Mental Disorders


Physical Activity Promising as a Modifiable AD Intervention

Higher physical activity may slow cognitive and functional decline in older adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by reducing tau accumulation rather than amyloid burden. In a study of cognitively unimpaired older adults with pedometer-measured step counts, greater physical activity was linked to slower decline among those with elevated […]


Autism Profiles Different Diagnosed Early from Later On

A study shows that autism diagnosed earlier versus later in life may reflect different developmental pathways and genetic profiles. In longitudinal data from four birth cohorts, there were two distinct socioemotional and behavioral trajectories tied to age at autism diagnosis. Genetic factors explained about 11% of the variation in when […]


No Amount of Alcohol Safe for Dementia

A combined observational and genetic study indicates that all levels of alcohol consumption may raise dementia risk, and reducing alcohol use disorder (AUD) could help lower dementia incidence at the population level. The study investigated the relationship between alcohol consumption and dementia using prospective cohort, case–control, and Mendelian randomization analyses […]


Chronic Insomnia Linked to Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

A US longitudinal population-based cohort study suggests that chronic insomnia, especially with reduced sleep, is a risk factor for cognitive decline and adverse brain health in older adults. Researchers followed cognitively unimpaired participants who underwent annual neuropsychological testing and brain imaging (amyloid-PET and MRI for white matter hyperintensities [WMH]) over […]


Mediterranean Diet Promising in Lowering Dementia Risk

A US cohort study revealed genotype-dependent metabolic signatures of cognitive health and support precision nutrition approaches, such as Mediterranean diet for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) prevention. The study analyzed genetic, plasma metabolomic, and dietary data from 4,215 women and 1,490 men in prospective cohorts. The associations between 57 […]


Antidepressant Discontinuation Symptoms Not Clinically Significant

A systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that while antidepressant discontinuation is associated with a mild increase in physical symptoms, the average symptom burden does not reach the threshold for clinically significant discontinuation syndrome. Researchers examined symptoms using standardized measures such as the Discontinuation-Emergent Signs and Symptoms (DESS) scale and tracked […]


Morning Naps Linked to Dementia Risk

A US clinical-pathologic cohort study found that more frequent morning naps were linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia. Additionally, more naps in the early afternoon and more consistent nap patterns were linked to lower levels of Alzheimer’s pathology. The study analyzed data from 936 older adults (aged […]


Antidepressants Effective and Safe in Older Adults with Anxiety

A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated randomized controlled trials on pharmacological treatments for anxiety in adults aged 60 and older, identifying 19 eligible studies with 2,336 participants (68% women). The primary outcomes included reductions in anxiety symptoms, treatment response, or remission. Antidepressants were found to be more effective than placebo […]


Online Programs for Anxiety Disorders

MindShift CBT (Free) – A mobile app based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) principles, helping users manage anxiety with guided exercises. https://www.anxietycanada.com/ CBT-i Coach (Free) – Designed for those struggling with anxiety-related insomnia, based on the therapy manual, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Veterans. https://mobile.va.gov/ This Way Up (Low-cost, some […]


Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Par with Escitalopram for Anxiety Disorders

Both clinician-rated and patient-reported outcomes suggested that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) was well-tolerated with comparable effectiveness to the first-line medication escitalopram for patients with anxiety disorders in a US randomized clinical trial. The trial included 276 participants (women 75%, men 25%; mean age 33 years; Asian 19%, Black 15%, Hispanic […]