Neurology International
June 23, 2022
Islam Mohammad Shehata, Waniyah Masood, Nouran Nemr et al.
41 citations
Depression affects 3.8% of the global population, with higher rates in older adults. Evidence links depression to Alzheimer's disease (AD), but conventional antidepressants, especially SSRIs, show conflicting efficacy in AD patients. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 randomized controlled trials found no high efficacy of fourteen antidepressant medications for AD symptoms. Ketamine, a nonselective NMDA receptor antagonist, has multiple effects including neuroprotection and antidepressant properties. Esketamine nasal spray was FDA-approved in 2019 for treatment-resistant depression. NMDA receptor antagonists may treat AD by counteracting pathological glutamate receptor stimulation. Recent findings suggest ketamine could provide neuroprotection and reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD. This investigation evaluates ketamine's potential role and mechanism in AD management.
Neurology International
May 18, 2022
Amber N. Edinoff, Juliana M. Fort, Christina Singh et al.
15 citations
Given the risks of long-term opioid use, nonopioid analgesics are being evaluated for chronic pain. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) modulate pain signals and have been studied for chronic pain. Psilocybin, which acts on serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and has a tryptamine structure similar to triptans, shows promise for migraines and potentially chronic pain. However, studies of these plant-based medications have small sample sizes, which may overlook demographic or genetic differences, and it remains unclear whether their reported effects apply to the general population or are statistically significant. Further research is needed.
Neurology International
March 28, 2023
Amber N. Edinoff, Saveen Sall, Colby B. Koontz et al.
5 citations
Ketamine, derived from phencyclidine and used to treat conditions like treatment-resistant depression, impairs driving-related abilities. A study comparing ketamine with a similar drug, rapasitnel, found that ketamine caused more sleepiness and reduced self-reported motivation and confidence in driving. Effects vary depending on acute versus persistent use and anesthetic versus subanesthetic doses, complicating clinical decisions. This review describes ketamine's clinical uses and the risks of driving under its influence, aiming to guide patient counseling and protect public safety.
Neurology International
July 1, 2025
Andréia Pucinelli de Souza Queiroz, M. O. Pozzolo Pedro, Marcela Waisman Campos et al.
Chronic cannabis use is associated with widespread impairments in attention, executive function, memory, and learning, though most evidence comes from studies of acute or residual effects. Evidence for long-lasting deficits after extended abstinence is limited and methodologically heterogeneous. Acute motor coordination deficits are well established, but persistent impairments lack conclusive evidence. Effects on language remain inconclusive, and findings regarding social cognition suggest potential deficits in emotion recognition and mental state inference. Early onset and high-frequency use are critical risk factors for more severe and enduring cognitive effects. Some deficits may partially reverse with abstinence, though many persist long after cessation.