Study: Anorexia can lead to dramatic changes in brain structure

Anorexia is a dangerous and potentially deadly eating disorder that has a tremendous effect on the body.

A new study also highlights the impact the lack of adequate food may have on the brain.

Based on a total of 1,648 female brain scans (685 with anorexi), collected from 22 different countries, researchers found a decrease in the thickness of the cortex, subcotical volumes, and the surface of the cortex in people with anorexia. Basically, the brain “curres” somehow.

As for the size of the sample, the study shows how important it is to address the situation as early as possible in its development.

For this study, we've been working intensively for several years with research teams worldwide. The ability to combine thousands of brain scan results by people with anorexia has allowed us to study the changes that can characterize this disorder in much more detail,” said psychologist Esther Walton from Bath University in Great Britain

Although scientists are not sure what causes anorexia, we know much more about its effects. Millions worldwide are affected. It is a major cause of death related to mental health problems.

As more data from future studies comes, scientists will be able to better understand what exactly causes this decline in brain volume in people with anorexia and some of the neurological mechanisms behind it.

At present, it is clear that the sooner treatment is required and offered, the better. The same techniques used here can also be used to measure the effectiveness of the treatment for brain damage, writes Science Alert.