April 08, 2024
- A new scientific article has highlighted the significant association between sleep/wake rhythm abnormalities in infancy and early childhood and the future development of ASD. Abnormalities in circadian rhythms, which control essential life support systems like hormone secretion, energy metabolism, and immune function, are closely related to ASD’s clinical manifestations, including sleep disorders, epilepsy, and language problems. The authors reported that sleep issues such as short sleep duration, prolonged sleep onset, and frequent night awakenings have been identified as potential predictors for ASD development. Notably, they discovered that children with a late bedtime and late morning waking time demonstrated a higher risk for future ASD. This study suggests that early intervention to correct sleep/wake circadian rhythm abnormalities may serve as a preventive measure against the onset of ASD, emphasizing the importance of establishing appropriate sleep habits during infancy and early childhood for balanced development and well-being.
- Medical News Today featured a report discussing a new study that links common chemicals found in personal care and household products to potential neurodevelopmental and neurological conditions. The study identified two groups of chemicals, namely organophosphate flame retardants and quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), as particularly harmful to specialized brain cells called oligodendrocytes. These cells generate myelin sheaths that protect nerve cells and accelerate nerve impulse transmission. Exposure to these chemicals was found to inhibit oligodendrocyte generation or cause cell death, potentially leading to conditions such as autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit disorders, and multiple sclerosis. The researchers also discovered that children with higher levels of organophosphate exposure were more likely to have special educational needs or motor dysfunction. To minimize exposure, the authors recommend reducing the consumption of products containing these chemicals, especially among pregnant women, children, and individuals with chronic diseases. Alternative disinfectants like caprylic acid, citric acid, and hydrogen peroxide should be considered to mitigate the risks associated with QACs.
- A recent retrospective study has examined the impact of the Emotional Development (ED) approach on the prescription of psychotropic medication in adults with intellectual developmental disorders (IDD) during inpatient psychiatric treatment. The ED approach is based on developing socio-emotional brain functions during the maturation of social brain networks. Analyzing clinical data from 1758 patients over a 12-year period, the study categorized patients based on their ED level assessment: first-time assessment (INITIAL-SEO), assessment during a previous hospital stay (PAST-SEO), or no assessment (NO-SEO). The findings revealed that the ED approach significantly reduced the overall amount of psychotropic medication and the dosage of antipsychotics across all IDD patients, primarily benefiting those exhibiting challenging behaviours (CB). Moreover, the ED approach led to a decrease in antipsychotic prescriptions in patients with autism spectrum disorders. However, no positive effects were observed in patients with psychosis; instead, both the number and dosage of antipsychotics increased in this group. The study concludes that the ED approach can effectively reduce medication reliance, particularly in IDD patients with CB and those with autism spectrum disorders.
- Groundbreaking research has identified altered brain energy metabolism, leading to changes in pH and lactate levels, as a transdiagnostic endophenotype (i.e., biomarkers) in various neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. This study encompassed 109 strains/conditions of mice, rats, and chicks, including animals models related to neuropsychiatric conditions, and discovered that approximately 30% exhibited significant alterations in brain pH and lactate levels. These changes were observed across a spectrum of disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, depression, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease. Notably, environmental factors, such as psychological stress and diseases like diabetes and colitis, were linked to these alterations. The study also revealed a predominant association between increased brain lactate levels and impaired working memory. These findings were also validated in an independent cohort of animal models. Variable responses in autism models further suggest metabolic pattern diversity within the autism spectrum.
