Summary: Chronic pain is among the most common comorbidities in those being treated for opioid use disorder (OUD). However, a new study found that in most cases, doctors treating OUD do not pay sufficient attention to chronic pain management, resulting in higher opioid relapse. They also found that those treated with medications like methadone or buprenorphine had better pain relief and, thus, better treatment outcomes. Therefore, researchers recommend that doctors focus on managing comorbidities when treating OUD.

When we think of people living with OUD, we completely neglect that many of them live with severe chronic pain such as, neck pain, complex regional pain syndrome, etc. This poorly managed chronic pain may be related to poor treatment outcomes in many. Studies show that chronic pain is the most common comorbid condition in those living with OUD.

 

Recently, the Journal of Pain published a patient survey, finding that two-thirds of those treated for OUD reported that their chronic pain was not managed well. Even worse, 47% reported that their pain worsened over time, thus increasing the risk of opioid relapse.

 

The opioid crisis continues to be a significant health problem, and it is showing no sign of slowing down. Moreover, the coronavirus pandemic only increased opioid use disorder (OUD) and drug overdose-related deaths. This only underlines the need to pay more attention to the effective opioid addiction treatment.

 

Health experts say that the problem in tackling the opioid crisis is not just in lack of access to opioid treatment, which is true. Still, other factors make treatment more difficult and result in high relapse rates. In addition, most people treated with OUD have other comorbidities, with many living with mental health issues and chronic pain.

 

Although it is no secret that chronic pain and OUD are related health issues. However, it is unknown how ill-managed pain in those living with OUD may affect treatment outcomes for the condition. Health experts say that one of the problems is that treating doctors focus significantly on OUD, but less on comorbidities, especially issues like chronic pain.

 

In the new survey, researchers analyzed the data of 14,449 patients getting treated in 225 OUD treatment centers. They found that one-third of all the patients had significant chronic pain. Out of these patients, just one-third reported that their chronic pain was managed properly with pharmaceutical drugs. Moreover, almost half of all the patients said the pain was the primary reason for opioid relapse.

 

Researchers say this is a massive sample size, and they were amazed to see that so many patients are not being treated adequately for their chronic pain. Many of these patients have even used street drugs like heroin to manage their pain.

 

When researchers interacted with doctors treating OUD, they were often told that treating pain was not their priority or not within the scope of their practice.

 

Researchers say that there is a need to understand that pain is among the most significant causes of opioid relapse. Hence, effective treatment of OUD must include adequate pain relief.

 

The study had another unexpected finding related to opioid relapse. In the survey, 20% of those treated for OUD said that they would return to opioid use once they overcame their addiction. It means that treatments are not preparing them well for post-treatment life, and many of them still view opioid use as an option.

 

The study also found that those treated with OUD with medications had a higher success rate. Thus, those treated with buprenorphine and methadone reported better treatment satisfaction. It seems that one of the reasons for a greater success rate with these medications is that they also help with chronic pain treatment.

 

Thus, health experts say addiction treatment will only improve if different health specialists work together. Moreover, the coronavirus pandemic has shown that interdisciplinary collaboration using technologies like telemedicine is not that difficult.

 

Of course, researchers say that the study has also raised certain questions, like the role of opioids in pain management. As a result, the researchers suggest that the use of opioids for managing chronic pain should be limited.

 

Additionally, researchers say that one of the issues is that doctors often do not view chronic pain as one of the significant issues. They forget that this pain may be due to comorbidities like depression and mood disorders requiring treatment. If these comorbidities remain unmanaged, relapse is more likely.

 

Hence, researchers concluded that OUD should be treated by multi-specialist teams, including pain management, psychiatry, psychology, integrative medicine, and physical therapy. In addition, we should treat the patient as a whole and not merely focus on reducing pain numbers on a scale.

Summary: Childhood abuse is not rare in the US and affects about one in seven children. It is well known that such a trauma can cause many issues during adolescence and young adulthood. Those exposed to childhood abuse may have mental health issues, behavioral problems, and risky behavior. However, now a study suggests that it may even significantly increase the risk of mental and physical ailments in old age. It may almost double the depression, anxiety, and even COPD risk.

 

Older adults who had a traumatic childhood are more likely to develop chronic painful conditions and various chronic disorders like cancer, depression, anxiety, COPD, and others.
These days chronic non-communicable diseases have emerged as a significant issue. Medical science may manage these conditions well, but they are challenging to treat. Conditions like COPD, depression, anxiety, or even cancer, may not kill immediately, but these issues cause significant pain and disability.

 

Researchers want to understand why certain painful and chronic conditions are rising so quickly despite improved living standards. There are many reasons for the increased mental health disorders and chronic painful conditions. It appears that childhood abuse is one such significant factor.

 

CDC data suggests that childhood abuse and neglect are quite a common problem. It affects almost one in seven children. It means that there are millions of adults who had traumatic experiences in their childhood. Childhood abuse could be physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect. Over the long term, children who were abused are more likely to engage in risky behavior and have unhealthy lifestyles. However, now a study suggests that the ill effects of childhood trauma continue to haunt a person even in old age.

 

A new study shows that childhood abuse continues to cause pain in old age

 

Childhood abuse causing issues at school age, increasing the risk of substance abuse, and risky behavior are well known. Childhood trauma may also cause mental health issues and behavioral disorders in adolescents and young adults. However, what researchers did not know is that painful childhood may significantly contribute to the painful conditions in old age

 

The new study was done in British Columbia, Canada. In the study, researchers enrolled 409 older adults living with various ailments. First, there were all survivors of childhood abuse, and now they were older than 60 years.

 

Researchers did not expect childhood memories and pain to continue to haunt even in old age. Thus, they decided to compare the prevalence of painful conditions in older adults with difficult childhood to those with a normal childhood. Researchers were amazed to see the marked difference between the two groups.

 

The researchers found that childhood trauma increased the risk of anxiety, depression, and COPD by as much as twice. This is a massive difference, something that researchers did not expect. They also found that childhood abuse survivors have a 50% higher risk of cancers and a 70% greater risk of migraines and debilitating pain. They are also at a 33% higher risk of developing arthritis. Interestingly, it seems that childhood abuse only slightly increases heart disease risk.

 

Doctors cannot fully explain the association between childhood abuse and a higher risk of painful conditions in older adults. Nonetheless, they think that there are multiple mechanisms of action. For example, those with childhood trauma have altered stress responses and neural pathways and are more likely to live with chronic inflammation. In addition, they often have abnormal cortisol levels.

 

These findings are relevant as one is not likely to pay much attention to the possible link between childhood abuse and a higher risk of chronic painful ailments in older adults. However, the present study shows that it may be a significant contributing factor in some cases. Furthermore, childhood trauma can significantly increase the risk of multiple health conditions. Thus, anyone treating chronic pain conditions in older adults must have telehealth treatment regarding this

Summary: The incidence of a heart infection or endocarditis is unusually high in those who inject drugs due to syringe contamination. Moreover, AHA says that endocarditis treatment often fails in those who inject drugs and have opioid dependency, as such individuals often fail to complete prolonged intravenous antibiotic treatment. Hence, AHA says treating addiction is key to managing endocarditis in those who inject drugs. A dedicated opioid addiction treatment program can become the key factor here.

With the advent of antibiotics, heart infections have increasingly become less common. Nonetheless, it remains a significant problem in specific population groups like those injecting drugs. Though the problem is pretty common among drug addicts, there has not been a specific treatment recommendation for the population group. AHA (American Heart Association) has published a new statement in their journal Circulation.

Managing any infection is challenging in the population groups who inject drugs. Since these are people living with multiple infections, many are immune compromised, and they have poor health. However, infections like heart infections are challenging to manage in non-addicts and highly challenging to manage in those who inject drugs. Since a considerable number of those living with endocarditis inject drugs, AHA has come up with detailed guidelines.

AHA states that treating endocarditis in this population group poses many challenges. Moreover, they noted a disproportionately high prevalence of endocarditis in those who inject drugs. In addition, they have found that without the treatment of substance use disorder (SUD), these patients are unlikely to benefit. Hence, the treatment of endocarditis in those living with SUD must be done by multispecialty teams. Else, preventing frequent infection relapse will remain challenging.

About infective endocarditis:

• Each year more than 35K cases of endocarditis are reported in the US.
• The condition has a high mortality rate of about 20%.
• Heart valve disorders are common in those affected by endocarditis. In addition, infection of heart valves is challenging to treat as valves lack blood supply.
• There are many sources of heart infection, like poor dental health, burns, and injecting drugs is among the relevant causes.
• Studies show a significant increase in endocarditis due to drug injections between 2002 to 2016. Such patients now make up 16% of all cases of endocarditis, a rise from 8% since 2002.
• People who inject drugs are more likely to be affected by endocarditis at a young age. The average age of such patients is 38 years. In contrast, non-drug users are rarely affected by endocarditis before the age of 45 years.

Specialists say that endocarditis treatment often fails in those injecting drugs. Endocarditis requires prolonged antibiotic therapy of 6 weeks. However, drug addicts often leave the hospital before antibiotic therapy is completed. Therefore, doctors are also exploring other treatment options like using intravenous antibiotics requiring shorter treatment or switching drug users to oral antibiotics so that they can finish their treatment.

Further, experts say that for successful treatment of endocarditis in those who inject drugs, it is vital to initiate substance use disorder treatment using FDA-approved medications. This can help reduce withdrawal syndrome and thus reduce the chances of patients abandoning endocarditis treatment prematurely.

Additionally, experts also recommend screening patients for drug use. This will help provide medical care without judgment and also for opioid addiction treatment. Further, there is a need to raise awareness regarding the risk of endocarditis among drug users, as safer injection practices may significantly reduce the risk of the condition.

Finally, treating doctors should keep in mind that drug users often lack health insurance and have many financial issues, which may also adversely impact treatment outcomes. Moreover, those using drugs are more likely to live with other mental health issues.

Further, it is vital to overcome professional bias when treating people addicted to drugs. For example, many hospitals may not provide adequate help or accept patients for valve surgery if they learn that the patient injects drugs. However, studies show that outcomes of valve surgery are quite similar in drug users and non-drug users.

Summary: In recent years, many telehealth platforms have sprung up. Tele mental help has some distinct benefits like accessibility and lower cost. However, experts think that telehealth platforms for mental health conditions may not be effective in many cases. There are many reasons why experts doubt the efficacy of these platforms. Mental health specialists working on these platforms are not well paid. These are often specialists with minimum experience in managing mental health conditions. Although video calls seem to be quite helpful, other ways of communication like texting are not proven to be effective ways of providing help to those with mental health issues. There are also concerns regarding virtual pharmacies, as these platforms prescribe drugs without seeing the patient and physical examination.

Telehealth has some distinct benefits over traditional medicine. It makes healthcare more accessible, with lower consultation fees, better availability, and higher communication. This does make it one of the excellent ways of providing mental healthcare. Nonetheless, it also lacks some of the traits of traditional medicine and the benefits of face-to-face meetings. Additionally, therapists providing help on some online platforms may lack the expertise to manage mental health issues remotely. Thus, experts are skeptical about the benefits of telehealth.

In recent years, telehealth startups have grown significantly, and the industry is undergoing a boom. This may be explained by increasing rates of mental health issues. CDC data shows that almost 40% of US adults are living with mental health issues or substance use disorders. These are significant numbers. It is not possible to provide help to so many people by using traditional methods. This underlines the importance of exploring innovative methods of providing help to those who need it most. It appears that telehealth may be the way.

Experts remain skeptical about tele help for mental health

The sheer number of people living with mental health issues shows that mental health therapists cannot cope with the problem through traditional channels. This has forced millions of people to turn to online telehealth startups like BetterHelp, and other similar platforms. These platforms provide quick help through face-to-face online meet and also texting.

However, there are many issues associated with these platforms. For example, these platforms have lower consultation fees when compared to traditional therapists. However, experts say that this also means less attention to the patient. Additionally, many psychologists and mental health specialists on these platforms are not experienced enough. Many of these therapists are just starting their journey and are ill-trained to provide adequate help. There are also concerns regarding how these online platforms offer support.

Therapy via texting

Mental healthcare experts are also skeptical about the way online platforms deliver help. Two main ways of understanding patients’ problems and providing psychological support are face-to-face video calls and texting.

Though many claim that these methods work, there is still limited data regarding their efficacy. Among these two methods, direct face-to-face virtual interaction seems to work, as there is some research into the subject. Some studies suggest that these online calls may be as effective as visiting the therapist’s office. However, such interaction would be helpful only in some mental health conditions and not all mental health issues.

There is a complete lack of data when it comes to the efficacy of messaging, texting, and other similar methods. Therefore, it is difficult to say if such methods have significant value in managing mental health issues. However, experts say this is the predominant way of providing help on the telemental health care platforms.

Virtual pharmacies

Another significant concern is the virtual prescriptions that are merely based on the doctor-patient interaction. Even this interaction is often concise. In many cases, doctors need to prescribe antidepressants, psychotropic substances, and other controlled substances. In the case of telehealth, they do it without a physical examination and sufficient testing. This is quite worrisome. DEA has temporarily allowed prescribing controlled substances virtually, mainly due to Covid-19.

Some healthcare experts think that patients may even imitate mental health issues, get virtual prescriptions, and then abuse these substances. This can do more harm than good.

To conclude, this is not to suggest that telemedicine services are not helpful. However, it has its limitations. It may be good in some cases, but in most cases, the traditional way of visiting the healthcare provider is safe and effective.

Summary: It appears that consuming too much sugar may reduce the sense of sweetness. A new study found that if rats were fed a high-sugar diet for long, it resulted in a 50% decline in signal sent from tongue to brain on exposing them to sugary syrup, compared to rats on a low-sugar diet. These changes in taste buds due to a high-sugar diet may play a role in the development of metabolic disorders. Fortunately, the study also found that on discontinuing a high-sugar diet, the ability of lab animals to experience sweetness was restored.

Sugar is sweet, addictive, and created by processing natural extracts like those of beetroot or sugarcane. People who consume much sugar are also more likely to complain that something is not as sweet as it should be. 

Once people start eating more sugar regularly, they need to consume even more sugar to satisfy their sweet tooth. It appears as if they have stopped sensing the sweetness, and their sense of feeling the sweetness has become blunted. 

However, those were all observations, and it is unclear whether it is psychological or physiological. What if something more complex is happening, causing some changes in the brain? Researchers decided to test their hypothesis.

In the new study, researchers experimented with lab rats. They fed them a high-sugar diet and measured the nerve signals traveling from the tongue to the brain. To their amazement, they found that these signals became blunted over time, and intensity of these signals was reduced by almost 50%, which is a massive difference. The findings of the study were published in the journal called Current Biology.

Researchers say that this is not the first finding of its kind. Earlier they found that sugar dulls the sweet taste in fruit flies over time. However, flies differ significantly from humans; thus, not much can be concluded from such a study. Therefore, researchers decided to test their hypothesis in mammals like lab rats, as they are physiologically much closer to humans.

In the study, researchers divided rats into two groups. One group was fed a typical diet, and another with a high-sugar diet. After four weeks, they exposed rats from both groups to sugar solutions of different strengths, and then they measured nerve signals traveling from the tongue to the brain in these rats. They found that those fed with a high-sugar diet had a much-blunted response. It is clear that prolonged sugar consumption led to changes in taste buds in these mice.

They gave the rats bitter, sour, salty, and umami-flavored solutions to further understand the phenomenon. They found that their sense of other flavors was unchanged. The changes only occurred towards the sweet sucrose (table sugar) solution.

There were some other interesting findings. Researchers then put the rats on the high-sugar diet back on a usual diet with plain water. They again tested the response of these rats to sugary solutions. To their amazement, they found that their sense of sweetness was restored. 

These findings are encouraging in many ways. Though they show that consuming high amounts of sugar for long may blunt your ability to sense sweetness, but these changes are reversible. It means that switching to a low-sugar diet can help restore your senses. This is potentially good news.

Researchers say that the findings were what they expected, as they know that taste sensation is quite plastic and can be readily modulated. Therefore, even if some changes occur in taste, it is possible to restore sensation.

On microscopic examination, researchers found no significant changes due to high sugar consumption in taste buds or nerves. However, they found that consuming high sugar for long reduced sweetness receptors on the tongue, though these changes were reversible.

Researchers say that they are now interested in further investigating the subject. For example, they want to understand how these changes in the sweetness signal to the brain alter its activity and response to various foods and how it affects appetite and metabolism. 

Studies show that sugar is addictive and causes dopamine release. It means that low sugar sensation may cause lower dopamine release, which may increase an urge to eat more food leading to obesity. These changes in sensation may have a much broader impact on food choices and metabolism.

Summary: In recent years, a field called nutritional psychiatry has been emerging fast as researchers realize that those living with mental health disorders may benefit from dietary changes. Moreover, mental health issues are challenging to treat with medications, often requiring prolonged treatment, thus causing multiple adverse effects. Dietary measures can help overcome stress, anxiety, depression, and more.

It has been rightly said that you become what you eat. Your diet can influence mental health in multiple ways. It can directly affection the production of neurotransmitters, cause mood changes, influence circadian rhythm, affect gut microflora, and more.

Since diet can influence mental well-being and mood, it also means that one can use food to manage mental health disorders. Thus, anyone living with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues must make dietary changes.

The importance of diet in mental health cannot be neglected, considering that most mental health issues tend to be chronic and even lifelong.

In recent years, nutritional therapy in psychiatry has gained significant importance as researchers have discovered a few things. Science has discovered that the gut produces 90% of serotonin, one of the most vital neurotransmitters affecting mood and mental health. Similarly, science has realized the role of gut bacteria or microbiota in mental well-being. The gut is so crucial for mental health that researchers are now calling it the second brain. They understand that the “gut-brain” axis can influence various brain functions.

Diet and depression

There are numerous studies showing that diet can increase the risk of depression. Those living with the metabolic disorder are also more likely to develop depression. Thus, studies also confirm that certain dietary choices may be suitable for managing depression. Dietary measures are especially useful in mild to moderate depression.

One of the good ways to manage depression is to switch to the Mediterranean diet. Studies show that consuming whole grains, fresh vegetables, and legumes may help. At the same time, reducing the intake of processed foods is also good for mental health.

One of the landmark trials HELFIMED has shown that the Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, nuts, whole grains, lean meat, and dairy product can help significantly reduce depression, especially when combined with fish oil or omega-3 supplements.

Diet for stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety are pretty common mental health issues. Compared to depression, they might be less severe, but they have a higher prevalence.
Studies show that specific food choices may increase the risk of stress and anxiety. Thus, to reduce these mental health issues, experts recommend reducing the intake of alcohol, caffeine, and added sugars.

Those living with anxiety should especially try to lower their sugar intake. Studies show that sugar can be quite addictive and can even cause withdrawal syndrome. Further studies show that consuming excessive saturated fats may also cause mental health issues.

Foods that are especially good for improving mental health are foods that reduce inflammation, like dietary fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, unsaturated fats, and probiotics-rich fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and more.

Other things to consider

Prevention is better than treatment. Thus, researchers say that for a healthy life, one should focus on increasing the intake of certain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-complex, iron, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C. Fruits, nuts, seeds, and seafood can be really good to get your daily supply of these vital nutrients.

Secondly, one should consume foods rich in pro and prebiotics like yogurt, buttermilk, garlic, onions, asparagus, barley, oats, and so on.

Further, it is good to consume antioxidant-rich berries. Berries are often associated with romantic moods, and it now appears they really help. In addition, berries are the richest source of specific vitamins like vitamin C and antioxidants.

Finally, remember that disruption in circadian rhythm is one of the reasons for the higher prevalence of mental health issues. Hence, eat meals at regular intervals and at a fixed time of the day to avoid any disruption in the circadian rhythm. Apart from sleep, also regularize your sleep time.

It is our mission to bring real hope and transformational change to patients who would otherwise be consigned to a lifetime of medications, doctor’s visits, and suffering. We expose misaligned incentives and return the power of health to the individual. We believe empowered individuals change their communities. We use a combination of lifestyle intervention, medication management, and emerging scientific research to help our patients. When you are ready or have questions, reach out.

Medical Disclaimer: Keep in mind that the content provided is not direct medical advice for patient care, but is provided for thoughtful discussion.

Summary: Due to technological changes and increased use of gadgets, people are continually being exposed to various information. Some people are overconsuming the news. Therefore, many people are living with problematic news consumption. The new study shows that this causes not only mental health issues in such individuals but also a significant rise in physical health problems.

If you or someone you know is struggling with problematic news consumption and its effects on mental and physical health, consider seeking help from online substance abuse treatment or telehealth programs. These programs can also provide opioid addiction treatment for those dealing with addiction-like behavior towards news consumption. We are living in turbulent times with many events happening around us. The covid pandemic is still ongoing, and then there is a raging war in Ukraine. The global economy had become increasingly unstable. Reading bad news most of the time can make people feel helpless and distressed.

However, here it is worth understanding that this problem is also made worse by technology. We are living in the information age. It means that people are continually fed with information. Ultimately, many of us become addicted to gadgets and start consuming news and other information too frequently. This leads to chronic stress disorder. It is not difficult to guess that this is having a negative impact on mental health. However, studies show that problematic news consumption’s effects are much graver. It not only causes mental health issues but is also harmful to physical health.

Continually following the news can bring us into a state of over-excitement. It may increase sympathetic activity levels and, consequently, stress hormones. And on the other hand, frequently reading all the news may change our outlook, and we may start seeing the world as a small and dark place. It may fill us with hopelessness. For many people, consuming news rather becomes addictive. Instead of taking a break, people start consuming news even more often. They start checking for updates regularly and become obsessed with the news. It is quite like substance addiction, where people need a dose of news to stay in a specific psychological state. Eventually, such an obsession starts interfering with life and the ability to carry out daily tasks.

To understand the gravity of the problem, researchers carried out an online survey of 1100 US adults. In the survey, participants had to answer a multiple-choice question like “I often do not pay attention at school or work because I am reading or watching the news,” and so on. They also answered about how frequently they experienced stress and anxiety. Additionally, researchers paid attention to physical symptoms like fatigue, physical pain, lack of concentration, and gastrointestinal issues.

Researchers analyzed the data and found that about 16.5% reported “severely problematic” news consumption. These were people who were too invested in various news stories. These stories dominated their thoughts and disrupted their life. It made it difficult for them to focus on work and even caused sleep difficulties.

Not surprising that these were also individuals who were more likely to experience various mental and physical health issues.

When asked about mental and physical health issues:

73.6% reported frequent mental and physical health issues, which was merely 8% in those who did not report problematic news consumption. Thus, one can see that the difference is significant.
61% of those living with problematic new consumption reported frequent physical health issues, compared to a mere 6.1% in all other study participants.

The results of the study were as expected. However, what surprised researchers are the difference between those with problematic news consumption and other participants, which is massive. Surely, survey studies are not regarded as a good type of study, as they have many limitations. However, with such a significant difference between the mental and physical health issues faced by those living with problematic new consumption, this study turned out to be an eye-opener.

Though we all need to be aware of the situation. However, it seems that becoming addicted to the news can have many ill effects. Moreover, it is not just bad for mental health but can cause a significant number of physical health issues. Additionally, this study shows that the dramatization of events by news presenters is also causing much harm. Though new agencies are under significant economic pressure, it is time to realize the tactics used by new outlets are causing much damage to society.

Summary: A study led by LSU Health New Orleans researchers found evidence that a neurotoxin known as BF-LPS, derived from the bacteria Bacteroides fragilis in the gut, contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The study also found that adequate intake of dietary fiber may be able to prevent this process. The findings suggest a potential link between gut health and the development of Alzheimer’s disease and may lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for managing the disease.

Did you wonder why a century of extensive research into Alzheimer’s failed to discover a potent remedy for the condition? Well, the reasons are simple, not only Alzheimer’s pathogenesis (disease development), even its etiology (cause of the condition) remains poorly understood. It appears that Alzheimer’s occurs due to many reasons. In recent years, researchers have started paying more significant attention to the role of the gut-brain axis and gut microbiota in Alzheimer’s development.

Infection, toxins, and gut health have been proposed as potential contributing factors in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have suggested that certain infections, such as the herpes simplex virus, may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Toxins, such as heavy metals and pesticides, may also play a role in the disease. Additionally, a growing body of research suggests that gut health and the gut microbiome may contribute to Alzheimer’s. 

The gut microbiome is the collection of microorganisms that live in the gut and play important roles in digestion, immune function, and other bodily processes. Dysregulation of the gut microbiome has been linked to a number of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s. However, more research is needed to fully understand the role of these factors in the development of the disease.

The study led by Drs. Yuhai Zhao and Walter J Lukiw at the LSU Health New Orleans Neuroscience Center and the Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Neurology, and Ophthalmology have found evidence that a molecule containing a potent microbial-generated neurotoxin (lipopolysaccharide or LPS) derived from the Gram-negative bacteria Bacteroides fragilis in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract generates a neurotoxin known as BF-LPS. This neurotoxin, BF-LPS, is a pro-inflammatory toxin that contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The study also found that adequate intake of dietary fiber can head off the process.

The study found that a neurotoxin called BF-LPS, which comes from bacteria in the gut, can contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The BF-LPS travels from the gut to the brain, causes inflammation in brain cells, and harms a protein that helps keep brain cells healthy. Unfortunately, this harm eventually leads to brain cells dying, as seen in Alzheimer’s disease.

The study also found that the gut microbiome, the collection of microorganisms living in the gut, plays an important role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The number of bacteria that produce BF-LPS can be controlled by eating enough dietary fiber.

The study suggests that understanding the connection between the gut, the brain, and Alzheimer’s disease could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat the disease. It is estimated that people in the US eat an average of 10-15 grams of fiber daily. The USDA recommends that women up to age 50 consume 25 grams a day and men 38 grams. After age 50, women should eat 21 grams daily and men 30 grams. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and is among the leading cause of death in the US. It is estimated that 5.8 million people over 65 in the US have Alzheimer’s disease, which is projected to increase to 13.8 million by 2050.

This study highlights the importance of gut health in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and suggests that dietary fiber may play a role in preventing its development. This study’s findings can lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for managing Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. However, it is important to note that further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between gut health, dietary fiber, and Alzheimer’s disease.

It is our mission to bring real hope and transformational change to patients who would otherwise be consigned to a lifetime of medications, doctor’s visits, and suffering. We expose misaligned incentives and return the power of health to the individual. We believe empowered individuals change their communities. We use a combination of lifestyle intervention, medication management, and emerging scientific research to help our patients.  When you are ready or have questions, reach out.

Medical Disclaimer: Keep in mind that the content provided is not direct medical advice for patient care, but is provided for thoughtful discussion.

The Bottom Line

Addictionology Center has expertise in managing mental disorder symptoms as well as guided treatments in opioid addiction. Our specialists offer you treatment right in the comfort of your home through our telehealth addiction treatment program. 

 Summary: People do not generally associate mental health disorders with infectious diseases. However, studies show that the brain regulates infection and inflammation in multiple ways, including neuroendocrine responses and even behavioral changes. Studies also show that severe conditions like sepsis are associated with a higher risk of anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders. However, to date, researchers do not know the underlying mechanism. The new study suggests that activation of neural circuits like the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the central nucleus of the amygdala play an important role in post-infection anxiety and PTSD.

One does not usually associate infectious diseases with mental health disorders. However, as the new study shows, some severe infections may alter the working of specific brain centers leading to different mood disorders. It would be unwise to think that infections or inflammatory processes affecting various body parts cannot influence mental health. However, one must realize that the brain has a say in all body activities and regulates immune responses.

Sometimes, more severe infections may cause dysregulation of brain function in multiple ways. Science has just started to understand the way in which the brain regulates localized and systemic inflammation. There appear to be two ways the brain can detect and control inflammation. First is the humoral pathway. It means that some of the circulating inflammatory mediators can enter the brain. Thus, the brain can sense inflammation and its severity and initiate a response accordingly.

The second way is a neuronal pathway. Sensory afferent fibers send a signal to the brain, including information on local inflammatory conditions, and then the brain can regulate things. Just take an example of the Vagus nerve. It can detect even the minutest inflammation in the gut and lungs. Once the brain has received humoral and neural signals, it can initiate regulatory responses that involve neuroendocrine, neurovegetative, and behavioral responses. Among neural pathways, autonomic nervous and limbic systems play essential roles in these regulatory responses.

An example of neuroendocrinal response is the release of cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Cortisol is quite good at regulating inflammation. Similarly, behavioral changes also help regulate inflammation. Thus, changes in mood, appetite, and sleep all play an important role in inflammation regulation.

All the behavioral changes aim to regulate inflammation. However, sometimes, the body may fail to initiate optimal responses, which may cause mood dysregulation and increase the risk of psychological disorders. One of the conditions in which there is much risk of inadequate body responses is sepsis. It is a severe and disseminated infection. It causes severe immune response and inflammation. Sepsis is among the leading causes of mortality globally, as it is highly challenging to manage with antibiotics.

Since sepsis is a life-threatening condition, it means that the brain’s responses to the condition are also massive. However, now studies suggest that these responses may cause severe damage to mental health, leading to chronic anxiety, depression, and even other mental health issues. PTSD is another common result of a severe and prolonged infection like sepsis.

Although doctors know that sepsis increases the risk of anxiety, PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues, they do not know how to reduce this risk as little is known about the underlying mechanism.

In one of the first kinds of studies published in the journal Brain, researchers tried to understand how infection and inflammation might cause mental health issues. In the experimental study, they induced sepsis in mice. They found that after two weeks, these mice developed anxiety. They also found signs that resemble PTSD.

In the study, they could identify changes in specific neural circuits like the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis but, more importantly, in the central nucleus of the amygdala. This study is one of the first to identify changes in neural circuits related to anxiety and PTSD post sepsis. These findings can form the basis for further studies into the subject.

Understanding how sepsis or severe inflammation causes mental health & depressive mood disorders may help find effective preventive measures and telehealth treatment. These findings are especially important, as neuroinflammation and resulting psychiatric disorders are also found in those affected by Covid-19.

Summary: Although emotional disorders are quite common, there are no reliable biomarkers for diagnosing these conditions. Not only that, lack of biomarkers means that there is no reliable way to monitor the efficacy of treatment therapy. Now researchers think that they have found a way of monitoring changes in emotional regulation in individuals. They found that emotional changes can be measured by tracking theta waves using an electroencephalograph. Researchers think this will help monitor the severity of emotional disorders and find effective treatments.

Emotional disorders like anxiety, various mood issues, and borderline personality disorders are common. However, there are many problems in diagnosing and treating these conditions. Doctors do not know what precise brain changes cause these issues.

Even worse, there are no dependable lab tests to confirm the diagnosis of various emotional disorders. This creates many challenges for doctors. It not only makes diagnosing these conditions highly challenging; it also makes monitoring the progress of treatment difficult. This also poses a significant challenge for researchers. 

Since there is no reliable way to diagnose and monitor the progress of the disease condition, it means that carrying out research on the subject is also tricky. Thus, finding effective treatments is also quite challenging.

Just take an example of anxiety. Almost everyone experiences anxiety in their life. Not all cases of anxiety need treatment. However, the decision to treat someone is taken purely on clinical grounds. There is no test to check the severity of anxiety. When treatment begins, doctors depend on patients’ self-reporting, as they have no other reliable way to know if their treatment is working.

Researchers have long been looking for reliable biomarkers that could help accurately diagnose emotional disorders, understand their severity, and measure the success of treatment based on objective tests rather than on self-reported patient outcomes. 

Theta waves may help measure emotional regulation

The human brain produces different wave patterns that are readily monitored with the help of electroencephalography. These brain waves keep changing according to different physiological states and emotional responses. In addition, pathological processes may also alter wave patterns.

In 2013, researchers first identified that theta brain waves have much to do with emotional regulation. In the new study, Montreal University researchers further tested these findings on 24 adults.

It is a relatively simple experiment to prove the complex concept. They attached the electrodes to the scalp of 10 men and 14 women to see how they react to various emotional stimuli, especially to threats. Thus, they showed them disturbing images of armed men and threatening dogs.

During the experiment, they continually monitored the changes in the brain wave pattern. As a result, they saw that brain wave patterns change according to different emotional responses. In addition, they could confirm that theta waves were especially a good marker for emotional regulation.

Of course, theta waves are not the only waves recorded during the experiment. However, researchers found that other waves, like alpha waves with a frequency between 8 to 13 Hz range, were not sensitive to emotional changes. 

They found that these changes occur more prominently in the brain’s frontal region, which is mainly involved in cognitive control.

Researchers think these findings would ultimately help find a reliable way to measure emotional dysregulation in people, especially in conditions like severe anxiety and schizophrenia. 

Once doctors can accurately measure emotional regulation and dysregulation, it would help better diagnose emotional disorders. This will also help researchers find more effective treatments. Additionally, these waves can be used to monitor the effectiveness of any treatment modality. And for those suffering from these emotional disorders telehealth with these studies can be a way out.