Tag

Neurochemistry

All articles tagged with #neurochemistry

neuroscience2 months ago•19 min saved

Lasting brain changes found in recovered COVID-19 patients, MRI study shows

A multimodal MRI study comparing Long COVID, recovered (symptom-free), and never-infected groups (47 participants) found distinct brain changes in tissue microstructure and neurochemistry associated with Long COVID and footprints in those who have fully recovered. Differences include altered myelin proxies (T1w/T2w) in motor and memory regions, diffusion changes in the cerebellum and brainstem, and metabolic shifts (lower glutamine, higher N-acetyl-aspartate) that correlated with physical function and cognitive scores. The study suggests SARS-CoV-2 may leave a brain footprint even after apparent recovery, but its cross-sectional design and small sample size mean longitudinal research is needed to determine permanence and timeline.

via PsyPost|

#brain-imaging #covid-19 #long-covid

health2 years ago•4 min saved

Uncovering the Chemical Imbalance Behind OCD

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered a neurochemical imbalance in the frontal lobes of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The study found that the balance between glutamate and GABA, two major neurotransmitters, is disrupted in OCD patients. Additionally, individuals prone to habitual and compulsive behavior, even without OCD, showed increased glutamate levels in one of these brain regions. The findings provide new insights into the mechanisms behind OCD and may lead to the development of new treatment strategies targeting glutamate regulation.

via University of Cambridge news|

#brain-imaging #gaba #glutamate

health2 years ago•4 min saved

Neurochemical biomarker linked to motor function loss in ALS.

A study has found that a neurochemical called N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) is linked to the loss of motor function in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The reduction in NAA levels is associated with the breakdown in communication between the primary motor cortex and other brain regions, occurring before structural changes in the brain. The findings suggest that clinical imaging to detect NAA changes may provide an earlier diagnosis of ALS and be an effective, more sensitive marker of functional changes.

via ALS News Today|

#als #brain-imaging #diagnosis