Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 13: Schizophrenia, a severe mental illness affecting over 20 million people globally, is often characterised by hallucinations and delusions, and typically emerges during adolescence or early adulthood. While the exact cause of schizophrenia remains unclear, current research points to changes in brain development during this critical period of life.

Schizophrenia shares similarities with other neurodevelopmental conditions like dyslexia, autism, and ADHD, which manifest in childhood. However, recent research suggests that accelerated brain ageing might play a role in the development of schizophrenia.

A study has introduced a unique approach by measuring proteins found in the blood that come directly from brain neurons. The protein, called neurofilament light (NfL), is integral in maintaining the size and shape of nerve cells. Elevated levels of NfL in the blood have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases and may provide valuable insights into the processes that contribute to schizophrenia, offering a potential new way to understand and possibly diagnose the disorder through a simple blood test.