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alcohol use disorder

·November 12, 2024·5 min read

After the Pandemic, Alcohol Use Remains Elevated

U.S. alcohol use increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and has stayed elevated post-pandemic, posing serious health risks. Heavy drinking rose by 20% during the pandemic, and the increase continued in 2022. This trend spanned across most demographics, with the highest rise among adults aged 40-49.

This shows a man's face and broken bottles.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·November 5, 2024·5 min read

Gene Study Links Alcohol Addiction to Accelerated Alzheimer’s Progression

Researchers discovered alcohol use disorder (AUD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibit similar patterns of gene dysregulation, hinting that alcohol consumption may hasten Alzheimer’s progression. By analyzing gene expression across individual brain cells, the team found shared disruptions in inflammation, cell signaling, and blood vessel functions in both disorders.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 11, 2024·5 min read

Higher IQ in High School Linked to Increased Alcohol Use in Adulthood

A new study shows that individuals with higher IQs in high school are more likely to consume alcohol moderately or heavily later in life, though less likely to binge drink. This connection may be due to social factors, such as income level and career stress, that often accompany higher IQs. Researchers used data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, revealing that each IQ point increase correlated with a 1.6% rise in moderate or heavy drinking.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 23, 2024·4 min read

Memory Cues May Help Reduce Alcohol Consumption

A study suggests that recalling past alcohol experiences before drinking can slow down consumption, indicating a potential strategy to reduce alcohol intake. In the study, women who remembered a previous drinking episode took longer to consume an alcoholic beverage, possibly due to reduced motivation to drink. This approach, along with strong health warnings, may offer new methods to curb excessive alcohol consumption. Further research is needed to explore this effect in males.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·August 8, 2024·5 min read

Parental Alcohol Use Linked to Early Aging in Kids

Children of parents with alcohol use disorders inherit early aging symptoms, including high cholesterol, heart problems, arthritis, and early-onset dementia. This effect is worse if both parents have alcohol issues, especially in male offspring, due to mitochondrial dysfunction inherited from parents. Researchers suggest that improving mitochondrial health through exercise and vitamin intake could help delay these effects.

This shows a woman drinking with friends.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 6, 2024·6 min read

Social Drinking Activates Dopamine and Elevates Mood

New research reveals why alcohol makes people feel happier in social settings but not when drinking alone. Using fruit flies, scientists discovered that dopamine in the brain plays a key role in amplifying the euphoric effects of alcohol during social interactions.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 23, 2024·8 min read

Alcohol Use Linked to Increased Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Research reveals that increased alcohol consumption in individuals with bipolar disorder can exacerbate their symptoms over time. Contrary to the belief that alcohol acts as self-medication, the study shows no increase in drinking due to heightened mood symptoms.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 3, 2024·3 min read

Ozempic May Reduce Alcohol Abuse Risk

Diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, containing semaglutide, significantly reduce the incidence and recurrence of alcohol-use disorder (AUD). Analyzing health records, researchers observed a 50% to 56% decrease in AUD among patients treated with semaglutide.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 16, 2024·6 min read

Protein Gel Curbs Alcohol Absorption

Researchers developed a protein gel that effectively breaks down alcohol in the gut, preventing it from entering the bloodstream. This innovative gel, made from whey protein, iron, and gold, converts alcohol into harmless acetic acid, potentially reducing the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 6, 2024·6 min read

Sex-Specific Brain Responses to Alcohol Craving

A new study utilizes fMRI scans to examine how men and women with alcohol use disorder respond differently to stress and alcohol-related cues. The study found that while alcohol cues triggered stronger cravings in men, stress cues had a similar impact on women, suggesting the need for sex-specific treatment strategies.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·April 5, 2024·9 min read

Genetics of Alcohol Use Explored

Researchers tapped into 23andMe's extensive genetic database, uncovering correlations between genetic variants related to alcohol consumption and a spectrum of health outcomes. The study reveals that certain genetic factors not only influence individuals' alcohol behaviors but also have broader health implications, including connections to chronic conditions and certain cancers.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 29, 2024·5 min read

Compound May Curb Alcohol Dependence

The compound LY2444296, which blocks the kappa opioid receptor, significantly reduces alcohol consumption in animal models of alcohol dependence. This study suggests LY2444296 could be a breakthrough in treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) by targeting the brain's KOP system, implicated in addiction and withdrawal symptoms.