With a topic that directly concerns human health and affects society as a whole, the 22nd series of lectures at the Ierokepion Free University of Paphos will be inaugurated on Friday, October 24, 2025. The keynote speaker at the opening ceremony will be Dr. Panos Zanos, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Cyprus, who will present a lecture entitled “How drugs affect our brain: From antidepressants to drugs for dementia.” The lecture will be moderated by the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies and Professor of Clinical Psychology, Georgia Panagiotou.

The lecture will focus on the human brain, which is an extremely complex network of billions of neurons that communicate with each other through chemical signals called neurotransmitters. Psychotropic drugs affect this process by influencing the communication of nerve cells, with the aim of restoring the chemical balance that is disrupted in various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Understanding how these drugs work helps us not only to appreciate their therapeutic value, but also to recognize the limitations and challenges facing modern pharmacotherapy.

During his talk, Dr. Zanos will refer to two basic categories of drugs: antidepressants, which regulate mood and emotions through neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, and drugs for dementia, which aim to slow the progression of the disease and improve cognitive function. Through scientifically documented analysis, the mechanisms of action, therapeutic possibilities, and prospects for the development of new, more effective drug therapies for improving mental health and treating dementia will be presented.

The event will take place in the Event Hall of the Geroskipou Multifunctional Center on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please contact the University of Cyprus Office for the Planning and Implementation of Official Events at [email protected] or by telephone at 22894347/2058.