Future Pills | January

Welcome back to the fifth edition of "Future Pills", Angelini Pharma's monthly newsletter dedicated to the latest advancements in pharmaceuticals and science. With a focus on brain health, mental well-being and innovation, we aim to keep you informed about the most innovative research shaping the future of healthcare. For a monthly dose of good news!

Brain Health

Introducing FDI, the Florey Dementia Index for Alzheimer's onset prediction

Researchers at The Florey , in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and the Australian Imaging, Biomarker, and Lifestyle study, have developed a predictive tool called the Florey Dementia Index (FDI) to estimate the age at which individuals might develop mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's dementia. The tool relies on noninvasive data, such as age and Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes scores, making it accessible and easy to implement in clinical settings. FDI’s predictions help clinicians plan early treatments, prioritize patients for disease-modifying therapies, and allow individuals to make decisions about future care while they are still able. The study found that including comorbidities and demographic factors slightly enhanced the tool’s performance.

Discover more: MedicalXpress

Brain Health

Mapping how aging affects different brain cells

New research funded by the The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reveals that not all brain cells age similarly. The study found that specific cells, particularly those in the hypothalamus, experience more significant genetic changes with age. Published in Nature, the research offers a detailed map of age-sensitive brain regions and explains how aging might influence neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Moreover, this specific mapping could guide the development of a new approach: Richard J. Hodes, M.D., director of NIH's National Institute on Aging, emphasized that these findings could transform our understanding of aging's impact on the brain and the development of new therapies and treatments for brain changes and disorders.

Discover more: Neuroscience News

Brain and Mental Health

Three psychological profiles could determine the evolution of mental, cognitive and brain health

An international study published in Nature Mental Health identified three psychological profiles that influence cognitive decline and brain health in aging. The study analyzed how different combinations of psychological traits can impact the risk of dementia, brain atrophy, and mental health outcomes. The researchers found that people with a "well-balanced" psychological profile had better cognitive and mental health across all measures. In contrast, those with low levels of protective traits (like a sense of purpose or openness) had poorer cognition, more brain atrophy, and lower adherence to healthy lifestyles. A third profile, characterized by high levels of negative traits (such as distress, negative thoughts, and anxiety), was linked to an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. This study opens the door to more personalized approaches in dementia prevention, emphasizing the importance of considering the combination of psychological traits rather than examining them in isolation.

Discover more: MedicalXpress

Innovation

Generative AI chatbots as a support for mental health

A study published in npj Mental Health Research explores the potential of generative AI chatbots to support mental health. Researchers interviewed 19 participants who used AI chatbots for mental health discussions and found that many users experienced a sort of emotional sanctuary. While some found the chatbot interactions life-changing, others expressed concerns about the generic nature of some advice and the lack of continuity in conversations. The study suggests AI chatbots can complement traditional therapy, particularly for those who cannot access it due to cost or availability. However, it also highlights the need for further research, especially in understanding the long-term effects and ensuring the safety of these tools.

Discover more: PsyPost

Innovation

Using AI to identify subjective cognitive decline during the menopause transition

A recent study published in Menopause suggests that machine learning models can identify women experiencing severe subjective cognitive decline during the menopause transition. While existing cognitive health models are complex and costly, machine learning offers a simpler, more cost-effective alternative by analyzing patterns from large datasets, including sociodemographic, lifestyle, and mental health factors. In this specific study, researchers involved over 1,200 women undergoing menopause and developed a machine-learning model that can detect severe cognitive decline, offering a new approach to early intervention. The results highlight the potential of machine learning to identify.

Discover more: Medical Xpress

Mental Health

A new UK children’s hospital seeks to combat stigma

A new pediatric hospital in Cambridge will be the first in Europe to integrate care for physical and mental health conditions, deploying an innovative approach to reduce stigma and accelerate diagnoses. According to researchers, nearly one in four children in the UK live with a long-term physical health condition, and they are more likely to experience mental health issues compared to the general population. Moreover, children often have to visit multiple locations for different types of care, causing unnecessary disruption during a vulnerable time. This new and unique model aims to test a more streamlined and comprehensive care.

Read more: Ft+

Mental Health

Identified three hundred genetic risk factors for depression, study finds

Three hundred previously unknown genetic risk factors for depression have been identified by analyzing genetic data from over 5 million people in 29 countries. The sample was diverse compared to the standard ones, including individuals from African, East Asian, Hispanic, and South Asian backgrounds. The study suggests that some factors linked to adverse life events, physical health and stress can increase the risk of having depression, but there are also genetic components. These findings are expected to improve depression risk predictions and lead to more diverse treatment options. Experts agree that while genetic research is crucial, broader societal factors like poverty and racism must also be addressed in mental health prevention. Finally, the study highlights the need for more extensive studies to improve our understanding of depression and develop better therapies.

Discover more: Guardian

Mental Health

How social isolation and loneliness impact on mortality

A recent study published in Nature Human Behaviour explored the link between social isolation, loneliness, and health outcomes and mortality, focusing on proteomic changes. Social relationships are crucial for well-being, while isolation and loneliness are associated with significant health risks (comparable to smoking and obesity), whose effects are revealed by mechanisms like inflammation and stress system dysregulation. Proteins, which play essential roles in biological processes and serve as key drug targets, show potential in clarifying these connections. The study highlighted the need for further research to identify specific proteins and pathways mediating social relationships' health effects, which could improve disease prediction and prevention.

Read more: News Medical

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