that are associated with age-related behavioural changes. Gross structural and molecular changes in the CNS are also associated with pronounced changes in cognition. Low-grade chronic inflammation, epigenetics and infections also seem to be significant. Neurodegenerative diseases, whilst pathological, work in tandem with natural ageing and present age-related changes in behaviour. The most common changes are summarised and the expression of the previously discussed modulatory factors are presented.

This chapter aims to explore the theory, types, benefits, and practical applications of Reminiscence Therapy (RT) in elderly care. RT, developed by Robert Butler in the 1960s, uses past memories triggered by photos, music, and familiar objects to improve cognitive, emotional, and social well-being in older adults. The chapter first explains the history and types of RT, including integrative, instrumental, and transmissive forms. It then details the social benefits, highlighting how group RT reduces isolation and strengthens relationships among seniors. Next, the chapter discusses cognitive and emotional improvements such as enhanced memory, reduced depression, and increased self-acceptance. The practical use of RT in care settings is explained, showing how it supports patients with dementia by slowing cognitive decline and preserving identity. Finally, ethical considerations and cultural adaptations are emphasized to ensure effective and respectful therapy. Overall, the chapter presents RT as a valuable, person-centered approach that improves the quality of life for older adults by harnessing the healing power of memory and social connection.

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is one of the best non-drug treatments for dementia patients that is based on evidence and can help them improve their cognitive and emotional performance. CST developed from reality orientation and social interaction models into a prevalent intervention that employs themed activities to stimulate memory, language, and attention functions, thereby improving participant engagement and quality of life. This paper elucidates the theoretical framework, session organisation, and therapeutic methodologies of CST. The research examines the broader implications of CST by assessing its efficacy for patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), vascular dementia, and Parkinson's disease. This section assesses the enduring efficacy of CST and examines its correlation with pharmacological interventions, while also exploring contemporary adaptations of CST, including individualised CST (iCST), maintenance CST (MCST), and virtual or technology-enhanced delivery methods. The chapter evaluates global implementation practices, cultural adaptation strategies, and clinical implementation challenges, particularly in resource-limited settings. The chapter illustrates the synergistic benefits of integrating Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) with pharmacological interventions and physical exercise regimens, while emphasising the necessity for research to attain universal and sustainable access for global populations.