Laws aimed at addressing concussions in youth sports help reduce the rates of recurrent concussions, according to a new study published today in the American Journal of Public Health. The study finds a significant decrease in the rate of recurrent concussions among high school athletes—meaning the athlete had experienced at least one previous concussion. The trend toward decreasing recurrent concussion
study identifying additional therapeutic opportunities of cannabidiol (CBD), which include the potential to prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Researchers found that CBD can significantly reduce the conditioned fear expression and fear generalization and the relative resistance to extinction of the fear memory. Their research suggests the mechanism of action is through CBD’s known effects on increasing
Impairment of amyloid-β (Aβ) clearance leads to Aβ accumulation in the brain during the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Strategies that can restore or improve the clearance function hold great promise in delaying or preventing the onset of AD. Here, we show that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), by use of fat-1 transgenic mice and
The cannabinoid receptor-2 (CB2R) was initially thought to be the “peripheral cannabinoid receptor.” Recent studies, however, have documented CB2R expression in the brain in both glial and neuronal cells, and increasing evidence suggests an important role for CB2R in the central nervous system inflammatory response. Stimulation of CB2R using a selective agonist ameliorated brain edema, brain
Using a form of low-impulse electrical stimulation to the brain, documented by neuroimaging, researchers report significantly improved neural function in participants with mild TBI. Their findings are published online in the current issue of the journal Brain Injury. In their pilot study, which involved six participants who had suffered mild TBI and experienced persistent post-concussion symptoms, the researchers
Recovering from a concussion typically takes female athletes more than twice as long as males, according to a new study that tracked hundreds of teenagers active in sports. The finding adds to a growing body of evidence that vulnerability to this injury—and aspects of the healing process—may vary by sex. Their analysis revealed the median recovery
In a study published in the September 26 issue of JAMA, investigators analyzed data on 13,088 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years and found that an estimated 19.5% of students reported at least one diagnosed concussion, with 14.0% reporting one concussion and 5.5% reporting more than one concussions. About 22% of adolescents reporting a diagnosed concussion played a contact sport,
Minerals are critical in supporting several key functions related to mood disorders, including neuro transmitter synthesis, cellular metabolism, and immunocompetence. Modern-day malnutrition has been attributed to poor dietary patterns, marked by excess intake of refined sugars and the absence of nutrient-dense foods. In a population study that included 13,486 children and adolescents, excess consumption of low
A new study suggests that almost all adults in Western countries still fall far below optimal blood levels of these important nutrients. The study, published in a recent issue of Nutrients, found that 98% of participants from the US and Germany, fell below the optimum 8.0 Omega-3 Index Level. More than half of the participants in
Biomarkers offer the potential to supplement traditional diagnosis and classification of TBI. In a recent study published in JAMA Neurology, a research team from the US, Egypt, and Kuwait investigated the efficacy of three plasma biomarkers to accurately distinguish acute mild and chronic TBI: hypophosphorylated tau protein (P-tau); total tau (T-tau) protein; and the ratio of P-tau to
Even a single concussion can cause long lasting disruption to networks within the brain, new research shows. In a small study comprising 20 people with diagnosed concussion and the same number of controls a team led by Benjamin Dunckley in Toronto, Canada, measured brain function using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Because symptoms of concussion such as amnesia, disorientation and
The first ever study on the intakes of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnant women in New Zealand, has found only 30 per cent are getting the recommended daily amount. A cohort of 596 pregnant women, in their last trimester of pregnancy, volunteered to take part in the online study. Participants were required to complete a food frequency
A team of researchers, led by Flora Hammond, MD, found that in multiple studies of patients with chronic TBI and moderate-severe aggression, taking 100 milligrams of the antiviral drug Amantadine twice daily appeared to be beneficial in decreasing aggression, from the perspective of the patients. Their findings were published in the newest issue of the Journal of
A study reported by neuroscientists finds that a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis called cannabidiol, or CBD, appears to protect against the long-term negative psychiatric effects of THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient. To conduct their study, three groups received 3 mg/kg of either THC, CBD, or THC+CBD every day for three weeks. The other two groups received a
Figuring out how science can help answer many of the unresolved questions about brain injuries — and how to make contact sports like football safer — remains a major problem for neuroscientists to tackle. Understanding impacts, concussions and their effects, both immediately and through the course of a person’s life, remains one of the most
A recently published report shows that high intake of the dietary omega-6 arachidonic acid could increase your risk for colorectal adenoma. Omega-6 arachidonic acid is associated with a higher risk for colorectal cancer, whereas omega-3s protect against the disease. A total of 681 individuals aged 40-75 years old with tubular adenomas, 223 with advanced adenomas and
15-18 month supplementation with high-dose omega-3 improved markers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), according to a recent pilot study in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. NAFLD patients who raised their blood DHA levels more than 2% showed significant improvements in liver metabolism and hepatic insulin sensitivity. Supplementation also reduced the amount of new fat deposited in
What causes brain fog? Experts say it can be the result of several conditions including poor diet, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, and insomnia. Brains also lose sharpness as they age. Fortunately, brain fog doesn’t have to be permanent. “Brain fog routinely resolves with treatment,” says Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum. Below are four nutritional supplements that can break
Despite increased emphasis on concussion education and player safety, one-third of parents won’t allow their children to play football according to a new survey in Phoenix. Football has by far the largest participation numbers and highest number of concussions among high school sports, but girls’ soccer has the highest percentage of players sustaining concussions. Nine
Generally, after suffering a concussion, patients are encouraged to avoid reading, watching TV and using mobile devices to help their brains heal. But new research shows that teenagers who used a mobile health app once a day in conjunction with medical care improved concussion symptoms and optimism more than with standard medical treatment alone. Results of
