Articles tagged with Cognitive Development
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 studies found that prenatal opioid exposure is associated with delayed cognitive and motor development in children. The study suggests that early prenatal exposure to opioids may have long-term consequences for child development, highlighting the need for further research into this area.
A new study found that mentally stimulating activities like using a computer, playing games, crafting, and participating in social activities are linked to a lower risk of delay or prevention of age-related memory loss called mild cognitive impairment. Engaging in more activities during later life was associated with an even lower risk.
A study of 5,704 patients with MS found that those with pediatric-onset disease had lower test scores and faster declining cognitive abilities. Patients with pediatric-onset MS were also more likely to experience cognitive impairment compared to those with adult-onset MS.
A new study found that middle-aged individuals' health can predict their brain function later in life. Factors such as smoking, diabetes, and a history of head injury were associated with increased risk of brain aging.
A new form of psychotherapy developed for teens and young adults has been shown to effectively reduce psychological stress. The treatment, which consists of 30-26 sessions over four to five months, demonstrated improved symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental disorders.
A study comparing human and chimpanzee brain networks reveals that humans have a more modular network with stronger connections between language areas. The research suggests that evolutionary modifications to the brain's architecture may have contributed to human cognitive advancements.
Researchers used machine learning techniques on MRI brain scans to predict cognitive development in children aged 2. The study found that white matter connections at birth are highly predictive of future cognitive outcomes.
A mouse study reveals that abnormal brain development and maternal stress interact to produce schizophrenia, bipolar, and depressive disorders. Disrupting a specific molecule in the prefrontal cortex during embryonic development can lead to similar cognitive impairments.
Researchers identified six distinct subgroups of Alzheimer's patients based on cognitive functioning and genetic data. The study found substantial biological differences among these subgroups, which may lead to the development of precision medicine approaches for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that female mice with Alzheimer's-like pathology spent more time in stages with high estrogen levels than control mice, associated with impaired learning and memory. Beta-amyloid production also increased during these stages, highlighting the importance of female biology in nervous system disorders.
A study published in BMC Zoology found that ant soldiers have smaller brain sizes than workers despite being larger, as their tasks place less cognitive demand. This suggests that investment in brain development may be reduced for individuals with simpler behaviors.
Novices organize mental models based on natural language connections, while journeymen rely on procedural connections. Expert mental models display abstract connections and subnetworks as they gain expertise. This study has potential applications for training programs and game design.
Researchers found that delirium episodes cause distress for both patients and their families, with severity playing a role in emotional pain. The Delirium Burden questionnaire provides a reliable tool to measure this experience, potentially aiding future clinical trials in finding solutions.
Research found that postnatal depression continues to impact mother-child relationships into later life, affecting emotional, cognitive, and physical development in children. Women who experienced PND reported lower relationship quality with their offspring, even those now adults.
Research found adults with psychotic disorders experience cognitive decline in early childhood and adolescence, suggesting potential for early intervention to prevent illness onset. The study tracked IQ scores and cognitive abilities throughout the first two decades of life among individuals who developed psychotic disorders in adulthood.
A recent study published in JNeurosci found that premature babies undergoing painful procedures exhibit abnormal thalamic development and cognitive/motor impairments. Minimizing painful procedures could help promote brain health and improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Research at Goethe University Frankfurt finds that more intelligent individuals have brain regions more strongly connected to each other within their own 'family', but less connected to others. This may help them filter out irrelevant information and focus on important tasks.
A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that children who live close to green spaces have improved attention skills. The study analyzed data from over 1,500 children and showed a positive correlation between residential exposure to greenness and better scores on attention tests.
Researchers found a correlation between predictable maternal sensory signals and improved cognitive function in children, with unpredictable signals linked to memory problems. Maternal predictability may influence cognitive development across species.
A nine-month research project involved a control group and two groups of older people who learned to play video games or developed their own games. The results showed that the game developers performed significantly better than the control and player groups in terms of mental health, quality of life, cognition, and functional capacity.
A new study found that cognitive abilities in adolescence are positively related, suggesting a 'mutualism' model where skills help each other develop. This research has implications for understanding developmental challenges and life outcomes, such as academic success and longevity.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia has found that delirium after surgery is associated with a significant increase in dementia risk in elderly patients. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,000 patients and found that those who developed postoperative delirium were three times more likely to suffer permanen...
A newly developed research tool may help predict a patient's risk for developing dementia in Parkinson's disease, enabling improved clinical trial design and treatment development. A computer-based risk calculator was built from data on 3,200 people with Parkinson's disease, evaluating seven known risk factors.
A new study found that lead exposure has a negative impact on cognitive and language development in preschoolers, with poverty amplifying these effects. The research analyzed data from the Bellevue Early Language and Education Project and showed that even low levels of blood lead above 5 micrograms per deciliter can cause reduced cogni...
A new study found that early environmental experiences and temperament shape children's problem-solving skills. Children with hawk traits developed enhanced problem-solving for rewards by age 4, but performed worse on standardized tasks.
People with depression experience trouble processing information and solving problems, with symptoms persisting even after other symptoms fade. Researchers identified molecular mechanisms affected by depression on a rat model, shedding light on potential new treatments addressing associated cognitive problems.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that patterns of white matter microstructure present at birth and after birth predict cognitive function in children at ages 1 and 2. The study used diffusion tensor imaging to identify 12 white matter fiber tracts important for cognitive function, which wer...
A new cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) resource has been developed to manage children's dental anxiety. The study found a significant reduction in dental anxiety and an increase in health-related quality of life among children who used the guided self-help CBT resource.
A two-and-a-half-year study found that children who survived cerebral malaria had indistinguishable cognitive development compared to healthy peers, despite poor overall performance. The results highlight the need to investigate additional factors such as nutrition and environmental conditions.
A new Canadian Government-funded study found that 80.8 million preschool-aged children worldwide lack basic skills, impacting future development, mental and physical health, and education. The study estimates 17% of children are physically stunted, highlighting the importance of investing in early childhood development.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that 32.9% of 3- and 4-year-old children in low- and middle-income countries are struggling with cognitive or socioemotional development. The research estimated that 80.8 million children, or 32.9% of those living in these countries, are failing to meet basic milestones.
A recent study published in JAMA found that high-dose recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) did not improve cognitive development or reduce neurodevelopmental delay in very preterm infants at 2 years old. The study randomly assigned 448 preterm infants to receive rhEPO or placebo and followed their outcomes for over two years.
Research by UCSB psychologist John Protzko found that environmental interventions can temporarily boost general intelligence in low-birth-weight children. The effects, however, diminish over time, a phenomenon known as the 'fadeout effect'. This suggests that underlying cognitive abilities may not be the primary drivers of intelligence.
A study by University of Granada researchers found that maternal DHA supplementation enhances fetal iron metabolism, improving iron reserves and preventing anemia-related complications. The research involved 110 healthy pregnant women who received either a balanced diet or a balanced diet with omega-3 supplements.
Cognitive developmental influences on preschool-age children's pain self-reporting are limited by factors such as memory, knowledge of magnitude, and language ability. Modifications for simplifying pain assessments, including using tools with few response options and considering past pain experiences, can improve accuracy.
An association between declining weight and an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been found, particularly among those who experience greater weight loss per decade from midlife to late life. The study suggests that this decline in weight may serve as a marker for MCI and help identify individuals at increased risk.
A new study from the University of Cincinnati suggests that prenatal exposure to flame retardants and PFASs may have a lasting impact on executive function in children, characterized by impairments in focus, working memory, delegation of tasks, and emotional control. The research evaluated levels of PBDEs and PFASs in mothers during pr...
A Mayo Clinic study found no association between surgical anesthesia and development of mild cognitive impairment in people aged 40 and older. Researchers evaluated over 1,700 participants and found that exposure to anesthesia did not increase the risk of mild cognitive impairment.
Studies reveal that children with epilepsy show global differences in cognitive network development, but hubs of these networks are functionally similar to those of healthy peers. Graph analysis also suggests that neural networks linking cognitive skills are not well integrated in children with epilepsy.
A recent study using zebrafish has uncovered new insights into the causes of congenital heart defects associated with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. The research found that lowering levels of a specific cohesin protein in embryonic zebrafish produces similar types of heart defects as those found in people with CdLS.
The ADAMAAS project aims to create a mobile assistance system that identifies problems and provides situation-dependent assistance through intelligent glasses. The technology combines eye tracking, memory research, object recognition, and augmented reality to support users in daily activities.
PTSD survivors often experience sexual dysfunction due to biological and cognitive processes related to traumatic stress. The condition disrupts trust, safety, and emotional connection, associating arousal with threat.
A study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that children whose mothers consistently supported their autonomy had higher executive functioning skills. The mother's ability to teach problem-solving skills and take her child's perspective was crucial in shaping the child's cognitive abilities.
A study found that preterm infants' ability to follow another's gaze emerges earlier than expected, implying the influence of early visual exposure. This challenges previous assumptions about cognitive development and suggests a potential link between visual experience and social cognition.
A new study from Concordia University reveals that infants can categorize objects as animate or inanimate even at 10 months old. The study used a visual habituation paradigm to measure how long babies look at different objects, finding that they can distinguish between natural paths of animals and moving cars.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that individuals with depression and mild cognitive impairment after age 65 are more likely to experience accelerated brain aging. This accelerated process increases their risk of developing dementia.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that prenatal alcohol exposure can alter brain activation over time, leading to persistent cognitive and behavioral problems in individuals with FASD. The study suggests a possible neural mechanism for the attention problems seen in FASD, highlighting the importance of early developm...
Cognitive radio technology could make wireless communications 10 times faster by identifying and using unused radio spectrum, reducing congestion and energy waste. Researchers at the University at Buffalo are developing this technology with a $2.72 million Air Force grant.
Researchers at Penn Medicine developed a method to assess and diagnose psychosis in young children by analyzing cognitive development. The study found that children with psychotic symptoms had lower chronological ages than predicted, indicating a significant lag in cognitive development.
A study found that assessing brain structure and function can predict future working memory performance in healthy children and adolescents, suggesting a possible early warning system for developmental challenges.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a brain development index from MRI scans that captures normal brain maturation patterns. The study shows a relationship between cognitive development and physical changes in the developing young brain, allowing for early detection of subtle developmental abnormalities.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood suggests that children born to teen moms have similar spatial and non-verbal skills as those born to older mothers, after accounting for factors such as socioeconomic status and perinatal care. However, a slight difference in verbal skills scores remained.
An analysis of 32 studies found that anemic children who received iron supplements showed substantial improvement in IQ scores and other cognitive tests. Daily iron supplementation also decreased the prevalence of anemia by about 50% and improved growth, with no adverse effects reported.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen discovered that mir-79, a tiny molecule, plays a crucial role in regulating neural development in roundworms. By controlling the addition of specific sugars to signaling molecules, mir-79 guides nerve cell migration and ensures proper nervous system function. This finding has important implic...
The number of children dying every year has decreased by half since 1990, yet progress is under threat due to military and security funding. Countries marred by conflict have high rates of acute and chronic undernutrition, with Africa seeing a 50% increase compared to stable countries.
Researchers found that participants adjusted their grasp location to avoid uncomfortable postures when working in collaboration. The study suggests an implicit social awareness that supports collaboration across individuals, enabling extended planning to achieve comfortable outcomes.
Researchers hope targeted mental workouts can sharpen memory and focus in adults with schizophrenia by taking advantage of brain's natural plasticity. The modules use a game-like approach to improve speed and accuracy of information processing.
Mothers who experienced childhood trauma exhibit traumatic avoidance symptoms, leading to shorter conversations and less child participation. This phenomenon has negative impacts on cognitive and emotional development in children.
Research reveals ATRX mutations cause DNA damage leading to premature aging symptoms such as shortened lifespan, cataracts and low bone density. The study found mice without the ATRX gene displayed problems in learning and memory, body growth and metabolism.
Researchers found that prolonged seizures in children are associated with developmental delays and impairments within six weeks of the event, which persist at one year. The study suggests that seizures may have a long-lasting impact on future development through reorganization of functional brain networks.