A new experiment by biotechnology company Axonis Therapeutics could prove to be a game changer in treatment of mental health conditions. There are several mental health conditions that have no cure but only treatments to manage symptoms. The list includes Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder (in severe cases), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Chronic Depression amongst others.

Now in a rather stunning development, scientists have grown tiny human brains in space to research new treatment for various mental health conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and spinal injuries. Interestingly, since there is low gravity in space, it enabled researchers to create "brain organoids" (cluster of cells that replicate structure and function of brain) in just 72 hours. The same process could take months on earth.

The primary agenda of this is to allow scientists to explore a new to treat the currently uncurable neurological conditions. For this new treatment, researchers are using a reprogrammed virus to deliver beneficial gene therapy to central nervous system cells (CNS). Such modified viruses are called viral vectors, and they could be particularly useful for treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and spinal cord injuries.

As reported by Daily Mail, every year, almost 600,000 Americans are diagnosed with either Alzheimer's or Parkinson's each year, and roughly 18,000 new spinal cord injuries occur.

How Dangerous Is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. It is the most common form of dementia, a group of symptoms that interfere with daily life. In Alzheimer's, abnormal protein deposits, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles, accumulate in the brain, disrupting communication between nerve cells and leading to their gradual death.

Early symptoms often include memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with problem-solving or decision-making. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience significant personality changes, trouble with language, disorientation, and a decline in the ability to perform everyday tasks.

Parkinson's disease is a neurogenerative disorder that affects predominately the dopamine-producing (dopaminergic) neurons in the brain. People suffering from it face problems in motor movement, tremors, stiffness, and impaired balance. As symptoms progress, people may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks. Interestingly, several research studies have indicated that this condition may begin in the gut rather than in the brain as gastrointestinal problems are common among people with neurodegenerative disorders.

As the name suggests, spinal cord injuries (SCI) occur when there is damage to the spinal cord. This often results from trauma such as accidents, falls, or physical violence. These injuries can lead to a loss of function, sensation, or movement below the site of the injury. The severity of the impact depends on the location and extent of the damage. Injuries higher up on the spine, such as in the cervical region (neck), can result in paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia), while injuries lower on the spine may cause paralysis in the legs (paraplegia). SCI can also cause other complications like loss of bladder and bowel control, respiratory problems, and chronic pain.

Most of us imagine a heart attack as someone clutching their chest and collapsing. In reality, the symptoms can be far stranger and more subtle, and many people don’t recognize them until it’s almost too late.

Heart Attacks Don’t Always Look the Same

Heart attacks occur when blood flow to the heart stops or slows, often because a plaque rupture causes a clot that blocks a coronary artery, cardiologists explain. While the classic symptom is a tight, squeezing or aching chest pain, the experience isn’t always that straightforward.

William Brady, professor of emergency and cardiovascular medicine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, tells the Washington Post that the “vast majority of people” with heart attacks will feel that familiar chest pain. But others feel symptoms that don’t fit the Hollywood version at all, which can be dangerous, because it causes people to delay treatment.

Women Are More Likely to Dismiss the Signs

Experts say women are particularly at risk of ignoring symptoms or having them dismissed by others. Stacey Rosen, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and executive director at Northwell’s Katz Institute for Women’s Health, told the Post that women often report symptoms differently. They may feel pain along with back aches, nausea or dizziness, and instead of calling it chest pain, they might describe it as “pressure,” “discomfort” or just “feeling off.”

“Delay can lead to irreversible heart damage,” Rosen warned. “So, really, listen to your body.”

The 5 Warning Signs Cardiologists Want You to Know

Cardiologists shared five surprising signs that could mean you are having a heart attack, even if you don’t have dramatic chest pain.

Also Read: The Bizarre Foot Test That Could Point Towards A Heart Failure

1. Jaw Pain

James de Lemos, chair of cardiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, told the Post, the aching pain from a heart attack can radiate to other parts of the body, sometimes just the forearm or jaw. The symptoms can be subtle and much less dramatic than TV shows portray.

Rosen shared that she once saw a patient who kept visiting dentists for persistent jaw pain — until one dentist suggested it could be heart-related. “And, in fact, it was,” Rosen said. Acting quickly probably prevented a full-blown heart attack.

2. Nausea and Vomiting

Indigestion, reflux, or even vomiting can sometimes signal a heart attack, particularly when the lower portion of the heart is involved, de Lemos said. If your “stomach issue” doesn’t improve with antacids, experts recommend seeking medical care, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease.

3. A Sense of Impending Doom

Several cardiologists said patients sometimes describe a sudden and overwhelming feeling that something is very wrong, even that they might die. “It can be just this awareness, just a sense that something doesn’t feel right,” said Clyde Yancy, chief of cardiology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, as reported in the Post. That feeling alone, especially if paired with physical symptoms, is enough reason to get evaluated.

4. Sweaty, Cold and Clammy Skin

A blockage in a coronary artery puts extreme stress on the body, activating the sympathetic nervous system, Rosen said. That can leave someone suddenly sweaty, clammy and pale, even if they aren’t doing anything strenuous. Brady added that if you feel chest tightness, shortness of breath, and sweating while doing something as routine as carrying groceries, it’s time to get help.

5. Fatigue

Seth Martin, a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, explained that heart attacks limit the oxygen supply to the heart and the body, leaving people feeling unusually tired, foggy or short of breath. Anna Bortnick, an interventional cardiologist at Montefiore Einstein Medical Center, noted that many people delay going to the hospital because they blame it on stress or aging.

Sometimes, these symptoms come in waves for days before a major event. “It’s really a dynamic process for many,” Rosen said.

You can’t replace heart muscle once it’s damaged, which is why early treatment is critical. Cardiologists recommend focusing on prevention: keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control, exercise at least 150 minutes a week, avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and eat a heart-healthy diet.

Sometimes when you have a hectic schedule, whether it is due to your work or your school assignments, all you need is that one energy booster to get through the day. For many young adults this boost happens to be energy drinks. According to UCLA health, 30% adolescents in US and 70% in Europe report drinking energy drinks. However, this simple habit could put your heart into failure, according to this doctor.

A cardiologist known as "Heart Transplant Doc" on social media, Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, is warning young, healthy people about the dangers of energy drinks. In a recent post, he highlighted a worrying trend he's seeing in his clinic: young adults in their 20s and 30s suddenly developing heart failure. The common link among these patients, who have no history of smoking or heart disease in their families, is that they consume three to four energy drinks a day. Dr. Yaranov calls this phenomenon "Energy Drink Heart."

What Are The Hidden Dangers of Energy Drinks

Dr. Yaranov explained that the high levels of caffeine and other stimulants in energy drinks can push the heart into overdrive. He warned that this can trigger abnormal heart rhythms, raise a person's blood pressure, and, over time, weaken the heart muscle. The scary part, he says, is that many of these patients felt perfectly fine until they suddenly weren't. Another cardiologist, Dr. Sanjeeva Kumar Gupta, agrees, noting that while the mental boost from these drinks is temporary, the physical stress on the heart can be lasting.

Is Caffeine Safe for Teens?

According to UCLA Health, the recommended daily caffeine limit for teens between ages 12 and 18 is less than 100 mg per day. To put that in perspective, a single energy drink can contain anywhere from 100 to 200 mg of caffeine per serving. The combination of high caffeine and sugar in these drinks can create a powerful and risky "jolt" of energy. This can lead to a racing heart, higher blood pressure, jitters, and a quick energy crash.

Ways Energy Drinks Can Be a Problem

Over time, drinking too many energy drinks can cause a dependence on that energy boost. When a teen tries to stop, they might experience withdrawal symptoms like headaches or a bad mood. The effects can be even more severe for teens who already struggle with mental health issues. While a cup of coffee has about 75 mg of caffeine, a single energy drink can have as much as three to four cups' worth.

Both doctors emphasize that people need to be aware of the serious risks of drinking too many energy drinks. The heart is not designed to run at maximum speed every day. Instead of relying on these drinks, they suggest choosing healthier ways to stay hydrated and energized, such as drinking water or natural juices. They stress the importance of reading labels and staying informed to protect both your heart and mind.

What is a Healthier Ways to Get Energy

The quick energy from these drinks is not a long-term solution. A well-balanced diet is a much better and more sustainable way to get energy. If you or your teen need caffeine, healthier choices include natural sources like plain tea or coffee without any added sugar. While these can have health benefits for adults, experts say there isn't enough research yet to confirm their effects on younger people.

It is common to run into health problems as you age. Your bodily functions become slow, so does your mobility as well as your immunity. However, with the right healthy choices, you can also age gracefully and avoid any big health issues. This 74-year-old also had the same idea, exercising regularly and keeping his health in check.

On the surface, he's a picture of perfect health. He has never had a heart attack or a stroke, and he doesn't have common health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure. He's also very dedicated to his well-being, exercising regularly, keeping a normal weight, and avoiding smoking and alcohol. His family also has a clean bill of health when it comes to heart problems.

Highlighting this interesting case Neurologist Sudhir Kumar MD, shared the details on his X social media.

Can You Have High Cholesterol With Healthy Habits?

Despite all his good habits, a routine blood test told a different story. His blood fats, or lipid profile, showed some concerning numbers that have been high for the last 10 years. His total cholesterol, "bad" LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were all higher than they should be, while his "good" HDL cholesterol was too low.

• Total Cholesterol: 219
• LDL ("Bad") Cholesterol: 159
• Triglycerides: 319
• HDL ("Good") Cholesterol: 32

This specific combination is known as atherogenic dyslipidemia. It's a medical term for a pattern of unhealthy fats in the blood. Even though he feels great, this condition, combined with his age, puts him at a much higher risk for serious issues down the road, like a heart attack, stroke, or a type of memory loss called vascular dementia.

How Can You Lower Cholesterol Of a Healthy Patient?

Faced with this situation, the doctor and the patient discussed two possible paths.

Option 1:

The first option was to continue his healthy lifestyle and work with a nutritionist to make his diet even better. This would be a non-medicated approach to see if his numbers could improve naturally.

Option 2:

The second option was to start taking a statin, a type of drug that lowers cholesterol. The doctor would then recheck his lipid profile after a few months. If his triglycerides were still too high, another medication, such as fenofibrate, might be added. The doctor also explained the potential side effects of statins so the patient could make an informed decision.

After hearing both options, the patient felt more comfortable with Option 1, preferring to avoid medication for now. Dr Sudhir ended the post explaining he will follow up in three months to see how the patient's health is progressing.

What Are Some Unexpected Causes Of High Cholesterol?

Beyond daily habits, some life events and medications can also cause a temporary rise in cholesterol.

Stress

When you're stressed, your body produces the hormone cortisol, which can raise cholesterol. Managing stress through exercise, meditation, or breathing exercises can help lower this risk.

Smoking

Nicotine in cigarettes lowers your HDL ("good") cholesterol, which is responsible for removing "bad" cholesterol from your blood. The best way to reduce this risk is to quit smoking.

Medications

Certain prescription drugs, including some for high blood pressure, inflammation, and infections, can raise cholesterol levels. If you're concerned about your medication, talk to your doctor about alternatives or dosage adjustments.

Pregnancy

It's normal for a pregnant person's cholesterol to increase by 30-40% to support fetal development. However, a doctor may intervene if the levels get too high.

Rapid Weight Loss

Losing weight very quickly, especially on diets like the ketogenic diet, can cause a temporary spike in cholesterol. If you're planning to lose weight, it's a good idea to work with a healthcare professional to do it safely.