Vaccines and Dementia Prevention
Dementia prevention and treatment are fast-growing areas of research. Though there is no cure, we are closer than ever to understanding how the disease develops and its risk factors. The future of dementia prevention Recent studies have found evidence that vaccines against shingles – a variant of chickenpox – and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – […]
Exploring the Growth of Medical Cannabis Research
While medical cannabis is not routinely recommended by NICE for mental health conditions, a 2026 review in The Lancet Psychiatry reported that cannabis‑derived medicines, especially those rich in cannabidiol (CBD), have shown potential benefits for symptoms such as anxiety‑related sleep disturbance and PTSD‑associated insomnia, underscoring the importance of ongoing clinical research1. For World 420 day […]
Memory Loss vs. ‘Normal Ageing’: What’s the Difference?
Almost 1 million people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK1. As people get older, it is common to become more forgetful, or to find it harder to retain information, but for 10% of adults over the age of 65,2 it could be a sign of dementia. So, what is the difference between […]
The Impact of PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition that is often misunderstood and stigmatised. The impact of the condition extends far beyond the short-term distress most people experience following a traumatic incident. For those living with PTSD, the world can feel unsafe, making it difficult to resume daily activities. Symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and avoidance […]
How Psychedelics Are Shaping the Future of Treating PTSD
Post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is thought to impact around 1 in 10 of us in our lives1 and can be difficult to treat. Although traditional therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) offer relief for many, not everyone has positive responses. […]
How Panic Presents Differently in Mental Health Conditions
Panic is a common symptom across anxiety-related conditions, but the mechanisms behind it can vary significantly. Two disorders in which panic frequently appears are Post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Although these conditions share overlapping features, such as physiological stress responses, the origin, trigger patterns, and expression of panic differ in important […]
International Women’s Day: Women’s Health Research Matters
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate women’s resilience, achievements, and voices. But it’s also a moment to highlight areas where women continue to be overlooked, especially in health research. Arguably, one of the most significant gaps exists around vulvodynia, a chronic vulval pain condition that affects up to 18% of women in the UK1 yet […]
Pain Down Below: A Doctor’s In‑Depth Guide to Vulvodynia
Dr Sharon Viner, Clinical Research Physician at MAC Clinical Research, shares more about vulvodynia and how MAC will be trialling a potential new treatment for provoked vulvodynia. What is Vulvodynia? Let’s break it down: The vulva is the name given to the outer part of the female genital area, which includes the labia, clitoris, and […]
Understanding the Difference Between Grief and Depression
When faced with death or dying, many people experience profound emotional responses, in particular grief and depression. While they are distinct, the overlap between these experiences can complicate the grieving process and leave individuals feeling isolated and misunderstood. What is grief? Grief is a natural, multifaceted response to loss. It is complex and often overwhelming […]
How Depression Can Impact Romantic Relationships
Valentine’s Day often brings images of happy couples, but for many, the day can feel different, especially when one partner is living with depression. Understanding how depression impacts romantic relationships can help couples navigate the difficult moments with more compassion and connection. Understanding Depression Depression is a mental health condition characterised by persistent sadness, lack […]