Neuropsychology news
Former Sunderland footballer David Watson has won a key appeal to have his neurological condition recognised as work-related. Watson, 79, who helped Sunderland win the 1973 FA Cup, is living with probable Alzheimer’s and probable CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) — a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head impacts. The Upper Tribunal has overturned a [...]
New research has provided new insight into how the habenula, a pea-sized brain region that helps regulate motivation and mood, may contribute to schizophrenia risk. Many schizophrenia-related molecular changes appear to be specific to this region, suggesting the habenula could be a potential target for future treatments. Researchers from the Lieber Institute for Brain Development [...]
A portable saliva biosensor costing just US$2.19 can detect protein levels linked to depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in under three minutes. The device measures brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein vital for neuron health whose altered levels are associated with several psychiatric conditions. Developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo and Embrapa [...]
A comprehensive review published yesterday (Oct 28) has offered new insights into cutting-edge techniques that could help treat people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who haven't responded to conventional therapy. The review examines three neuromodulation approaches that are transforming how clinicians treat severe OCD cases. OCD affects roughly two per cent of the population, causing intrusive [...]
Researchers have directly seen and measured the protein clusters thought to spark Parkinson’s disease for the first time, marking a major milestone in understanding the condition. These microscopic clusters, known as alpha-synuclein oligomers, have long been suspected as the starting point for Parkinson’s but had remained undetectable in human brain tissue until now. A team [...]
A new virtual reality training task developed by researchers in Finland shows promise for helping stroke survivors with visuospatial neglect, a condition that affects awareness of one side of space. The VR-based rehabilitation tool combines audiovisual cues with physiotherapy exercises to support recovery. Visuospatial neglect (VSN) affects about 30 per cent of stroke survivors and [...]
By Lucy Babbs, speech and language therapist, Ascot Rehab When 56-year-old Bernard* arrived at the Ascot Rehabilitation centre in Streatham, London, he was facing one of the biggest challenges of his life: rebuilding his ability to communicate. A fit and energetic man, Bernard had been thriving in an executive role and busy with family life [...]
By Natalie Mackenzie, founder and director, BIS Services In the last six months, I've watched as what was once a manageable challenge has evolved into a critical workforce crisis that's directly impacting our ability to provide timely cognitive rehabilitation services to our clients. For years, we've faced the reality that finding male psychology graduates to [...]
By The London Neurognitive Clinic In neurorehabilitation and clinical practice, the concept of neurodiversity is no longer confined to a discussion of autism or ADHD alone. It represents a broader recognition that cognitive, emotional, and behavioural differences are part of the human spectrum. For neuropsychologists and other allied health professionals, this shift in perspective demands [...]
A new brain imaging technique has detected tiny pulsing blood vessels that could reveal early Alzheimer's disease and track changes linked to ageing. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is currently the seventh leading cause of death and one of the major causes of disability in older people worldwide. The method [...]
