{"title":"Case studies of the migraine aura in the blind or partially sighted.","authors":"Ramiro M Joly-Mascheroni, Alex J Shepherd","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.02.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.02.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Visual Aura symptoms are particularly intriguing when manifesting in the severely visually impaired. Presented here are eight case reports of the migraine aura experienced by those who are blind or partially sighted. The migraine aura consists of fully reversible neurological symptoms that typically precede the migraine headache by approximately 30 min. The symptoms are commonly visual and include the classic fortification spectra, seeing flashing lights, stars or phosphenes, or experiencing distortions of the visual scene. Non-visual aura symptoms can also be experienced, including pins and needles or numbness on the face and/or limbs, allodynia, speech difficulties, auditory disturbances and distortions of the sense of smell and/or taste. Both visual and non-visual aura symptoms were assessed using an on-line questionnaire. All participants experienced visual symptoms associated with their headache. Six experienced non-visual aura symptoms, which is a higher proportion than usually found when people without visual loss are questioned. Migraine triggers were also assessed. Glare and stress were the most frequently endorsed (by six out of eight), followed by flickering lights, tiredness and hormonal factors (five out of eight). The relative weight or balance of activity in visual, somatosensory and motor cortices is suggested as a possible explanation for the higher rate of non-visual aura symptoms in those who are blind or partially sighted.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"292 ","pages":"143-155"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144132800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abbas Al Bazzal, Mohammad Ali Mtairek, Mohammad Hadi Awde, Haidar Kanso, Fatima Hajj, Fatima Al Amin, Zeinab Kazan, Nadia A Mohammed, Hiba Hamdar
{"title":"Stress-related psychiatric disorders.","authors":"Abbas Al Bazzal, Mohammad Ali Mtairek, Mohammad Hadi Awde, Haidar Kanso, Fatima Hajj, Fatima Al Amin, Zeinab Kazan, Nadia A Mohammed, Hiba Hamdar","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stress is a natural human emotion that motivates us to face difficulties and risks. Everyone experiences stress to some extent, but when it becomes chronic or reaches a level that cannot be managed, its effects begin to manifest. It is a common condition that most individuals confront, and its effects on the body and brain have become more obvious in recent years. Social and environmental interactions activate systemic reactions primarily controlled by the brain via immunological, neuroendocrine, and metabolic pathways. Long-term stress disrupts homeostasis, activating stress mediators that attempt to restore balance but frequently cause cumulative damage, particularly to the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus. Furthermore, persistent stress can have a direct and indirect effect on initiating psychiatric illnesses such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and schizophrenia. Studies on neuroimaging show anatomical and functional alterations in stress-affected regions such as the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, which are linked to emotional dysregulation and cognitive decline. To better understand how stress affects psychiatric disorders and exacerbates their symptoms, this chapter will first discuss the molecular mechanism and neurobiological changes it can cause. It will then demonstrate various neuroimaging techniques for studying the effects of stress and offer potential treatments to mitigate these negative effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"291 ","pages":"161-173"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144009007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mechanisms underlying stress effects on the brain: Basic concepts and clinical implications.","authors":"Hager Adel Saad, Mahmoud Marzouk, Hla Abdelrahman, Nasrollah Moradikor","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic stress impacts the brain through complex physiological, neurological, and immunological responses. The stress response involves the activation of the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, releasing stress hormones like norepinephrine and cortisol. While these responses are adaptive short-term, chronic stress disrupts homeostasis, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and psychiatric conditions such as depression. This dysregulation is linked to persistent neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter imbalances involving dopamine and serotonin, impairing neuroplasticity and leading to structural changes in critical brain areas, such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Moreover, stress affects gene expression, particularly neuroinflammatory pathways, contributing to long-term cognitive function and emotional regulation alterations. Advancements in neuroimaging and molecular techniques, including MRI, PET, and SPECT, hold promise for identifying biomarkers and better understanding stress-induced brain changes. These insights are critical for developing targeted interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of chronic stress on brain health.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"291 ","pages":"21-47"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144036509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Suhail Ahmad Dar, Krithika Ramakrishna, Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat
{"title":"Impact of positive thinking on synapses.","authors":"Suhail Ahmad Dar, Krithika Ramakrishna, Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.03.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.03.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explores the impact of positive thinking on synaptic function and connectivity. Positive thinking, characterized by optimism, constructive self-talk, and a proactive mindset, enhances resilience and supports healthy habits crucial for neuroplasticity and synaptic development. Research underscores its significant role in hormonal regulation, benefiting both physical and mental well-being. This cognitive approach amplifies positive emotions and is integral to cognitive-behavioral modification. Synaptic plasticity, essential for learning and memory, involves activity-dependent strengthening or weakening of synapses, categorized into short-term (e.g., working memory and decision-making) and long-term (e.g., learning and retention). These processes are regulated by long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), influenced by factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), astrocytes, medications, and non-invasive interventions. Positive thinking boosts serotonin production, activates dopamine neurons, and lowers cortisol levels, facilitating adaptive learning through interactions between the limbic system and prefrontal cortex. Dopamine promotes neurogenesis by maintaining neural precursor cells, while reduced cortisol levels improve hippocampal synaptic plasticity, enhancing adaptability, learning, and memory retention. Ultimately, positive thinking plays a critical role in advancing education, improving mental health treatment, and serving as the foundation for cognitive training.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"293 ","pages":"17-40"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144182201","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Meike Scheller, Michael J Proulx, Michelle de Haan, Annegret Dahlmann-Noor, Karin Petrini
{"title":"Visual experience affects neural correlates of audio-haptic integration: A case study of non-sighted individuals.","authors":"Meike Scheller, Michael J Proulx, Michelle de Haan, Annegret Dahlmann-Noor, Karin Petrini","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.04.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The ability to reduce sensory uncertainty by integrating information across different senses develops late in humans and depends on cross-modal, sensory experience during childhood and adolescence. While the dependence of audio-haptic integration on vision suggests cross-modal neural reorganization, evidence for such changes is lacking. Furthermore, little is known about the neural processes underlying audio-haptic integration even in sighted adults. Here, we examined electrophysiological correlates of audio-haptic integration in sighted adults (n = 29), non-sighted adults (n = 7), and sighted adolescents (n = 12) using a data-driven electrical neuroimaging approach. In sighted adults, optimal integration performance was predicted by topographical and super-additive strength modulations around 205-285 ms. Data from four individuals who went blind before the age of 8-9 years suggests that they achieved optimal integration via different, sub-additive mechanisms at earlier processing stages. Sighted adolescents showed no robust multisensory modulations. Late-blind adults, who did not show behavioral benefits of integration, demonstrated modulations at early latencies. Our findings suggest a critical period for the development of optimal audio-haptic integration dependent on visual experience around the late childhood and early adolescence.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"292 ","pages":"25-70"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144132829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rachael F Canavan, Jessica Hayton, Marc S Tibber, Tessa M Dekker, Lottie A G Wood, Michael D Crossland
{"title":"Well-being, mental health and sleep in children and young people with vision impairment: A narrative review.","authors":"Rachael F Canavan, Jessica Hayton, Marc S Tibber, Tessa M Dekker, Lottie A G Wood, Michael D Crossland","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.04.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multiple studies have shown that vision impairment impacts adults' well-being, mental health, and sleep. However, little attention has been given to these areas in children and young people with vision impairment. This narrative review explores the relationship between vision impairment, well-being, mental ill-health, and sleep in children and young people with vision impairment. Studies examined include children and young people with all levels of vision impairment and those with congenital or acquired vision loss. The evidence suggests that vision impairment affects children's and young people's well-being and mental health with particular links to anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Theoretical mechanisms include low self-esteem affecting mental health and well-being, and loneliness reducing well-being. The efficacy of social and psychological interventions on the mental health of children and young people with vision impairment were reviewed. Psychological therapies, sports, exercise, music, art, and relaxation have all been found to have positive impacts. Gaps in existing knowledge are highlighted, and suggestions are made for future research in this important and under-researched area.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"292 ","pages":"231-263"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144132831","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Molecular mechanism underlying stress response and adaptation.","authors":"Joshua Ayodele Yusuf, Stephen Tunmise Akanbi, Darasimi Racheal Olorunlowu, Elizabeth Kehinde Opoola, Eniola Elizabeth Ogunlade, Emmanuel Adebayo Kayode, Emmanuel Oluwagbenga Adejobi, Yasar Olalekan Sulaiman, Dorcas Ifeoluwa Odemakinde, Esther Opeyemi Aworeni, Nurat Ize Abdulmalik, Dolapo Priscilla Oluyemi, Ayomide Esther Isaac, Oluwaferanmi Israel Aromose, Oyindamola Munirat Adewale, Victor Ogunrinde, Tijesunimi Ayomide Adeleke, Olufunto Omodele Adeleye","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stress, a common life experience, impacts both mental and physical health, contributing to conditions such as anxiety and cardiovascular disease. It triggers physiological and psychological responses, primarily through the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) and Sympathetic-Adrenal-Medullary (SAM) axes, which are coordinated by the autonomic nervous system. Dysregulation of the glucocorticoid system, mediated by mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors, plays a critical role in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Cellular pathways like PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and AP-1 transcription factors maintain homeostasis during stress and are targets for therapeutic research. Epigenetic influences and genomic modifications highlight the long-lasting effects of stress on gene expression. Adaptive responses, such as allostasis, allow the body to maintain stability amid stress. However, excessive stress leads to allostatic load, negatively impacting the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems. Current treatments include pharmacological and lifestyle interventions, with emerging approaches such as psychobiotics and precision medicine offering future potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"291 ","pages":"81-108"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144028711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Toheeb O Oyerinde, Victor E Anadu, Tobiloba S Olajide, Olayemi K Ijomone, Oritoke M Okeowo, Omamuyovwi M Ijomone
{"title":"Stress-induced neurodegeneration and behavioral alterations in Caenorhabditis elegans: Insights into the evolutionary conservation of stress-related pathways and implications for human health.","authors":"Toheeb O Oyerinde, Victor E Anadu, Tobiloba S Olajide, Olayemi K Ijomone, Oritoke M Okeowo, Omamuyovwi M Ijomone","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stress is a significant determinant for a range of neurological and psychiatric illnesses, and comprehending its influence on the brain is vital for developing effective interventions. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a tiny nematode, has become a potent model system for investigating the impact of stress on neuronal integrity, behavior, and lifespan. This chapter presents a comprehensive summary of the existing understanding of stress-induced neurodegeneration, behavioral abnormalities, and changes in lifespan in C. elegans. We explored the stress response pathways in C. elegans, specifically focusing on the heat shock response and insulin-like signaling (ILS) pathway, targeting how these pathways affect neural integrity and functions. Additionally, this chapter highlighted behavioral modifications such as changes in locomotion, feeding, pharyngeal pumping, defecation, and copulation behaviors that occur in C. elegans following exposure to stressors, and how these findings contribute to our comprehension of stress-related illnesses. Furthermore, the evolutionary preservation of stress responses in both C. elegans and humans, underscoring the significance of C. elegans studies for translational research were highlighted. In conclusion, the possible implications of C. elegans research on human well-being, with a specific emphasis on the discovery of targets for treatment and the creation of innovative approaches to address stress-related conditions are discussed in this chapter.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"291 ","pages":"405-425"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143995711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abraham Olufemi Asuku, Gbonjubola Oyinlola Ogungbangbe, Tobiloba Samuel Olajide
{"title":"Effect of happiness and positive emotions on dementia.","authors":"Abraham Olufemi Asuku, Gbonjubola Oyinlola Ogungbangbe, Tobiloba Samuel Olajide","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.03.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.03.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dementia poses a significant challenge to global health. This chapter reviews current literature to investigate the potential protective effects of happiness and positive emotions against dementia. Studies suggest that individuals experiencing higher levels of happiness and frequent positive emotions may exhibit lower risks of developing dementia. Mechanisms proposed include the role of positive emotions in stress reduction, which could mitigate neurodegenerative processes. In addition, recent studies have begun exploring the impact of positive psychological states, such as happiness and positive emotions, on cognitive health. Furthermore, positive psychological states have been linked to healthier lifestyle choices, including physical activity and social engagement, which are known to support cognitive function. Despite promising findings, challenges remain in establishing causal relationships and elucidating specific neurobiological pathways. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies with diverse populations to clarify these relationships and inform effective interventions. Understanding how happiness and positive emotions influence dementia risk could lead to novel preventive strategies and improve quality of life for aging populations worldwide. This chapter summarizes the potential benefits of happiness and positive emotions in mitigating the risk of dementia, highlighting the need for further research to establish causal links and develop targeted interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"293 ","pages":"179-202"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144181620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Al-Hassan Soliman Wadan, Muhammad Liaquat Raza, Nasrollah Moradikor
{"title":"Synaptic modulation by coffee compounds: Insights into neural plasticity.","authors":"Al-Hassan Soliman Wadan, Muhammad Liaquat Raza, Nasrollah Moradikor","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2024.06.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2024.06.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The physiological structure and functioning of the brain are determined by activity-dependent processes and affected by \"synapse plasticity.\" Because chemical transmitters target and regulate synapses, exogenous chemical stimulants and transmitters can alter their physiological functions by interacting with synaptic surface receptors or chemical modulators. Caffeine, a commonly used pharmacologic substance, can target and alter synapses. It impact various biological, chemical, and metabolic processes related to synaptic function. This chapter investigates how caffeine affects fluctuations in structure and function in the hippocampus formation and neocortical structure, regions known for their high synaptic plasticity profile. Specifically, caffeine modulates various synaptic receptors and channel activities by mobilizing intracellular calcium, inhibiting phosphodiesterase, and blocking adenosine and GABA cellular receptors. These caffeine-induced pathways and functions allow neurons to generate plastic modulations in synaptic actions such as efficient and morphological transmission. Moreover, at a network level, caffeine can stimulate neural oscillators in the cortex, resulting in repetitive signals that strengthen long-range communication between cortical areas reliant on N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors. This suggests that caffeine could facilitate the reorganization of cortical network functions through its effects on synaptic mobilization.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"289 ","pages":"181-191"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142018387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}