Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that could potentially reverse memory loss associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers from Inserm and the University of Bordeaux, in collaboration with colleagues from the Université de Moncton in Canada, have successfully established a causal link between mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive symptoms related to these conditions.

Mitochondria are tiny energy-producing structures within cells that provide the power needed for proper functioning. The brain is one of the most energy-demanding organs, relying on mitochondria to produce energy for neurons to communicate with each other. When mitochondrial activity is impaired, neurons fail to function correctly, leading to progressive neuronal degeneration and eventually, cell death.

In Alzheimer’s disease, for example, it has been observed that impaired mitochondrial activity precedes neuronal degeneration and ultimately, leads to memory loss. However, due to the lack of suitable tools, researchers were unable to determine whether mitochondrial alterations played a causal role in these conditions or were simply a consequence of the pathophysiological process.

In this pioneering study, researchers developed a unique tool that temporarily stimulates mitochondrial activity. By activating G proteins directly in mitochondria using an artificial receptor called mitoDreadd-Gs, they successfully restored both mitochondrial activity and memory performance in dementia mouse models.

“This work is the first to establish a cause-and-effect link between mitochondrial dysfunction and symptoms related to neurodegenerative diseases,” explains Giovanni Marsicano, Inserm research director. “Impaired mitochondrial activity could be at the origin of the onset of neuronal degeneration.”

The tool developed by researchers has opened doors to considering mitochondria as a new therapeutic target for treating memory loss associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Further studies are needed to measure the effects of continuous stimulation of mitochondrial activity and determine its potential impact on symptoms and neuronal loss.

Ultimately, this research holds promise for identifying molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for dementia, facilitating the development of effective therapeutic targets, and potentially delaying or even preventing memory loss associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

The diagnosis of premature menopause can be life-altering, with profound physical, psychological, and social consequences. Women affected by this condition not only experience the effects of estrogen deficiency but also face the unanticipated loss of reproductive function. However, some women are more adversely impacted by these changes than others. A new study has shed light on the reasons behind these differences, revealing a hidden depression crisis in early menopause.

Premature menopause, medically known as premature or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), is a condition where the ovaries cease to function normally before the age of 40. This condition has been linked to an elevated lifetime risk for depression and anxiety. A recent meta-analysis revealed that women with POI are three times more likely to experience depression and nearly five times more likely to suffer from anxiety compared to those without the condition.

The increased risk is understandable, given the combined experience of infertility and the additional burdens resulting from estrogen deficiency, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, reduced bone mineral density, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. For some women, infertility means altered life goals, loss of sense of control, social stigma, and disrupted social roles.

However, not all women experience depression or the same level of depression when presented with the same diagnosis. In this new study, researchers gathered data from nearly 350 women with POI to identify specific variables that contribute to the likelihood of depressive symptoms. Their findings revealed a high prevalence of depression among participants, with nearly one-third (29.9%) of the women suffering from depressive symptoms.

The researchers also found that a younger age at POI diagnosis, severe menopause symptoms, fertility-related grief, and lack of emotional support were risk factors for depressive symptoms. Interestingly, a genetic cause for POI was associated with lower depressive symptoms. Another unexpected result was that hot flashes (specifically night sweats) were not independently associated with depressive symptoms.

This is the first large-scale study to investigate specific variables associated with depressive symptoms in women with POI. The researchers believe their results highlight the importance of comprehensive care addressing both physical and psychological aspects of menopause at an early age.

The high prevalence of depressive symptoms in those with POI highlights the importance of routine screening in this vulnerable population. Although hormone therapy is recognized as the standard of care for managing some menopause-related symptoms and preventive care, it is not a first-line treatment for mood disorders. Addressing behavioral-health concerns with evidence-based interventions should be part of any comprehensive POI care plan.

As Dr. Monica Christmas, associate medical director for The Menopause Society, notes, “The hidden depression crisis in early menopause requires attention from healthcare providers and policymakers to ensure that women receive the necessary support and care to manage their mental health and overall well-being.”

The rewritten article:

Tai chi, yoga, and jogging may be the best forms of exercise to improve sleep quality and ease insomnia, suggest the findings of a comparative pooled data analysis published in the online journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine.

The study, which involved 1348 participants and 13 different treatment approaches to ease insomnia, found that these three exercise-based interventions showed promising results. Yoga likely resulted in a large increase in total sleep time of nearly 2 hours and may improve sleep efficiency by nearly 15%. Walking or jogging may result in a large reduction in insomnia severity of nearly 10 points, while Tai Chi may reduce poor sleep quality scores by more than 4 points, increase total sleep time by more than 50 minutes, and reduce time spent awake after falling asleep by over half an hour.

Further in-depth analyses revealed that Tai Chi performed significantly better on all subjectively and objectively assessed outcomes than existing treatments for up to 2 years. The researchers suggest that Tai Chi’s focus on body awareness, controlled breathing, and attentional training may alter brain activity, thereby alleviating anxiety and depressive symptoms which often interfere with a good night’s sleep.

The study also found that exercise-based interventions, including yoga, Tai Chi, and walking or jogging, have the potential to serve as viable primary treatment options for insomnia. The researchers conclude that these interventions are well-suited for integration into primary care and community health programs due to their low cost, minimal side effects, and high accessibility.

Overall, the findings of this study further underscore the therapeutic potential of exercise interventions in the treatment of insomnia, suggesting that their role may extend beyond adjunctive support to serve as viable primary treatment options.