Articles tagged with Cognitive Development
Researchers found that faulty mtDNA replication causes mitochondria to leak genetic material, triggering an immune response and leading to disease. By targeting this process, doctors may develop therapies to prevent harmful inflammation.
A study published in BMC Geriatrics uses in-vehicle sensors to detect anomalous driving behavior indicative of cognitive impairment in older adults. The system analyzes driving patterns, facial expressions, and eye movement to identify early signs of dementia.
Research suggests that magnetite particles, found in air pollution, can induce signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The study exposed mice to fine particles of iron, magnetite, and diesel hydrocarbons, finding that magnetite induced Alzheimer's disease pathologies, including neuronal cell loss and amyloid plaque formation.
Researchers found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) struggle with ambiguous sentences, indicating a key deficit in processing complex language. This deficit is independent of memory loss and may serve as an additional 'cognitive biomarker' for early detection.
A UCLA Health study suggests Kundalini yoga can improve cognitive function, memory and brain health for postmenopausal women. The study found that yoga prevented brain matter decline, reversed aging and inflammation-associated biomarkers – improvements not seen in a group who received standard memory training exercises.
Astrocytes in the habenula region of the brain play a crucial role in regulating anxiety. The study found that artificial alkalization of these cells reduces theta band neuronal activity, while optogenetic alkalization increases it. This suggests that astrocytes tune into the 'marble blues' to control anxiety responses.
A study of 11,000 children found that maternal tobacco use during pregnancy is associated with enduring deficits in childhood neurocognition. Continued research on the link between maternal tobacco use and cognitive performance is needed.
A machine-learning tool trained on brain MRI scans of over 2,000 people worldwide can accurately predict psychosis before it occurs. The tool achieved an accuracy rate of 85% in training and 73% in testing, suggesting its potential as a valuable aid for early diagnosis.
The Medical University of South Carolina will be one of four sites exploring the genetic basis of Parkinson’s disease in the Black community. The study, known as BLAAC PD, aims to genotype over 150,000 people worldwide and develop targeted treatments for this subtype of PD.
Researchers connected cognitive and behavioral symptoms to protein buildup in the brain marking the disease. The study showed a clear relationship between CTE pathology and severity of cognitive and functional symptoms during life.
A study of over 580 children found that childhood trauma disrupts neural networks involved in self-focus and problem-solving. The research suggests that trauma therapies should address not only thoughts but also the impact on the body, sense of self, emotional processing, and relationships.
Researchers discovered a new role for Mfsd7c in exporting excessive choline from the brain. The study suggests that targeting this protein could lead to therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.
A new study found that 50% of youth aged 11-24 with mental health issues exhibit Psychosis Spectrum Symptoms, highlighting the need for early intervention. The study aims to identify predictors of psychosis spectrum disorder and improve mental health outcomes for this population.
Research reveals that autistic children develop their own unique visual preferences for social elements, unlike typically developing children who synchronize their attention on social interactions. Early intervention targeting social attention may help guide autistic children onto developmental courses more akin to their peers.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger and Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a new way to decrease early seizure likelihood among infants with Sturge-Weber Syndrome. Presymptomatic treatment involving anti-seizure medication and low-dose aspirin improves neurologic outcomes.
Researchers found that the deletion of the Gtf2i gene impairs mitochondrial organelle formation and function, leading to abnormal cell behavior and neurodevelopmental pathologies. This discovery sheds light on the mechanism behind Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by cognitive and social impairments.
A new study found that changes in brain function, specifically the auditory sensory memory system, may be a potential biomarker for Batten disease. Researchers measured brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG) and found a decline in response as the disease progressed.
A major new study has found a significant link between hearing loss and the development of dementia. People with severe hearing loss are at a higher risk, with a 20% increased likelihood of developing dementia compared to those with normal hearing.
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that high-striving minority youth in early adolescence may experience accelerated puberty development, a potential indicator of 'skin-deep resilience,' which can lead to physiological changes such as inflammation and metabolic disorders.
Researchers investigated the neural mechanisms of verbal working memory processing in healthy aging adults using magnetoencephalography. Age-related increases in theta activity were detected during encoding, and alpha and beta oscillations were stronger in older participants during maintenance and retrieval phases.
Researchers found that infants with enlarged perivascular spaces have a 2.2 times greater chance of developing autism compared to those with the same genetic risk. The study also indicates that these infants are more likely to experience sleep problems seven to ten years after diagnosis.
A prognostic study of 1,000 very preterm infants found predictive modeling can identify those at risk for cognitive impairment. This allows for targeted interventions to be implemented early, potentially improving outcomes.
A new study highlights the wide range of urban exposures during early childhood that can influence growth and development, including air and noise pollution, overcrowding, and limited green space. The first 2000 days of life are a critical period for physical, cognitive, social, and emotional health outcomes.
A new study found that people with Alzheimer's dementia who were treated with lipid-lowering statins showed slower cognitive decline compared to those not treated. The researchers emphasize caution due to the observational nature of the study and initial concerns about statins' effects on patients with dementia.
A comprehensive review challenges traditional trust and distrust mindsets, instead advocating for an alternative Cartesian mindset. This evaluative approach has shown promise in distinguishing between true and false information, reducing the propagation of disinformation.
Researchers at NTU Singapore found that indoor air quality can affect creativity, with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from products like detergents and perfumes affecting participants' ability to build 3D models. By reducing TVOC levels by 72%, creative potential can be improved by 12%.
A small molecule drug compound has shown promise in treating multiple sclerosis by targeting the glutamate system, reducing MS-like symptoms and repairing damaged myelin. The results come from a CAMH-led pre-clinical study published in Science Advances.
Researchers found that mice require significant external sensory cues to recognize changes in their reflection and can detect visual differences, but not tactile ones. The study identified a subset of neurons involved in developing self-image, highlighting the neural mechanisms behind self-recognition in mice.
A new study found that one-off experiences of poverty can have a lasting impact on children's cognitive and behavioral development. The research identified parenting stress and reduced ability to invest in healthy activities as key factors contributing to this harm.
A recent study reveals that infants aged six months and older can perceive misbinding, a type of visual illusion where features are mistakenly integrated. In contrast, infants under six months do not exhibit this phenomenon, indicating they may perceive the external world more accurately than adults.
A study of 50 children infected with Listeria monocytogenes at birth found that two-thirds had sequelae, mainly due to prematurity. Long-term screening and tailored support can be offered to inform science-based guidance for parents.
A UK national long-term study of babies found that primary caregivers engage in physical and turn-taking play with their little ones several times a day, activities linked to early language development. Despite added pressure on today's families, parents are creating a healthy home learning environment for their children.
Research found a significant linear relationship between age of coronary heart disease onset and dementia, highlighting the detrimental influence of premature cardiovascular events on brain health. Adults diagnosed with coronary heart disease at a young age may be at increased risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascu...
A breakthrough study found that light exercise can improve cognitive health in adults with Down syndrome, leading to improved information processing and attention. After just eight weeks of walking, participants showed significant increases in physical fitness and reductions in errors during cognitive assessments.
Researchers found that newborn babies can perceive a beat in music due to an innate cognitive mechanism active at birth. The study used EEG measurements and manipulated drum rhythms to distinguish between learning the order of sounds and recognizing a beat.
A new study finds that the US Clean Air Act led to a 3.5% increase in lifetime earnings of $21,400 for the average US worker due to reduced airborne lead exposure. Improved air quality also resulted in increased employment and lower rates of disability and public assistance.
A new study has uncovered the molecular causes of a rare developmental brain condition in children, known as Autosomal Recessive ACBD6-related disorder. The research team identified defects in the acyl-CoA-binding domain-containing protein 6 (ACBD6) gene as the underlying cause, leading to delays in cognitive and motor skills development.
A study by Dr Lixin Ren found that extracurricular activities have a limited impact on math skills in preschool children, with effects dependent on behavioral regulation and approaches to learning. For children with poor self-regulation skills, structured activities can improve early math skills.
A new study has identified a brain connectivity variate that predicts psychiatric disorders in adolescents. The finding provides evidence for a transdiagnostic brain-based measure underlying individual differences in developing psychiatric disorders in early adolescence.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin discovered that autism-induced maternal immune response alters brain development and prevents infantile amnesia. Memories formed during infancy can be permanently reinstated through light-activated neural pathways in adults.
A study by McGill University researchers found that fathers' slightly higher levels of depressive symptoms during pregnancy were associated with fewer behavioral difficulties in their children at age 6-8. In contrast, mothers' high levels of anxiety and depression were linked to poorer childhood outcomes.
Researchers found that fathers' reported symptoms of anxiety and depression were not associated with worse behavioral and cognitive outcomes in their children. In contrast, slightly higher levels of depressive symptoms among fathers during pregnancy were linked to fewer behavioral difficulties in their child at six to eight years old.
A new study in Nature Communications presents a large-scale chart of cognitive development in teens, revealing that executive function usually matures by 18 years old. The findings have significant implications for psychiatrists, neuroscientists, parents, educators, and the judicial system.
Older adults with a GED certificate have higher odds of cognitive impairment, hearing impairment, and limitations in daily activities compared to high school graduates. The study suggests that the cognitive reserve hypothesis may partially explain these disparities, as well as access to healthcare services.
Children diagnosed with ADHD at a young age are just as likely to retain the diagnosis in adulthood as their older peers, according to a new study. The research, which examined data from over 6,500 patients globally, suggests that the youngest children in class are not more likely to lose the diagnosis over time.
Research from the University of East Anglia found that children who are too short for their age can suffer reduced cognitive ability due to differences in brain function as early as six months. The study discovered a link between stunted growth and disrupted visual working memory, making them more easily distracted.
A study by Nagoya University found that children with a genetic predisposition to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) used screens for longer periods. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also increased their screen time as they grew older, suggesting a potential link between genetic risk and excessive screen use.
Researchers have discovered axonal dysregulation in the prenatal brain as a mediator of genetic risk for schizophrenia. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells and three-dimensional brain organoids to identify key genes involved, including CYFIP1, which is highly expressed in microglia.
George Mason University Assistant Professor Sabine Doebel is developing an online, scalable meta-science platform to investigate cognitive development during early childhood. The project, GARDEN, aims to gather data from a diverse sample of preschoolers and assess young children's executive functioning.
A study of 15,000 dogs found that body size significantly impacts aging patterns, with smaller dogs living longer and experiencing slower decline rates. Larger dogs show an earlier onset of age-related decline but maintain cognitive health longer.
A new study aims to identify environmental and social factors contributing to Alzheimer's disease in older Black adults, who are up to two times more likely to develop the condition. Using remote cognitive assessments and biomarkers, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of the biopsychosocial factors behind this disparity.
A significant breakthrough sheds light on Parkinson's disease mechanisms, revealing that mitochondrial DNA damage triggers the spread of debilitating symptoms. The researchers' findings offer promising potential for innovative treatments and diagnostics.
A study published in Alzheimer's Research & Therapy suggests a possible association between chronic stress and an increased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. The research, conducted on 44,447 individuals between 18-65 years old, found that those with chronic stress or depression had a higher risk of d...
A recent study published in Journal of Advertising sheds light on the effects of in-stream video advertising on ad information encoding. The research found that mid-roll ads elicit negative emotions but do not affect viewers' purchase intention. In contrast, pre- and post-roll ads have a significant impact on memory formation, highligh...
Researchers found dementia prevalence among people with ID to be 6.44%, with modifiable risk factors identified as hypertension, depression, stroke, age, severity of ID, duration of education, and traumatic brain injury. These findings can inform better screening and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Researchers used new software to compare MRI scans from 300 babies and found that myelin, a fatty sheath around axons, develops much slower after birth. The study supports the idea that gestational age at birth and scan time matter for brain development.
A recent study published in Geroscience found that trigonelline, a plant alkaloid in coffee, significantly improved spatial learning and memory performance in senescence-accelerated mice. The researchers also identified the underlying molecular mechanisms, including reduced neuroinflammation and increased neurotransmitter release.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging found that greater activation in the right inferior frontal gyrus predicts better recovery from early PTSD symptoms. This breakthrough suggests a potential role for cortical/cognitive regions in regulating fear and PTSD development.
The supplement to Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine presents a compendium of abstracts from the 2023 World Congress on Spina Bifida Research and Care. The issue highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing complex medical conditions like spina bifida.
Researchers highlight microvascular contributions to white matter injury in Alzheimer's disease, sparking calls for exploration of connections between AD, WM injury and cerebral small vessel disease. The study emphasizes the critical need to define mechanisms and diagnostic features of mixed vascular and AD neuropathological change.