The chemical balance inside the brain shifts in conditions like schizophrenia, autism, and Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers see this shift as a potential pathway to new treatments for dementia and a range of mental health disorders. The study appeared in the journal eLife.
In a broad set of experiments, scientists measured the brain’s acidity level, or pH, and the amount of lactate in animal models including rats, mice, and chickens. These models represented various brain health challenges, from dementia-related processes to neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism. The aim was to uncover how metabolic changes correlate with disease-specific brain function and symptoms. (Source: eLife)
Increased lactate and the associated pH shifts were observed as notable features in several cases. In about three in ten instances, researchers detected significant deviations in brain acidity linked to disease states. These findings suggest a robust relationship between energy metabolism, lactate handling, and neural function, with potential consequences for cognitive performance. The study notes this association without claiming a direct causative pathway, but the patterns point to a meaningful link between metabolic regulation and symptomatology. (Source: eLife)
One of the clear messages from the data is that elevated lactate levels tend to coincide with impairments in working memory, a core cognitive function required for holding and manipulating information over short periods. This connection underscores the possibility that metabolic dysregulation directly influences cognitive tasks that people rely on daily. Although the researchers did not dissect every mechanism behind these shifts, the broader literature supports the idea that lactate production rises when cellular energy is strained, which could be a contributing factor in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions. (Source: eLife)
The study involved 131 scientists from seven countries, marking the largest systematic inquiry to date into how brain pH relates to brain performance. The scope and collaboration strengthen the reliability of the findings and hint at practical directions for future work. The researchers suggest that these metabolic markers could underpin new approaches to diagnosing neuropsychiatric disorders and tailoring treatment strategies that address underlying brain biochemistry rather than only symptomatic relief. (Source: eLife)
Additional observations from the project indicate that many individuals with mild cognitive concerns may be unaware of the extent of their memory changes. In a striking counterpoint to common assumptions, a large portion of people with early memory issues do not recognize the slow decline in their own cognitive performance. These insights emphasize the importance of objective screening and ongoing monitoring when assessing brain health, particularly in aging populations. (Source: eLife)