ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Status Testing in Humans: A Narrative Review of Commercially Available Options.

There is an increasing body of evidence supporting a link between low intakes of ω-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) and numerous diseases and health conditions. However, few people are achieving the levels of fish/seafood or eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid intake recommended in national and international guidelines. Knowledge of a person's ω-3 LCPUFA status will benefit the interpretation of research results and could be expected to lead to an increased effort to increase intake. Dietary intake survey methods are often used as a surrogate for measuring ω-3 PUFA tissue status and its impact on health and functional outcomes. However, because individuals vary widely in their ability to digest and absorb ω-3 PUFA, analytical testing of biological samples is desirable to accurately evaluate ω-3 PUFA status. Adipose tissue is the reference biospecimen for measuring tissue fatty acids, but less-invasive methods, such as measurements in whole blood or its components (e.g., plasma, serum, red blood cell membranes) or breast milk are often used. Numerous commercial laboratories provide fatty acid testing of blood and breast milk samples by different methods and present their results in a variety of reports such as a full fatty acid profile, ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acid profiles, fatty acid ratios, as well as the Omega-3 Index, the Holman Omega-3 Test, OmegaScore, and OmegaCheck, among others. This narrative review provides information about the different ways to measure ω-3 LCPUFA status (including both dietary assessments and selected commercially available analytical tests of blood and breast milk samples) and discusses evidence linking increased ω-3 LCPUFA intake or status to improved health, focusing on cardiovascular, neurological, pregnancy, and eye health, in support of recommendations to increase ω-3 LCPUFA intake and testing.

Interconnections of screen time with neuroinflammation.

The increasing prevalence of screen time among modern citizens has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on neuroinflammation and overall brain health. This review examines the complex interconnections between screen time and neuroinflammatory processes, particularly in children and adolescents. We analyze existing literature that explores how excessive digital media use can lead to alterations in neurobiological pathways, potentially exacerbating inflammatory responses in the brain. Key findings suggest that prolonged exposure to screens may contribute to neuroinflammation through mechanisms such as disrupted sleep patterns, diminished cognitive engagement, and increased stress levels. Similarly, we discuss the implications of these findings for mental health and cognitive development, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to screen time. This review highlights the necessity for further research to elucidate the causal relationships and underlying mechanisms linking screen time and neuroinflammation, thereby informing guidelines for healthy media consumption.

Urban green space and the risks of dementia and stroke.

INTRODUCTION: It is unknown whether urban green space is associated with reduced risk of major neurological conditions, especially dementia and stroke. METHODS: Retrospective, population-based cohorts were created for each study outcome, including 1.7 and 4.3 million adults in Ontario, Canada for dementia and stroke, respectively. Residential green space was quantified using the satellite-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. Incidence was ascertained using health administrative data with validated algorithms. Mixed-effects Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios per interquartile range increase in green space exposure. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2013, 219,013 individuals were diagnosed with dementia and 89,958 had a stroke. The hazard ratio per interquartile range increase in green space was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.96-0.98) for dementia and 0.96 (0.95-0.98) for stroke. Estimates remained generally consistent in sensitivity analyses. DISCUSSION: Increased exposure to urban green space was associated with reduced incidence of dementia and stroke. To our knowledge, this is the first population-based cohort study to assess these relationships.

Fossil fuels are harming our brains: identifying key messages about the health effects of air pollution from fossil fuels.

BACKGROUND: Previous research suggests that providing generalized information about the health implications of air pollution from fossil fuels may be effective at promoting public support for a transition to cleaner sources of energy. We sought to extend that work by identifying the specific messages about the health implications of air pollution from fossil fuels that are most and least concerning to people, and whether rankings of concern vary among different audiences. We also hypothesized that reading the statements would influence people's attitudes and behavioral intentions in a manner supportive of a transition to cleaner sources of energy. METHODS: We conducted a survey with a diverse sample of U.S. adults (n = 1644) from a non-probability internet panel. Using maximum difference scaling, participants ranked a set of ten statements that revealed which statements were the most and least concerning to them. We also measured attitudes about air pollution and energy use before and after the ranking exercise to assess changes in opinion caused by cumulative exposure to the messages. RESULTS: Across all sub-groups examined, participants were most concerned by a message about the neurological impacts of air pollution on babies and children. After the ranking exercise, participants expressed increases in perceived health harm of air pollution and fossil fuels, a desire for more clean energy, and intention to engage in consumer advocacy to support clean energy. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this study is the first to assess how people respond to information about the neurological health harms of air pollution from fossil fuels. While efforts to communicate the cardio-pulmonary health harms of air pollution are well established, our study suggests that efforts should now be organized to communicate the neurological effects of air pollution from fossil fuels, especially the neuro-developmental effects on babies and children.

Feasibility of Using the General Movements Assessment of Infants in the United States.

AIMS: To pilot the practicality of administering the Prechtl General Movements Assessment of infants (GMA) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) setting and at home to infants at risk for developing cerebral palsy (CP). Additional aims included assessing inter-rater reliability and comparing GMA predictions to AIMS motor assessment at 12 months. METHODS: 12 "at risk" infants were recruited by convenience sample. Video recordings were obtained in the NICU and provided by parents after discharge. These recordings were analyzed by two trained examiners to assess infants in the writhing and fidgety movement periods (birth to 16 weeks). Infants were assessed at 12 months corrected age using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) with scores lower than 5th centile considered a motor delay. RESULTS: 33 of 42 videos (79%) were of sufficient quality to permit interpretation and there was 97% inter-examiner subcategory agreement and 100% overall developmental trajectory (abnormal/normal) agreement. The GMA demonstrated a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 100% in predicting AIMS score (age appropriate or delayed). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical feasibility of GMA obtained in the NICU was demonstrated however feasibility of parents providing video samples after discharge was not demonstrated, indicating a need for a parent-friendly method.

Association between volatile organic compounds and serum neurofilament light chain in US adults.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the associations between exposure to blood volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the level of serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) in adults. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), including 2008 participants aged 20 to 75 years old. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the associations between 28 VOCs and NfL after adjusting for multiple potential confounders. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to examine the potential non-linear associations. RESULTS: The linear regression models showed that higher levels of 2,5-dimethylfuran (ß = 0.042, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.001, 0.096), ethyl acetate (ß = 0.118, 95 % CI = 0.008, 0.304), and m-/p-xylene (ß = 0.043, 95%CI = 0.012, 0.074) were associated with higher NfL levels. These estimates were largely consistent after adjusting for multiple confounders. CONCLUSION: The findings of our study suggest a potential association between certain volatile organic compounds (2,5-dimethylfuran, ethyl acetate, and m-/p-xylene) and blood NfL levels, implying that they may have a role in revealing neurodegeneration and influencing neurological health.

Platelet Dynamics in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Investigating the Role of Platelets in Neurological Pathology.

Background: Neurological disorders, particularly those associated with aging, pose significant challenges in early diagnosis and treatment. The identification of specific biomarkers, such as platelets (PLTs), has emerged as a promising strategy for early detection and intervention in neurological health. This systematic review aims to explore the intricate relationship between PLT dynamics and neurological health, focusing on their potential role in cognitive functions and the pathogenesis of cognitive disorders. Methods: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search strategy was employed in the PubMed and Scholar databases to identify studies on the role of PLTs in neurological disorders published from 2013 to 2023. The search criteria included studies focusing on PLTs as biomarkers in neurological disorders, their dynamics, and their potential in monitoring disease progression and therapy effectiveness. Results: The systematic review included 104 studies, revealing PLTs as crucial biomarkers in neurocognitive disorders, acting as inflammatory mediators. The findings suggest that PLTs share common features with altered neurons, which could be utilised for monitoring disease progression and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments. PLTs are identified as significant biomarkers for detecting neurological disorders in their early stages and understanding the pathological events leading to neuronal death. Conclusions: The systematic review underscores the critical role of PLTs in neurological disorders, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of disease progression. However, it also emphasises the need for further research to solidify the use of PLTs in neurological disorders, aiming to enhance early diagnosis and intervention strategies.

The Interplay of Sports and Nutrition in Neurological Health and Recovery.

This comprehensive review explores the dynamic relationship between sports, nutrition, and neurological health. Focusing on recent clinical advancements, it examines how physical activity and dietary practices influence the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of various neurological conditions. The review highlights the role of neuroimaging in understanding these interactions, discusses emerging technologies in neurotherapeutic interventions, and evaluates the efficacy of sports and nutritional strategies in enhancing neurological recovery. This synthesis of current knowledge aims to provide a deeper understanding of how lifestyle factors can be integrated into clinical practices to improve neurological outcomes.

Improving Neurological Health in Aging Via Neuroplasticity-Based Computerized Exercise: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Our current understanding of how computerized brain training drives cognitive and functional benefits remains incomplete. This paper describes the protocol for Improving Neurological Health in Aging via Neuroplasticity-based Computerized Exercise (INHANCE), a randomized controlled trial in healthy older adults designed to evaluate whether brain training improves cholinergic signaling. OBJECTIVE: INHANCE evaluates whether 2 computerized training programs alter acetylcholine binding using the vesicular acetylcholine transporter ligand [18F] fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol ([18F] FEOBV) and positron emission tomography (PET). METHODS: In this phase IIb, prospective, double-blind, parallel-arm, active-controlled randomized trial, a minimum of 92 community-dwelling healthy adults aged 65 years and older are randomly assigned to a brain training program designed using the principles of neuroplasticity (BrainHQ by Posit Science) or to an active control program of computer games designed for entertainment (eg, Solitaire). Both programs consist of 30-minute sessions, 7 times per week for 10 weeks (35 total hours), completed remotely at home using either loaned or personal devices. The primary outcome is the change in FEOBV binding in the anterior cingulate cortex, assessed at baseline and posttest. Exploratory cognitive and behavioral outcomes sensitive to acetylcholine are evaluated before, immediately after, and 3 months following the intervention to assess the maintenance of observed effects. RESULTS: The trial was funded in September 2019. The study received approval from the Western Institutional Review Board in October 2020 with Research Ethics Board of McGill University Health Centre and Health Canada approvals in June 2021. The trial is currently ongoing. The first participant was enrolled in July 2021, enrollment closed when 93 participants were randomized in December 2023, and the trial will conclude in June 2024. The study team will be unblinded to conduct analyses after the final participant exits the study. We expect to publish the results in the fourth quarter of 2024. CONCLUSIONS: There remains a critical need to identify effective and scalable nonpharmaceutical interventions to enhance cognition in older adults. This trial contributes to our understanding of brain training by providing a potential neurochemical explanation of cognitive benefit. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04149457; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04149457. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/59705.

A review of neurological health disparities in Peru.

Peru is a historically unique and culturally diverse Latin American country. As a low-to-middle-income country (LMIC), Peru faces health implications from the spread of communicable diseases as well as a growing rate of noncommunicable diseases, both of which have been worsened by the recent COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the national health system. Over the past two decades, the country has aimed to improve health access for its population through various efforts described in this review. Despite this, there are notable neurological health disparities that exist today. This narrative review investigates such disparities through the leading neurological contributors to the national burden of disease in the country, including migraine headaches, cerebrovascular disease, and dementia. Public health disparities that contribute to other major neurological diseases in the country, including epilepsy, neurocysticercosis, Chagas disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injuries are also investigated. We also explore potential solutions for overcoming the various neurological health disparities covered in this review that may be applied through public policies, as well as in similar LMICs in Latin America. By overcoming such disparities, the country may be able to successfully address the major contributors of neurological disease burden and create a healthcare environment that can sustainably and equitably improve health outcomes for Peruvian people.

Metabolomic alterations in healthy adults traveling to low-pollution areas: A natural experiment with ozone exposure.

Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated links between short-term ozone exposure to various adverse health outcomes, but some ozone-induced pathological mechanisms remain unclear. To fill this knowledge gap, we enrolled 36 healthy young adults living in high-ozone areas and performed an untargeted metabolomic analysis in serum collected before, during, and after their travel to a low-ozone scenic area. Reviewing the literature, we found 16 metabolites significantly associated with ozone, pointing to neurological health, type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk, and cardiovascular health. Notably, we observed significant changes in these 16 metabolites from the ozone reduction when participants traveled from the campus to the scenic area (adjusted p-value < 0.05). However, when ozone increased after participants returned to campus from the scenic area, we observed that T2D risk and cardiovascular health-related metabolites returned to their original state (adjusted p-value < 0.05), but neurological health-related metabolites did not change significantly with ozone exposure. Our study showed that ozone exposure was linked to prompt alterations in serum metabolites related to cardiovascular health and T2D risk but less sensitive changes in neurological health-related metabolites. Among many lipids, free fatty acids and acylcarnitines were the most sensitive compounds positively associated with changes in ozone exposure.

Neurocognitive health of older adults experiencing homelessness in Oakland, California.

Background and objectives: The homeless population in the US is aging. Cognitive impairment is prevalent in this population, yet little is known about the neurologic etiologies of such impairment. Addressing this gap in knowledge is important because homeless older adults with cognitive impairment due to neurodegenerative disease may need lifelong tailored support to obtain and maintain housing. In this study, we characterized the neurocognitive health of a sample of adults who experienced homelessness for the first time after age 50 using gold standard behavioral neurology examination practices. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of older adults who first experienced homelessness after age 50. We recruited our sample purposively from an ongoing longitudinal cohort study of adults who were aged 50 and over and homeless when they entered the cohort. For this sub study, we enrolled a convenience sample from those who reported their first episode of homelessness after age 50. We did not exclude individuals based on history of substance use. Neurologists conducted a structured neurocognitive history intake, neurological examination, neuropsychological evaluation, and functional assessment between November 2020 and February 2021. We screened all participants for neurocognitive disorders using gold standard clinical research diagnostic criteria. Results: We evaluated 25 participants, most were men (76%) and Black (84%), with a median age of 61 years. The most common neurocognitive complaints included deficits in recent episodic memory (n = 15, 60%), executive functions (n = 13, 52%), and behavior/mood, with apathy being the most common complaint (n = 20, 80%). Neuropsychological testing revealed a high prevalence of socioemotional deficits (n = 20, 80%). Common neurological examination deficits included difficulties with coordination, such as impaired Luria task (n = 16, 64%), signs of distal peripheral neuropathy (n = 8, 32%), anosmia/hyposmia (n = 4, 21%), and signs of mild Parkinsonism (n = 5, 20%). The most common diagnoses were MCI (n = 7, 28%), bvFTD (n = 4, 16%), AD (n = 4, 16%), and DLB (n = 2, 8%). Discussion: Our findings suggest that neurocognitive concerns and examination deficits are common among older homeless adults. Specific neurocognitive disorders may be overrepresented in this population, particularly frontotemporal disorders. Longitudinal studies involving brain biomarkers are needed to characterize the neurocognitive health of this vulnerable population more precisely.

What is next in African neuroscience?

Working in Africa provides neuroscientists with opportunities that are not available in other continents. Populations in this region exhibit the greatest genetic diversity; they live in ecosystems with diverse flora and fauna; and they face unique stresses to brain health, including child brain health and development, due to high levels of traumatic brain injury and diseases endemic to the region. However, the neuroscience community in Africa has yet to reach its full potential. In this article we report the outcomes from a series of meetings at which the African neuroscience community came together to identify barriers and opportunities, and to discuss ways forward. This exercise resulted in the identification of six domains of distinction in African neuroscience: the diverse DNA of African populations; diverse flora, fauna and ecosystems for comparative research; child brain health and development; the impact of climate change on mental and neurological health; access to clinical populations with important conditions less prevalent in the global North; and resourcefulness in the reuse and adaption of existing technologies and resources to answer new questions. The article also outlines plans to advance the field of neuroscience in Africa in order to unlock the potential of African neuroscientists to address regional and global mental health and neurological problems.

BMI, Alcohol Consumption and Gut Microbiome Species Richness Are Related to Structural and Functional Neurological Abnormalities.

Background: The incidence of neurological diseases is increasing throughout the world. The aim of the present study was to identify nutrition and microbiome factors related to structural and functional neurological abnormalities to optimize future preventive strategies. Methods: Two hundred thirty-eight patients suffering from (1) structural (neurodegeneration) or (2) functional (epilepsy) neurological abnormalities or (3) chronic pain (migraine) and 612 healthy control subjects were analyzed by validated 12-month food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and 16S rRNA microbiome sequencing (from stool samples). A binomial logistic regression model was applied for risk calculation and functional pathway analysis to show which functional pathway could discriminate cases and healthy controls. Results: Detailed analysis of more than 60 macro- and micronutrients revealed no distinct significant difference between cases and controls, whereas BMI, insulin resistance and metabolic inflammation in addition to alcohol consumption were major drivers of an overall neurological disease risk. The gut microbiome analysis showed decreased alpha diversity (Shannon index: p = 9.1× 10-7) and species richness (p = 1.2 × 10-8) in the case group as well as significant differences in beta diversity between cases and controls (Bray-Curtis: p = 9.99 × 10-4; Jaccard: p = 9.99 × 10-4). The Shannon index showed a beneficial effect (OR = 0.59 (95%-CI (0.40, 0.87); p = 8 × 10-3). Cases were clearly discriminated from healthy controls by environmental information processing, signal transduction, two component system and membrane transport as significantly different functional pathways. Conclusions: In conclusion, our data indicate that an overall healthy lifestyle, in contrast to supplementation of single micro- or macronutrients, is most likely to reduce overall neurological abnormality risk and that the gut microbiome is an interesting target to develop novel preventive strategies.

Circadian Rhythms: Will It Revolutionise the Management of Diseases?

The Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2017 was awarded to Michael Young, Michael Rosbash and Jeffrey Hall for their discoveries into the molecular mechanisms controlling circadian rhythms (CR). The aims of this paper were to present the mechanisms behind the CRs and discuss the impact this could have on human health. We argued that further research in this field has the potential to revolutionise healthcare through understanding the influence on the pathogenesis of disease, including in cardiovascular, mental and neurological health, as well as influence on cognitive function. The research has shown that intrinsic CRs have physiological and biochemical influences on the body, which may affect the efficiency of drug absorption due to the altered activity of enzymes. There is strong data to suggest CR disturbances, due to either shift work, sleep disorders or frequent travel between time zones, has negative impact on health. This article aims to summarise the extent of this impact and analyse CRs as a potential therapeutic target, as well as describing the pathophysiology and mechanisms driving the course of disease among people with CR disorders. These new discoveries may revolutionise the way in which treatment is provided in the future with more focus on lifestyle changes to provide treatment and more optimal precision medicine. Pharmaceutical companies and healthcare staff must consider the significant message provided from this data and use the information to optimise drug delivery and treatment provision. The facts of CRs role in healthcare can no longer be ignored.

Comparative assessment of methylcobalamin and ascorbic acid on cognitive function in post-menopausal women - A randomized, double-blind trial.

INTRODUCTION: A decline in cognitive function occurs as women progress through the menopausal transition. OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to compare the effect of Methylcobalamin and Ascorbic Acid on Cognitive Function in post-menopausal women. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind trial was conducted in postmenopausal women with mild to moderate cognitive dysfunction. Eligible 56 subjects were randomized, the effect of ascorbic acid (500 mg OD) and methylcobalamin (50 mcg OD) was compared after 12 weeks of treatment. MMSE Questionnaire was used to assess the cognitive function, and ß-amyloid42 was estimated in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: In MMSE score, delayed verbal recall (P = 0.027), naming (P = 0.042) and repetition (P = 0.031) scores were significantly improved in ascorbic acid group when compared to baseline. The ß-amyloid42 level was decreased significantly in subjects receiving ascorbic acid (P = 0.04) when compared to Methylcobalamin group (P = 0.31). The inverse relationship between ß-amyloid42 levels and the MMSE score was found in ascorbic acid treatment (r = 0.6324, P = 0.0004). CONCLUSION: Based on MMSE and ß-amyloid42 results, ascorbic acid showed improvement in cognitive function among post-menopausal women when compared to methylcobalamin supplement.

Assessing neuro-psychological status of drivers involved in the traffic accidents / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Psycho-neurological syndrome which is driver’s health status plays a crucial role in ensuring road traffic safety.GoalThe study aims to determine factors leading to traffic accidents by assessing psycho-neurological status of drivers who caused road traffic accidents.MethodsIt is a double-randomized and cross-sectional study. Drivers caused the traffic accidents in the territory of Bayanzurkh District of Ulaanbaatar city between September 2011 and May 2012 were involved.Following investigations were done:• Thorough neurological examination using a prepared clinical pathway;• EEG test;• Assessment of attention, memory, intellectual speed and anxiety of drivers using Lusher test and computer based test.SPSS 18 was applied in data analysis and chi square test was applied in differentiation the proportions.ResultsThe male-female ratio among 394 drivers was 61.9% and 38.1% respectively. 322 drivers (89.04%) had symptoms of episodic headache, dizziness, blurred vision and unsteadiness. 60 drivers (15.2%) had nystagmus which is the main symptom of vertigo (p<0.001). 159 (40.9%) drivers experienced an insomnia. Epileptic and nonepileptic seizure was observed in 155 cases. Out of 394 drivers 243 (61.6%) had symptoms of anxiety. It was observed that 64.6% had low level of anxiety, 27.9% had medium, 7% had high level and 0.4% had severe anxiety. According to the Shultz table, we found that 46.4% of drivers were disintegrated attention and 12.4% (49) were with slow intellectual speed. The hypomnesia was 27.4% (108).Conclusions:1. According to our study, anxiety is dominated among the drivers and attention is disintegrated and slow.2. EEG results (abnormal II and III) proved that drivers who have epileptic and nonepileptic seizures are involved in the traffic accidents.3. Recurrent neurological conditions like headache, dizziness, insomnia, blurred vision and unsteadiness are preconditions for attention dispel, slowing of attention distribution and anxiety of drivers who caused traffic accidents and those recurrent neurological conditions are prevalent among drivers.