Lower gray matter volume in the brain is indicative of a higher risk of developing mental health disorders including depression and psychosis. However, those with slightly greater gray matter volume were more likely to recover from their disorders. Researchers believe reduced gray matter volume may be linked to higher levels of inflammation, reduced concentration, and other cognitive impairments associated with disorders like schizophrenia.
Children with binge eating disorders have differences in gray matter density compared to their peers who do not experience overeating disorders.
Researchers have discovered a link between anxiety behaviors and PTSD to an increase in myelin in the brain's gray matter.
Learning a new language or playing a musical instrument has a positive impact on cognitive function in the aging brain, researchers report.
Aerobic exercise was associated with positive white matter changes in the brain for older adults.
A new technique allowed researchers to evaluate the distribution of lithium levels in the human brain. Findings revealed those without depression had significantly more lithium in the brain's white matter than in gray matter. By contrast, those with depression or suicidal ideations had more balanced distribution of lithium in both white and gray matter.
Gray matter was reduced in areas of the frontal gyri of patients with COVID-19. Significant gray matter reductions were seen in those who received oxygen therapy and in those who reported fever. The findings suggest coronavirus affects the frontotemporal brain network due to reduced oxygen and fever.
Damage to highly connected regions of white matter in the brain following injury is more predictive of cognitive impairment than damage to highly connected gray matter hubs.
Children who snore while they sleep have thinner gray matter in several areas of the frontal lobes. Significantly, the reduction in gray matter correlated with behavioral problems associated with sleep apnea. Some behavioral problems experienced include hyperactivity, increased aggression, and attention deficits.
Frequent caffeine consumption reduces gray matter volume in areas of the right medial temporal lobe, including the hippocampus. Ten days of "caffeine abstinence" helps regenerate gray matter.
Researchers have succeeded in making superficial white matter visible in a living human brain.
Growing up speaking two or more languages was associated with increased gray matter in the brain during adulthood.