The acidity of the brain changes in schizophrenia, autism and Alzheimer’s disease. The discovery could form the basis of a new approach to treating dementia and mental disorders. The research was published in the journal e-Life.
Scientists evaluated the acidity (pH) and lactate content in the brains of rats, mice and chickens in models of various diseases: dementia, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism.
Impaired lactic acid processing (increased lactate) and subsequent changes in pH levels have been associated with disease symptoms. Significant changes in acidity were observed in 30% of cases.
The fact that high lactate levels are predominantly associated with working memory impairment emphasizes their direct effects on cognitive functions.
The reasons for the detected deviations were not investigated. However, current evidence shows that lactate production increases when cellular energy is depleted. It may be an important cause of dementia.
131 scientists from seven countries participated in this first and largest systematic study on the relationship between brain pH and brain performance. The results may form the basis of new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Previous scientists I learnedIt turns out that 92% of people with mild memory impairments are unaware of their impairments.
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Source: Gazeta
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