Could Glial Cells Be the Key to New Schizophrenia Treatments? |
Glial cells enhance the function of neurons in the brain.
Glial cells are reduced in people with schizophrenia, affecting overall brain function.
Therapies targeting glial cells in schizophrenia are promising but require more research.
Anyone living with schizophrenia understands the true limitations of current treatment options. Antipsychotics remain the single leading treatment for the disorder, and they are riddled with undesirable side effects. Weight gain, tardive dyskinesia, and excessive drowsiness are a few.
Much research is devoted to expanding the range of medication options, and few academics have pursued other avenues. However, there is a possibility that treatment for schizophrenia can be approached through cellular methods if long-term research validates early signs of hope.
In the brain, many different cells and systems work together to promote function. For........