Top psych stories 2020: Sleep loss and Alzheimer's risk, pandemic's impact and more

As 2020 draws to a close, Healio Psychiatry has compiled a list of the most-read stories of the year for psychiatrists and other mental health professionals.

A study on the link between sleep loss and increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, research on the psychological impact of COVID-19 among health care workers and 10 targets for helping prevent Alzheimer’s disease were among the most-read stories on Healio Psychiatry this past year.

One night of sleep loss may increase risk for Alzheimer's disease

No sleep for one night increased levels of the Alzheimer’s disease biomarker tau among young, healthy men, according to results of a two-condition crossover study published in Neurology. Read more.

'Every clinician is also a patient': Study shows psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on health care workers

Health care workers in Wuhan and other regions of China reported experiencing a psychological burden related to the novel coronavirus pandemic, according to results of a survey study published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.

Targeting 10 risk factors may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers have identified 10 risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease that clinicians can target with preventive measures, according to results of a systematic review and meta-analysis published in Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. Read more.

Cannabis withdrawal syndrome may affect nearly 50% of regular users

Cannabis withdrawal syndrome appeared common among regular cannabis users, according to results of a systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.

Healthy lifestyle behaviors may significantly reduce Alzheimer’s dementia risk

The combination of several healthy lifestyle behaviors appeared to significantly reduce risk for Alzheimer’s dementia, according to results of two longitudinal studies published in Neurology. Read more.