ADHD, Parkinson's disease, brain volume. General genetic pattern
Considering that I mainly publish materials about productivity and performance, dopamine receives the main portion of attention. A kind of universal fuel, the deficiency of which leads to depression, the deficiency of which is associated with ADHD, and it is also the deficiency of dopamine that is observed in Parkinson’s disease. Now scientists have managed to find a common root for all these conditions.
Meta-study on ADHD, Parkinson's and dopamine
Covering almost 100 laboratories in 45 countries landmark study showed for the first time a link between genetically determined brain size and neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is NOT about cause and effect. The point of the study is to take a step forward in the ability to assess risk factors and early intervention protocols.
There is compelling evidence that something unites ADHD and Parkinson's disease, and this research is a necessary step toward understanding and ultimately more effectively treating these conditions.
Miguel Renteria, Associate Professor at QIMR Berghofer.
In the study, conducted by the Australian Renteria Institute, 189 researchers analyzed DNA data and MRI scans from 74,898 participants from 19 countries. Scientists have discovered 254 genetic variants that affect the size and structure of regions of the human brain that have also been identified as biomarkers for Parkinson's disease and ADHD. All study areas touched dopaminergic activity.
Parts of the brain, dopamine, ADHD, Parkinson's
Genetic factors associated with increased brain volume in key areas also increase the risk of Parkinson's disease. Genetic factors associated with smaller parts of the brain in key areas are associated with an increased risk of ADHD. These results indicate that genetic factorsunderlying individual differences in brain structure are fundamental to understanding the underlying causes of brain-related disorders.
Miguel Renteria, Associate Professor at QIMR Berghofer.
Scientists analyzed the volume of subcortical brain structures: the brainstem, caudate nuclei, putamen, hippocampus, globus pallidus, thalamus, nucleus accumbens, amygdala and ventral tegmental area. Scientists have found that genetic factors influence the volume of these regions, and this appears to influence susceptibility to various brain-related health conditions.
The areas considered were not chosen randomly, since each of them plays a key role in various processes, including memory formationreward and punishment responses, emotional regulation, motor function, and sensory communication and processing.
This brings us closer to answering key questions about how genetics influence brain structure, and how we can potentially treat these conditions in the future. But it's worth noting that these are correlations, not causation, and should therefore be interpreted with caution.
Miguel Renteria, Associate Professor at QIMR Berghofer.
Foundation for research into the characteristics of dopamine synthesis
Meta-analysis was conducted using databases including UK Biobank and ENIGMA (Enhancing Neuro Imaging Genetics through Meta-Analysis). This approach allows for a deeper understanding of how genetic expression relates to mental health. The findings provide a springboard for focusing on specific neurobiological conditions and searching for potential, specific gene connections.
By conducting these studies around the world, we are beginning to get closer to what is called the “genetic essence of humanity.”
Paul M. Thompson, ENIGMA Principal Investigator and Professor at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.
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