Researchers from Canada's National Ballet School have published a study in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, which found that dance classes can improve symptoms of depression in people with Parkinson's disease. The study involved 23 participants with Parkinson's and 11 healthy individuals who took weekly dance classes for eight months at the National Ballet School in Canada. The classes progressed from simple movements to more complex choreographed dances, and researchers measured mood and depression scores using a recognized scale before and after each class. Regular MRI scans were also conducted at York University.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/lifestyles/health/can-dancing-improve-mood-in-parkinson-s-patients/article_55a2f687-c476-5213-90ea-5851549d56ea.htmlColorado has become the second state to legalize psychedelic therapy, specifically for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions. The law allows licensed businesses and therapists to administer psilocybin, a chemical compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, but it remains illegal in most other states and federally. In Colorado Springs, conservative leaders are restricting the treatment despite objections from some 90,000 veterans who have become advocates for psychedelic therapy. Veterans such as Lane Belone, a special forces veteran, argue that restrictions on "healing centers" will limit access to the treatment and create longer waiting lists. The city council is considering extending the state prohibition on healing centers from 1,000 feet to 1 mile from certain locations, including schools. Some conservative council members, such as Councilmember David Leinweber, have expressed support for greater access to psilocybin therapy despite their opposition to marijuana legalization.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/national_news/psychedelic-therapy-begins-in-colorado-causing-tension-between-conservatives-and-veterans/article_95e5638c-1b1c-5bda-9322-3ed94d12a623.htmlResearch suggests that frequent cannabis use, particularly with high-potency strains, may lead to serious mental health issues such as schizophrenia and increased risk of psychosis. A study by researchers at Kings College London found a fivefold increase in the risk of psychosis among daily users. This is in addition to other potential risks including insomnia, social anxiety disorder, and suicidal thoughts.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14239221/older-people-hospitalised-cannabis-warning.htmlColorado has become the second state to legalize psychedelic therapy, specifically the use of psilocybin, a chemical compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, for therapeutic purposes. The treatment is aimed at treating conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Colorado residents voted to approve the measure in 2022, and rulemaking has been underway since then. This week, companies and individuals can apply for licenses to administer the drug, although it may take several months before treatment becomes available due to the processing of applications. The legalization of psilocybin therapy is causing tension between conservative leaders in Colorado Springs, who are restricting its use, and veterans, who have become advocates for the treatment as a potential solution for PTSD.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/health/psychedelic-therapy/2Q3X5JMT7BBGZJSNRBDWMOVB5Y/People with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) may experience symptoms that impair their driving abilities, such as difficulty concentrating, slowed bodily movement, and delayed reflexes. According to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open, individuals over 65 with MDD are three times more likely to fail a driving test than those without the condition. A study conducted by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that this increased risk is particularly concerning for older adults, as they followed a sample of 395 participants around age 70 and observed their driving abilities over a period of one to two years.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14236309/health-condition-suffered-millions-people-dangerous-drivers.htmlAccording to Dr. Richard A. Bermudes, a psychiatrist and chief medical officer of BrainsWay in Nevada, walking has been found to have positive effects on brain networks that can improve mood, depression, and anxiety. Research suggests that every additional 1,000 steps per day is associated with a 9% lower risk of depression. Dr. Bermudes recommends taking small steps towards improving mental health by incrementally increasing daily step count, particularly for those struggling with severe depression. He also emphasizes the importance of natural light exposure and walking in natural settings to have positive mood effects.
https://www.foxnews.com/health/depression-could-prevented-specific-daily-step-count-study-findsResearchers at Canada's National Ballet School conducted a small study involving 23 people with Parkinson's disease who took eight months of weekly dance classes. The participants reported improved mood and reduced depression rates after each class, which stacked upon itself leading to significant improvements in mood after eight months. Brain scans showed that signals from the subcallosal cingulate gyrus, a brain region implicated in depression, decreased over time as people continued to dance. The study suggests that dance may have a double benefit for people with Parkinson's disease by activating the brain's reward signals and engaging its sensory and motor circuits.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/lifestyles/health/dancing-helps-people-with-parkinson-s-in-more-ways-than-one/article_ebd4a136-f3e8-5df4-91c0-93953deea7c0.htmlA recent review of 218 studies found that non-pharmacological interventions such as group exercise and nature-based activities were more effective in improving mood than cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or medication. The Prescribing Nature Works project, a government-funded initiative, has shown positive results with participants experiencing improved feelings of happiness and life being worthwhile, as well as decreased anxiety levels. Driven by concerns over the long-term effects of antidepressant use, such as withdrawal symptoms experienced by Thomas Kingston, clinicians are urging a shift towards non-drug options for treating mild to moderate depression, which is often linked to socio-economic factors rather than mental illness.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-14217921/DR-SIMON-opher-mp-suicide-michael-kent-son-law-potential-risk-antidepressant-drugs.htmlDr. Sibley suggests that effective treatment for adult ADHD should combine both medication and non-medication approaches to help individuals manage their symptoms and take control of their lives. This approach is not reflected in the study, which highlights the need for further research on long-term treatments and combinations of treatments, particularly among adults with ADHD.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/what-s-the-best-treatment-for-adhd-large-new-study-offers-clues-1.7150865