Latest news with #DepartmentofPsychiatry
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
U. researchers unveil AI-powered tool for disease prediction with ‘unprecedented accuracy'
It's long been a goal in medicine to better understand the long trajectories of diseases in hopes of engaging in better prevention and early intervention. 'Collectively, they're (chronic and progressive diseases) responsible for about 90% of the health care costs in this country and the vast majority of morbidity and mortality,' said Nina de Lacy, a professor of psychiatry and member of the One-U Responsible AI Initiative's executive committee. Now, University of Utah researchers have taken a crucial step in doing so, unveiling a new, open-source software tool kit that uses artificial intelligence to predict whether individuals will develop progressive and chronic diseases years before symptoms appear. Enter RiskPath, a new technology that analyzes patterns in health data collected over multiple years to identify at-risk individuals with 'unprecedented accuracy' of 85% to 99%, according to National Institute of Mental Health-sponsored research published last week by the U.'s Department of Psychiatry and Huntsman Mental Health Institute. The program harnesses explainable AI, which is designed to explain complex decisions in ways humans can understand. 'Explainability means, can I explain enough about how AI accomplished this prediction such that it becomes understandable to humans?' de Lacy said. 'That would be things like what RiskPath does.' De Lacy explained something that has always been a challenge in biomedicine is building models and analyzing longitudinal data, meaning it's collected over many time periods. 'One of the major use cases in using longitudinal data is course development, understanding how people grow up and develop over time,' de Lacy said. 'And one of the other ones is what RiskPath is aimed at, which is understanding progressive or chronic disease. There are many progressive and chronic diseases out there, and some of the big ones are things that are the major diseases that affect humans.' The research shows current medical prediction systems for longitudinal data often miss the mark, correctly identifying at-risk patients only about half to three-quarters of the time. Unlike existing prediction systems for longitudinal data, RiskPath uses advanced time-series AI algorithms that deliver crucial insights into how risk factors interact and change in importance throughout the disease process. 'By identifying high-risk individuals before symptoms appear or early in the disease course and pinpointing which risk factors matter most at different life stages, we can develop more targeted and effective preventive strategies. Preventative health care is perhaps the most important aspect of health care right now, rather than only treating issues after they materialize,' de Lacy said. De Lacy and the rest of the research team validated RiskPath across three major long-term patient cohorts involving thousands of participants to successfully predict eight different conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. The technology offers several key advantages: Enhanced understanding of disease progression: RiskPath can map how different risk factors change in importance over time, revealing critical windows for intervention. For example, the study showed how screen time and executive function become increasingly important risk contributors for ADHD as children approach adolescence. Streamlined risk assessment: Though RiskPath can analyze hundreds of health variables, researchers found that most conditions can be predicted with similar accuracy using just 10 key factors, making implementation more feasible in clinical settings. Practical risk visualization: The system provides intuitive visualizations showing which time periods in a person's life contribute most to disease risk, helping researchers identify optimal times for preventive interventions. While RiskPath is primarily a research tool to help researchers build better risk stratification models, de Lacy hopes it will eventually be used in a health care setting to improve disease management. 'Some may be using that to build models that can be implemented in health care, and we kind of hope that they do that. But ... a big part of what my lab is interested in doing is building tools that do a better job of risk stratification. We're very interested in prevention,' de Lacy said. 'The ultimate aim of RiskPath and tools like RiskPath is to help people build better risk stratification tools and decision support tools. 'And what those do is help clinicians, and maybe one day patients, be able to understand their risk for a chronic or progressive disease better and earlier,' she said.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Alzheimer's Treatments Could Slow Memory Loss—Here's What to Know
Research is constantly evolving in the world of cognitive health, including for neurological diseases for which there are currently no cures or guaranteed preventive methods. In regards to the most common—Alzheimer's disease—we asked a leading geriatric psychiatrist to offer insights into the latest findings in treatment, screening and holistic care. The current research around treatment is advancing toward disease-modifying therapies to address the underlying biology of Alzheimer's disease in different ways, explains Brent Forester, MD, Psychiatrist-in-Chief and Chair for the Department of Psychiatry at Tufts Medical Center, Director of Behavioral Health for Tufts Medicine and Professor of Psychiatry. Here we break down both the existing medications to help with cognitive complaints as well as those still in clinical trials or development. There are currently two medications that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Alzheimer's: donanemab (brand name Kisunla) and lecanemab (brand name Leqembi). The two recently introduced compounds are anti-amyloid therapeutics, meaning they are designed to stick to and help remove amyloid beta protein. Abnormal buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain is believed to contribute to memory loss. And while removing these proteins appears to slow disease progression, neither medication will completely stop or reverse Alzheimer's. 'We know for sure based on the research that's been done that when you look at before-and-after of amyloid brain scans, amyloid is high and then it essentially goes completely away after treatment,' confirms Dr. Forester. Dr. Forester emphasizes that these drugs are most effective when administered in people with early stages of Alzheimer's disease before significant cognitive decline occurs. Once someone is no longer able to function, drive or pay their bills, even if amyloid is removed from the brain, it's too late for the drugs to have a clinically-beneficial effect. 'There's only a [specific] window where these will potentially be beneficial, and that is in the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage, where there is mild cognitive impairment and normal functioning, or in the very mild Alzheimer's-type dementia stage where people are just mildly affected from a cognitive and functional standpoint,' explains Dr. Forester. Right now, these drugs are only approved and available to be delivered through intravenous infusions. That means people are required to come into an infusion center either every other week or once a month to get an hour-long IV treatment, he notes. There are also side effects associated with the drugs, especially those that may present more serious complications. Dr. Forester says two big concerns are bleeding or swelling of the brain, for which certain genetic factors can increase risk. Over the next few years, it is likely that Alzheimer's drugs examining specific tangled protein fibers in the brain will advance through clinical trials, predicts Dr. Forester. 'There are also a number of compounds being studied to address other pathways that have not been addressed thus far,' he says. 'These are more directed at inflammation, energy metabolism, oxidative stress—more basic underlying pathways that contribute to the disease.' There is currently no definitive diagnostic method for Alzheimer's. According to the National Institute on Aging, if cognitive decline is suspected, doctors may ask a patient (or a family member) if they are experiencing certain symptoms and ask questions about their overall health, use of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diet, past medical problems, ability to carry out daily activities and changes in behavior and personality. To land on a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, doctors may also: Conduct tests of memory, problem solving, attention, counting and language Order blood, urine and other standard medical tests to rule out other conditions Administer a psychiatric evaluation to determine if depression or another mental health condition is causing or contributing to a person's symptoms Collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via a spinal tap and measure the levels of proteins associated with Alzheimer's and related dementias Perform various brain scans Dr. Forester notes that researchers are also getting 'very close' to having a blood-based biomarker that could be used for clinical practice. The two purposes of a biomarker would be to find the disease early enough that a difference could be made from a treatment perspective, as well as to track the effectiveness of the treatment. 'Once an individual advances past the early dementia stage, these new treatments are ineffective, so it's really important to talk to your doctor right away and ask what could be helpful,' he advises. 'Don't be afraid.' Advancements in Alzheimer's Treatment: Research is progressing towards disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer's, focusing on addressing the underlying biology of the disease. Two FDA-approved medications, donanemab and lecanemab, are designed to remove amyloid beta protein, which is believed to contribute to memory loss. Effectiveness and Administration of Current Drugs: These drugs are most effective in the early stages of Alzheimer's, specifically during mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or very mild dementia stages. They are administered through intravenous infusions, but come with potential side effects like brain bleeding or swelling. New Medications in Development: Future Alzheimer's treatments may target tangled protein fibers and other pathways like inflammation and oxidative stress. These developments are expected to progress through clinical trials in the coming years. Testing and Diagnosis: Currently, there is no definitive diagnostic method for Alzheimer's. Diagnosis involves a combination of cognitive tests, medical evaluations and brain scans. Researchers are close to developing a blood-based biomarker for early detection and treatment tracking. Importance of Early Detection: Early detection is crucial as new treatments are ineffective once the disease progresses beyond the early dementia stage. Patients are encouraged to consult their doctors early if cognitive decline is suspected. An AI tool helped compile and summarize the key takeaways in this story. The story was then edited by Woman's World staff. More cognitive decline: Early Signs of Dementia in Women Doctors Say You Shouldn't Ignore—It Can Even Raise Your Cholesterol Can Your Vision Predict Your Dementia Risk? Research Suggests It Can Certain Alzheimer's Risks May Be Within Your Control, Say Doctors: How to Keep Your Mind SharpThis content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- The Hindu
Nanthancode case sheds light on family dynamics and mental health
The Nanthancode case has brought renewed attention to the complex dynamics of dysfunctional families and the society's role in preventing such crimes. The case also throws a sharp light on the prevalent misconceptions surrounding mental illness within the context of criminal justice. While the convict, Cadell Jeansen Raja, initially attempted to explain his horrific actions by claiming experimentation with 'astral projection', a spiritual belief in the separation of consciousness from the body, the investigators swiftly debunked this as a deliberate attempt to mislead the probe. Ultimately, the investigative team concluded that deep-seated resentment and loneliness fuelled Cadell's rage. He harboured frustration stemming from feeling like an underachiever within his family. Special Public Prosecutor Dileep Sathyan shed light on the family's detached lifestyle. 'The family led a socially reclusive lifestyle and lacked bonding among themselves,' he says. Revealing the extent of their isolation, he added that the family members often communicated via mobile phone chats even within the confines of their home, even for mundane matters like having meals. 'Cadell was also driven by intense hatred for his father, whose excessive alcoholism after retirement led him to vent his frustration on his son,' the advocate said. Noted psychiatrist and the Head of the Department of Psychiatry in Government Medical College, Kollam, G. Mohan Roy, who had evaluated Cadell's mental health at various stages of the investigation, believes the verdict will provide crucial clarity to the ongoing debate surrounding mental health and its legal implications in criminal cases. Referring to Section 84 of the Indian Penal Code (or Section 22 of Bharatiya Nyana Sanhita), which pertains to the defence of insanity, Dr Roy clarifies that legal immunity applies only if the individual, at the time of the crime, was incapable of understanding the nature of their actions or distinguishing right from wrong due to an unsound mind. 'However, in Cadell's case, there was substantial proof to show that his actions were indeed premeditated. Besides, he actively attempted to conceal his crime,' he pointed out. He also expressed concern about the role of popular media, especially cinema, in perpetuating misunderstandings about the link between mental illness and criminal behaviour. 'We frequently see villains, and sometimes even heroes, in movies claiming that they cannot be punished due to mental illness. However, such portrayals are far removed from reality,' Dr. Roy said, stressing that the notion that people with mental disorders automatically receive exemption from punishment is both unscientific and misleading.
Indian Express
30-04-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
From 1,192 in 2019 to 2,300 this yr, spike in elderly patients at PGI's Dept of Psychiatry
The Department of Psychiatry, (PGI), Chandigarh, has dedicated one day of the week to the mental health issues of senior citizens. The Geriatric Clinic of the department operational every Thursday has seen a marked rise in new patients reaching out to doctors, with Dr Aseem Mehra, additional professor, psychiatry, terming a rise of 12 to 13 per cent of elderly patients. While 1,192 new cases were reported in 2019 at the psychiatry OPD of the department, the number now stands at about 2,300 this year so far. The number of admissions over the last one decade has seen almost a 30 per cent increase. 'We are moving towards an ageing population, and the rise is multifactorial, with increased awareness about mental health issues post-Covid, and the elderly better informed, and able to identify symptoms like depression, anxiety, sadness, stress, memory loss,' explains Dr Mehra. Living alone, lack of a community, children being away, a lack of self-worth post-retirement, not enough facilities for the elderly to engage with like-minded people, in some cases financial issues, and physical problems like pains, arthritis, heart disease adding to the feeling of being dependent on others, are some of the common problems that psychiatrists are addressing. Studies in the department have indicated that more men than women above the age of 60 are seeking help, with the special clinic helping them to get more time with doctors, and special attention, and not wait for long. Dr Mehra says that post-Covid there was a marked increase in cases of mental health issues, with many having lost their near ones, jobs, feeling isolated, and not able to cope with the aftermath of the pandemic that affected people of all ages, with the elderly more vulnerable. Counselling, medicines, behavioural therapy and family support, apart from exercise, a more nutritious diet, are the main interventions. 'We insist on regular follow-ups and the results are very positive. Sometimes, patients from other departments are referred to us, for doctors cannot identify the reasons for chronic pains, fatigue, skin issues like rashes, itching, eczema, insomnia, acid reflux, and other gastro issues even after several tests, for many manifestations are due to stress and emotional issues.' Patients are also analyzed for mild cognitive impairment, the initial stage of dementia along with tests for sugar, hypertension, vitamin deficiencies and if detected, are controlled, with the elderly also asked to play brain games and engage in brain stimulating activities to avert progress of cognitive decline. Dr Mehra is now leading the team of PGI for the All-India Mental Health Survey, with sampling of five of Punjab's districts to be done by the institute's departments of psychiatry and community medicine. 'The districts are picked on an economic basis, and for the sample size, we will go to the deepest level and select people in a uniform manner and on a scientific basis, with a minimum population of 8,500 people, along with senior citizens and children. We have started training the team at PGI that will take the sample size,' explains Dr Mehra. The districts to be included are Ropar, Sangrur, Pathankot, Moga and Patiala, and various psychiatry scales will be used for the survey, encompassing the district panchayat, village, ward and booth levels.
The Independent
22-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Teenagers who sleep longer and earlier are likely to do better at tests, study finds
Young people who go to bed earlier and sleep for longer than their peers tend to have better brain function and perform better at cognitive tests, according to researchers from the UK and China. A study of more than 3,000 adolescents found that those who got an early night, slept longer and had the lowest sleeping heart rates would outperform others on reading, vocabulary, problem solving and other mental tests. Professor Barbara Sahakian, from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, said: 'Regularly getting a good night's sleep is important in helping us function properly, but while we know a lot about sleep in adulthood and later life, we know surprisingly little about sleep in adolescence, even though this is a crucial time in our development. 'How long do young people sleep for, for example, and what impact does this have on their brain function and cognitive performance?' While it has long been understood that sleep plays an important role in helping bodies function, researchers were surprised by the impact of even the smallest differences in sleep. Professor Sahakian added: 'Even though the differences in the amount of sleep that each group got was relatively small, at just over a quarter-of-an-hour between the best and worst sleepers, we could still see differences in brain structure and activity and in how well they did at tasks. This drives home to us just how important it is to have a good night's sleep at this important time in life.' Typically, studies looking at how young people sleep have relied on self-reporting, which can be inaccurate. Researchers at Fudan University, Shanghai, and the University of Cambridge turned to data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, the largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the United States. As part of this study, researchers gave young people Fitbits to gather objective data on their sleep patterns and compare it against brain scans and results from cognitive tests. They found the adolescents could be divided into one of three groups. Group one, accounting for 39 per cent of participants, slept an average of seven hours and 10 minutes. They tended to sleep the latest and wake the earliest. Group two, accounting for 24 per cent, slept an average of seven hours and 21 minutes, with average levels across all sleep characteristics. Meanwhile, group three, accounting for 37 per cent, slept an average of seven hours and 25 minutes. They went to bed and fell asleep the earliest, and had lower heart rates during sleep. Researchers found no significant differences in the school achievements between these groups, but group three outperformed the other two when it came to cognitive tests looking at vocabulary, reading, problem solving and focus. They also had the largest brain volume and best brain functions, while group one had the smallest volume and poorest brain functions. First author Dr Qing Ma from Fudan University said: 'Although our study can't answer conclusively whether young people have better brain function and perform better at tests because they sleep better, there are a number of studies that would support this idea. 'For example, research has shown the benefits of sleep on memory, especially on memory consolidation, which is important for learning.' The American Academy of Sleep Medicine says that the ideal amount of sleep during adolescence is between eight and 10 hours.
