Brain Health and
Wellness Lab
Brain Research Publications
Welcome to the publications section of Brain Health and Wellness Lab. Our research focuses on the brain and we publish articles on various topics related to it. Our publications are a result of extensive research and experimentation. Click on the links below to read our latest publications.
Effect of exercise on sleep quality in Parkinson’s disease: a mini review
The growing incidence of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a major burden on the healthcare system. PD is caused by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and is known for its effects on motor function and sleep. Sleep is vital for maintaining proper homeostasis and clearing the brain of metabolic waste. Adequate time spent in each sleep stage can help maintain homeostatic function; however, patients with PD appear to exhibit sleep impairments. Although medications enhance the function of remaining dopaminergic neurons and reduce motor symptoms, their potential to improve sleep is still under question. Recently, research has shifted towards exercise protocols to help improve sleep in patients with PD. This review aims to provide an overview of how sleep is impaired in patients with PD, such as experiencing a reduction in time spent in slow-wave sleep, and how exercise can help restore normal sleep function. A PubMed search summarized the relevant research on the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on sleep in patients with PD. Both high and low-intensity aerobic and resistance exercises, along with exercises related to balance and coordination, have been shown to improve some aspects of sleep. Neurochemically, sleeping leads to an increase in toxin clearance, including α-synuclein. Furthermore, exercise appears to enhance the concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, which has preliminary evidence to suggest correlations to time spent in slow-wave sleep. More research is needed to further elucidate the physiological mechanism pertaining to sleep and exercise in patients with PD.
Parkinson’s Disease and the Cardiac Cycle: A Rapid Literature Review and Case Series
Background and Objectives: Cardiac function in patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is not well understood. We conducted a review of the literature to summarize all available data on the cardiac cycle in patients with PD and followed up the review with a case series to describe the cardiac cycle timing intervals in this patient population. Methods: Using the search terms (“Cardiac cycle” OR “echocardiography” OR “LVET” OR “IVCT” OR “IVRT” OR “LVEF” OR “Systolic Dysfunction” OR “Diastolic Dysfunction”) AND (“Parkinson’s Disease”), 514 studies were found with 19 included in the review. Results: Studies focused on the impact of medication, the presence of autonomic dysfunction, and resting-state, descriptive observational studies which considered the cardiac cycle. While inconsistent, the evidence suggests that patients with PD have some systolic dysfunction, with recent research implying the presence of subclinical systolic dysfunction. From the case series, 13 participants with PD were included and collected cardiac data daily for 6 weeks. Heart rate was consistent on a weekly basis at 67–71 bpm. Mean week-by-week cardiac parameters were also consistent with the systolic time interval at 332–348 ms, isovolumic relaxation time at 92–96 ms, and isovolumic contraction time at 34–36 ms. Conclusion: These timing intervals add valuable normative values for this patient population and the review of the literature suggests that more research is required to better understand cardiac cycle timing intervals in patients with Parkinson’s Disease.
Pharmacological and physiological effects of cannabidiol: a dose escalation, placebo washout study protocol
Background Cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and have the potentialto act as a therapeutic following mild traumatic brain injury. There is limited evidence available on the pharmacologi-cal, physiological and psychological effects of escalating CBD dosages in a healthy, male, university athlete popula-tion. Furthermore, no dosing regimen for CBD is available with implications of improving physiological function. Thisstudy will develop an optimal CBD dose based on the pharmacokinetic data in contact-sport athletes. The physiologi-cal and psychological data will be correlated to the pharmacokinetic data to understand the mechanism(s) associatedwith an escalating CBD dose.Methods/design Forty participants will receive escalating doses of CBD ranging from 5 mg CBD/kg/day to 30 mgCBD/kg/day. The CBD dose is escalated every two weeks in increments of 5 mg CBD/kg/day. Participants will provideblood for pharmacological assessments at each of the 10 visits. Participants will complete a physiological assessmentat each of the visits, including assessments of cerebral hemodynamics, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, seismocar-diogram, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and salivary analysis for genomic sequencing. Finally, participants willcomplete a psychological assessment consisting of sleep, anxiety, and pain-related questionnaires.Discussion This study will develop of an optimal CBD dose based on pharmacological, physiological, and psycho-logical properties for future use during contact sport seasons to understand if CBD can help to reduce the frequencyof mild traumatic injuries and enhance recovery.