A recent study published in JAMA Network Open examines the link between cannabis use and brain activation, revealing potential long-term consequences for cognitive function, particularly in areas related to decision-making and working memory.
A new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open sheds light on the long-term effects of chronic cannabis use on brain activation and cognitive function . Researchers investigated the relationship between lifetime and recent heavy cannabis use and brain activity during various cognitive tasks.
The study involved 1,003 adults aged 22-36 who underwent fMRI scans while performing tasks assessing working memory, emotion, reward, motor function, relational reasoning, theory of mind, and language processing. The findings revealed a correlation between heavy lifetime cannabis use and decreased brain activation in regions crucial for decision-making, planning, and higher-order cognitive functions. These regions include the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), and anterior insula.The study suggests that chronic THC exposure may lead to reduced CB1 receptor density in these brain areas, potentially explaining the observed cognitive decline in heavy users. Notably, the reduced brain activation was persistent even after excluding participants with recent use, indicating the potential for long-term neural adaptations due to chronic THC exposure. These adaptations could involve reductions in cannabinoid receptor density, particularly in regions rich in CB1 receptors. The researchers also found sex-specific differences in motor task performance. Recent cannabis use was associated with reduced brain activation in male participants but not in females. These findings highlight the importance of considering sex as a factor when studying the effects of cannabis on the brain. The study's insights underscore the need for further research to fully understand the long-term consequences of cannabis use on brain health and cognitive function, particularly in light of its increasing global popularity and the potential for long-term neural adaptations
Cannabis Brain Activation Cognitive Function Decision-Making Memory CB1 Receptors Long-Term Effects
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Study Highlights Link Between Physical Activity and Chronic Disease, Recommends Patient ScreeningA new study from the University of Iowa reveals a strong association between physical activity and the risk of developing chronic diseases. Researchers recommend that all patients be screened for their physical activity levels and that healthcare systems provide information on health and wellness services for inactive patients.
Read more »
Effectiveness and Safety of Tenofovir Amibufenamide in Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment: A Real-World, Multicenter StudyThis study evaluated the real-world effectiveness and safety of tenofovir amibufenamide (TMF) in treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Researchers analyzed data from 194 CHB patients across four hospitals. Results showed TMF was comparable to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in terms of virological effectiveness and ALT normalization rates. TMF also demonstrated improved renal safety without negatively impacting lipid levels.
Read more »
Historic Lithium Mine Study Reveals Potential Water ImpactsA new study from Duke University examined the legacy of lithium mining on water quality in North Carolina, focusing on the Kings Mountain Mine. While the research found low levels of common contaminants, it also identified elevated concentrations of lithium, rubidium, and cesium, raising questions about their potential health and environmental effects.
Read more »
Perivascular Cells: Key Players in Chronic Disease ProgressionA groundbreaking study from Oregon Health & Science University sheds light on the role of perivascular cells in chronic diseases. These cells, surrounding blood vessels, act as sentinels, detecting tissue changes and influencing blood vessel function. The research reveals a new paradigm in vascular disease understanding and opens up potential therapeutic targets.
Read more »
Chronic Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms & How to Reduce ItA new study links poor diet, chronic inflammation, and colon cancer. This article explores what chronic inflammation is, its symptoms, and potential causes. Health experts offer advice on how to reduce it through lifestyle changes.
Read more »
Five red flags for chronic inflammation - and what to do about itAs a new study points to a link between poor diet, chronic inflammation and colon cancer, we asked health experts what it is and what we can do to reduce it
Read more »