Health News

A study that showed changes in the brain in those at risk of developing bipolar disorder raises new hope about early intervention.

Published

2 years ago

30 March 2022

JeffG

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A study that showed changes in the brain in those at risk of developing bipolar disorder raises new hope about early intervention.

A brain imaging study of young people at high risk of developing bipolar disorder has for the first time found evidence of weakening connections between key areas of the brain in late adolescence.
Up until now, medical researchers knew that bipolar disorder was associated with reduced communication between brain networks that are involved with emotional processing and thinking, but how these networks developed prior to the condition was a mystery.
Today in a study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry, researchers from UNSW Sydney, the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), the University of Newcastle and international institutions showed evidence of these networks diminishing over time in young adults at high genetic risk of developing bipolar disorder – which has important implications for future intervention strategies.
The researchers used diffusion-weighted magnetic imaging (dMRI) technology to scan the brains of 183 individuals over a two-year period. They examined the progressive changes in the brain scans of people with high genetic risk of developing the condition over a two year period, before comparing them with a control group of people with no risk.
People with a parent or sibling who has bipolar disorder are considered high genetic risk, and are 10 times more likely to develop the condition than people without the close family link. In the brain image scans of 97 people with high genetic risk of bipolar disorder, the researchers noted a decrease in connectivity between regions of the brain devoted to emotion processing and cognition between the two scans during the two years between scans.
But in the control group of 86 people with no family history of mental illness, they observed the opposite: strengthening in the neural connections between these same regions, when the adolescent brain matures to become more adept at the cognitive and emotional reasoning required in adulthood.
Scientia Professor Philip Mitchell AM, a practising academic psychiatrist with UNSW Medicine & Health, says the findings raise new ideas about treatment and intervention in bipolar disorder developing in young people with a higher risk.
“Our study really helps us understand the pathway for people at risk of bipolar,” he says.
“We now have a much clearer idea of what’s happening in the brains of young people as they grow up.”
Prof. Mitchell says that being a clinician as well as a researcher, he sees first-hand how young people can have their lives suddenly turned upside down when they experience their first manic episode.
“We see a lot of bright, capable kids really enjoying life and then bipolar disorder can be a huge impediment to what they want to achieve.
“With our new knowledge about what actually happens in the brain as at-risk teenagers approach adulthood, we have the opportunity to develop new intervention strategies to either stop the condition in its tracks, or reduce the impact of the illness.”

Mental image
Professor Michael Breakspear, who led the team at HMRI and the University of Newcastle that carried out the analysis of the dMRI scans, says the study illustrates how advances in technology can potentially bring about life-changing improvements to the way that mental illnesses can be treated.
“The relatives of people with bipolar disorder – especially the siblings and children – often ask about their own future risk, and this is a question of high personal concern,” he says.
“It’s also an issue for their doctors, as the presence of bipolar disorder has important medication implications.
“This study is an important step in having imaging and genetic tests we can perform to help identify those likely to develop bipolar disorder, before they develop disabling and stressing symptoms of the disorder. This would bring psychiatry closer to other branches of medicine where screening tests are part of standard care.”
The researchers stress that more research is needed before changes are made to current modes of treatment. It also would not be practical, nor cheap, for all people with a genetic risk of developing bipolar disorder to have brain scans to see if the brain is showing signs of weakened connections.
“The significant finding of our study is that there is progressive change in the brains of young people with risk of bipolar which suggests how important intervention strategies might be,” says Prof. Mitchell.
“If we can get in early, whether that’s training in psychological resilience, or maybe medications, then we may be able to prevent this progression towards major changes in the brain.”
Dr. Gloria Roberts, a postdoctoral researcher working primarily on the project since 2008 with UNSW Medicine & Health, has seen how new onsets of mental illness in youth at risk of developing bipolar disorder can significantly impact psychosocial functioning and quality of life.
“By advancing our understanding of the neurobiology of risk as well as resilience in these high-risk individuals we have the opportunity to intervene and improve the quality of life in individuals who are most at-risk.”
As a result of the new findings, the researchers are planning to do a third follow-up scan of participants in the study. They are also in the early stages of developing online programs that assist in the development of resilience while providing young people with skills in managing anxiety and depression, which they hope will reduce their chances of developing bipolar disorder.

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Health News

Vape Laws Spark Opposition

Published

1 day ago

25 July 2024

Liam

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Vape Laws Spark Opposition

Queuing at local pharmacies is expected to become longer and more complex due to new laws permitting pharmacies to sell e-cigarettes, commonly known as vapes.

As of 1 July, pharmacies are the sole legal dispensers of nicotine-containing vapes. Initially, customers will need a prescription to purchase these products, but starting 1 October, adults will be able to buy them after a consultation with the pharmacist.

However, the new legislation has sparked significant opposition from many pharmacy chains and independent chemists. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has strongly criticised the move, describing the expectation for pharmacists to retail vapes as “insulting.”

“Pharmacists are healthcare professionals, and community pharmacies do not want to supply this potentially harmful, highly addictive product without a prescription,” stated Anthony Tassone, the guild’s national vice-president. Tassone also emphasised that vaping products have not been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and no nicotine-containing vape is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.

The controversial laws were passed by Parliament following a compromise between Labor and the Greens. Beginning 1 October, pharmacists who opt to sell vapes will be able to provide them to customers aged 18 or over with proper ID but without requiring a prescription, as nicotine vapes will be reclassified from schedule 4 to schedule 3 of the poison’s standard. However, individuals under 18 will still need a prescription to purchase nicotine vapes.

The intent behind the new laws is to regulate the sale of nicotine vapes more strictly while making them accessible for adults who choose to use them. Despite this, the Pharmacy Guild remains critical, highlighting the health risks associated with vaping and the added responsibility placed on pharmacists to manage these products safely.

As the implementation date approaches, the debate within the healthcare community and among the public is likely to intensify, raising questions about the balance between accessibility and safety in the regulation of nicotine vapes.

For more health news, click here.

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Health News

Onsite Pharmacists – Just What the Doctor Ordered

Published

1 day ago

25 July 2024

Liam

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Onsite Pharmacists – Just What the Doctor Ordered

The Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist (ACOP) program aims to revolutionise medication delivery in residential facilities by placing trained professionals directly on-site.

Addressing Medication Mismanagement

The mismanagement of medications, inconsistent safety procedures, and low vaccination rates in aged care homes have long been controversial. Health authorities are urging providers to increase vaccine rates, as the lives of residents and communities are at risk. Despite these pleas, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners reported that 97 aged care facilities had COVID-19 vaccination rates below 10%. Additionally, 706 facilities reported less than 50% of their residents vaccinated against COVID, with the lowest coverage in various states including New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia.

The Role of Onsite Pharmacists

The Aged Care Royal Commission identified medication delivery as a crucial area for improvement in aged care homes, recommending the employment of allied health practitioners, including pharmacists. Responding to this, the Federal Government has allocated $333.7 million to fund the ACOP program. This initiative enables residential aged care providers to engage pharmacists through local pharmacies or direct employment. These pharmacists will deliver personalised medications, manage frequent medication reviews, and administer antipsychotic drugs and vaccinations.

Goals of the ACOP Program

The ACOP aims to:

Improve medication use and safety in aged care homes, particularly the use of high-risk medications.
Ensure continuity in medication management through regular reviews and prompt issue resolution.
Provide easy access to pharmaceutical advice for residents and staff.
Integrate on-site pharmacists with the healthcare team, including local GPs, nurses, and community pharmacies.
Enhance understanding and response to individual resident needs.

Support from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia

The initiative has garnered support from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, recognising the potential to elevate the role of pharmacies. This program enables pharmacists not only to deliver medications and dose administration aids but also to provide quality use of medicines within the facility. A Pharmacy Guild spokesperson highlighted the additional services pharmacists can offer, such as vaccinations, as they begin to practice to their full scope. This will create further opportunities for community pharmacies to become significant providers of healthcare services to aged care facilities.

Funding Model

The ACOP funding model is divided into two tiers:

Tier 1: Community pharmacies receive payments to engage with specific residential aged care facilities.
Tier 2: Residential aged care facilities can claim up to $138,282 per year for the full-time equivalent employment of an on-site pharmacist.

This government-funded initiative promises to improve medication management and overall healthcare in aged care facilities, ensuring better health outcomes for residents.

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Health News

Foods That Can Help Reduce or Prevent Joint Pain

Published

1 day ago

25 July 2024

Liam

Minimally processed, whole foods That Can Help Reduce or Prevent Joint Pain

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Foods That Can Help Reduce or Prevent Joint Pain

Minimally processed, whole foods — including brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins — may help relieve inflammation and other symptoms that lead to joint pain. Inflammation is a common cause of joint pain, often associated with arthritis and other joint conditions. Eating foods that help reduce inflammation may improve joint pain and offer additional health benefits, such as improved heart health.

Can Diet Help Reduce Joint Pain?

Research indicates that diet can significantly impact joint health. A survey of 217 people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) found that 24% reported their diet affected their symptoms. A 2023 study on osteoarthritis supports the idea that certain diet patterns can improve joint symptoms. Diets high in nuts, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and seafood, which contain anti-inflammatory properties like antioxidants and phytochemicals, may help reduce joint pain.

Beneficial Foods for Joint Pain

Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can help reduce joint pain and slow disease activity. Beneficial foods include:

Nuts: Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants.
Legumes: High in fibre and protein, reducing inflammation.
Fruits and Vegetables: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Seafood: Especially fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Foods to Avoid

To manage joint pain, limit or avoid processed foods, trans fats, and added sugars. A nutrient-rich diet can also help maintain a moderate weight, reducing strain on the joints.

Popular Diets for Joint Pain

The Mediterranean Diet

Emphasises fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats, with moderate seafood and poultry, and limited dairy and red meat. Associated with reduced inflammation and improved joint health.

The DASH Diet

Includes fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, nuts, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while restricting salt, sugar, fats, and red meat. May help improve and reduce the risk of gout, a type of arthritis that causes joint pain.

Conclusion

Incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can help manage and prevent joint pain. Following dietary patterns like the Mediterranean or DASH diets may offer comprehensive benefits for joint health and overall well-being.

For more health news, click here.

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