CAMH is a global leader in brain science, driven by the work of scientists in the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute.
Their discoveries on the body’s most complex organ are illuminating how its neurons and networks contribute to mental illness and addiction, and provide new targets to develop treatments. For example:
- Studies on brain chemistry show that the brain alters after years of persistent depression, and discover brain inflammation in people with OCD.
- A study on neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt, finds brain changes linked to memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s disease, providing a new focus for exploring ways to treat or prevent dementia.
- A large genetic study identifies 26 new genes linked to intellectual disability, which may eventually lead to personalized treatments for affected individuals.
- Research on brain function suggests that quitting cannabis use substantially improves an important aspect of cognition in people with schizophrenia who were chronic cannabis users.
In other highlights, neuroinformatics is poised to change our understanding of mental illness, using complex data analysis, artificial intelligence and computer modeling to uncover new insights about the brain. Listen to our CAMH podcast with Dr. Sean Hill, Director of CAMH’s Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics.
Interested in learning more about the brain? The Dana Foundation, which coordinates this annual week, has loads of information about the brain and brain research for students, educators and the public. And visit the Campbell Institute website to find out what’s happening at CAMH!
For more on Brain Awareness Week, follow #BrainAwarenessWeek and @CAMHResearch on Twitter.