Articles tagged with Cognitive Disorders
A new study from Anglia Ruskin University suggests that reaction times could be an early indicator of cognitive decline and dementia risk. Researchers found that people screening positive for mild cognitive impairment performed significantly worse on visual tasks, taking longer to respond than cognitively healthy adults. This could lea...
New research published in JAMA Network Open finds that anticholinergic medications for overactive bladder do not carry a greater long-term risk of dementia compared to beta-3 agonists. The study suggests that overactive bladder itself may be an early warning sign of neurodegenerative processes associated with dementia.
Monique Balthazar's $1M NIH grant will investigate how sleep, biological factors, and neighborhood conditions relate to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease risk. She will examine lipid metabolism and inflammation, particularly specialized pro-resolving mediators, in the Einstein Aging Study.
A recent study published in Genomic Psychiatry analyzed the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and found that people with frequent anxiety scored lower on a standard test of global cognition. The authors suggest that a single serotonin receptor may be responsible for both worry and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
A study found that different ZC4H2 mutations produce identical cognitive deficits through opposing synaptic mechanisms. The research suggests a mutation-stratified intervention strategy to match the drug to the synaptic mechanism of the mutation, potentially improving treatment outcomes for intellectual disability
Patients with early-onset Alzheimer's disease have more extensive deposits of tau, a hallmark protein of the condition, compared to late-onset patients. The study found that tau accumulates at more than twice the rate in younger compared to older patients and spreads widely throughout the brain.
University of Missouri researchers are studying how sleep, family structure, and social support affect caregivers and those they care for. The projects aim to improve the health and well-being of families affected by dementia, with a focus on accessible treatments and interventions.
A multinational study of over 460,000 people finds that ADHD medication use is not associated with an increased risk of self-harm. The study suggests that individuals with ADHD are already at their highest risk of self-harm before treatment begins, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
A study on someone with Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory reveals that they experience involuntary memories more frequently, strengthening memories and making them more stable over time. This finding has implications for brain surgery and understanding changes to memory late in life from diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers developed CANID, a 40-minute assessment measuring memory and behavioral flexibility to detect subtle cognitive impairment in dogs. The study confirmed that small breeds like Chihuahuas are more likely to experience decline, and may inform preventative and therapeutic strategies for pet owners.
The University of California, San Francisco has been awarded $5M in federal funding to launch a national center to improve dementia detection and management. The center will translate evidence-based approaches into practical tools, training, and technical assistance to bridge the gap between research and practice.
A study reveals how peripheral macrophages persist in the brain after sepsis and contribute to long-term cognitive impairment. PTN signaling drives chronic neuroinflammation, and blocking early entry of these macrophages may represent a valuable intervention window.
A new study found significant disparities in access to anti-amyloid Alzheimer's treatments, with Black adults and Hispanic adults having lower odds of receiving the medication. However, once treatment began, patients were equally likely to take the medication as prescribed, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
A study by CU Anschutz researchers has found a possible link between the APOE4 gene, fat in the brain, and inflammation, which may help explain how genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease affect the brain. The study suggests that the ApoE protein can change how brain immune cells handle fat and trigger inflammation.
Researchers found that people with a higher genetic risk for Alzheimer’s who volunteered or helped others showed slower cognitive decline. The study, which analyzed 22 years of data, found that even modest amounts of helping others provided significant cognitive benefits.
A new study found that adults with ADHD are 6.7% more likely to develop dementia or cognitive impairment compared to those without ADHD. People with a higher genetic risk for ADHD face a greater chance of cognitive decline even without a diagnosed diagnosis.
A new study found that a noninvasive magnetic therapy headset improved cognitive function and mood in people with long COVID, with effects persisting after treatment ended. The therapy, called Microtesla Magnetic Therapy, showed anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in preclinical models.
New research suggests that neck lymph node removal may interfere with cerebrospinal fluid drainage, contributing to cognitive impairment. Patients undergoing cervical lymphadenectomy had a higher rate of cognitive impairment than the general population.
Research reveals that nearly half of childhood cancer survivors experience symptoms of anxiety or depression as adults. The study found that cognitive functioning, psychological symptoms, and fatigue were significantly affected, with 28% reporting difficulties with cognitive functions.
A recent study published in Sleep Medicine found that adults with elevated risk of dementia who took at least 5,000 IU of vitamin D daily showed better cognitive function compared to those who didn't. The study also highlighted the significance of timing and the form of vitamin D supplementation.
The Michigan ADRC will support studies on basic science, clinical trials, caregiver interventions, and longitudinal research to advance Alzheimer's disease prevention, treatment, and care. The center aims to fast-track clinical trials and improve the health and well-being of caregivers.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that chronic stress and social support levels are associated with changes in cognitive abilities across different demographic groups. Higher social support was linked to less decline in attention over time, while women and Hispanic participants with higher chronic stress ...
Experiencing childhood trauma increases likelihood of smoking, substance use, and unhealthy eating habits due to behavioural problems in adolescence. Early interventions addressing these mental health difficulties may reduce long-term physical health consequences of childhood trauma.
Researchers found that lower bone mineral density in the spine was associated with faster cognitive decline and accelerated age-related white matter injury. Lower bone density was also linked to specific brain regions, including the corpus callosum and the internal capsule, which support executive function.
People experiencing homelessness often face cognitive impairment due to various factors such as fetal alcohol syndrome, childhood trauma, and substance use disorders. To address this, experts recommend 24-hour supervision, brain rehabilitation, and structured care, akin to dementia support.
A study of 3,895 participants found that higher cortisol levels, particularly in Black individuals, were associated with cognitive decline. Cortisol patterns varied by race, with Black participants showing lower overall levels and less change throughout the day.
A UChicago study reveals that when the brain is unsure which information matters, separate visual features get mixed up in the brain, leading to poor performance on tasks. This 'feature interference' affects not only humans but also animals, and may provide insights into cognitive diseases.
A new UCLA study has found a connection between brain aging and gut biology, suggesting that people's brains may be aging decades before symptoms appear. The study, published in eBioMedicine, analyzed brain scans and stool samples to identify a link between brain communication patterns, gut bacteria, and brain aging.
Binghamton University receives $500K grant for 'brain-on-a-chip' project to advance dementia research. The project will establish advanced imaging and electrophysiological analysis infrastructure for studying living brain tissue models.
Researchers mapped 61 dementia risk factors to show individual motivation and behavior change may not be enough to prevent dementia. Social and environmental influences like education, housing, and healthcare access play a crucial role in brain health.
Researchers at USC developed an algorithmic tool to improve screening of patients for Alzheimer's clinical trials, reducing unnecessary PET scans by over half. The tool uses blood plasma biomarkers to identify patients at risk of Alzheimer's disease, enabling faster and more efficient recruitment for trials like AHEAD 3-45.
A community-adapted brain health program in Kikuyo Town, Japan, has achieved significant improvements in attention scores and dietary balance among older adults. The 24-week program, combining aerobic exercise, cognitive exercises, and lifestyle guidance, resulted in high attendance rates and positive feedback.
A cohort study found that only 30.7% of brain donors with clinician-adjudicated dementia had neurodegenerative death certification. The study suggests factors like worsening cognitive symptoms and functional impairment may be associated with increased likelihood of neurodegenerative death certification.
Researchers found a pattern of brain atrophy visible on MRI that can predict disease progression in people with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. This discovery could help clinicians identify patients likely to have a slower or faster disease course, supporting treatment and care planning.
Researchers found that healthier superficial white matter is associated with stronger language skills, and that gray matter atrophy measures remain the strongest predictors of cognition. However, the relationship between gray matter and cognitive performance depends on superficial white matter health.
New research suggests that leisure-time exercise, such as walking or sports, is associated with a lower risk of dementia, while physically demanding jobs may increase dementia risk. The study analyzed data from over 4.2 million people and found that household physical activity also appeared beneficial.
Researchers discovered how anesthesia, surgery, and intensive care stress alter gene activity in the brain, leading to cognitive impairment and delirium. A new drug, vorinostat, reversed these changes, restoring memory formation and regulating the internal biological clock.
A large study found a significant association between severe mental illness and dementia at every age, with adults aged 30-39 showing a 20-fold increased risk of dementia. The study also found a higher risk of stroke in early and middle adulthood, particularly in those with severe mental illness.
A study from Karolinska Institutet found that people treated with modern NOAC blood-thinning medicines experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those receiving warfarin or no anticoagulant treatment. This was associated with lower risk of other health problems, including death, stroke, and fractures.
According to a national survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, most U.S. adults believe brain health habits should begin before age 40. Regular exercise, quality sleep, healthy eating, and strong social connections can help support long-term brain health.
A new ACC Scientific Statement highlights the importance of considering cognitive impairment and frailty in cardiovascular care for older adults. The statement outlines practical strategies for prevention, screening, assessment, and management, aiming to improve outcomes such as independence, mobility, and caregiver burden.
A new study reveals that patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) have elevated lipocalin-2 levels and exhibit early signs of cardiovascular and cognitive impairment. The findings highlight the importance of considering MASLD as a systemic condition affecting multiple organ systems.
A new study found that avoiding three risk factors in middle age is linked to nearly 13 more years without dementia. Participants who had no risk factors lived without developing dementia an average of 30 years, compared to 17 years for those with the three risk factors.
Researchers used real human brain tissue samples to test the underlying mechanisms of deep brain stimulation. They found that brain cells became more synchronized in communicating, similar to memory formation, while altering gene expression across different types of brain cells.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that about 65% of patients who developed psychosis after age 40 showed abnormal tau buildup, compared to 15% of healthy older controls. The findings suggest diverse tau-related brain changes may be involved in late-onset psychosis.
A new report finds that delayed discharges and poor hospital environments keep people with dementia in hospitals unnecessarily, costing £328 million annually. The study suggests community-centric approaches can reduce hospitalisations and improve care.
A new study from UT Health San Antonio found that any degree of physical activity can slow cognitive decline in Hispanics. The research, which included 402 participants, also showed that controlling blood sugar levels and cardiovascular health are associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline.
The LifeAfter90 study found that women 90 and older are at two-fold greater risk for dementia, while Black participants have a 75% greater risk than Asian participants. APOE2's protective effects continue past age 90, reducing risk by 60%, but APOE4 increases the risk among men and Black participants.
A new USC study uses AI to generate detailed maps of brain aging, revealing distinct patterns of neurodegeneration in specific regions. The approach sheds light on how local brain age correlates with changes in cognitive function across the lifespan.
A Phase 2 clinical trial shows that a THC/CBD combination significantly reduces agitation in hospice-eligible people with dementia. The study, conducted across multiple US sites, achieved its primary and key secondary endpoints, demonstrating the efficacy of this treatment approach for end-of-life agitation.
A new $3.3 million study aims to investigate how people perceive cognitive changes as they age, with a focus on identifying predictive markers for dementia. The 'worried well' - individuals with cognitive complaints but normal test results - may hold clues to early disease detection.
A Canadian pilot study examined ways to link dementia patients' medical records with those of their caregivers. The report highlights critical gaps in clinical application due to EMR incompatibility, varying provincial privacy rules, and consent requirements.
Patients with autoimmune limbic encephalitis experience altered hippocampus size and function, leading to memory loss and apathy. This study reveals a link between hippocampus damage and behavioral changes, shedding light on the condition's effects on cognition and motivation.
A new paper reveals a live concert and lecture series improves emotional well-being, intellectual stimulation, and social interaction among dementia patients. Participants reported high satisfaction and improved mood following sessions.
A new study by Sanford Burnham Prebys found that bolstering the SORLA protein can reduce tau tangle toxicity, a common culprit in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. This suggests potential as a therapeutic strategy for treating these conditions.
A blood test measuring phosphorylated tau 217 (P-tau217) can estimate an individual's risk of developing cognitive impairment over 2, 5, and 10 years. Higher P-tau217 levels are associated with increased risk of progression to cognitive impairment in cognitively unimpaired older adults.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have found a way to intervene early in traumatic brain injuries using a natural, gut-derived chemical that prevents post-traumatic epilepsy from taking root. The treatment reduced brain inflammation, improved memory and mood, protected brain cells, made seizures both rarer and harder to trigger.
A study analyzing 30,527 English dementia patients found hospital readmissions associated with multiple factors including sex, health conditions and post-discharge care. The research highlights the importance of monitoring and managing these risk factors to prevent hospital readmissions.
A digital therapy platform, iACT4CARERS, has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in dementia carers after three and six months. The study, which involved almost 500 volunteers, found that carers using the platform had lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to those receiving usual care alone.
A new project developed by the University of Birmingham and Mind in Camden aims to improve understanding and response to people who hear voices, particularly when linked to suicidal thoughts. The resources encourage listening, curiosity, and collaboration to help individuals make sense of their experiences and feel more supported.