Author Archives: Stéphane Bastianetto

1. Dizziness

   29 janvier 2023 10 h 17 min Leave a Comment

   Many older people experience dizziness that can be acute (coming on suddenly) or chronic (continuing). 

   Dizziness can be the result of a specific disorder or a combination of several problems. 

   Symptoms of dizziness that occur before fainting are called presyncope. 

   Dizziness can be caused by medications, blood pressure changes, heart problems, neurological disorders, or inner ear problems.

   The causes of dizziness

   Dizziness is a common symptom that can be caused by several health issues. One of these conditions is orthostatic or postural hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure due to a quick change in posture from sitting to standing.

   Dizziness may also be associated with anxiety disorders, especially during panic attacks and periods of hyperventilation.

   In addition, some individuals may experience presyncope — sudden lightheadedness without loss of consciousness — which is particularly prevalent among those with chronic diseases like heart disease or diabetes.

   Symptoms

   Dizziness can be caused by a variety of issues related to the inner ear. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most commoncause in the elderly, which occurs when calcium crystals become dislodged from their normal position and incorrect messages are sent to your brain about head movement.

   Labyrinthitis, or acute vestibular neuritis, is an inflammation of the inner ear often afflicting elderly people. It can cause intense dizziness lasting days or even longer. Meniere’s disease results in a build up of fluid in the inner ear, while vestibular migraine causes prolonged lightheadedness between episodes of migraine headaches.

   Vestibular schwannoma is a rarer form that usually has slowly progressive hearing loss as one of its symptoms. Vertigo can also be indicative of strokes or multiple sclerosis.

   Diagnosis and tests for dizziness

   The therapy required to relieve dizziness depends on the causes detected after assessment of medical history and overall health.

   Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is eased with the highly effective Epley maneuver which simply involves slow head and body movements intended to realign any calcium crystals stuck in inner ear semicircular canals; it’s pain-free and non-invasive although multiple sessions might be needed for lasting results.

   For labyrinthitis, motion sickness medicine will help reduce acute feelings of dizziness alongside anti-inflammatory medication for inflammation relief if necessary plus antibiotics in some cases. For Meniere’s disease medication like meclinizine (Antivert) will prove useful for controlling persistent vertigo along with diuretics & saline restriction to reduce fluid buildup within inner ears – however it’s classed as chronic so symptoms need minimizeeing rather than curing completely.

   If low blood pressure leads to feeling faint then a glance at medications needs looking into before alternative treatments like eating specifically outlining your diet.

   Suggested over-the-knee stockings might help improve circulation together with exercising more care when undertaking physical activities outside during hot days.

   Drugs such as fludrocortisone increasing bodily fluids and Midodrine raising blood pressure when standing also are helpful.

   NSAIDs and caffeine despite their associated risks may be useful.

   Lifestyle and management

   Dizziness can be caused by a wide range of lifestyle and environmental factors, ranging from lack of rest or dehydration to inner ear issues.

   However, managing these factors is essential in minimizing or completely avoiding dizziness.

   This could include drinking more water and getting enough rest, avoiding strong smells or sudden movements that may induce vertigo, as well as following any medical instructions prescribed by your physician.

   Adjustments to your diet

   One thing you can do to reduce or manage the feeling of dizziness is to make adjustments to your diet.

   Eating small and regular meals, ensuring you get enough vitamins and minerals in your diet, avoiding substances such as alcohol and caffeine, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated are all important for helping to maintain a healthy balance of fluids in your body, which can help reduce feelings of dizziness.

   If you suddenly have low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), you should:

   • Drink plenty of fluids every day.
   • Avoid alcohol.
   • Consider increasing your salt intake to promote fluid retention (if you don’t have high blood pressure between episodes of low blood pressure). Check with your doctor if it is safe for you to raise your salt.

   Complications

   Dizziness is a feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness that can range from subtle to intense and may signal a medical problem.

   It can be caused by factors such as dehydration, medication side effects, sudden drops in blood pressure, inner ear disorders, or underlying health conditions like hypoglycemia, stroke and heart disease.

   Treating dizziness usually depends on the cause and may include lifestyle changes, medications or physical therapy.

2. Post-Traumatic Disorder (PTSD)

   10 h 03 min 1 Comment

   Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that can develop in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Knowing the signs of PTSD and finding effective, evidence-based treatments early are important for managing this disorder.

   What is PTSD?

   PTSD is an anxiety disorder that is caused by a traumatic event and can cause flashbacks, nightmares, physical sensations like heart palpitations, numbness and dissociation from emotions. It often leads to intense feelings of guilt and shame, heightened emotional reactions, lack of concentration and low self-esteem. People with PTSD can experience difficulty functioning in the world, leading to social isolation and impaired relationships.

   Symptoms

   Post-traumatic stress disorder can cause a wide range of symptoms, with the most common being intrusive memories, flashbacks and nightmares; avoidance behaviors such as refusing to talk about the trauma; negative thoughts or feelings related to the experience, such as guilt and shame; difficulty sleeping; increased irritability; hyper-vigilance and an exaggerated startle response. Other symptoms may include depression, fearfulness, reckless behavior, isolation from loved ones, refusal to leave home, mistrust of others and suicidal thoughts or ideation.

   Treatment Options

   Treatment for PTSD is typically tailored to the individual and their unique symptoms. Options include trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), medication management, exposure therapies, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

   In general, the goal is to identify triggers and create coping strategies, bolster support systems, provide valuable life skills and manage medications. It is important to remember that recovery from PTSD takes time, but with proper professional help it can be improved and even eliminated.

   Outcomes from Treatment for PTSD

   Treatment for PTSD can be successful and lead to numerous positive outcomes for those suffering from the disorder. Many people experience improved mental health, reduced suicidal thoughts and behaviors, an improved sense of control over their lives, strengthened relationships with family and friends, improved cognitive functioning, improved ability to manage stressful situations and triggers, improved physical well-being, decreased feelings of depression and anxiety, better coping skills in difficult times.

   Managing the Effects of PTSD on Your Life and Relationships

   PTSD can have wide-ranging effects on daily life and relationships, but the following strategies are beneficial for managing those effects. Counseling can help a person learn how to manage the symptoms of PTSD and develop better coping skills. Participating in activities that provide support, distraction, and relaxation can also be helpful in addressing the effects of PTSD.

   Additionally, developing good communication skills with close family members or friends is an important part of managing the disorder since it can help one better express their feelings, needs, and concerns. Finally, establishing healthy lifestyle habits like getting proper rest, exercising regularly, and eating nourishing foods will all contribute to improved mental health.

3. Lecanemab : un nouveau médicament contre la maladie d’Alzheimer ?

   9 h 14 min Leave a Comment

   L’agence américaine de santé américaine (Food and Drug Administration, FDA) a approuvé le médicament lecanemab, vendu sous le nom de marque Leqembi, dans le traitement de la maladie d’Alzheimer.

   Cette approbation a eu lieu début l2023, par le biais d’une « voie d’approbation accélérée ».

   Cette voie accélère les traitements cliniques prometteurs pour les maladies pour lesquelles il n’existe pas d’autres options actuellement efficaces.

   Le lecanemab est un anticorps monoclonal qui cible la bêta-amyloïde, une protéine naturelle qui devient toxique lorsqu’elle s’agglutine pour former les plaques caractéristiques qui s’accumulent dans le cerveau des personnes atteintes de la maladie d’Alzheimer.

   Le médicament est administré par perfusion intraveineuse toutes les deux semaines.

   Les anticorps sont des protéines circulant dans le sang et qui reconnaissent et neutralisent les substances présentes dans le corps qu’ils considèrent comme étrangères, telles que les bactéries et les virus.

   Un anticorps monoclonal est produit en clonant ou en faisant une copie d’un seul globule blanc de sorte que tous les anticorps dérivés soient dérivés de la même cellule et se lient à une cible spécifique. Dans ce cas, le lecanemab se lie uniquement aux protéines bêta-amyloïdes.

   Lecanemab se lie à une forme particulière de bêta-amyloïde lorsqu’elle s’agglutine, appelée protofibrille.

   Des études suggèrent que c’est l’espèce d’amyloïde qui est la plus susceptible de jouer un rôle dans le développement de la maladie d’Alzheimer.

   Des essais antérieurs impliquant d’autres anticorps monoclonaux n’ont pas réussi à démontrer un effet bénéfique, peut-être parce qu’ils ciblaient des formes plus précoces d’amyloïde.

   Le lecanemab : un traitement prometteur de la maladie d’Alzheimer ?

   Une étude, publiée début janvier 2023, a rapporté les résultats d’un essai clinique de phase 3 qui incluaient1 795 participants, dont la moitié recevait du lecanemab et l’autre moitié non.

   Le traitement par lecanemab a non seulement atteint tous ses objectifs cliniques, mais il a également réduit les quantités d’amyloïdes mesurées dans les tests d’imagerie et sanguins. Les chercheurs ont aussi constaté des réductions des niveaux de tau, la protéine responsable des enchevêtrements neurofibrillaires qui s’accumulent à l’intérieur des neurones chez les patients atteints de la maladie d’Alzheimer.

   Une autre étude publiée fin en décembre 2022 a rapporté les résultats d’une étude de phase 2 avec 856 participants. Le traitement par lecanemab a également entraîné des réductions significatives de plaques amyloïdes lors des tests d’imagerie cérébrale et sanguins.

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   Les résultats des études

   Après 18 mois de traitement dans l’étude de phase 3, le lecanemab a ralenti la progression de la maladie de 27 % par rapport au groupe témoin.

   Par rapport à ceux qui n’ont pas reçu le traitement, les participants traités par lecanemab ont également montré une amélioration de 26 % aux tests cognitifs et un déclin plus lent dans les activités quotidiennes.

   L’étude a aussi rapporté une réduction marquée de la quantité d’amyloïde dans le cerveau chezceux qui ont reçu le traitement.

   Ces résultats sont parmi les effets les plus importants jamais observés dans un essai clinique sur la maladie d’Alzheimer.

   Bien qu’ils ne guérissent pas, ils donnent l’espoir qu’en ralentissant considérablement le déclin physique, cognitif et fonctionnel tout en éliminant l’amyloïde, l’évolution de la maladie pourrait être modifiée pour donner aux patients une meilleure qualité de vie.

   Il est important de rappeler que l’essai n’a été réalisé que sur 18 mois. Par conséquent, les bénéfices à long terme du lecanemab ne sont pas connus.
   

   Bien que le lecanemab ait montré des avantages évidents, il s’accompagne également d’effets indésirables potentiels notables qui doivent être étudiés.

   Dans l’essai clinique de phase 3, sur les 1 795 participants, 12,6 % prenant du lécanemab ont présenté un gonflement du cerveau à l’IRM, contre 1,7 % de ceux qui ont reçu le placebo. Dans l’ensemble, seuls 2,8 % des participants ont présenté des symptômes, principalement des maux de tête.

   De plus, 17,3 % de ceux qui ont reçu du lecanemab ont eu de petites hémorragies du cerveau observés à l’IRM, contre 9 % dans le groupe placebo.

   Le lecanemab diffère-t-il d’autres traitements ?

   Les traitements de la maladie d’Alzheimer actuellement disponibles – qui comprennent le donépézil, la rivastigmine, la galantamine et la mémantine – traitent principalement les symptômes. Ils ne s’attaquent pas aux mécanismes sous-jacents et présentent des avantages cliniques modestes.

   Un médicament qui traite la maladie, l’aducanumab, vendu sous le nom de marque Aduhelm, a été approuvé par la FDA en 2021 selon le même processus accéléré que le lecanemab. Mais il n’est pas devenu largement utilisé en raison de la controverse sur son efficacité et son prix

   Le lecanemab n’a pas été étudié et n’a pas été approuvé pour les personnes atteintes de stades modérés ou sévères de la maladie d’Alzheimer.

   Bien que le lecanemab ait reçu l’approbation de la FDA, il faudra plusieurs mois – du moins aux États-Unis – avant qu’il ne soit disponible pour une utilisation clinique.

4. Understanding How Lecanemab Can Help Manage Alzheimer’s Symptoms

   28 janvier 2023 18 h 34 min Leave a Comment

   Lecanemab is an antibody used to help reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive condition that affects both the brain and memory. It has been shown to be effective in slowing down the progression of symptoms and helping patients retain their cognitive abilities for longer periods of time.

   What is Lecanemab?

   Lecanemab is an antibody-based treatment option for individuals with Alzheimer’s. It works by targeting and inhibiting a protein known as amyloid beta which accumulates in the brain, causing memory loss and cognitive decline. By preventing this buildup of protein, lecanemab can help improve or maintain the function of neurons in the brain.

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   How Does It Work?

   Lecanemab works by targeting and inhibiting the action of a protein known as amyloid-beta. This protein accumulates in the brain, leading to deposition of amyloid plaques which are associated with memory loss and cognitive decline. By preventing this buildup of protein, it can help improve or maintain the function of neurons in the brain. As a result, it is believed that the drug may be able to help slow down or halt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

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   What Are the Benefits of Lecanemab?

   Recent clinical trials have shown that lecanemab offers many benefits. These include improved memory, increased ability to handle day-to-day tasks, improved functioning in social and occupational settings, and a slowed decline in cognitive abilities. Additionally, the drug may also help reduce symptoms such as agitation, irritability, and depression. Thus, it may be an effective treatment for managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

   Researchers also saw reductions in the levels of tau – the protein responsible for the neurofibrillary tangles that accumulate inside the neurons in patient’s with Alzheimer’s. And they found reduced levels of other proteins that measure brain injury and degeneration. This suggests that lecanemab could potentially address the disease by targeting it through both direct and indirect pathways.

   The first phase 2 study published in December 2022 enrolling 856 participants reported significant reductions in amyloid plaques on brain imaging tests, reductions in blood measurements of amyloid and tau protein and slowing of disease progression.

   The second study published in January 2023 and including 1,795 participants also showed beneficial effects, along with a reduction in the amounts of beta-amyloid measured in imaging tests and in the blood.

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   What Are Side Effects ?

   While lecanemab is generally well-tolerated, there are some possible side effects associated with this treatment. These include headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Additionally, people may also experience behavioral symptoms such as agitation and confusion. It is important to talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience while using lecanemab, as they may be a sign of an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.

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   Who Should Consider Taking Lecanemab?

   Lecanemab is approved for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in people aged 55 and older with mild to moderate symptoms. People who have early drug-naïve Alzheimer’s may receive the most benefit from this drug. Additionally, it may be beneficial for those whose disease has worsened despite taking other medications such as donepezil or memantine.

5. Facial numbness

   18 h 22 min Leave a Comment

   Facial numbness is an absence or loss of sensation in any part of the body.

   It can be a symptom of many health problems, such as migraine and allergies.

   Numbness usually occurs as a result of nerve damage or disruption of nerve function.

   Numbness is a loss of sensation in any part of your body.  Facial numbness is not a disease, but a symptom of something else. Most causes of facial numbness are related to nerve compression or nerve damage. 

   Nerve disorders can sometimes be due to poor health or an allergic reaction, but they can also simply be a response to cold.

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   Migraine: a possible cause of facial numbness

   Migraine is a possible cause of a numb face.

   Migraine is a condition that causes severe headaches and other symptoms. Some people experience facial numbness during a headache.

   Migraine has four phases:

   • Prodrome: early signs of migraine include unexplained mood changes, uncontrollable yawning, fluid retention and increased urination.
   • Aura: People experiencing aura may see flashing or bright lights or zigzagging lines. They may also experience muscle weakness. The aura stage may occur just before or during the headache phase, but not in everyone with a migraine.
   • Headache: The pain tends to be on one side of the head and usually worsens when the person moves. People may feel a painful throbbing or pulsing sensation. Other symptoms at this stage include numbness, nausea and strong sensitivity to light, sound and smell.
   • Postdrome: The person may feel exhausted, weak and with moments of confusion.

   There is no cure for migraine. However, individuals can take painkillers or prescription medications to decrease the frequency of episodes and reduce symptoms.

   During a migraine episode, a person can also:

   • rest with their eyes closed in a dark room.
   • place a cool cloth or ice pack on the forehead
   • drink plenty of water.

   The numbness from the migraine usually goes away after the episode is over.

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   Allergies

   An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to an allergen, which is a foreign substance that is usually not a health hazard. An allergen can be something the person has eaten, inhaled, injected or touched.

   Some allergies can cause numbness in the face. Other typical symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

   • coughing
   • sneezing
   • itchy eyes
   • a runny nose
   • a sore throat
   • a rash
   • hives

   A severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, is very dangerous. A person having a severe allergic reaction will need emergency medical attention. They may have:

   • Low blood pressure.
   • Difficulty breathing.
   • Swelling of the throat.

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   Bell’s palsy

   Bell’s palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis. An affected facial nerve can cause this condition.

   Symptoms tend to appear suddenly and worsen within 2 days. They may include:

   • tics
   • weakness in the facial muscles
   • an inability to move one side of the face
   • a drooping eyelid
   • confusion
   • pain or discomfort around the jaw and behind the ear
   • ringing in one or both ears
   • headaches
   • increased sensitivity to sound
   • speech problems
   • dizziness
   • difficulty eating or drinking

   Doctors may recommend steroids, antiviral medications or pain relievers, such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

   They may also suggest other non-drug therapies, including physical therapy, facial massage and acupuncture.

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   Stroke

   There are different types of stroke, but this condition always requires immediate medical attention.

   A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts. An ischemic stroke usually occurs when a blood clot blocks one of these vessels or atherosclerosis narrows it.

   When the brain does not get the blood it needs, the neurons die.

   A stroke will occur suddenly and, in some cases, can cause numbness in the face. The person may also experience the following symptoms

   • confusion
   • difficulty seeing
   • difficulty moving
   • a sudden severe headache

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   Multiple sclerosis: a disease that can also cause facial numbness

   Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain. MS damages the central nervous system and causes a variety of symptoms, including numbness.

   Some of the common symptoms of MS are:

   • numbness or tingling in the face, body, arms or legs
   • fatigue
   • weakness
   • dizziness and lightheadedness
   • sexual dysfunction
   • pain and itching
   • difficulty walking
   • spasticity (involuntary muscle stiffness or spasms in the limbs)
   • vision problems
   • loss of bladder or bowel control
   • problems thinking or processing information

6. Quel lien entre la sclérose en plaques et la dépression ?

   10 h 20 min Leave a Comment

   La sclérose en plaques (SP) est un trouble neurologique qui perturbe la communication entre les neurones en raison d’une inflammation, ce qui entraîne la destruction des gaines de myéline.

   Ces gaines de myéline sont des couches grasses qui servent de protection pour les cellules nerveuses et permettent la communication entre ces neurones. En raison de cette rupture de communication, les personnes atteintes de SP peuvent souffrir de dépression, d’anxiété et d’autres problèmes de santé mentale.

   Les circuits neuronaux associés à la dépression sont déréglés par les lésions causées par la sclérose en plaques (SEP). Une étude récente a utilisé une technique de cartographie pour examiner s’il existait une relation entre les lésions de la SEP et ces circuits.

   Les chercheurs ont découvert que les lésions de la SEP affectaient les mêmes zones du cerveau liées à la dépression.

   Pour une nouvelle étude  des chercheurs ont étudié le lien entre la sclérose en plaques et les symptômes de la dépression. Les données comprenaient des informations sur 281 personnes atteintes de SEP, notamment des scores de dépression autodéclarés, des niveaux d’incapacité et des données d’imagerie par résonance magnétique (IRM). 

   Les résultats fournissent une preuve supplémentaire du lien entre la SEP et les problèmes de santé mental tels que la dépression.

   Les chercheurs ont utilisé une technique appelée cartographie des réseaux de lésions pour examiner la prévalence de la dépression chez les personnes atteintes de sclérose en plaques.

   En comparant les images IRM de personnes atteintes de SEP à une base de données préexistante de connexions neuronales de 1 000 autres personnes, ils ont pu identifier les circuits neuronaux liés à la dépression. 

   Leurs résultats montrent que les participants atteints de SEP qui présentaient des lésions dans ces circuits neuronaux particuliers avaient tendance à avoir des scores plus élevés aux tests évaluant les symptômes dépressifs par rapport aux participants présentant des lésions situées ailleurs.

   Des études récentes ont mis en évidence le lien entre la sclérose en plaques (SEP) et la dépression. Il a été constaté que les lésions associées à la SEP sont connectées aux mêmes voies neuronales que celles affectées par un accident vasculaire cérébral, la stimulation magnétique transcrânienne (TMS) et la stimulation cérébrale profonde (DBS). Ces traitements, qui peuvent modifier les symptômes dépressifs, donnent un aperçu du lien entre la dépression et la SP.

   Le Dr Barbara Giesser, neurologue à l’Institut du Providence Saint John’s Health Center à Santa Monica, en Californie, déclare que sa récente étude a établi un lien entre la dépression liée à la sclérose en plaques et les lésions cérébrales structurelles (p. ex. AVC) présentes aux mêmes endroits du cerveau.

   Les personnes atteintes de sclérose en plaques (SEP) sont particulièrement susceptibles de souffrir de dépression. La dépression chez les personnes atteintes de SEP est généralement due à une combinaison de dommages structurels dans le cerveau, de prédispositions génétiques et de facteurs de stress environnementaux liés à leur maladie. 

   De plus, certains médicaments prescrits pour traiter la SEP peuvent également entraîner des sentiments dépressifs.

   Malgré les preuves de recherche encourageantes, des recherches supplémentaires sont encore nécessaires avant que l’utilisation de la stimulation cérébrale pour traiter la dépression chez les personnes atteintes de sclérose en plaques (SEP) devienne une pratique répandue. 

   Cette technique pourrait être utile pour traiter la dépression liée à la SEP, mais des études supplémentaires sont encore nécessaires pour bien comprendre son efficacité. 

   La dépression est généralement reliée à un vaste réseau de connexions de neurones dans le cerveau et ne peut donc pas être isolée dans une région du cerveau particulière.

   La communauté médicale suggère d’explorer la stimulation magnétique transcrânienne comme une option de traitement alternative pour lutter contre la dépression induite par la SEP.

7. Important Tennis Betting Tips

   27 janvier 2023 8 h 38 min Leave a Comment

   Betting on single sports looks like a great solution for a beginner. Such disciplines are easier
   to predict, so bookmakers take many bets on tennis matches. There are many benefits to
   make tennis betting. If we consider the top tournaments, then players can always get
   detailed information about the current shape of their opponents. As a result, it becomes
   easier to get an accurate idea of how the next match might end.

   How to bet on tennis? To do this, you need to carefully monitor the current form of athletes.
   If we are talking about a long tournament, then it will constantly change. Having reached the
   peak, the form begins to move into the peak stage. In most cases, the cycle lasts up to 4
   weeks. Even if we are talking about top athletes, their form will still not be unchanged.
   Therefore, it is important to make betting tennis rational, and not give preference to a
   personal favorite. If women’s tennis is chosen for betting, then the athlete’s menstruation
   calendar should be considered here. Such calendars can even be found on thematic
   sites, but their accuracy leaves many questions.

   Tennis betting rules

   Tennis betting tips allow you to increase your chances that the next bet will bring a solid
   jackpot. During a match between tennis players, comebacks are an important part of the
   gameplay. The best tennis bets are made considering this factor. It can both
   positively and negatively affect the bet. The most phenomenal comebacks usually happen in
   women’s tournaments. If tennis handicap betting takes place in clay tournaments, then the
   likelihood of comebacks also increases. There are numerous popular tournaments:
   ● ATP
   ● Grand Slam Cup;
   ● Wimbledon.
   Betting odds tennis will be possible throughout the year, so the player will have plenty of
   opportunities to practice. If he is taking his first steps in tennis betting, then the best solution
   would be to set a small bet amount. The tennis betting rules should be studied in detail
   before you start playing. The conclusions should be based on arguments drawn personally,
   and not taken from other people’s forecasts. The tennis betting strategy should match the
   current bankroll size, as well as the frequency of betting. Attention to pre-match preparation
   is always rewarded.

8. What could be the Link Between Multiple sclerosis and Depression

   26 janvier 2023 9 h 17 min Leave a Comment

   Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder that disrupts communication between neurons due to inflammation, which leads to the destruction of the myelin sheaths.

   These myelin sheaths are fatty-like layers that serve as protective covers for nerve cells and enable communication between these neurons. As a result of this breakdown in communication, people living with MS may experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

   Neural circuits associated with depression are impacted by lesions caused by multiple sclerosis (MS). A recent study employed a mapping technique to examine if there was a relationship between MS lesions and these circuits.

   The researchers found that MS lesions affected the same areas of the brain linked to depression.

   For a new study, researchers investigated the link between multiple sclerosis (MS) and symptoms of depression. The data included information on 281 people with MS, including self-reported depression scores, disability levels, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. The findings provide further evidence of the connection between MS and emotional wellbeing issues such as depression.

   Researchers used a technique called lesion network mapping to examine the prevalence of depression among people with multiple sclerosis.

   By comparing MRI images of people with MS to a preexisting database of neural connections from 1,000 other individuals, they were able to identify neural circuits linked to depression. Their findings show that participants with MS who had lesions in these particular neural circuits tended to have higher scores on tests assessing depressive symptoms compared to participants with lesions located elsewhere.

   Recent studies have highlighted the connection between multiple sclerosis (MS) and depression. It has been found that lesions associated with MS are connected to the same neural pathways as those affected by stroke, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS). These treatments, which can modify depressive symptoms, provide insight into how depression is linked to MS.

   Dr. Barbara Giesser, neurologist and MS specialist at Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, states that her recent study has found a link between multiple sclerosis (MS) depression and structural brain lesions present in the same locations as those of patients with stroke or head injury-related depression.

   This builds upon earlier findings that structural brain damage may contribute to depressive symptoms in people with MS.

   People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are especially susceptible to experiencing depression. Depression for those affected by MS is typically due to a combination of structural damage in the brain, any genetic predispositions, and environmental stressors related to their illness. Additionally, certain medications prescribed to treat MS can also result in depressive feelings.

   Despite the encouraging research evidence, more investigation is still needed before the use of brain stimulation for addressing depression in those with multiple sclerosis (MS) becomes a widespread practice. This technique might be useful for treating MS-related depression, but further study is still needed to fully understand its efficacy. Depression usually relates to an extensive network of connections within the brain, and thus cannot be singled out to one particular area– hence making it quite difficult to replicate in a clinical setting. As such, he suggests exploring transcranial magnetic stimulation as an alternative treatment option for tackling MS-induced depression.

9. Exercise and BDNF: How to Boost Your Brain Health

   8 h 52 min Leave a Comment

   Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in maintaining a healthy mind and body. Discover what exercise can do to increase the production of this important protein, keeping you mentally sharp and strong!

   Could just six minutes of high-intensity exercise lead to improvements in your brain? Recent research suggests it can!

   Studies have found that even short bursts of intense physical activity can increase BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) levels.

   BDNF is a protein that helps keep neurons healthy and plays an important role in forming memories, learning new things, and regulating moods.

   It also plays a role in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

   Travis Gibbons from the University of Otago, New Zealand, says BDNF has shown great promise in animal models, but pharmaceutical interventions have so far failed to fully exploit it. security its protective power in humans.

   In this study, 12 physically active volunteers were put through three tests to see which was better at generating BDNF in the brain: 20 hours of fasting, 90 minutes of medium-intensity cycling, or 6 minutes of intense cycling.

   If you’re looking to increase your production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a study has found that intense, short cycling sessions yield the best results.

   After completing a 15-minute biking session with sprints, the participants in the study saw their BDNF levels jump by four to five times what they were after a light exercise.

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   How can exercise boost BDNF?

   The next question is to know the mechanism of action. 

   Exercise is thought to increase levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is a protein that helps to maintain and promote the growth of certain neurons in the brain.

   Studies have shown that there is a peak in BDNF concentration after intense exercise, which could be due to the natural increase in blood platelets associated with exercise, as they store high levels of BDNF.

   The research team is now keen to perform more experiments, such as adding three days of fasting, to see how this affects blood BDNF levels. The combined effects of fasting and intense exercise are another potential avenue to explore.

   Exercise has been widely recognized to promote mental health and cognitive functioning, and now new findings suggest that it may be linked to increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

   Research conducted at the University of Otago found that intense physical activity can lead to an increase in BDNF levels. While exercise is widely accessible and inexpensive, this latest study provides another incentive for people to get moving!

   The research was published in the Journal of Physiology.

10. Atkinson and Shiffrin’s model of memory

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    Atkinson and Shiffrin’s 1968 model of memory outlines that memory consists of three distinct forms: sensory memory, short-term memory and long-term memory. Sensory memory is the brief storage of information from our senses – sight, sound, touch, etc. Short-term or working memory stores limited amounts of information for a short time, while long-term memory is the repository for any information that needs to be remembered over a long period of time.

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    Sensory memory

    Sensory memory refers to the ability of our senses to remember small amounts of information almost instantaneously. This type of memory, sometimes referred to as iconic or echoic memory, was first proposed by psychologists in his 1968 model, but was later added into their research.

    This information therefore stores in our sensory memory which retains it for a very short period of time.

    Duration: ¼ to ½ second

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    Short-term memory

    Short-term memory (STM), as proposed by the Atkinson-Shiffrin model, is the second stage of memory.

    It is a short-term storage system in which information that has been acquired through physical or emotional stimuli is temporarily held and can then be used for specific tasks or stored in long-term memory.

    STM duration seems to be between 15 and 30 seconds and capacity around 7 items.

    The magic number 7 (plus or minus two) provides evidence of short-term memory capacity. Most adults can store between 5 and 9 items in their short-term memory. 

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    Long-term memory

    Long-term memory is the capacity for humans to store information over extended periods of time. It is a component of the Atkinson-Shiffrin memory model which describes how memories are encoded, stored and recalled.

    Long-term memory allows us to retain information and skills for an indefinite period of time and form meaningful connections between different concepts that can help with understanding complex topics better.

    Theoretically, the capacity of long-term memory could be unlimited, with the main constraint to recall being accessibility rather than availability.

    The duration can be a few minutes or a lifetime. The suggested coding modes are semantic (meaning) and visual (pictorial) but can also be acoustic.