The brains of people with schizophrenia can become faster – how our research increases evidence

What causes schizophrenia? This severe mental illness that affects Over 20 million people around the world And it is characterized by repetitive hallucinations and illusions, often begins to appear in the period from adolescence to early adulthood. This is a elaborate disorder that affects almost every area of ​​life.

Current theories about why schizophrenia is developing suggest This may be associated with changes in brain development during this critical period of developing adulthood. Schizophrenia is also considered similar to conditions such as dyslexia, autism and disturbance of hyperactivity of the attention deficit (ADHD), which are neurode development, but usually manifest themselves in childhood.

However, Our research He suggests that the accelerated aging of the brain can be another potential driver in the development of schizophrenia – and this can be measured with a plain blood test.

Our examination is unique because we measured proteins in the blood from brain neurons – brain cells – in people suffering from schizophrenia. Protein, called neurofilament lightweight (NFL), consists of long, thread -like structures that lend a hand maintain the size and shape of nerve cells.

NFL is released into the blood and cerebrospinal fluid when the brain neurons are damaged or neurodegeneration. His release when these cells are damaged Useful biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring neurodegenerative diseases and neurological damage. Measurement of NFL levels can also ensure insight into the range of neurons damage.

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Neuronal damage is damage or damage to neurons, specialized cells in the nervous system necessary for communication in the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. When neurons are damaged, their ability to function properly is impaired, which can cause a number of neurological symptoms depending on the severity and the location of the damage.

Raised NFL levels are associated with a number of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and frontal and presence. But NFL levels also They usually grow with age When these proteins lose their ability to repair equally effectively. This is due to a combination of factors, including gradual consumption on neurons in time.

While reducing the essence of the gray brain, white being and connectivity are part of a normal, fit aging, these changes are usually gradual and are not turned off. The gray matter contains most of the brain neurons and is responsible for processing information, memory, decision making, muscle control and vision and hearing. White matter is long fibers connecting different regions of the brain, which allows them to communicate quickly and effectively.

The noticeable symptoms of normal, fit brain aging may include a bit more forgetfulness, a slower response time and difficulties in juggling many tasks. Such changes differ from the patterns apparent in diseases such as schizophrenia, where, Our study showsThe decline is faster and heavier, which indicates the older age of the brain than one could expect from the chronological age of the patient.

Our studies have shown that in people with schizophrenia NFL levels seemed to grow faster with age, compared to the rate of fit people growth, which indicates the acceleration of the aging process of the brain.

We also studied samples from people suffering from bipolar disorder that did not show the same accelerated growth. Data from other methodsSuch as calculating the “age of the brain” based on MRI scans, it also indicates accelerated aging of the brain in people with schizophrenia.

Lifestyle factors

For people suffering from schizophrenia, accelerated aging of the body is already a stern problem, such as Christos Pantelis, a psychiatrist in Melbourne and the older author of our study, explains:

An critical problem is that people with chronic schizophrenia are often exposed to Generally unhealthy lifestyle. They can experience insulation, unemployment, lack of physical activity, smoking – and many resort to illegal exploit of drugs that can worsen their condition.

Currently, people diagnosed with schizophrenia Life expectancy expected 20-30 years shorter than the average. This is mainly due to the earlier development of common age -related diseases, such as cancer and Cardiovascular disease. About half People with schizophrenia have at least one other chronic condition, such as obesity, respiratory conditions, chronic pain and disorders of the exploit of substances.

People with schizophrenia have higher risk Disorders of the exploit of substances due to combinations of biological, psychological and environmental factors. They include complacency for disturbing symptoms, handicapped cognitive functions, social insulation and difficulties in compliance with treatment.

While lifestyle is a factor accelerated by body aging for people living with schizophrenia, our examination may prove to be another critical step in understanding – and sometimes treatment – this disturbing disease.