Lecture Notes on Human Brain and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Evolution of Species and Human Biology

• Over 98% of species have disappeared, replaced by others.
• Humans have a unique evolutionary fate.
• Natural Selection has influenced all aspects of human biology, including neural circuits.

Current State of Human Health

• 2 billion people affected by neuronal diseases and brain disturbances globally.
• Prediction: by 2050, 1 in 3 to 5 people could have dementia.
• Importance of understanding cardiovascular diseases to improve life expectancy.
• Children born today may live up to 120 years but face cognitive decline and an increase in dementia.

The Importance of Understanding the Brain

• Global concern regarding neurodegenerative diseases affecting both developed and developing countries.
• Mental illness has been a longstanding issue throughout human history.
• There's a need for a deeper understanding of normal brain function to identify and address disorders.

Memory Deficits and Aging

• Memory deficits affect 1 in 5 people worldwide.
• Emphasis on the significance of memory research and the development of related treatments.
• Aging leads to system failures, intensifying cognitive decline.
• Alzheimer's disease accounts for half of dementia cases and is often a result of decades of development leading to symptoms.

Advances in Alzheimer's Research

• Improved understanding of Alzheimer's in recent years but much remains to be done.
• Use of deep learning and AI to predict Alzheimer's up to six years earlier.
• PET scans show diffuse and subtle brain changes associated with Alzheimer's.
• Early diagnosis is critical for potential treatment development.

Recording and Stimulating Memories

• Recent advancements allow for recording memories in the brain's hippocampus.
• Technique involves placing electrodes to record impulses, potentially leading to memory retrieval.
• Future possibilities include memory chips for Alzheimer's patients.

Autism and Neurodiversity

• Discussion on autism as heightened sensitivity to stimuli rather than a deficiency.
• Autistic individuals may excel in certain visual tasks and have unique processing abilities.
• Potential for neurodiverse individuals to excel in specific jobs, highlighting their capabilities.

Mental Health in Youth

• Drastic increase in anxiety among children, rising from 1% to 20%.
• Growing concerns regarding language disorders in children.
• Today's society's pressures lead to over-medication of children, especially for attention-related issues.

The Role of Sleep

• Sleep is essential for brain function, memory consolidation, and detoxification.
• Poor sleep habits are increasingly common due to modern society's demands.
• Emphasizing the need for adequate sleep for cognitive performance and mental health.

Understanding Addiction and Drugs

• Addiction often stems from the brain's reward system becoming less sensitive due to substance use.
• Teenage brain remodeling increases vulnerability to addiction.
• The challenge of addressing depression and the complexity of treatment options, including psychedelics.

Global Initiatives in Brain Research

• Major countries have launched initiatives to understand the brain, such as the Human Brain Project and the Brain Initiative.
• Collaborative efforts are essential for advancing brain research globally.
• Mapping the brain's connectivity and functions is a key goal, paralleling the mapping of the human genome.

Future of Brain Research

• The brain's complexity demands a multi-faceted approach to study.
• Technological advances in imaging and molecular understanding are crucial for future discoveries.
• The urgency to understand the brain is more pressing than ever, paralleling historical milestones in science.