Mental health | Page 19 of 21

Cannabis use exerts harmful effects on brain tissue

This study provides new evidence of exposure-related structural abnormalities in the hippocampus and amygdala in long-term heavy cannabis users. Heavy daily cannabis use across protracted periods exerts harmful effects on brain tissue and mental health. – Long-term, heavy cannabis use may be associated with structural abnormalities in areas of the brain known as the hippocampus and amygdala, according to a report in the June issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Childhood lead exposure is a risk factor for criminal behavior

Prenatal and postnatal blood lead concentrations are associated with higher rates of total arrests and/or arrests for offenses involving violence. This is the first prospective study to demonstrate an association between developmental exposure to lead and adult criminal behavior. – Lead exposure during childhood is associated with adult criminal behaviour, including violent crime, revealed by researchers in this week’s PLoS Medicine. Childhood lead exposure is a purported risk factor for antisocial behavior, but prior studies either relied on indirect measures of exposure or did not follow participants into adulthood to examine the relationship between lead exposure and criminal activity in young adults.

Novel approach to treat Alzheimer’s disease

JADO Technologies GmbH announced the publication of a paper in Science demonstrating a potential novel strategy for therapeutic intervention in Alzheimer?s disease. – JADO Technologies GmbH, the leading developer of RAFT intervention therapeutics, announced the publication of a paper in Science demonstrating a potential novel strategy for therapeutic intervention in Alzheimer’s and other diseases by targeting discrete sub-compartments in the cell membrane (RAFTS).

20 minutes of housework boosts mental health

Scottish Health Survey reveals first time that just 20 minutes of any physical activity, including housework, in a week is enough to boost mental health. – A Scottish Survey reveals first time that just 20 minutes of any physical activity, including housework, in a week is enough to boost mental health. While regular exercise is known to be good for mental health, no one seems able to agree on how much, or what type of activity, is best.

Past child abuse and genes result in PTSD risk for adults

A traumatic event is much more likely to result in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults who experienced trauma in childhood ? but certain gene variations raise the risk considerably. – A traumatic event is much more likely to result in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults who experienced trauma in childhood ? but certain gene variations raise the risk considerably if the childhood trauma involved physical or sexual abuse, scientists have found. The research was conducted with funding from the National Institute of Mental Health, which is part of the National Institutes of Health, and others.

Disabilities due to alcohol consumption

Indian government is cognizant of the fact that consumption of alcohol in excessive amounts can lead to social economic and health related problems. – The Indian government is cognizant of the fact that consumption of alcohol in excessive amounts can lead to social economic and health related problems. A study conducted by NIMHANS for WHO published in the year 2006 shows that nearly 30% of adult men and less than 5% of women consume alcohol giving a male to female ratio of 6:1.

$1 million help to find Alzheimer’s disease cure

UK’s best-selling author, Terry Pratchett, has pledged $1million to leading UK charity, the Alzheimer?s Research Trust, in a bid to help find a cure for the devastating disease – Alzheimer’s disease. – UK’s best-selling author, Terry Pratchett, has pledged $1million to leading UK charity, the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, in a bid to help find a cure for the devastating disease, with which he was diagnosed in December 2007.

Possible treatment target for alcohol dependence identified

A brain circuit that underlies feelings of stress and anxiety shows promise as a new therapeutic target for alcoholism. – A brain circuit that underlies feelings of stress and anxiety shows promise as a new therapeutic target for alcoholism, according to new studies by researchers at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Improved cognitive health among older Americans

Rates of cognitive impairment among older Americans are on the decline, according to a new study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) comparing the cognitive health of older people in 1993 and 2002. Higher levels of education were associated with better cognitive health. – Higher levels of health education improved cognitive health among older Americans. Rates of cognitive impairment among older Americans are on the decline, according to a new study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) comparing the cognitive health of older people in 1993 and 2002.

Tougher action needed on alcohol misuse

British Medical Association lobbied for higher taxes on alcohol, an end to happy hours. – A new hard-hitting report ‘Alcohol misuse: tackling the UK epidemic’ launched by the British Medical Association (BMA) calls on governments to show leadership and implement a full range of effective control policies that will reduce the burden of alcohol misuse.