Cognitive Disorders
Articles tagged with Cognitive Disorders
Sleep habits may raise dementia risk — and researchers are closer to understanding how
Study points to metabolic health as a key factor in mood disorders
A study links insulin resistance and leptin dysregulation to cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder, highlighting the potential of targeted clinical pathways. Metabolic alterations are associated with cognitive deficits and poorer performance in memory and attention.
New study finds higher dementia risk in insulin-requiring diabetes
Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases are primary drivers of excess US deaths compared to other high-income countries
Hasanuddin University study outlines protocol for a community-driven approach to prevent adolescent female suicide
Better cognition tied to higher relapse risk after depression remission
A new study with over 3,700 UK participants found that better cognitive functioning may be associated with a higher risk of future depressive episodes in those with a history of depression. In contrast, worse cognitive performance was linked to a lower risk of relapse in both individuals with previous depression and control participants.
Brain Health emergency: Microplastic burden in the human brain now linked to stroke and dementia, with apheresis emerging as the first plausible removal pathway
A study finds microplastics in the human brain associated with increased risk of stroke and dementia. Apheresis, a medical treatment, is proposed as a potential removal method for microplastics from the body.
Managing your weight may keep your brain healthier for longer
Higher body mass index over time led to more rapid declines in cognitive functions, memory and executive functioning. Managing weight could significantly lower the rate of cognitive decline in just two years.
Cognitive decline and household firearm storage among older adults
Unsecure firearm storage is common among older adults with subjective cognitive decline, despite clinical guidance recommending secure storage for those with cognitive symptoms. The study highlights the need for improved household practices and access to fire safety education.
Epilepsy "brain blips" revealed by high-definition probes
Researchers discovered that interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) occur in a predictable pattern, unfolding sequentially in individual neurons. Nearly 80% of IED-involving neurons are also involved in language and perception, suggesting the brain blips can derail cognition.
How the architecture of the prefrontal cortex shapes our creativity
Researchers found that the rostral prefrontal cortex acts as a bridge between the default mode network and executive control network, enabling a gradual functional transition. The study suggests that creativity relies on a measurable balance between these networks.
Study finds three distinct patterns of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers found three distinct trajectories of cognitive decline: stable, slow and fast decline. Biomarker data showed that participants who declined faster had higher P-tau217 levels and smaller hippocampi.
Severe strokes linked to 5 times higher dementia risk
A national study found that people with severe strokes have a five times higher odds of developing dementia. Stroke severity also affects thinking and memory after stroke, highlighting the need for close monitoring and treatment of dementia risk factors.
Texas Children’s researcher awarded $6. 7 million NIH grant to accelerate Alzheimer’s drug discovery and advance new therapies
Researchers will use DNA-encoded chemical libraries and artificial intelligence to screen hundreds of millions of potential drug compounds, identifying those most likely to succeed in treating Alzheimer's. The project aims to shorten the timeline for identifying new treatments, bringing them to patients faster and with greater precision.
Why "brain fog" in Parkinson’s isn’t always what it seems
A new study found that people with Parkinson's disease and those in its prodromal stage often report 'brain fog' despite normal objective cognitive scores. The researchers suggest targeting anxiety and depression may help improve quality of life.
Want to reduce your risk of dementia? Pick up an instrument or take a foreign trip, say Trinity researchers
New research from Trinity College Dublin found playing an instrument, taking a foreign trip, and socializing boost cognition in midlife. Lifestyle interventions can strengthen cognitive reserve decades before disease onset.
Can exercise and ibuprofen lessen cancer-related cognitive impairment?
A Phase II trial found that exercise can improve cognitive function in patients receiving chemotherapy, while low-dose ibuprofen may also have some benefits. The study suggests that exercise is more effective in improving cognitive outcomes, but further research is needed to explore the effects of ibuprofen and combination therapy.
UT Arlington connects dementia research to real care
Researchers at UT Arlington are working to improve dementia care through education and support initiatives. The university has received a grant to develop best practices and new developments in care, bridging the gap between research and real-world practice.
Scientists reverse brain aging, with a nasal spray
Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.
Can optimism protect against dementia?
A recent study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that individuals with higher optimism have a lower risk of developing dementia. After analyzing data from the Health and Retirement Study, researchers discovered a 15% lower risk associated with a one-standard-deviation increase in optimism.
Hearing loss makes it harder for cognitively impaired older adults to walk and think simultaneously
A study by Concordia University found that individuals with hearing loss exhibit worse dual-task performance, including slower walking and less stable gait. Exercise and cognitive training can improve these outcomes, but the effects vary by sex and severity of hearing loss.
People who can’t afford dental care may be at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, dementia
A new study found that older people who forego necessary dental procedures due to financial barriers may experience heart failure, a heart attack, a stroke, or dementia. The researchers suggest that alleviating upstream factors such as financial constraints could prevent chronic disease.
Simple blood test could spot dementia years earlier, research shows
Researchers discovered subtle changes in the blood can reveal early signs of cognitive decline caused by chemicals produced by gut bacteria. A blood test may one day transform how we detect dementia, potentially identifying people at risk years before symptoms appear.
New brain–heart guideline takes holistic approach to chronic disease management
The new brain–heart clinical practice guideline provides a holistic approach to managing chronic diseases by integrating neurologic and mental health evidence with cardiovascular guidance. The guideline aims to improve the management of patients with concurrent brain and heart diseases, which often co-occur and share similar risk factors.
Rethinking dementia: New book argues attention — not memory — may be the earliest warning sign
A new book by Swansea University researchers argues that attention impairments, rather than memory dysfunction, are a key aspect of dementia. The authors suggest that recognizing these changes could lead to earlier identification, improved diagnosis, and better care for those affected.
Study details neuropsychiatric symptoms and biological mechanisms of long COVID
Long COVID affects quality of life with neuropsychiatric issues like cognitive dysfunction, depression, and memory loss, impacting daily tasks and work. The review highlights the need for standardized diagnosis and treatment to address this chronic condition.
Abramson advancing research at intersection of health, inequality and AI
Corey Abramson's research combines fieldwork and computation to examine how health and American society shape one another. He is completing his book 'Unequal Anatomies' with Oxford University Press, integrating large-scale computational tools with qualitative research.
Schizophrenia study finds new biomarker, drug candidate to treat cognitive symptoms
A new Northwestern University study has discovered a novel biomarker of schizophrenia that could also serve as a new drug candidate to treat the cognitive symptoms of the disorder. The study found that levels of the protein Cacna2d1 signal are reduced in patients with schizophrenia, resulting in overactive brain circuits.
New research shows how to diagnose people with Alzheimer’s plus a hard-to-identify dementia type
Researchers found that patients with both conditions exhibited different neuropsychiatric symptoms, which could inform diagnosis and treatment plans. The study's findings may help clinicians better understand the complex disease course of patients with multiple disorders, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal lobar degeneration.
UMass Amherst research links early adult drinking to middle age cognitive decline
Researchers found that early adult drinking combined with stress leads to cognitive decline in middle age, with brains damaged beyond recovery. Heavy drinking rewires the brain's circuitry, impairing decision-making and increasing risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
High-fat diets cause gut bacteria to enter brain, Emory study finds
A new study from Emory University finds that live bacteria from an imbalanced gut microbiome can enter the brain via the vagus nerve, potentially initiating neurological conditions. The study used mouse models and found that high-fat diets increased intestinal barrier permeability, allowing bacteria to reach the brain.
Modeling brain aging and resilience over the lifespan reveals new individual factors
A new study models brain aging and resilience over the lifespan, uncovering individual factors that affect cognition and identifying potential biomarkers of healthy brain aging. Researchers are now incorporating diverse data, including social and lifestyle factors, to create a broader picture of the aging brain.
How viruses mess with our brains
A review of 900 scientific articles identified several biological markers associated with cognitive decline in viral infections, including activated monocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, certain markers like anti-inflammatory cytokines are linked to better preservation of cognitive abilities.
Low-dose lithium for mild cognitive impairment
Researchers investigated low-dose lithium as a potential treatment for mild cognitive impairment in a pilot clinical trial. The study found that none of the primary outcomes met the significance threshold, but effect size estimates suggest potential benefits for future trials.
Combining nerve blocks with therapy speeds recovery in military personnel, veterans
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that stellate ganglion block enhances the effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy for treating PTSD, leading to faster symptom reduction and improved outcomes.
Exploring the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline
Research finds a specific link between hearing loss and cognitive decline in presbycusis, a neurodegenerative disorder. The Functional-Structural Ratio (FSR) identifies reduced connections between brain areas involved in sound processing and memory, associated with worse hearing thresholds and poorer performance on memory and executive...
How AI tools like DeepSeek are transforming emotional and mental health care of Chinese youth
China's youth faces a growing mental health crisis, but AI platforms like DeepSeek offer promising solutions to bridge the gap. These platforms leverage natural language processing and generative AI to provide round-the-clock support tailored to Chinese society.
Blood-based tests show strong promise for dementia diagnosis—but population diversity matters
Researchers developed blood-based biomarkers that can support accurate dementia diagnosis in diverse populations when integrated with cognitive and neuroimaging measures. The study demonstrated that key plasma biomarkers can reliably distinguish major dementia syndromes even in complex settings.
Cumulative lead exposure linked to increased Alzheimer’s and dementia risk, University of Michigan study finds
Researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health found a strong association between bone lead concentrations and increased risk of dementia. The study analyzed data from over 30 years of follow-up and estimated cumulative lifetime exposure to lead using machine learning algorithms.
Brexpiprazole as an adjunct therapy for cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia
Researchers found that brexpiprazole significantly improved information processing speed without worsening psychiatric symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Cognitive dysfunction is a persistent challenge, affecting daily functioning and social participation.
Long COVID linked to Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms
A new study found that patients with Long COVID have a larger choroid plexus, which tracks with Alzheimer's disease markers and greater dementia risk. The research also suggests that CP alterations may predict long-term cognitive issues in some individuals.
Dementia Care Aware collaborates with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement to advance age-friendly health systems
Dementia Care Aware and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement are collaborating to support the implementation of the 4Ms Framework of an Age-Friendly Health System. This collaboration advances their shared goal of providing evidence-based care for dementia, with DCA bringing expertise in brain health and IHI providing expert faculty...
For dementia patients, easy access to experts may help the most
Researchers discovered that collaborative care programs improve quality of life, reduce costs, and alleviate caregiver burden for dementia patients. Adding lecanemab to treatment increased healthcare costs but was offset by the savings from collaborative care.
Dementia research must include voices of those with lived experience
A new Canadian study found that people living with dementia are often excluded from research due to assumptions of incapacity and institutional processes. The study recommends standardized guidance for meaningful inclusion through rights-based approaches.
Sleep medication linked to safer outcomes than antipsychotics for older adults with delirium
A nationwide study found that trazodone reduces the risk of death and rehospitalization among older adults with delirium. Trazodone may offer a safer alternative to antipsychotic drugs, particularly when medication use cannot be avoided.
Federation of European Neuroscience Societies Forum 2026, 6-10 July, Barcelona, Spain
The FENS Forum 2026 will be Europe's largest neuroscience congress, covering areas of basic to translational research. Journalists can register for free and attend symposia and poster sessions.
Scientists uncover why some brain cells resist Alzheimer's disease
A study published in Cell identified a protein complex called CRL5SOCS4 that marks tau for degradation, suggesting strengthening this natural defense mechanism could represent a new therapeutic strategy. Higher expression of CRL5SOCS4 components made neurons more likely to survive despite the accumulation of tau protein.
Breakthrough study reveals early neural circuit that determines food reward
Researchers at the University of Delaware discovered a neural network in fruit fly brains that assigns value to specific foods minute by minute, integrating context, internal state, and past experience. This breakthrough study offers insights into the origins of eating disorders and addiction.
Cellular hazmat team cleans up tau. Could it prevent dementia?
Researchers at UC San Francisco have identified CUL5, a protein that tags tau for elimination, as a key player in preventing the formation of toxic tau protein clumps that can lead to dementia. The study found that neurons with more CUL5 are less vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease.
Post-surgery delirium speeds memory decline in older adults, study finds
Delirium after hip fracture surgery is associated with accelerated cognitive decline, especially in previously healthy older adults. Researchers found that preventing delirium must be a top priority for every older adult facing surgery.
Autonomous AI agents developed to detect early signs of cognitive decline
Developed by Mass General Brigham researchers, the autonomous AI system achieves high accuracy in detecting cognitive impairment using routine clinical documentation. The system includes five specialized agents that critique each other and refine their reasoning, just like clinicians would in a case conference.
Common: being wrong. Less common: admitting it
Researchers at the University of Houston found that admitting intellectual errors can increase public trust in science. In a classroom setting, professors who admit mistakes were rated higher by students for warmth, competence, and teacher effectiveness. This study highlights the importance of intellectual humility in building respect.
Exploring the complex relationship between oral health and dementia
Research highlights overlooked social mechanisms connecting oral health, eating and speaking difficulties, and cognitive decline. A six-year longitudinal study found poor oral health is a strong predictor of weight loss in older adults.
Prescribing patterns of potentially inappropriate central nervous system-active medications in older adults
A study found that older adults are prescribed potentially inappropriate central nervous system-active medications despite guidelines. Patients with cognitive impairment were more likely to receive these medications than those with normal cognition. The study highlights the need for better medication management in older adults.
One in four older Americans with dementia prescribed risky brain-altering drugs despite safety warnings
Research finds that nearly one in four Medicare beneficiaries with dementia are prescribed potentially harmful medications linked to falls, confusion, and hospitalization. Despite declines in prescribing rates, high levels of inappropriate prescribing persist among older adults with cognitive impairment.
The untold story of life with Prader-Willi syndrome - according to the siblings who live it
A new study reveals the emotional challenges faced by siblings of people with Prader-Willi syndrome, including feelings of stress, loneliness, and sadness. Siblings often take on extra responsibilities at home and struggle to cope with their brother or sister's behavior and hunger.
Researchers develop guidelines for diagnosing, monitoring canine cognitive decline
Researchers have released guidelines for diagnosing and monitoring CCDS in senior dogs, offering practical diagnostic criteria and standard definitions. The guidelines are designed to aid both clinicians and researchers in helping dogs with cognitive issues, paving the way towards improved diagnostics and therapeutics.
Stress among older adults linked to worse surgery recovery
A new study from Duke University found that even mild stress before surgery can lead to delirium, uncontrolled pain, and longer hospital stays in older adults. Over 40% of patients reported moderate to high distress levels similar to those with advanced cancer.
A molecule our bodies produce may help defend against Alzheimer’s disease: NUS Medicine study
Researchers discovered that calcium alpha-ketoglutarate restores key memory-related brain functions disrupted in Alzheimer's disease. The molecule enhances synaptic plasticity, protects neurons from degenerative changes, and supports healthier cognitive ageing.