Revolutionary Research That Will Help Us Understand The Human Brain’s Complexities Better
The human brain has always been somewhat of a mystery. Considered as an utterly complex organ, we’ve been forced to believe age-old notions about how it functions and how there’s probably nothing too significant we can do for it other than watch its abilities decline with time. However, that was the prevalent thinking until now.
Over the past few decades, scientists have come up with some amazing theories and revelations about this control center of the human body. They’ve made some very successful attempts to understand the brain’s complexities, and you’ll be shocked to know how massively small everyday changes affect our brains.
A look at the pace of study
Since the last decade, studies related to brain research have caught on at a steady pace, be it in terms of understanding cognitive decline, identifying the steps that help in reducing the risk of dementia, or developing new and improved treatments to treat and reverse Alzheimer’s. The main reason behind this deeper comprehension is the awareness around brain health in this fast-moving world and aging society.
Currently, researchers are looking for more detailed brain imageries for better genetic-risk profiling and dementia-related biomarkers with the help of urine, blood, and spinal fluids samples. There’s still a lot of work that has to be done, yet whatever conclusions have been bought into light as of now are very satisfying.
Detecting Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) at an early stage
AD is an extremely worrisome subject for anyone to discuss, and trust us when we say this, doctors are no exception. Marwan Sabbagh, M.D. and director of translational research at Cleveland Clinic, Lou Ruvo Center of Brain Health, states that doctors are quite reluctant when it comes to diagnosing AD. It makes them fairly uncomfortable as it is believed (though incorrectly) that it can be only diagnosed through an autopsy.
Luckily, a recent advancement in the realm of identifying AD has come to the surface. PrecivityAD, a test fully approved under FDA guidelines, measures the level of amyloid proteins in the blood. In case the levels seem to look a little doubtful, more tests and diagnosis can also be recommended to gauge a patient’s vulnerability to the condition.
Drugs that are helpful in the treatment
Usually, people with AD end up having clumps of beta-amyloid protein in their brains that lead to damaged cells. For many years, scientists have been researching how to stop that buildup, and thankfully, four drugs have been shortlisted that can initiate this process.
The first, called Aducanumab, has already been sent for an FDA approval around May 2021. To be fair, it’s not a sure-shot solution that promises to cure this condition, but it definitely builds hope for a better life. Additionally, the first drug that deals with dementia-related psychosis can also be approved this year. It will help in blocking certain serotonin receptors that cause hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions in dementia patients.
A different perspective
When we talk about brain health, people often relate it with the absence of any sort of injury or disease, but the reality is, that’s so much different than making the brain healthy. Promoting better brain health consists of building better cognitive abilities and improved social interactions on a daily basis. A healthy brain assists us in making better decisions and leads to a healthier lifestyle. But to take the initial steps towards those stages, understanding how it works is key.
More in Mental Health
-
Check Your Sodium Intake—Not All Salts You Eat Are the Same
Salt is one of the most basic and most important ingredients in cooking. There are a lot of variants of salt...
November 1, 2023 -
Worried About Diabetes? Here Are Some Common Myths
There are several myths about diabetes that are frequently reported as facts. Diabetes misrepresentations can sometimes be harmful, leading to an...
June 29, 2023 -
Many Patients Pay Their Medical Costs Out Of Their Pockets – Even With Insurance
With rising inflation, it has become difficult for people to even fulfill their basic necessities. They are more concerned about how...
June 6, 2023 -
What Is The Right Weight For Kids And How To Gain Weight Healthily
Keeping your child happy and healthy is the primary concern of every parent. Parents usually focus on providing their young ones...
May 12, 2023 -
Thyroid Disorders in Children: What Parents Need to Know
Thyroid disorders are not limited to adults; they can also affect children. The thyroid gland produces hormones that play a crucial...
April 29, 2023 -
Should Doctors Attend To Patients With ‘Do Not Resuscitate Tattoos’?
Doctors at the University of Miami hospital were confronted with a dilemma when a 70-year-old unconscious man with a tattoo “do...
April 3, 2023 -
Your Antidepressant May Not Work If You Keep Doing This One Thing
People use social comparison to measure their self-worth. Social comparison has been in existence since time immemorial, and it is as...
April 1, 2023 -
Pro Tips on Preventing Hair Breakage While Keeping Your Hair Moisturized at Home
Every one of us is thinking a lot about how to forestall hair breakage and keep them moisturized at home. Since...
March 22, 2023 -
Planning to Travel After Retirement? This is the Best Medicare Coverage for You
Does Medicare insurance go with you once you are out of the country? It’s currently open enrollment period, and while planning...
March 14, 2023
You must be logged in to post a comment Login