Evaluating the Effects of Experiencing Virtual Reality Simulation of Psychosis on Mental Illness Stigma, Empathy, and Knowledge in Medical Students.

Objectives: Applying technologies such as virtual reality (VR) in education has gained popularity especially in comprehending abstract and subjective phenomena. Previous studies have shown that applying a virtual reality simulation of psychosis (VRSP) is useful in increasing knowledge and empathy toward patients. Here, the efficacy of using VRSP in altering stigma, empathy and knowledge as well as side effects have been assessed in medical students in comparison with the routine education (visiting the patients). Method: After attending one session of lecture about positive psychotic symptoms, medical students were allocated to two groups: experiencing one session of VRSP or visiting patients under supervision as routine practice in the ward. Before and after the first session and after the second one, questionnaires of knowledge, empathy and stigma were filled by students. Finally, the results were compared in two groups. Results: Both interventions were effective in reducing stigma as well as increasing knowledge and empathy toward patients with psychotic experiences. VRSP could significantly reduce stigma and increase knowledge and empathy compared with the traditional visiting patients under supervision. The side effects were minimal and ameliorated right after the experience. Conclusion: VRSP is an effective tool in decreasing stigma and increasing empathy and knowledge of the students and can be incorporated in psychiatric education with minimal side effects.

Neurotrophic factors in Alzheimer's disease: pathogenesis and therapy.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease with a prevalence estimated to reach 115 million by 2050. It is characterized by abnormal extracellular accumulation of amyloid­beta (Aß) peptide and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) that result in neuro­inflammation, synaptic dysfunction, neurotransmitter imbalance, neuronal loss, and dendritic changes. A hypothesis of neurotrophic factor (NTF) involvement in neurodegenerative diseases and their potential as a therapeutic tool has emerged. There are wide information gaps on this topic. However, consistent with this hypothesis, AD may be caused by a deficiency in neurotrophin proteins or receptors expression. In AD brains, an increase in nerve growth factor and a decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus and certain neocortical regions, and a decrease in TrkA in the cortex and nucleus basalis has been observed. Thus, comparative data relating to recent hypotheses addressing NTF content and receptors in experimental animals and human brains, along with their potential roles in the treat ment of AD, are discussed in this review.