Latest news with #neuroplasticity
Sustainability Times
8 hours ago
- Health
- Sustainability Times
Pandemic Stress Shock: "Mind-Blowing Brain Shrinkage Without Illness" Found In Healthy Adults Raises Alarming Questions For Mental Health Worldwide
IN A NUTSHELL 🧠 The pandemic has accelerated brain aging even in those who never contracted COVID-19. even in those who never contracted COVID-19. 🔬 Researchers observed significant changes in gray and white matter volumes, indicators of brain aging. volumes, indicators of brain aging. 📊 The study involved over 15,000 participants and utilized AI algorithms for analysis. for analysis. 🔄 Despite findings, experts highlight the potential for neuroplasticity and brain recovery post-pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on our society, not just in terms of health and economics, but also in how it has affected our mental well-being. A recent study from the UK highlights a startling phenomenon: the pandemic has accelerated brain aging, even in individuals who never contracted the virus. This finding challenges our understanding of how global crises can impact our psychological and physical health. It suggests that the stress and isolation experienced during the pandemic have lasting effects on our brains. The Global Experiment: Understanding Pandemic-Induced Stress The COVID-19 pandemic provided an unparalleled opportunity for scientists to observe the effects of collective stress on human health. Dr. Ali-Reza Mohammadi-Nejad and his team at the University of Nottingham conducted an extensive study to analyze this phenomenon. They used advanced artificial intelligence algorithms trained on a dataset of over 15,000 healthy participants from the UK Biobank. The research focused on brain scans of 996 individuals, divided into two groups. The control group consisted of 564 individuals who had two brain scans before the pandemic, while the experimental group included 432 participants who had scans before and after the pandemic onset. This unique setup allowed researchers to compare brain changes over time related to the pandemic's stress. The findings revealed significant structural changes in the brains of those in the pandemic-experienced group, highlighting the profound impact of global stressors on neurological health. This large-scale natural experiment has opened a window into understanding how collective stress can manifest physically in our bodies. Measurable and Concerning Brain Changes The study, published in Nature Communications, found notable structural changes in the brains of pandemic-affected individuals. Researchers observed variations in gray and white matter volumes, recognized indicators of brain aging. Surprisingly, even those who never contracted COVID-19 showed signs of accelerated brain aging, indicating that the virus is not the sole factor at play. 'They Didn't Even Open My Chest': Revolutionary Robotic Neck Surgery Replaces Heart Valve and Shocks Medical World This suggests that the social upheaval, forced isolation, and chronic stress of 2020 were enough to physically alter our brains. Participants with a history of COVID-19 infection showed additional cognitive processing speed declines, highlighting the virus's direct neurological impact. However, the study emphasizes that the broader pandemic context also played a significant role in affecting mental health. The pandemic's societal disruptions have left an indelible mark on our neurological health, beyond the virus itself. Moderate but Significant Effects While the findings are concerning, they must be contextualized within scientific parameters. Professor Masud Husain from the University of Oxford provides a measured perspective. The average brain age difference observed was less than five months, a statistically significant yet modest change over a lifetime. The cognitive performance differences were mainly limited to mental processing speed tests, without significantly affecting overall intellectual capabilities. This nuance raises crucial questions about the real-world impact on the daily lives of affected individuals. The researchers themselves acknowledge the need for cautious interpretation of these data. Discover the Top Nutrient-Rich Foods that Can Assist in Your Weight Loss Journey Understanding the nuanced effects of pandemic-related stress on brain health is essential for developing appropriate societal responses. The Hope for Reversibility Despite these findings, there is a silver lining. Professor Dorothee Auer, the study's lead author, emphasizes that these brain changes may not be permanent. The concept of neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize and repair itself, offers hope for reversing the observed damage. This optimistic perspective is based on our growing understanding of brain resilience. The human brain possesses an extraordinary capacity for adaptation, especially when stress conditions decrease, and the environment becomes more supportive. The brain's remarkable ability to adapt offers hope for recovery in post-pandemic life. The potential for brain recovery underscores the importance of fostering environments that support mental health as society moves forward. Beyond COVID: A Broader Implication This study highlights a phenomenon that extends beyond viral infection. It demonstrates how global crises can unpredictably impact our health beyond direct health effects. Collective stress, economic uncertainty, and social isolation are significant neurological risk factors. The implications of this research extend beyond the current pandemic. They prepare us to better understand and anticipate future crises' effects on brain health. This knowledge could guide public health policies towards more holistic approaches, integrating neurological protection into emergency management strategies. As we navigate the aftermath of the pandemic, the lessons learned from this study emphasize the importance of developing collective resilience strategies. Understanding that societal disruptions can physically affect our brains allows us to consider more effective preventive interventions. How can we integrate these insights into future public health strategies to enhance both psychological and neurological well-being? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (21)
BBC News
5 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Strokes: Survivors urged to take part in new Queens University video game study
A Queen's University Belfast (QUB) neuroscientist is calling for stroke survivors to take part in research to explore whether a wireless brain-powered computer game can help people regain movement in their Kathy Ruddy said those taking part will be asked to wear a simple headset that reads brain activity while they imagine moving their affected is one of the leading causes of adult disability in Northern Ireland with up to 80% of survivors experiencing arm or hand 3,000 people are admitted to hospital each year having experienced a stroke, with 39,000 stroke survivors recovering at home, many of whom require support. According to the charity Chest, Heart and Stroke, this makes day-to-day tasks, including getting dressed, cooking or writing, extremely team at QUB has said the research is giving hope to those who've survived a stroke but are limited due to their movement or speech being can be supported by different types of rehabilitation including through playing games. How does the study work? Dr Ruddy said brains are adaptable and through a process called neuroplasticity, other parts of the brain can take over lost team are looking for about 50 people who have suffered a stroke to take part and use the headsets."The brain signals are picked up and used to control a computer game," Dr Ruddy explained. "This form of 'motor imagery' activates the same brain areas as real movement and it may help keep these body parts healthy and active after a stroke, even when actual movement isn't yet possible."The project is being funded by Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Ruddy said by "incorporating different types of neural signals into brain-controlled games, the team can train human participants to modify specific aspects of their neurophysiological function".Stroke survivors, carers and healthcare professionals are invited to come along to an event at Riddel Hall in Stranmillis on Thursday 7 August from 11:00 BST until 15:00 to find out more about the research.
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nieman: 'Mommy brain' is real; allows attention and focus to shift to newborn
One of the most interesting moments in my clinic takes place when I meet first-time mothers. When I inquire how their pregnancy unfolded and how they are adjusting to their new responsibilities as a mom, I am always impressed by nature's ways to remould the brain of a new mom. This process is known as neuroplasticity of the brain during pregnancy and early motherhood. It takes a lot of effort and wisdom to handle the sleep deprivation and hormonal changes which impact the brain's functioning. A vast number of expectant and new moms report being more forgetful, feeling their brain has become 'foggy,' and finding that their ability to concentrate and multitask may have changed noticeably. This condition is often referred to as 'Mommy Brain.' In the September 2024 edition of the journal Nature Neurosciences, researchers reported the results of brain scans on pregnant moms. A research team led by Drs. Laura Pritschet and Emily Jacobs at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Elizabeth Chrastil at the University of California, Irvine, confirmed the neuroplasticity in the brain's anatomy as a result of being pregnant. Of major note was a reduction in gray matter volume. Gray matter contains the bodies of neurons, synapses and important glial cells, which are found in the brain's surface layer known as the cortex. These changes in gray matter volume are thought to be temporary. In addition to gray matter changes, there were also white matter changes observed via MRI studies. The integrity of white matter increased throughout the first two trimesters of pregnancy, according to this study, but after birth returned to baseline levels. During the second and third trimesters, the volume of cerebrospinal fluid increased, but then dropped sharply after the birth of a baby. The implications of various changes being mapped may still not be entirely clear. The brain is indeed complex. The brain, especially during pregnancy, is possibly the one organ in the body we understand the least — there is much more to be explored. One of the world's most renowned brain explorers is Dr. Daniel Amen, who is a pioneer in scanning the brain. Amen considers brain scans as essential in managing mental wellness, similar to a nephrologist who would not dream of treating patients without doing a urine test, or a cardiologist who would want to run at least an electrocardiogram or an echocardiogram to grasp the patient's heart anatomy and function. In his world-famous clinic, Amen prefers to use a scan known as a SPECT scan — single-photon emission computed tomography. The activity of a brain is better understood when this tool is used. More dynamic studies are needed to map out the functional changes that occur in the brain during various trimesters and when a mom cares for her newborn. On his website, Amen refers to the mommy brain in more detail and explains why pregnant moms have legitimate excuses for being more forgetful, finding it hard to concentrate, and being hyper-focused on their babies, as opposed to other cognitive skills. I once met a female family doctor who told me a story of when she was a new mom. She left her baby at home with a reliable caregiver and cut her time short in the clinic. After the last patient was seen, this new mom, a doctor, raced home and parked her car on a slight slope outside her home. She rushed into the house to check on her baby, keen to find out how the first day without the full presence of the mom went. The baby was fine, but the car was dangling over an edge. She forgot to park the car properly and apply a handbrake. Dealing with these physiological changes in brain functioning can be more stressful if mothers are unaware that it is normal — it is part of nature's way to equip the mom to shift her focus onto the baby's needs and to become more intentional at 'reading' her infant (the so-called emotional intelligence of responding to the baby). As is the case with so many other mental challenges, there are always degrees of change. Post-partum depression occurs in 20 per cent of mothers and, if the mood changes and stress becomes more and more extreme, then the diagnosis should shift away from mommy brain toward depression. Researchers are hoping that functional brain imaging may facilitate an improved understanding not only of the brain's neuroplasticity during pregnancy and the post-partum period, but also of post-partum depression. Early detection of post-partum depression remains elusive, and earlier detection means earlier treatment and thus a better quality of life for both the mother and her baby. Dr. Nieman is the founder of Centre 70 Pediatrics. He has written monthly columns for the Herald since 1999. For more health news and content around diseases, conditions, wellness, healthy living, drugs, treatments and more, head to – a member of the Postmedia Network.
Geeky Gadgets
07-07-2025
- Health
- Geeky Gadgets
Stop Waiting for Motivation : How to Stay Productive Even When You Don't Feel Like It
Have you ever found yourself staring at a to-do list, knowing exactly what needs to be done, but feeling utterly incapable of starting? You're not alone. Motivation is often painted as the driving force behind productivity, but here's the truth: it's unreliable. One moment, you're inspired and ready to tackle the world; the next, you're stuck in a cycle of procrastination, waiting for that spark to return. The good news? You don't have to wait. In this step-by-step overview, we'll explore how to break free from the trap of relying on fleeting motivation and instead take charge of your actions—even when you don't feel like it. By the end, you'll discover how to turn moments of inertia into opportunities for progress. At the heart of this approach is the DEFUSE method explained by Justin Sung in the video below, a practical framework designed to help you stay productive regardless of your emotional state. This isn't about forcing positivity or ignoring your feelings—it's about learning how to act despite them. You'll uncover strategies to separate your thoughts from your actions, build momentum through small wins, and even rewire your brain for sustained productivity using principles like neuroplasticity. Whether you're battling burnout, struggling with focus, or simply looking for a way to stay consistent, this guide by Justin Sung offers tools to help you regain control. After all, productivity isn't about waiting for the right mood—it's about creating the conditions to thrive, no matter what. Mastering Productivity Without Motivation Why Relying on Motivation Alone Doesn't Work Motivation is inherently unreliable because it fluctuates based on various internal and external factors, such as mood, energy levels, and stress. While it can provide short-term bursts of productivity, relying solely on motivation often results in inconsistency. This inconsistency can lead to a 'burnout cycle,' where intense periods of effort are followed by exhaustion and stagnation. Over time, this cycle can leave you feeling stuck, unable to make meaningful progress despite your best intentions. To break free from this pattern, it's essential to adopt strategies that prioritize deliberate action over fleeting emotional states. Introducing the DEFUSE Method The DEFUSE method offers a practical alternative to relying on motivation. It emphasizes intentional action and habit-building, allowing you to stay productive regardless of how you feel. The method consists of four key steps: Distinguish: Learn to separate your emotions, thoughts, and actions. Recognize that feelings like fatigue or anxiety don't have to dictate your behavior. For example, you can reframe nervousness as a sign of readiness rather than a barrier, allowing you to take action despite discomfort. Learn to separate your emotions, thoughts, and actions. Recognize that feelings like fatigue or anxiety don't have to dictate your behavior. For example, you can reframe nervousness as a sign of readiness rather than a barrier, allowing you to take action despite discomfort. Fake: Act as if you're motivated, even when you're not. Starting with a small task can create momentum, influencing your emotions and thoughts through action. This feedback loop reinforces productivity, making it easier to continue. Act as if you're motivated, even when you're not. Starting with a small task can create momentum, influencing your emotions and thoughts through action. This feedback loop reinforces productivity, making it easier to continue. Uptime: Gradually increase the time you spend in this 'defused' state. By using neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to adapt—you can train your mind to sustain productive behavior, making it feel more natural over time. Gradually increase the time you spend in this 'defused' state. By using neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to adapt—you can train your mind to sustain productive behavior, making it feel more natural over time. Zone: Optimize your environment to minimize distractions. Remove triggers for procrastination, such as phone notifications or clutter, and create a workspace that supports focus and efficiency. How to Force Your Brain To Be Motivated (when you don't feel like it) Watch this video on YouTube. Expand your understanding of motivation techniques with additional resources from our extensive library of articles. Why the DEFUSE Method Works The DEFUSE method is effective because it shifts the focus from fleeting emotional states to deliberate, consistent action. By separating thoughts and feelings from behaviors, it enables you to act independently of your mood or energy levels. This approach is particularly relevant in today's fast-paced world, where constant digital distractions and high-pressure environments can easily derail productivity. Additionally, the method uses psychological principles such as neuroplasticity and feedback loops to create lasting behavioral change. These principles ensure that the habits you develop through DEFUSE become more natural and sustainable over time. How to Apply the DEFUSE Method The DEFUSE method is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of tasks, from professional projects to personal goals. Here's how you can implement it effectively: Create a focused workspace: Begin by eliminating distractions. Silence notifications, declutter your desk, and organize the tools or materials you'll need for the task at hand. A clean and organized environment can significantly enhance your ability to concentrate. Begin by eliminating distractions. Silence notifications, declutter your desk, and organize the tools or materials you'll need for the task at hand. A clean and organized environment can significantly enhance your ability to concentrate. Start small: If you're struggling to begin, take a single, manageable step. For instance, if you're unmotivated to write a report, start by jotting down a rough outline or brainstorming key points. Small actions can help you overcome inertia and build momentum. If you're struggling to begin, take a single, manageable step. For instance, if you're unmotivated to write a report, start by jotting down a rough outline or brainstorming key points. Small actions can help you overcome inertia and build momentum. Reframe your mindset: Shift your perspective on challenging emotions or sensations. Instead of viewing fatigue or nervousness as obstacles, see them as signs of preparation or growth. This reframing can help you approach tasks with a more positive and proactive attitude. Shift your perspective on challenging emotions or sensations. Instead of viewing fatigue or nervousness as obstacles, see them as signs of preparation or growth. This reframing can help you approach tasks with a more positive and proactive attitude. Build momentum: Use the feedback loop created by small actions to sustain your effort. Each completed task, no matter how minor, reinforces your sense of accomplishment and motivates you to keep going. The DEFUSE method is not about waiting for the perfect moment or ideal emotional state. Instead, it's about taking control of your actions and creating conditions that support productivity, regardless of external or internal challenges. By applying these steps consistently, you can develop habits that make productivity a natural part of your routine. Transforming Productivity Through Consistent Action The DEFUSE method provides a research-backed framework for overcoming the limitations of motivation dependence. By teaching you to act regardless of your emotional state, it fosters resilience, efficiency, and long-term productivity. Whether you're managing work deadlines, pursuing personal projects, or handling daily responsibilities, this approach equips you with the tools to overcome procrastination and burnout. Through deliberate action and habit-building, DEFUSE enables you to break free from the constraints of motivation and take consistent steps toward achieving your goals. Media Credit: Justin Sung Filed Under: Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
CNET
04-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
8 Hobbies That Can Boost Your Mental Wellness This Summer
Trying new hobbies or revisiting activities you once loved is an excellent way to boost your mental wellness, and the summer is the perfect time to expand your horizons and give a new hobby a chance. Whether you're looking for an activity to do as a family while the kids are on summer break, or something to give yourself a bit of "me time," we've found plenty of hobbies worth exploring this season. Hobbies aren't a replacement for professional help, but they do offer mental health benefits such as improved mood, a sense of accomplishment and a redirection for negative thoughts. For inspiration, we outlined some great hobbies you can start now to improve your happiness. Why are hobbies good for mental health? Hobbies make you feel good. They help you relax and unwind from your day, with the added benefit of lowering your stress levels and blood pressure. Hobbies can help ease existing depression symptoms and decrease your risk of developing depression by up to 30%. Ways that hobbies improve your mental health: Improve neuroplasticity: According to StatPearls, neuroplasticity describes our brain's ability to adapt its activity and structure by forming and using new synaptic connections. You can think of your brain as a big map -- there are many ways to get to your destination, and sometimes you have to change which way you're going. Hobbies and habits require you to form new neural pathways, which provide new reference points for the brain to recognize. According to StatPearls, neuroplasticity describes our brain's ability to adapt its activity and structure by forming and using new synaptic connections. You can think of your brain as a big map -- there are many ways to get to your destination, and sometimes you have to change which way you're going. Hobbies and habits require you to form new neural pathways, which provide new reference points for the brain to recognize. Reduce stress: Many people use hobbies to decompress from stressful days. When you do something you like, you're allowing your body to relax and cortisol levels to drop, which lowers your heart rate and blood pressure while your mood increases. Many people use hobbies to decompress from stressful days. When you do something you like, you're allowing your body to relax and cortisol levels to drop, which lowers your heart rate and blood pressure while your mood increases. Help self-esteem: Everyone likes to complete things. It brings a self of accomplishment that feels great. As you master your hobby more and more, your confidence and self-esteem build. Everyone is busy. It's nearly impossible not to feel like you're bouncing from one thing to the next. But when you feel like you don't have time to dedicate to your hobbies, remember, they're good for hobbies are the best for boosting mental health? There is no one reigning champ of hobbies for mental health. We're all different, so we will choose different things to help us relax. What works for you may not yield the same results for someone else. It's about finding the right hobby that you find value in. Here are some common options people use to elevate their mental health and why it works. 1. Journaling Regularly journaling is a powerful tool that allows you to work through feelings and reflect on events you experience. It's often recommended for those with anxiety, depression and PTSD. You don't have to write a novel; research has shown that journaling for as little as fifteen minutes daily can help reduce anxiety. Read more: iOS 17.2: What You Should Know About Apple's Journal App You don't have to search to solve a problem while journaling. It's also something you can do just for fun. The benefits come either way. Common types of journaling include reflective journaling -- which involves writing about your day and what you thought about it -- and gratitude journaling. No matter what type of journaling you choose, it's a great hobby that allows you to highlight your wins and challenge negative thoughts and feelings. 2. Cooking Everyone knows that eating can be therapeutic. But so can cooking. Besides the benefits that can affect your physical health, like being in control of the ingredients, there are several reasons why cooking is one of the best hobbies for mental health. It offers a level of emotional relief that other hobbies may not. According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, cooking can help you relax and boost your happiness. It's not hard to see why. With each dish, you feel more self-reliant and confident, not to mention the social connections you can make when serving it to others. And for the record, yes, baking counts too. 3. Spending time in nature Hobbies that involve going outside -- like hiking or gardening -- can be great for mental health. Studies show that being in sunlight can help boost the body's serotonin production. Serotonin is the naturally occurring neurotransmitter that plays a part in regulating our moods, according to Harvard Health Publishing. It's called the "feel-good" chemical for a reason. When our body produces the right amount of serotonin, we feel happy and calm. Lower levels of serotonin are associated with mood disorders like depression. So if you're someone who goes outside, you're helping your body combat depression without even knowing it. Being outside in nature can also reduce stress and lower your heart rate. 4. Art When I say art, I'm talking about everything creative you can think of -- painting, drawing, sculpting, embroidery and woodworking. The list goes on. No matter where your hobbies fall in the lineup, you get tangible mental health benefits from them. Art lets you express your feelings and channel your creativity. You may also use it as a way to work through things that are tough to talk about. It's a tactic used often in art therapy sessions. Art may also relieve stress and improve self-confidence. You do not need to be "good" at painting to do it. There is no bar to meet for quality. The only thing that matters is that you enjoy what you're doing. 5. Music You get a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment from playing an instrument. Making something feels good, and your body responds to those positive feelings. But if you're not musically inclined, don't worry; listening to music also derives similar benefits by lowering stress and anxiety levels. It also can boost your mood. Getty Images/Westend61 6. Reading Reading is the ultimate form of escapism. You can jump into a whole new world and live a thousand different lives -- or as many books as you can read. It also happens to be a great hobby if you have anxiety. Reading can help distract you from negative or intrusive thinking you may be experiencing. It also can help lower your heart rate and help you relax. You'll get the same benefits from listening to books too. So if you can't carve out the time to read, try listening while walking your dog or cleaning your house. 7. Strategy games Strategy games and puzzles -- like chess, crosswords and sudoku -- are other hobbies that are good for your mental health. Studies have found that strategy games improve brain functioning, problem-solving skills and memory. Puzzle games also can help those with ADHD hone their concentration. Given their ability to strengthen cognition, strategy games and puzzles may also reduce the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's in older adults. However, experts are divided on whether they are truly a preventative measure or if they help cope with the disease. More research is needed to determine strategy games' role in age-related cognitive decline. 8. Exercise Whether you work out alone or participate in team sports, exercise is one of the best hobbies to have -- both physically and mentally. When we exercise, our brains flood with endorphins that boost mood, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. Exercise is an outlet to let out frustrations and navigate emotions. By exercising, you're lowering your risk for anxiety and depression. Team sports give you the extra edge by filling up your social meter while moving your body.
