New study links brain activity with daily behavior and long-term mental health
· News-Medical'We wanted to go beyond isolated events,' says research leader Ana Triana.
The study found that our brains do not respond to daily life in immediate, isolated bursts. Instead, brain activity evolves in response to sleep patterns, physical activity, mood, and respiration rate over many days. This suggests that even a workout or a restless night from last week could still affect your brain -; and therefore your attention, cognition and memory -; well into next week.
The research also revealed a strong link between heart rate variability -; a measure of the heart's adaptability -; and brain connectivity, particularly during rest. This suggests that impacts on our body's relaxation response, like stress management techniques, could shape our brain's wiring even when we are not actively concentrating on a task. Physical activity was also found to positively influence the way brain regions interact, potentially impacting memory and cognitive flexibility. Even subtle shifts in mood and heart rate left lasting imprints for up to fifteen days.
Study goes beyond a snapshot
The research is unusual in that few brain studies involve detailed monitoring over days and weeks. 'The use of wearable technology was crucial', says Triana. 'Brain scans are useful tools, but a snapshot of someone lying still for half an hour can only show so much. Our brains do not work in isolation.'
Single-subject studies offer opportunities for improving mental health care
The study is also a proof-of-concept for patient research. Tracking brain changes in real time could help detect neurological disorders early, especially mental health conditions where subtle signs might be missed.
"Linking brain activity with physiological and environmental data could revolutionize personalized healthcare, opening doors for earlier interventions and better outcomes," says Triana.
The results will be published in PLOS Biology on October 8th.
Source:
Journal reference: