Medical Notes: The Brain’s Secret Microstructure That Has Powerful Impacts, Why Kids Should Play Sports, And How A Diabetes Drug Can Fight Off Alzheimer’s Disease

A diabetes drug may be helpful in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Research in the journal Jama Neurology reveals a connection between two glucose-lowering medications and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s. The drugs may have protective effects for the brain and could slow cognitive decline in dementia patients. Researchers are now looking at who would most benefit from this treatment and what safety concerns could arise. (University of Florida)

A tiny part of the brain may be the key to treating addiction.

Researchers have been looking at a microstructure of gray and white matter. It’s been an understudied region of the brain, but is actually a highly complex command center. It even helps regulate emotions and cognitive behaviors like depression and stress. Scientists are now trying to use drugs to target this brain region and help stop addiction. (Rockefeller University)

Kids should join a sport to boost their mental health.

Scientists surveyed more than 800 kids, age 6 to 18. They noticed that physical activity seemed to protect young children from feeling depressed. While there’s a brief break in this correlation in participants aged 10 to 14, the conclusion is clear. Increasing your physical activity is a simple and effective way to protect against depression. (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

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