German scientists from the Wilhelm University of Westphalia have proven the connection between severe depression and a weakening of thinking abilities and the speed of information processing in the brain. To work published In the scientific journal Psychological Medicine.
Major depressive disorder (MDD), or major depression, is characterized by intense and prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest in life.
Using neuroimaging tools, experts examined the brain processes of 1,484 people, 372 of whom were in the active depression phase, 307 MDD patients in remission, and 805 volunteer controls without a depressive disorder.
Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The resulting images were analyzed to discover connectomes, which are networks of interconnected brain cells that work together. The participants’ cognitive abilities were then assessed using a variety of tests on processing speed, paying attention, recalling data, and ability to speak coherently.
Researchers identified specific brain cell networks associated with each cognitive domain. Further analysis showed that participants in an active depressive state had weaker connectivity within the brain network associated with processing speed compared to healthy controls. What’s more, participants with more depressive symptoms showed both slower information processing speed and weaker connections in the relevant brain network.
According to scientists, the test results revealed the neural basis of cognitive disorders associated with depression.
Previous researchers to create The relationship between diet beverage consumption and risk of depression.
Source: Gazeta
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