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Neurochemistry

All articles tagged with #neurochemistry

science12 days ago•24 min saved

MRI reveals enduring brain changes in both long COVID patients and recovered individuals

A small multimodal MRI study (47 adults) found lasting brain tissue and neurochemical changes in people with long COVID and those who recovered, compared with never-infected controls. Using myelin-sensitive imaging, diffusion MRI, and MR spectroscopy, researchers observed elevated myelin signals in several regions for both groups, with distinct patterns (higher signals in brainstem and cerebellum for the recovered group; higher signals in the precentral gyrus and middle temporal gyrus for long COVID). Diffusion reductions were noted in various regions, and neurochemical shifts differed (long COVID: higher N-acetyl-aspartate; recovered: higher glutamine). Some myelin measures correlated with physical and cognitive impairment. However, the study is small and cross-sectional, so it cannot establish causality or track changes over time; larger longitudinal work is needed to determine whether these changes are permanent or reversible.

via PsyPost|

#brain-imaging #long-covid #mri

science17 days ago•11 min saved

Love's Brain Spark Fades in 12–18 Months, Revealing the Real Test of Connection

Early romantic love activates brain patterns similar to OCD, with serotonin dropping and dopamine surging, creating an intense phase that research places at roughly 12–18 months. The chemistry fades toward baseline, but that isn’t a betrayal—it's part of a transition toward lasting bonding and cooperative, long-term connection that goes beyond what scans can capture.

via Space Daily|

#bonding #love #neurochemistry

science3 months ago•37 min saved

ADHD Is Not One Thing: Brain Scans Reveal Three Distinct Profiles

A multinational MRI study of about 1,800 children reveals ADHD can be divided into three brain-based biotypes with distinct neural fingerprints, including a hidden severe type marked by widespread changes in emotion-regulation regions and neurochemical signatures. The findings suggest ADHD treatment may need to target emotion regulation and biology beyond dopamine-focused stimulants; however, MRI cannot diagnose individuals yet. Over four years, most groups improved in attention, but the severe biotype often maintained emotional difficulties and higher risk for mood disorders. The study was replicated in a separate cohort, bolstering the case for biological subtypes guiding future diagnosis and personalized care.

via Earth.com|

#adhd #brain-profiles #emotional-dysregulation

neuroscience7 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

health3 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

health3 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