Excess Brain Waste May Lead to Psychosis, And The Risks Could Start in Childhood

Summary: Your brain has a built-in cleaning crew called the glymphatic system that sweeps away waste. A new study found that if this system doesn't work right, trash builds up in the brain. This buildup can cause swelling and damage cells, which might lead to serious mental health issues like psychosis.

Researchers looked at brain scans from kids and adults over 25 years. They discovered that the warning signs of a broken brain-cleaning system can actually start in early childhood. When the brain doesn't flush out waste properly, it also messes up the balance of calming and exciting chemicals, causing toxic stress in the brain. Finding this out is a big deal because doctors might be able to fix the cleaning system and prevent these mental health issues before they even start.

For more details, see sciencealert at sciencealert.com/excess-brain-waste-may-lead-to-psychosis-and-the-risks-could-start-in-childhood (opens in new tab)