Possible treatment identified for stress-related cognitive complications

Researchers believe they have found a possible treatment for the cognitive complications associated with stress-related disorders.

A team from Columbia University Medical Centre identified that the experimental drug S107 could prevent learning and memory deficits associated with mental health problems.
The discovery was made using a mouse model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is thought to affect the structure and function of neurons in the brain.

Lead researcher on the study Dr Andrew R Marks believed that PTSD specifically destabilised type 2 ryanodine receptors in the hippocampus, which has a role in learning and memory.

After administering S107, it was observed that both learning and memory were improved.

"With the dramatic rise in cases of PTSD among our combat veterans, and following common afflictions such as heart attacks, there is a pressing need for new and better therapies for this debilitating disorder," said Dr Marks.

The findings could also open up new treatment pathways for the effects of other mental health conditions on cognition.

Read about support and personalised care at Barchester care homes for anyone with mental health concerns.