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Early identification of modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline

A study suggests that early signs of cognitive decline are present in some individuals during midlife and are associated with cumulative exposure to modifiable risk factors. Elevated blood pressure and low physical activity over a 25-year period were found to be predictors of worse cognitive performance, even within the normal range.

SourceAmerican College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 11, 2014

Problem gambling, personality disorders often go hand in hand

Research highlights connection between problem gambling and various personality disorders, including Borderline Personality Disorder. Screening for personality disorders can aid in successful treatment, with Dialectical Behavior Therapy showing promise for a subset of problem gamblers.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·DateNov 25, 2014

Out of danger: A neural basis for avoiding threats

A neural pathway in the habenula enables animals to predict dangers and update their expectations based on actions and new outcomes. The study's findings have implications for understanding anxiety and panic disorders, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for improving behavioral learning.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNeuron·DateNov 20, 2014

Disorder + disorder = more disorder?

Researchers discovered a counterintuitive effect where structural disorder counters thermal disorder in certain systems, leading to lower overall disorder. The study focused on charged fluids and found that disordered charges interact strongly with mobile ions to oppose the effects of thermal disorder.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 4, 2014

New diagnostic approach for autism in Tanzania

Researchers at Brown University created a culturally compatible diagnostic approach for autism in Tanzanian children. The approach uses a collection of instruments adapted from established tools, including the Childhood Autism Rating Scale-Second Edition (CARS-2) and Malawi Development Assessment Tool.

SourceBrown University·JournalIntellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateSep 30, 2014

A link between Jacobsen syndrome and autism

A recent study found that symptoms of autism were unusually common in people with Jacobsen syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting approximately 1 in 100,000 people. The study suggests that knowing this connection can help families investigate early intervention treatments to support their children.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateSep 17, 2014

Why HIV patients develop dementia

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that HIV-infected cells activate specific immune cells in the brain, leading to chronic inflammation and neuronal cell death. This discovery may help develop biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalExperimental Neurology·DateSep 3, 2014

Targeting estrogen receptors prevents binge eating in mice

A study published in JCI Journals suggests that estrogen replacement therapy can suppress binge-eating behaviors in mice. The effect required the presence of estrogen receptors in serotonin neurons, and direct delivery of an estrogen conjugate also reduced binge eating in these animals.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 26, 2014

Do people with autism struggle with driving?

A new study published by Drexel University found significant differences in self-reported driving behaviors and perceptions of driving ability among autistic adults compared to non-autistic adults. Adults with autism reported driving less frequently, restricting their behaviors, and experiencing more traffic violations.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJun 26, 2014

The real risks of growing up with bipolar parents

Children of parents with bipolar disorder are more susceptible to psychosocial problems, including risky sexual behavior, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. A new study reveals that family-based interventions can help mitigate these risks by teaching effective coping strategies and stress management techniques.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateJun 10, 2014

'Free choice' in primates altered through brain stimulation

Researchers at KU Leuven have discovered a causal link between brain activity in the ventral tegmental area and choice behavior in primates. By stimulating this area with electrical pulses, macaques were able to change their preference for images, highlighting the importance of dopamine in regulating learning and reinforcement.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 29, 2014

Autism Genome Project delivers genetic discovery

The study found that copy number variant (CNV) genetic testing can help diagnose and treat autism more effectively. CNV testing uncovered dozens of cases where autism-linked gene changes were associated with additional health risks warranting medical attention.

SourceAutism Speaks·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 24, 2014

Wishing to be another gender: Links to ADHD and autism spectrum disorders

A study found that children with autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are 7.59 times and 6.64 times more likely to express gender variance than their peers without these conditions. Participants with gender variance also experienced elevated anxiety and depression symptoms, but to a lesser extent among...

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateMar 12, 2014