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9 pages, 1470 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

From Sweeteners to Sleeplessness: The Hidden Effects of Sucralose and Saccharin on the Gut–Brain Axis

by Anxo Carreira-Casais and Antia G. Pereira

Med. Sci. Forum 2026, 43(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2026043001 - 20 Jan 2026

Viewed by 3105

Abstract

Sweetener consumption has increased considerably in recent decades, driven by the growing demand from consumers of low-calorie products for weight control and, especially, from diabetic patients who require safe sweetener alternatives without affecting their glucose levels. However, the latest scientific evidence seems to indicate that the continued consumption of various sweeteners could significantly alter the gut microbiota, triggering consequences that go beyond metabolic health and could affect sleep quality. Among the most used non-caloric sweeteners in the food industry are sucralose and saccharin. Several studies have shown that prolonged consumption of these sweeteners can significantly alter the composition of the gut microbiota. In particular, its consumption might lead to a decrease in beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, along with an increase in potentially pathogenic microorganisms such as Clostridium difficile and Escherichia coli. This dysbiosis creates a chronic low-grade inflammatory environment and contributes to the deterioration of glucose metabolism, factors that negatively impact the regulation of the gut–brain axis. Consequently, these alterations could interfere with the neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in sleep, promoting the development of disorders such as insomnia, sleep fragmentation, and decreased subjective sleep quality. The aim of this narrative review is to synthesize the current scientific evidence on the impact of artificial sweeteners on the gut microbiota and their potential involvement in sleep disorders. The underlying biological mechanisms will be analyzed and the clinical relevance of these interactions discussed, laying the groundwork for future research that will contribute to the development of dietary recommendations and therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the microbiota to improve sleep health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 2nd International Electronic Conference on Medicine)

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8 pages, 195 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

The Impact of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment

by Donna de Levante Raphael

Med. Sci. Forum 2026, 43(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2026043002 - 12 Feb 2026

Viewed by 778

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are traditionally defined by progressive cognitive decline, yet neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), including depression, apathy, anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances, commonly emerge in the earliest stages. These symptoms often precede measurable memory loss and complicate diagnosis, accelerate disease progression, and substantially increase caregiver burden. Differentiating NPS related to neurodegeneration from primary psychiatric disorders remains a major clinical challenge. Methods: A structured narrative review of peer-reviewed studies (2012–2025) was conducted across PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Evidence was synthesized across epidemiological, clinical, neurobiological, and psychosocial domains to examine NPS prevalence, diagnostic complexity, and treatment approaches in early AD/MCI. Findings Up to 80% of individuals with early AD or MCI exhibit at least one NPS, often before cognitive decline is clinically evident. Non-pharmacologic strategies-caregiver education, behavioral activation, structured routines-remain first-line treatments, while pharmacologic options show modest benefit and safety concerns. Advances in biomarkers, digital health tools, and neurobiological research highlight NPS as potential early indicators of disease onset. Conclusions: Failure to recognize NPS in early AD/MCI contributes to delayed diagnosis, suboptimal care, caregiver stress, and missed opportunities for early intervention. Integrating systematic NPS assessment into diagnostic and care pathways is essential to improving outcomes and advancing therapeutic innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 2nd International Electronic Conference on Medicine)

9 pages, 395 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

The Effects of Therapeutic Cannabis and Cannabinoids in Parkinson’s Disease: An Overview of Meta-Analyses

by Michele Antonelli, Elena Mazzoleni and Davide Donelli

Med. Sci. Forum 2026, 43(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2026043003 - 20 Feb 2026

Viewed by 2627

Abstract

Background. Cannabis and cannabinoids have been investigated for their potential therapeutic effects in Parkinson’s disease, but clinical research findings remain scant and inconsistent. This study provides a systematic overview of peer-reviewed meta-analyses assessing their impact on health outcomes in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Methods. A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (from database inception to April 2025) identified meta-analyses evaluating cannabis-based interventions in Parkinson’s disease. Eligible studies reported pooled estimates of effects on neurological symptoms. The most significant findings from the included studies were summarized and qualitatively analyzed. Results. After screening 975 research items, six meta-analyses of clinical and preclinical studies, primarily randomized controlled trials (RCTs), were included. One meta-analysis of five RCTs demonstrated that pure cannabidiol (CBD) or synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) significantly improved PD symptoms (SMD = −0.41, p = 0.004). Another meta-analysis combining two RCTs and two non-RCTs reported a significant improvement in the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) total score (MD = −4.19, p = 0.03). With regard to pain management, cannabinoids were found effective in one study. Preclinical meta-analyses in animal models showed notable motor improvements, including enhanced rotarod performance (MD = 31.63 s, p = 0.003) and reduced pole test completion times (MD = −1.51 s, p = 0.028). Conclusions. While meta-analyses of clinical studies suggest some benefits of specific cannabinoid formulations, findings are still uncertain. Preclinical data, however, demonstrate interesting motor improvements. Further well-designed RCTs are warranted to clarify the therapeutic role of cannabis in Parkinson’s disease management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 2nd International Electronic Conference on Medicine)

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20 pages, 5028 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Multiple Sclerosis and Occupational Outcomes in the COVID-19 Era: A Scoping Review

by Ioannis Adamopoulos, Aida Vafae Eslahi, Niki Syrou, Maad M. Mijwil and Panagiotis Tsirkas

Med. Sci. Forum 2026, 43(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2026043004 - 4 Mar 2026

Viewed by 620

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted both health and occupational functioning in participants with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). This review synthesizes evidence from 55 studies (30,830 PwMS) on psychological, social, and work-related outcomes during the pandemic. The findings indicate elevated depression and stress, variable anxiety, and substantial employment disruption, including job loss, reduced hours, and shifts to remote work. Socioeconomic stressors compound these effects, while workplace accommodations are rarely assessed. There are gaps in evidence regarding occupation-specific hazards, lived experiences, and long-term outcomes. These results underscore the need for disability-inclusive employment policies, mental health support, and longitudinal research to guide interventions for PwMS in crisis contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 2nd International Electronic Conference on Medicine)

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