Articles tagged with Cognitive Disorders
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System discovered that an immune molecule called STING drives the formation of harmful plaques and protein tangles associated with Alzheimer's. Blocking STING protected lab mice from mental decline, suggesting a promising treatment target for neurodegenerative diseases.
A WVU microbiology student has discovered a new species of fungus, Periglandula clandestina, that produces effects similar to the semisynthetic drug LSD. The fungus is highly efficient at making ergot alkaloids, which can be used therapeutically to treat conditions like depression and addiction.
A recent study suggests that 40% of US adults who currently smoke experience some level of functional difficulty, twice as high as those who have never smoked. The most common disabilities among smokers are mobility and cognitive issues.
The University of Texas at Dallas has released a decade-long lifespan brain study dataset, allowing researchers to track brain and cognitive health across adulthood. The dataset provides insights into neurologically healthy paths and potential causes of decline, offering opportunities for global hypothesis testing.
A recent study published in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease found that evening people experience a greater rate of cognitive decline over time. This decline is attributed to unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and poor sleep habits, which can be mitigated by working with one's natural chronotype.
A US study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that 37% of dementia cases could be linked to cardiometabolic diseases, with the strongest connection in the South. Hypertension was the leading cause, accounting for 9.6% of cases.
A new framework for assessing traumatic brain injuries (TBI) will provide more accurate diagnoses and treatments, leading to better patient outcomes. The framework incorporates clinical symptoms, biomarkers, imaging scans, and modifiers to determine the severity of injury and predict recovery.
Research highlights potential link between microplastics in ultra-processed foods and brain health, with possible connections to depression and dementia. The studies propose a novel hypothesis connecting ultra-processed food consumption, microplastic exposure, and mental health outcomes.
Researchers found that post-menopausal women with high midlife cortisol levels have increased amyloid deposition and are at greater risk for Alzheimer's disease. The study also highlights the importance of identifying early risk factors in women, particularly those who experience menopause.
Cognivue launches CARM, a novel metric predicting amyloid presence and enabling early Alzheimer's detection. The CARM score combines age with cognitive subtests to generate a four-point risk score indicating the likelihood of amyloid presence in the brain.
A study has identified an early blood marker for hereditary Alzheimer's disease, beta-synuclein, which can detect neurodegeneration up to 11 years before dementia symptoms. This biomarker could help with early diagnosis and treatment, improving the potential of new medicines for Alzheimer's.
A cross-sectional study found that moderately preterm birth was associated with long-term cognitive problems. The study highlights the need for continued follow-up of all preterm children, particularly those born before 34 weeks' gestational age.
Researchers have validated a blood test for early detection of Alzheimer's disease, achieving over 90% accuracy in hospital patients. The test uses a biomarker called phospho-tau217 and has the potential to reduce costs associated with current diagnostic tests, improving access to care and treatment.
A recent study published in Nature reveals a causal connection between the shingles vaccine and reduced risk of dementia. The analysis of data from a regression discontinuity design found a 20% reduction in dementia diagnosis risk among vaccinated individuals born on or after September 2, 1933.
A new study published in PLOS Digital Health found that older drivers with GPS navigation systems tend to drive more frequently, suggesting these tools help maintain driving mobility. The research reveals that using GPS can alleviate spatial orientation difficulties and support older adults' independence on the roads.
A study of nearly 30,000 adults found that heart failure is associated with a significant decrease in cognition at diagnosis and rapid decline over time. Adults with heart failure reach the threshold for meaningful decline in global cognition nearly six years earlier than those without it.
A new study found that exosomes from children with pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) disrupted blood-brain barrier integrity, leading to cognitive impairments. The research suggests a broader impact on barrier function and identifies potential biomarkers for OSA-related neurocognitive dysfunction.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have found that rejuvenating the network of vessels outside the brain can improve memory in old mice. The study lays the groundwork for developing therapies to overcome the challenges faced by conventional medications, which struggle to reach the brain due to the blood-brain barrier.
A new Cochrane review has found evidence that music-based therapy may benefit people living with dementia, particularly by improving symptoms of depression. The review suggests that music therapy probably improves depressive symptoms and may improve overall behavioural problems by the end of treatment.
A new brain-mapping technique identified memory-related brain cells vulnerable to protein buildup, a key factor in Alzheimer's disease. The study found that certain cell types in the hippocampus and cortex were more affected by tau buildup.
Research reveals nearly 10% of individuals with disabilities misused prescription drugs in the past year, compared to 4.4% without disabilities. Young adults and those with cognitive disabilities are particularly vulnerable to prescription drug misuse.
Researchers have discovered alarming levels of microplastics in human brain tissue, with concentrations 3-5 times higher in individuals with dementia diagnoses. The study highlights the need for large-scale human studies to determine dose-response relationships between microplastic exposure and chronic health outcomes.
Researchers found that brain connectivity related to cognitive control predicted substance use initiation, while cognitive control behavior did not. Stronger connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was associated with delayed substance use onset.
A 30-year study analyzing Catholic nuns' aging patterns has clarified key factors influencing dementia risk and protection. The research found that early-life linguistic ability and grammatical complexity correlated with a lower risk of impairment in later life.
A panel of experts identified key biomarkers for PND through a comprehensive literature review of 194 clinical studies. The study highlights the potential for these biomarkers to predict and diagnose PND, improving postoperative cognitive health in elderly patients.
Researchers have identified changes in brain rhythms that indicate seizure activity in Alzheimer's patients. High-frequency oscillations (HFOs) occur at rates two to three times higher in Alzheimer's patients than in cognitively normal individuals.
A new research paper found that physical activity (PA) is associated with better sleep quality in older adults during social isolation. Reduced levels of PA had a negative association with the quality of sleep in four studies, while one study found improved sleep patterns among active individuals.
A study published in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus found that the prevalence of older Americans without disabilities increased from 61% in 2008 to 65% in 2017. This represents a significant improvement, with an additional 2.07 million older Americans potentially having had disabilities if trends had remained constant.
Researchers at Lancaster University have developed a new method to detect Alzheimer's disease by analyzing changes in brain oxygenation dynamics and neuronal function. The study found that individuals with Alzheimer's disease exhibit altered respiratory frequency, which may be an early indicator of the condition.
A study published in Aging Cell suggests that exercise can activate insulin signaling proteins in the brain, potentially improving cognitive function. Insulin sensitivity is linked to reduced blood sugar levels and improved cognition, making exercise a promising therapeutic strategy for dementia.
Researchers developed a predictive tool using the Florey Dementia Index to forecast onset ages of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's. The validated tool may help prioritize patients for disease-modifying treatments.
A cross-sectional study found childhood exposure to school segregation strongly associated with reduced late-life cognition among Blacks. The study highlights the need for policies aimed at reducing segregation to address health disparities.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet used AI to analyze brain images from 70-year-olds and found that factors like inflammation and high glucose levels are associated with an older-looking brain. A healthy lifestyle, on the other hand, was linked to brains with a younger appearance.
A researcher at Kessler Foundation is using virtual reality for cognitive-motor training to improve gait and balance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The study aims to reduce falls and enhance quality of life, finding potential benefits from combining motor and cognition training.
A social work graduate has published her research on cognitive decline among refugees, finding that those who have experienced trauma are more likely to suffer from mild cognitive impairment. The study highlights the need for interventions that address these gaps in care and promote healthier aging.
Primary progressive aphasia is a rare form of dementia that affects language skills, with significant implications for patients' quality of life. Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine have developed new methods to measure its impact on daily living and demonstrate the feasibility of international telemedicine interventions.
The report highlights the importance of addressing the rising incidence of cognitive impairment as the population ages, particularly with new treatments for early Alzheimer's disease now available. Developing cognitive care plans, especially for vulnerable populations, is crucial to improve patient outcomes.
Research identified community-level factors that may increase individuals' risk of cognitive impairment. Higher neighborhood disadvantage, air pollution, homicide rates, and less greenspace were associated with elevated odds of mild cognitive impairment. Completing schooling in a Southern US state also linked to increased risk.
A Rutgers researcher examines how educational attainment affects cognitive performance, memory function, and dementia risk in later life. The study found increased years of education associated with better overall cognitive performance, including improved memory and verbal fluency.
Researchers from École de Technologie Supérieure and Dartmouth University are investigating the use of earpiece microphones to spot early signs of Alzheimer’s. They aim to develop health-monitoring algorithms for hearables capable of continuous, long-term monitoring and early disease detection.
Dr. Yael Goverover joins an elite group of professionals at Kessler Foundation who have earned the Fellow of ACRM designation for their nationally significant contributions to cognitive rehabilitation research for individuals with multiple sclerosis and acquired brain injury. Her work has led to innovative assessments and interventions...
The new center will advance multiple areas of active research on campus, including neurocognitive sciences and musculo-skeletal health. With support from across campus, UTA aims to improve research capabilities to enhance undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities.
A new study from the University of Toronto finds that childhood neglect is associated with a range of mental and physical health problems in adulthood. The presence of a supportive adult and higher socioeconomic status largely attenuate this relationship.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that targeting the prefrontal cortex with cognitive remediation and transcranial direct current stimulation can effectively slow cognitive decline in older adults at risk of cognitive decline. The treatment was particularly beneficial for those with remitted major depressive disorder and mild ...
A recent study found a potential link between air pollution and cognitive impairment, with fine particulate matter exposure correlating with declined cognitive processing time. Systemic inflammation, driven by an increase in monocytes, may act as a key intermediary linking PM2.5 exposure to impaired cognitive function.
Researchers investigate how liver necroptosis triggers inflammation in both organs, leading to cognitive impairment. Studying aging mouse models, they found that liver necroptosis causes systemic inflammation affecting brain function.
Incident stroke accelerates long-term cognitive decline in older stroke survivors. The study using pooled data from 14 cohorts found a significant association between stroke and accelerated cognitive decline.
A research team led by Maria Glymour will investigate four modifiable risk factors for ADRD: lifetime alcohol use, depression, vision and hearing impairments, and social isolation. The project aims to provide comprehensive evidence on how these risk factors contribute to ADRD risk.
Researchers identify a homozygous SPAG9 gene mutation associated with intellectual disability, progressive cognitive decline, and heterogeneous brain abnormalities. The study provides a unique model for understanding disruptions in cellular transport mechanisms leading to neurodevelopmental and degenerative brain conditions.
A third of living former professional football players reported perceived chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) associated with an increased prevalence of suicidality. Men with CTE had cognitive impairment and more health problems compared to those without CTE, highlighting a novel risk factor for suicidality.
A comprehensive review of genetic and population studies challenges conventional wisdom about the relationship between genetic risk and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Premorbid cognitive impairment is largely explained by non-familial factors rather than inherited genetic variants.
A comprehensive brain imaging study found that diabetes and prediabetes are associated with accelerated brain ageing, with brains appearing 0.5-4 years older than chronological age. A healthy lifestyle may help counteract this effect, with associations attenuated among people with high physical activity.
A cross-sectional study of 170 former football players found a strong association between repeated head impacts and increased perivascular space volume, as well as worse cognitive test performance. The findings suggest that PVS volume may contribute to the link between RHI exposure and neurodegeneration.
A new study published in Neurology found that acute kidney injury is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 individuals and found a 49% higher risk of dementia overall, with significant increases for specific types of dementia such as Lewy body dementia and vascular dementia.
A self-guided CBT app, Maya, significantly reduced anxiety in young adults, with improvement levels similar to anxiety medication studies. The study found that the app's interactive platform and real-time feedback helped users learn new skills and coping mechanisms.
Researchers have discovered a link between cognitive impairments and brain network organization in individuals at risk of developing psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. This finding suggests an opportunity for early diagnosis and intervention, potentially through non-invasive neuromodulation.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that one-fourth of patients in a coma or vegetative state showed clear signs of cognitive function on brain scans despite being unable to move or speak. This significant frequency of undetected responsiveness suggests that many seemingly unconscious patients may be a...
A study published in iScience has uncovered significant findings related to the early sensorimotor features and cognitive abilities of toddlers who are later diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The research suggests that a higher IQ may confer resilience to atypical sensorimotor functioning, highlighting the need for more pr...
Research from King's College London suggests that childhood maltreatment, particularly neglect, is associated with significant cognitive deficits. The study, published in Lancet Psychiatry, used court-documented records and adult recall to test the relative associations of maltreatment with cognitive abilities.
A team of researchers from Penn State has identified HDAC3 as a key contributor to age-related impairments in memory updating. When blocked, older mice performed similarly to their younger counterparts, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive flexibility in old age.