Articles tagged with Cognitive Disorders
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that lithium supplementation did not significantly improve cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. Alternative formulations like LIT-O may be a potential alternative to harness lithium's neuroprotective properties more efficiently.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have discovered a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease by targeting muscle protein Cathepsin B. The study found that increasing Ctsb in muscle tissue may offer protection against the effects of AD and promote brain cell growth, restoring protein balance and rebalancing brain activity.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Anesthesia found that family members and caregivers can reliably detect postoperative delirium using the Family Confusion Assessment Method. The study showed strong agreement between researcher and family ratings, with nearly 80% accuracy.
Researchers pinpointed the source of free radicals in non-neuronal brain cells that may fuel dementia. Blocking this site lowers brain inflammation and protects neurons, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative disorders.
A study found that following steps to improve cardiovascular health can reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia among people with Type 2 diabetes. Maintaining optimal cardiovascular health may protect brain health even for individuals with a high genetic risk for dementia.
Researchers at UTA are exploring how guided cognitive training can improve brain performance, particularly in navigation and memory. The study found that functional brain changes support behavioral differences, rather than increased brain volume.
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that specially qualified nurses with extended roles can measurably improve the care of people with dementia living at home. The approach reduced unmet needs more effectively than standard care and improved the quality of life for affected individuals.
Researchers at Virginia Tech found that adjusting molecular processes can improve memory in older subjects. They used CRISPR-dCas13 and CRISPR-dCas9 to target age-related changes in K63 polyubiquitination and IGF2, two genes linked to memory formation.
African nations are well-equipped to tackle dementia and brain health with the Africa Task Force on Brain Health. The six-year framework will accelerate preparedness and protect aging citizens.
A Monash University study of over 10,800 older people found that listening to music or playing music can reduce dementia risk. Always listening to music was associated with a 39% reduced risk, while playing an instrument led to a 35% decrease in dementia risk
A significant genetic correlation has been identified between childhood cognitive function and parental longevity, providing molecular evidence for the connection. The study found that shared genetic factors influence both early cognitive abilities and lifespan, with a genetic correlation of 0.35.
A study of 5.4 million older Americans found that internal migrants have significantly better health outcomes than those who remain in their birth state. Those from abroad also showed a stronger health advantage when education levels were taken into account.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that individuals living in socially vulnerable neighborhoods showed measurable differences in brain structure and function, including a thinner outer layer of the brain and white matter changes. These findings suggest that the environment in which people live can shape th...
Groundbreaking research by Dr. Bruce M. Cohen has uncovered critical abnormalities in energy metabolism and cellular connectivity that contribute to psychiatric disorders. The study's findings suggest therapeutic avenues that may be better targeted and more effective than current treatments.
New University of Virginia research explores the most common and effective types of counseling and support for people who have had a near-death experience. The study found that acceptance and validation, as well as support from groups or online sources knowledgeable about NDEs, are key to successful support.
A study by UC Riverside researchers identifies a strong connection between demyelination and seizure activity in multiple sclerosis. The findings suggest targeted treatments could address the root cause of seizures without suppressing overall brain activity.
A recent study from Edith Cowan University found no evidence that calcium monotherapy increases the long-term risk of dementia in older women. The five-year double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial on calcium supplements to prevent fracture provided accurate data on dosage and duration, strengthening the results.
A large-scale international study found that creative experiences slow brain aging and promote healthier brain function. Creative activities such as music, dance, and video games were linked to 'younger' brain profiles, particularly in regions vulnerable to neurodegeneration.
A study of 27,500 people found that poor sleep leads to brains appearing older than their actual age. Low-grade inflammation is estimated to explain around 10% of the link between poor sleep and older brain age.
A study of 676 patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest found that neurological outcomes were similar regardless of socioeconomic background. However, lower-income areas had lower bystander CPR rates, suggesting disparities in pre-hospital care.
Researchers at USC have developed a groundbreaking brain imaging technique that reveals how tiny blood vessels in the brain pulse with each heartbeat, which may hold clues to aging and diseases like Alzheimer's. The method shows that microvascular pulsatility increases with age, especially in deep white matter, a region critical for co...
A new research network aims to detect early signs of dementia through open-source digital tools. Penn State will lead a $39 million grant to advance Alzheimer's detection and reduce the financial, interpersonal, and health impacts of Alzheimer's disease.
A review of hundreds of studies found a link between childhood plastic exposure and long-term health concerns like heart disease, obesity, and asthma. Parents can take simple steps to limit their children's plastic exposure, such as replacing plastic containers with glass or stainless steel.
A UNM researcher has identified 10 disease processes that contribute to vascular-based brain injury, including effects of nano- and microplastics. The findings suggest a potential half of Alzheimer's patients may also have vascular disease, paving the way for new classification and treatment approaches.
The study aims to identify better ways to predict which children with ADHD will benefit from medication treatment. Researchers will examine how the brain processes reward and frustration to understand why some children show improvements with ADHD medication while others do not.
A University of Houston researcher found that recording brain activity while listening to a story can help diagnose primary progressive aphasia, a rare neurodegenerative syndrome. The method was up to 75% effective in classifying the disorder's subtypes using machine-learning algorithms and electroencephalography data.
A new study found that people with three or more symptoms of physical frailty were nearly three times more likely to develop dementia than those without frailty. The researchers also discovered changes in brain structure and biomarkers in people with frailty, which may be a mechanism underlying the pathway from frailty to dementia.
A study found that older adults with Parkinson's disease have a higher rate of brain amyloid positivity compared to younger patients, even without dementia. The researchers suggest this may indicate an accelerated transition from healthy cognition to dementia in PD patients.
A large-scale U.S-based randomized trial shows that intensive lifestyle changes can significantly improve global cognition in older adults at high risk of cognitive decline. The intervention emphasized regular physical activity, healthy diet, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement, leading to clinically meaningful improvements. T...
The VasCog-2-WSO criteria update provide operationalization and guidance on neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers for VCID diagnosis. This new standard aims to facilitate diagnostic consistency among clinicians and researchers worldwide.
A study from the University of Waterloo found that high hair cortisol levels may signal mental health risks in children with chronic physical illnesses. The research suggests that identifying these risk factors early could help doctors and families intervene before emotional difficulties take hold.
A cohort study found that childhood loneliness was associated with cognitive decline and increased dementia risk in later life. Early interventions may help promote lifelong cognitive health and reduce dementia risk.
Researchers have demonstrated a portable, noninvasive technology that can detect metabolic changes linked to Alzheimer's disease by measuring cytochrome c oxidase activity. The study found that including oxCCO measures improved the ability of the brain-monitoring tool to capture clinically relevant brain changes.
Researchers at Penn State found that weight fluctuations and changes can lead to faster cognitive decline in older adults. The study analyzed data from 4,304 participants and showed that those with greater variability in weight experienced more rapid cognitive declines.
Researchers used quantitative susceptibility mapping MRI to detect changes in brain tissue linked to iron levels, predicting mild cognitive impairment and later Alzheimer's disease. The study showed that higher iron levels in specific brain areas could spot early changes years before symptoms appeared.
A 12-week high-intensity interval training intervention did not improve hippocampal integrity or cognitive/mental health impairments, but reduced cannabis craving. Regular physical exercise may be a potential strategy for managing cannabis use disorder.
A special MRI technique detecting brain iron levels can predict mild cognitive impairment and cognitive decline in cognitively unimpaired older adults. Elevated brain iron is linked to higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and faster cognitive decline.
Researchers at ETH Zurich found that exergame training improved cognitive performance, memory, and structural brain changes in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The study suggests a potential causal effect of the training on disease-modifying effects and plans for longer-term studies are underway.
A new blood-based biomarker study identifies a link between self-reported cognitive decline and blood-based biomarkers, paving the way for a simple blood test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The approach could be faster, less-invasive, and more affordable than existing screening tools.