Parkinson’s Disease and the Brain
Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions in the UK; it is estimated that nearly 1 in 40 adults will be diagnosed with the condition in their lifetime1. Due to our ageing population, it is the fastest-growing neurological condition worldwide2. This World Brain Day, we’re exploring the nature of Parkinson’s and how […]
Understanding Birth Trauma and PTSD
Childbirth is mostly thought of as a joyful experience, but for many, it can be deeply traumatic. Birth trauma refers to the physical or emotional distress experienced during or after childbirth. When this trauma leads to persistent psychological symptoms, it can develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a serious a complex mental health condition triggered […]
Diagnosing Knee Osteoarthritis: The Role of X-Rays
Musculoskeletal conditions are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, significantly impacting individuals’ quality of life. Among these conditions, joint disorders, such as osteoarthritis, are particularly prevalent, affecting mobility and daily functioning. What is Knee Osteoarthritis? Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects around 5.4 million people in the UK1, particularly those […]
Depression and Screen Time: The Effect of Doomscrolling
The UK has one of the highest average screen times in Europe, with people spending nearly 30% of their day on their phones. This equates to around five hours and six minutes per person1. Screen time is almost unavoidable in the modern world, and as such, it has introduced new challenges, one of the most […]
How Tennis Boosts Brain Health
As Wimbledon wraps up another thrilling two weeks of world-class tennis, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the sport’s profound benefits for the brain. Beyond the physical fitness and social joy that it brings, tennis is increasingly recognised as a powerful tool in the fight against cognitive decline and dementia. The Brain-Boosting Power of […]
Alcohol Awareness Week – Drinking and Social Anxiety
Summertime has officially arrived; it’s the season of enjoying the warm weather and socialising with friends. However, social situations and the increasing number of events involving alcohol consumption can be stressful to individuals with social anxiety. This article explores the complex relationship between alcohol and mental health, and highlights strategies for individuals to better cope […]
Improving Clinical Trial Accessibility: The Impact of Social Media
In the last decade, the way people learn about clinical trials has changed dramatically. Before online promotion became mainstream, information about research opportunities was commonly limited to posters in hospitals, word-of-mouth referrals, and listings on institutional websites. Thanks to the incorporation of social media in participant recruitment, clinical trials are often more visible, accessible, and […]
International Yoga Day: The Benefits of Yoga for Knee Osteoarthritis
Yoga is a form of exercise that originates from ancient India, although modern postural yoga is around 100 years old, and is known for its physical and mental health benefits. Its regular practice can improve flexibility, strength, and balance, and can also improve sleep, energy, and mood1. Light yoga can be particularly effective for people […]
The Rise in Male Loneliness and Social Anxiety
In recent years, conversations around mental health have become more open and compassionate, but issues such as male loneliness and social anxiety often remain unspoken. As we mark Men’s Health Week, it’s time to shine a light on this growing challenge affecting millions of men across the UK and beyond. A Silent Epidemic Loneliness doesn’t […]
Healthy Eating for a Healthy Brain
As we celebrate British Nutrition Foundation’s Healthy Eating Week, it’s the perfect time to spotlight the powerful link between what we eat and how we feel – both physically and mentally. While we often focus on nutrition in terms of heart health, weight management, or energy levels, emerging research shows that our diet also plays […]