Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. Natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are increasingly explored as potential therapeutic agents. 6-Paradol, a bioactive component of ginger, has demonstrated neuroprotective activity in preclinical studies. This study investigated the effects of 6-paradol on cognitive deficits induced by okadaic acid (OKA) in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Methods

Adult zebrafish were exposed to OKA (10 nM) for 4 days to induce memory impairment and divided into six experimental groups (n = 10/group): control, galantamine (1 mg/L, positive control), OKA alone, and OKA combined with 6-paradol at 1, 3, or 6 μg/L. 6-Paradol was administered over 7 days with intermittent water changes. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Y-maze test (spatial memory) and Novel Object Recognition (NOR) test (recognition memory).

Results

Exposure to OKA significantly impaired both spatial and recognition memory. Galantamine reversed these deficits, validating the model. Treatment with 6-paradol at 3 and 6 μg/L significantly improved cognitive performance, increased exploration of the novel arm in the Y-maze, enhanced preference for the novel object in NOR, and stimulated locomotor activity. The lowest dose (1 μg/L) showed no significant effect.

Conclusions

These results suggest that 6-paradol mitigates OKA-induced memory deficits in zebrafish, likely through neuroprotective and cholinergic modulatory mechanisms. The findings support further investigation of 6-paradol as a candidate for AD therapy.

Introduction: Neurodegenerative diseases (ND), such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, represent a growing challenge for public health worldwide. Various studies warn that their incidence continues to rise and they are expected to become the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases in the coming decades. In this context, current scientific evidence highlights the need for effective preventive strategies, with dietary intervention emerging as a promising approach.

Methodology: A systematic review was conducted analyzing evidence regarding adaptogens with potential effects preventing neurodegeneration. Studies published between 2018 and2025 were identified in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Selection was based on their relevance to the safety and efficacy as preventive compounds against neurodegeneration.

Results: Polyphenols, B vitamins, and certain dietary patterns have shown beneficial effects on key mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration, including inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. In particular, resveratrol, hesperidin, theobromine, quercetin, and oleuropein have demonstrated neuroprotective properties. These effects are associated with mechanisms including CaMKII/CREB/BDNF activation, which is linked to cognitive and anti-inflammatory benefits, microglial inhibition via MAPK/NF‑κB/PI3K/Akt, promotion of autophagy, blood–brain barrier protection, and mitigation of oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis. These compounds can also be considered adaptogens, defined as natural substances that enhance the body’s resistance to physical, chemical, or biological stress while exerting a normalizing influence on physiological functions. Their multifunctional properties may help regulate stress-related pathways involved in neurodegeneration. These compounds can be sustainably sourced from agri-food by-products, including grape skin, citrus peel, cocoa waste, apple peel, and olive leaves, and can be incorporated into functional food products as a preventive strategy for ND while promoting a circular economy.

Conclusions: This systematic review explores the potential of these bioactive compounds in the development of functional beverages for ND prevention, discussing their mechanisms of action, limitations, and the estimated impact of their application.

Introduction:
Neurological disorders are an increasing public health concern worldwide, especially in aging societies. In Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul, with one of the country’s highest life expectancies, illustrates how demographic shifts intensify the burden of neurodegenerative diseases. This study analyzed mortality trends from Alzheimer’s disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson’s disease (PD) in Brazil between 2013 and 2023.

Methods:
A retrospective, descriptive, population-based study was conducted using mortality records from the Brazilian Mortality Information System (DataSUS) for the period 2013–2023. Deaths attributed to AD, MS, and PD were identified. Absolute frequencies and proportional mortality rates were calculated, and temporal trends were examined to describe evolving patterns throughout the decade.

Results and Discussion:
Between 2013 and 2023, 45,665 deaths due to neurological disorders were reported. AD accounted for 22,671 deaths (49.7%), MS for 5,095 (11.2%), and PD for 4,754 (10.4%). Overall neurological mortality more than doubled, rising from 2,701 deaths in 2013 to 5,528 in 2023. AD consistently represented about half of all cases, reaching 52.8% in 2022, whereas MS and PD maintained stable proportions near 11–12%. These findings mirror the progressive aging of Brazil’s population, particularly in long-lived regions such as Rio Grande do Sul, where the demographic shift amplifies the burden of neurodegenerative diseases.

Conclusions:
Neurological mortality in Brazil has more than doubled in the last decade, with AD as the leading cause. These trends underscore the need for strengthened public health strategies, better access to care, and research focused on early detection and management in aging populations.

Background: Cannabis and cannabinoids have been investigated for their potential therapeutic effects in Parkinson’s disease, but clinical findings remain scant and inconsistent. This study provides a systematic overview of meta-analyses assessing their impact on health outcomes in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (up to April 2025) identified meta-analyses evaluating cannabis-based interventions in Parkinson’s disease. Eligible studies reported pooled estimates of effects on neurological symptoms. The most significant findings from the included studies were summarized and qualitatively analyzed.

Results: After screening a total of 975 research items, seven meta-analyses of clinical and laboratory studies, primarily randomized controlled trials (RCTs), were identified. One analysis of five RCTs demonstrated that pure CBD or synthetic THC significantly improved disease symptoms (SMD=−0.41, p=0.004). In contrast, a meta-analysis of three RCTs evaluating various cannabis extracts found no significant effect on the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) total score (SMD=−0.18, p=0.48). However, another analysis combining two RCTs and two non-RCTs reported a significant improvement in the UPDRS total score (MD=−4.19, p=0.03). With regard to pain management in Parkinson’s disease, a study confirmed that cannabinoids are an effective treatment option. Additionally, a meta-analysis of preclinical studies in animal models indicated notable enhancements in motor function, with improved rotarod performance (MD=31.63 s, p=0.003) and reduced pole test times (MD=−1.51 s, p=0.028).

Conclusions: While meta-analyses of clinical studies suggest some benefits of specific cannabinoid formulations, findings are uncertain. Preclinical data, however, demonstrate interesting motor improvements. Further well-designed RCTs are warranted to clarify the therapeutic role of cannabis in Parkinson’s disease management.

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a slow and progressive neurological condition that causes loss of functional movement in humans due to the destruction of dopamine-producing cells. As in the rest of the world, Brazil is also negatively affected by this disease. It is crucial to analyze hospital morbidity patterns in the country, given that this disease influences the five different Brazilian macroregions and may be related to certain common characteristics among them. Methods: A time series analysis of hospitalizations for Parkinson's disease over the last five years was performed. Macroregional data on hospital morbidity were selected and associated with their respective population projections, extracted from Brazil's public health database, DataSUS, to compare the prevalence of the disease in the five regions of the country. Results and Discussion: A total of 4,945 hospital admissions for PD were recorded during the study period. The Southeast region accounted for the highest number of admissions (2,294; 46.3%), followed by the South (1,413; 28.6%), Northeast (779; 15.7%), Central–West (275; 5.6%), and North (184; 3.7%) regions. The year 2024 had the highest incidence (1,227 cases; 24.8%), while 2020 had the lowest (349 cases; 7%). Considering population distribution, the South region had a disproportionately high rate of hospitalizations compared to its demographic size, suggesting a higher prevalence of the disease, better diagnostic capacity, or differences in access to healthcare. Conclusions: Hospital morbidity due to PD in Brazil reveals significant regional disparities, with the Southeast and South regions accounting for the majority of admissions. These findings highlight the need to strengthen diagnostic strategies, improve access to care, and adapt regional health policies to address the growing burden of PD. Further research is needed to explore the socioeconomic and health factors that influence these disparities.

BACKGROUND: The discrimination of dementia and depression remains an issue of debate as they often co-exist in late life. Various neuroimaging techniques have been used in an attempt to differentiate between the two entities. Visual rating seems to offer a quick and reliable tool for diagnosis. We performed a retrospective study to assess the potential role of the visual rating method to assist in the differential diagnosis of AD versus depression.

METHODS: A sample of memory clinic patients fulfilling clinical criteria of either AD (n = 113) or depression (n = 139) was recruited. Depressive symptoms were defined as a score of 10 or higher on the GDS. Patients with AD were at a mild stage of disease (MMSE>23). Based on previous studies, 13 regions of interest were selected in both hemispheres, including mainly frontal, temporal and hippocampal areas. The regions were validated by two raters by using a visual scale with four stages of atrophy (0 to 4). Data were calculated using the binary logistic regression model.

RESULTS: Based on visual assessment, patients with AD showed more atrophy in the right anterior cingulate cortex and in temporal, limbic and hippocampal regions in comparison to patients with depression.

CONCLUSION: Visual rating scales offer a useful method to distinguish between AD and deperession in clinical practice.

Introduction:

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, affecting memory, thinking, and behavior. It represents a public health challenge worldwide, and Brazil is no exception. Understanding hospitalization patterns for Alzheimer's is essential to identify at-risk populations and guide healthcare planning. This study analyzed DataSUS records, Brazil’s public health database, over the past 10 years to provide insights into the epidemiology and inform strategies for early-onset cases.

Methods:

A descriptive analysis of hospitalizations for Alzheimer’s disease (ICD-10 G30) recorded in the SIH/SUS between 2016 and 2025 was conducted. Data were obtained from TABNET/DATASUS and categorized by age groups, which were subsequently regrouped into five strata (<50, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, and ≥80 years).

Results and discussion:

From 2016 to 2025, 15,198 hospitalizations for Alzheimer’s disease (ICD-10 G30) were recorded in SIH/SUS, mostly in individuals aged ≥80 years (59.3%), followed by those aged 70–79 (28.1%) and those aged 60–69 (9.4%). Hospitalizations in those <60 years old were rare (<2%), though they were present across all ages. Cases rose until 2019, dropped during 2020–2021 with the COVID-19 pandemic, peaked in 2023 (n=2,125), and declined in 2025, likely due to reporting delays. The proportion <65 years ranged from 2 to 6%, without a clear increase.

Findings confirm the predominance in older adults and the health system burden of advanced age groups, while the persistent, though infrequent, cases in those aged <65 highlight the need for awareness and tailored strategies for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusions sections:

The analysis of DataSUS records confirms the predominance of hospitalizations for Alzheimer’s among older adults, particularly those aged 80 years and above. These findings underscore the need for public awareness of early symptoms and appropriate patient care, as well as early diagnosis and targeted health strategies to address the challenges associated with the disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions of people worldwide, with a major socio-economic impact. The limitations of current therapies and the associated adverse effects drive interest in natural compounds with therapeutic potential. Mansorine (MA), a coumarin compound extracted from Mansonia gagei, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mansorine on memory, using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a preclinical model for AD.

To induce an AD-like amnesia model, fish were exposed to okadaic acid (OKA, 10 nM) for 4 days. Animals were divided into six groups (n = 10/group): control (DMSO), galantamine (GAL, 1 mg/L), OKA, and OKA co-treated with MA at 1, 3, or 6 μg/L. Mansorina was administered for 7 days, every 3 days during water exchange. Cognitive functions were assessed by Y-maze tests (spatial memory and locomotor activity) and novel object recognition (NOR). Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey testing (GraphPad Prism 9, p < 0.05).

Treatment with OKA significantly impaired spatial memory and object recognition (p < 0.0001), while GAL reversed these deficits. Coadministration of MA (3 and 6 μg/L) significantly improved cognitive performance (p < 0.001 – p < 0.00001), increasing the exploration of the novel arm and novel object. MA also stimulated locomotor activity.

Conclusion: Mansorina can counteract OKA-induced cognitive deficits, posessing neuroprotective and cholinergic function restorative potential.

Introduction: Meningitis remains a major global public health concern, ranking among the most lethal infectious diseases and potentially causing brain injury if not promptly diagnosed or treated. Analyzing mortality trends by causative agent in Brazil helps identify patterns, assess the impact of prevention strategies, and guide effective health policies and clinical practices. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study used SINAN data from 2015 to 2024, stratified by etiology and organized into time series to identify trends. Results: From 2015 to 2024, viral meningitis — the most prevalent form in Brazil — decreased in total cases but showed higher lethality, rising from 113 deaths among 7,183 cases (1.6%) to 41 deaths among 1,767 cases (2.3%). Meningococcal meningitis followed a similar pattern, with lethality increasing from 38.1% (388 cases) in 2015 to 39.7% (78 cases) in 2024. Pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae meningitis also declined in incidence but had rising lethality (12.1% to 15.3% and 16.8% to 22.2%, respectively). Tuberculous meningitis remained highly lethal, from 55 deaths among 347 cases (15.9%) in 2015 to 21 deaths among 151 cases (13.9%) in 2024. Meningitis of unspecified etiology remained frequent, decreasing from 2,499 to 934 cases, with lethality dropping from 10.9% to 8.7%. Discussion and Conclusion: The results show a concerning pattern: meningitis lethality in Brazil has increased across several etiologies despite a reduction in overall cases. This discrepancy suggests that current prevention and control measures reduce transmission but have limited impact on disease severity and outcomes. Possible contributing factors include delayed diagnosis, gaps in healthcare access, antibiotic resistance, and limited availability of advanced care in some regions. These elements may lead to late treatment initiation, increasing the risk of neurological complications and death. Strengthening Brazil’s healthcare response through faster, more accurate diagnostics, timely therapy initiation, and broader access to effective antimicrobials is essential. Enhanced management strategies to prevent brain injury are particularly critical, as the rise in lethality likely reflects not only treatment delays but also increased neurological damage among survivors.

Background/Objectives: Pediatric acquired brain injury (ABI) frequently produces persistent motor, cognitive and psychosocial deficits that impair quality of life (QoL), participation and physical activity. Multidimensional interventions aligned with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework are required. Sport-based interventions. when adapted to developmental stages and individual preferences, may enhance motivation, peer interaction and sustained participation, yet standardized protocols for pediatric ABI are scarce. This study describes a randomized controlled trial protocol evaluating the effectiveness of a 16-week sport-based exercise program designed for adolescents with ABI.

Methods: This two-arm parallel trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06804486) follows SPIRIT and CONSORT guidelines and received approval from the Regional Ethics Committee of Madrid (EC 33.25). Ninety adolescents (11–17 years) with a subacute or chronic ABI will be recruited at Hospital Niño Jesús (Madrid, Spain). Eligibility requires confirmed ABI, the ability to follow simple instructions and the absence of medical contraindications for exercise. Participants will be allocated 1:1 by centralized, computer-generated stratified block randomization (strata: age group); allocation concealment will be ensured by an independent statistician. The experimental arm will receive supervised sport-based sessions (60 min, twice weekly for 16 weeks) plus usual care; the control arm will receive usual care alone. Outcome assessors will be blinded. Treatment fidelity will be ensured by a manualized protocol, provider training, session fidelity checklists, attendance logs and biweekly follow-up calls. Primary outcomes (pre/post) are QoL (PedsQL), participation (CASP), physical activity (GPAQ) and motor proficiency (BOT-2). Analysis follows intention-to-treat principles; mixed-effects models will test group×time effects with adjustment for baseline covariates. Sample size: n = 90 (45 per group). Calculation will be based on PedsQL variability (SD ≈10), α=0.05, power=80%, with a 15% attrition adjustment (see manuscript for details).

Discussion: The trial tests a pragmatic, reproducible sport-based model bridging clinical rehabilitation and community participation, integrating motor and psychosocial targets to promote sustainable engagement in adolescents with ABI.