Pennsylvania State Audio Visual Services

GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic impact brain function, potentially reducing food noise, slowing brain aging, aiding addiction recovery, and affecting mental health. Research suggests these drugs may lower risks of dementia and Parkinson's, improve insulin signaling in the brain, and reduce cravings by acting on brain receptors. However, effects on mental health vary, with some reporting improved symptoms and others experiencing increased depression or anxiety. Fatigue and brain fog are noted side effects, possibly linked to reduced calorie intake and blood sugar levels.

Approaching 2025, weight loss goals are common. Experts recommend diets like Mediterranean, DASH, MIND, Atlantic, Intermittent Fasting, Paleo, Volumetrics, Noom, Vegetarian, Vegan, Flexitarian, and Pescatarian for safe weight loss. Key is nutrient balance, calorie deficit, and sustainability. Avoid extreme diets and focus on whole foods for long-term health.

Study finds 75% of Facebook users share political content without reading past the headline, potentially spreading misinformation. Researchers suggest platforms could implement warnings to curb this behavior.

Penn State College of Medicine launched the Center for Advancing Health Equity in Rural and Underserved Communities, focusing on reducing cancer disparities and improving health literacy in cardiovascular health, cancer, and diabetes for minority, underserved, and rural populations. The center aims to expand patient-centered health research grounded in precision medicine and implementation science, leveraging Penn State's infrastructure and interdisciplinary research capacity.

Research suggests targeting the kynurenine pathway in the brain's metabolism could treat Alzheimer's. Blocking this pathway in mice improved cognitive function and memory, with drugs already in development for cancer potentially repurposed for Alzheimer's treatment.

A Wisconsin program, Madison Area Recovery Initiative (MARI), diverts non-violent drug-related offenders to treatment instead of jail, showing reduced arrest, jail, and overdose death rates within a year. MARI, a model for national programs, emphasizes treating substance use disorder as a chronic disease, with criminal charges suspended during and cleared after successful completion of a six-month program.

NIH lab mimics bar to study if anti-obesity drugs curb alcohol cravings; evidence suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists may reduce various addictions. Clinical trials underway, with potential benefits beyond weight loss, including reducing cardiovascular risks, easing sleep apnoea, and slowing Parkinson’s development. Understanding drug mechanisms could optimize responses and mitigate side effects.

Laura Cabrera received a $1.5 million NIH grant to develop a patient-centered decision aid for deep brain stimulation (DBS), aiding in shared decision-making for conditions like Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. The research aims to address ethical concerns and optimize timing for DBS use, considering patient values and preferences.

Dr. Amanda Piquet discusses stiff-person syndrome, a rare autoimmune neurologic disorder, its symptoms, diagnostic challenges, and current and future treatments. She highlights her role as the inaugural chairholder of the Céline Dion Foundation Endowed Chair in Autoimmune Neurology and her research program focused on advancing understanding and treatment of these conditions.