Author: Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian, Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of Cambridge

Why does chronic pain often lead to depression? Our research shows the answer is in the brain

Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian, Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of CambridgeLeave a Comment on Why does chronic pain often lead to depression? Our research shows the answer is in the brain

Researchers have long wondered why some people with chronic pain develop depression. yourphotopie/ Shutterstock Chronic pain has long been known to be associated with depression. Among adults with chronic pain, around 40% exhibit clinical symptoms of depression. But why is it that only some people with chronic pain develop depression? Researchers have long been wondering […]

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Menopause: our study revealed how it affects the brain, cognition and mental health

Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian, Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of CambridgeLeave a Comment on Menopause: our study revealed how it affects the brain, cognition and mental health

The menopause was associated with poorer sleep, increased mental health problems and even changes within the brain itself. Gladskikh Tatiana/ Shutterstock Menopause is a key period in a woman’s life. This transition is often accompanied by wide-ranging physical and psychological symptoms — some of which can be debilitating and affect daily life. Menopause has also […]

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Eight seconds and dropping? How to make the most of short attention spans

Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian, Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of CambridgeLeave a Comment on Eight seconds and dropping? How to make the most of short attention spans

We are regularly bombarded with information about a steep drop in attention spans. Based on its own data in 2015, Microsoft reported that the average attention span had dropped from about 12 seconds for millennials to eight seconds for gen Z. And as the new Premier League season kicked off, UEFA introduced a new “eight […]

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Anxiety is the most common mental health problem – here’s how tech could help manage it

Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian, Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of CambridgeLeave a Comment on Anxiety is the most common mental health problem – here’s how tech could help manage it

Anxiety disorders are the world’s most common mental health problem. But it isn’t always easy to get professional help, with long waiting lists in many countries. Worldwide, only about 28% of people with anxiety receive treatment. The figure is similar for the UK, and in the US about 37% receive a treatment. This is due […]

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Why neglecting your brain health can make it harder to achieve physical goals

Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian, Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of CambridgeLeave a Comment on Why neglecting your brain health can make it harder to achieve physical goals

Our cognition and mental wellbeing are crucial factors for our quality of life and put us in a good position to contribute to society. Ultimately, it can be near impossible to achieve physical goals and demanding life challenges if our brain health is not optimal. Yet most of us appear to be more concerned with […]

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Loneliness and social isolation are linked to specific proteins – new research

Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian, Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of CambridgeLeave a Comment on Loneliness and social isolation are linked to specific proteins – new research

shisu_ka/Shutterstock Human beings are inherently social. We thrive on connection, communication and shared experiences, which help shape our identities and foster a sense of belonging. Yet, in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world, feelings of loneliness and social isolation have become alarmingly common. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that these feelings are widespread. […]

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