Articles tagged with Cognitive Disorders
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
A new study published in Sleep Health found that the quality of a night's sleep, rather than its length, predicts how quickly older adults process information the next day. Researchers analyzed data from 261 participants aged 70 and above, who wore devices to track their sleep and completed cognitive assessments six times a day.
Researchers found that valacyclovir, an antiviral medication, was ineffective in treating early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease and may even worsen cognitive function. The study suggests that individuals with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease and herpes simplex virus seropositivity should not be treated with valacyclovir.
A new study suggests that midlife depression is driven by a small cluster of specific symptoms, rather than depression overall. The six symptoms are loss of self-confidence, difficulty coping with problems, and poor concentration, which can lead to reduced social engagement and decreased cognitive reserve.
UTHealth Houston, in collaboration with UTMB Health, will lead a $50 million two-year ibogaine clinical trial to evaluate its effect on patients suffering from addiction, traumatic brain injury, and behavioral health conditions. The trial aims to advance ibogaine research for improving behavioral health outcomes across Texas.
A randomized clinical trial found digital cognitive behavioral therapy to be significantly beneficial for adults with generalized anxiety disorder. The treatment provided sustained benefits and has the potential for public health impact due to its accessibility.
Researchers developed an AI tool to identify patients with undiagnosed Alzheimer's disease using electronic health records, addressing underdiagnosis and healthcare inequities. The model achieved sensitivity rates of 77-81% across diverse populations, promoting fairness while maintaining high accuracy.
A new dual-action program combines arts sessions for people with dementia with wellbeing sessions for their carers, helping families rediscover connection and confidence. The program was co-designed with those affected by dementia and has been shown to promote social interaction and reduce isolation.
A study of 349 new parents found intrusive thoughts and psychotic-like experiences more prevalent than thought, causing severe distress linked to higher parenting stress and lower satisfaction. The research highlights the need for normalisation, stigma reduction, and targeted support for affected parents.
A new study found that chronic kidney disease accelerates cognitive decline through interconnected damage to the heart and brain, with men experiencing greater impairment than women. The research also highlights the need for tailored strategies to prevent progression to neurological disorders.
A new review emphasizes the importance of smell health, highlighting its role in nutrition, cognitive function, and psychological resilience. Researchers call for a global campaign to promote smell health through education, awareness, and targeted public health policies.
The USC Epstein Family Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute is leading the charge against Alzheimer’s with advances in blood tests and treatments. Researchers aim to develop effective preventive therapies within the next decade.
A new study led by Concordia researchers found that individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) have widespread structural changes in their white matter compared to healthy controls. The changes were particularly noticeable in regions critical for cognitive and motor functions.
A new meta-analysis published in Aging-US found a significant association between hospitalization for infections and the risk of developing dementia. Adults hospitalized with infections were at an increased risk of all-cause dementia, especially after a single infection-related hospitalization, which can speed up cognitive decline.
A new study by UC San Francisco combines genetic risk with cardiovascular disease risk factors to predict who is more likely to develop dementia. The expanded view may help those worried about dementia, as lifestyle changes and improved control of illnesses can reduce brain damage and potentially delay or prevent symptoms.
A national study found that older adults who develop geriatric syndromes after major surgery face higher risks of poor outcomes, including complications, fewer days spent at home, and increased likelihood of dying within a year. The study emphasizes the need for specialized surgical care approaches to optimize outcomes for older adults.