Evidence-based umbrella review of 162 peripheral biomarkers for major mental disorders.

The literature on non-genetic peripheral biomarkers for major mental disorders is broad, with conflicting results. An umbrella review of meta-analyses of non-genetic peripheral biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder (BD), major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia, including first-episode psychosis. We included meta-analyses that compared alterations in peripheral biomarkers between participants with mental disorders to controls (i.

Cannabinoids for the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms, pain and weight loss in dementia.

Purpose Of Review: Efficacious treatment for neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), pain and weight loss for dementia patients is desperately needed. This review presents an up-to-date look at the literature investigating the use of cannabinoid for these symptoms in dementia.

Recent Findings: We searched electronically for publications regarding cannabinoid use in dementia, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease.

Prevalence, neurobiology, and treatments for apathy in prodromal dementia.

Background: Apathy, characterized by diminished motivation, is a highly prevalent neuropsychiatric symptom in dementia. However, there is a substantial knowledge gap with regard to prevalence rates, neurobiological underpinnings, and effective treatments for apathy in pre-dementia states, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild behavioral impairment (MBI).

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search using MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO databases to identify available research on apathy in prodromal dementia.

Antipsychotic Use in Dementia.

Antipsychotics are necessary for many older adults to treat major mental illnesses or reduce distressing psychiatric symptoms. Current controversy exists over the role of antipsychotics in the management of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in persons with dementia. Although some NPS may be appropriately and safely treated with antipsychotics, a fine balance must be achieved between the benefits of these medications, which are often modest, and adverse events, which may have significant consequences.

Visual Selective Attention Toward Novel Stimuli Predicts Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease Patients.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with selective attention impairments, which could contribute to cognitive and functional deficits. Using visual scanning parameters, selective attention toward novel stimuli, or novelty preference, can be measured by a non-verbal, non-invasive method that may be of value in predicting disease progression.

Objective: In this longitudinal study, we explored whether novelty preference can predict cognitive decline in AD patients.

The Effect of Exercise Training on Resting Concentrations of Peripheral Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): A Meta-Analysis.

Background: The mechanisms through which physical activity supports healthy brain function remain to be elucidated. One hypothesis suggests that increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mediates some cognitive and mood benefits. This meta-analysis sought to determine the effect of exercise training on resting concentrations of BDNF in peripheral blood.