Brain function impairment

As a result of the neurochemical changes caused by MDMA, there is significant, observable functional impairment as well. These impairments occur in areas of the brain that have high concentrations of serotonergic neurons. Most notably affected are cognition and memory. Studies have shown decreases... 

Since AzD is characterised by an impairment of memory, which is a normal brain function, then a consideration of which NTs and brain circuitry are implicated in the laying down and retrieval of memory may provide an indication of not only which NTs we should expect to be affected in AzD but also which need to be manipulated to therapeutic advantage. Again, most evidence points to ACh and glutamate. 

Reitan, R.M. Behavioral manifestations of impaired brain function in aging. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association, Montreal, 1973. 

Ammonia has deleterious effects on brain function by direct and indirect mechanisms. Concentrations of ammonia in the 1-2 mmol/1 range, equivalent to those reported in the brain in liver failure, impair postsynaptic inhibition in cerebral cortex and brainstem by a direct effect on Cl extrusion from the postsynaptic neuron. Millimolar concentrations of ammonia also inhibit excitatory neurotransmission. Synaptic transmission from Schaffer collaterals to CA1 hippocampal neurons is reversibly depressed by 1 mmol/1 ammonia, and the firing of CA1 neurons by iontophoretic application of glutamate is inhibited by 2 mmol/1 ammonia [10],... 

Straightforward thiamine deficiency in man, beri-beri, is characterized by accumulation of pyruvic and lactic acids in the blood and brain, and impairment of cardiovascular, nervous, and gastrointestinal function (DIO, G17, P4, Yl). Neurological lesions characterize thiamine deficiency in growing rats (B40), guinea pigs (M6), mice (M13), chicks, and pigeons (B30). The effects of thiamine deficiency on the central nervous system of animals have been reviewed (DIO). 

Evaluation of memory and orientation is critical to the differentiation of a psychiatric versus a nonpsychiatric medical disorder. Memory for immediate, recent, and remote events can be readily tested, as well as orientation to time, place, person, space, and situation. Assuming the level of anxiety is not sufficient to impair responses to questions in these areas, deficits usually imply some impairment of brain functioning, which may or may not be reversible. 

Nevertheless, long periods of hypoglycemia can cause permanent brain damage. There is concern that frequent attacks of hypoglycemia impair brain function but there are few hard data. 

Chronic cannabis users frequently exhibit the amotivational syndrome", characterized by apathy, impaired judgement, memory defects and loss of interest in normal social pursuits. Whether chronic cannabis abuse leads to more permanent changes in brain function is uncertain, but it is known that chronic administration to animals results in permanent damage to the hippocampus. Regular use of cannabis by adolescents frequently predisposes them to other types of drug abuse later. This may reflect the social pressures placed upon them rather than the pharmacological consequences of abusing cannabis. 

Higher doses of barbiturates lead to more significant depression of brain function, with effects similar to those of alcohol intoxication. Individuals may experience impaired judgement, slurred speech, and poor coordination. The part of the brain that controls these functions becomes affected, making them unsteady and unsafe to operate a motor vehicle. Even higher doses of barbiturates may cause a person to pass out or fall asleep. 

The first four principles are the heart of the brain-disabling concept basically, that all psychiatric drugs cause a generalized impairment of brain function that reduces overall mental and emotion function that this disabling effect occurs, as well, in normal volunteers and that the effect has no specificity for any psychiatric disorder. 

There is no need to advocate for additional research. Why damage the brains of more animals and more people The facts have been conclusively established. Shock treatment physically damages the brain, irreversibly impairs mental function, and ruins the lives of many if not most... 

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