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An analysis of studies carried out in several countries over the last 40 years shows an association between having cats up to the age of 25 and an increased risk of developing mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.
The authors of the analysis, scientists from the University of Queensland, in Australia, found that people who had cats until the age of 25 had a double risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia, writes Psichology Today.
The dreaded parasite Toxoplasma gondii could be to blame. The authors suggest in a report published by Schizophrenia Bulletin that the parasite could enter the central nervous system and affect the brain’s neurotransmitters, causing personality changes, psychotic symptoms and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.
However, points out the publication, it is worth noting that the study found an association, not a cause-effect relationship.
Even so, however, the study authors advise doctors to be aware of latent infections and to consider them when determining the cause of such conditions.
2024-02-26 22:04:00
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