A new $3.5 million NIH grant will investigate the complex interplay between traumatic brain injury and genetic risk factors in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The three-year study will use rodents to assess disease progression across different age periods, providing insights into potential early intervention strategies.
Researchers have uncovered new insights into how the brain regulates imitative behavior, a phenomenon that facilitates interaction and social cohesion. The study used advanced brain stimulation technique to pinpoint the causal role of different circuits in facilitating or inhibiting automatic imitation.
The review paper examines the scope of people affected by long COVID, ranging from fatigue to cognitive impairment, and current treatment options. Researchers emphasize the need for biomarkers and targeted therapies to address root causes of the disease.
A study of 140 adults with rheumatoid arthritis found a link between inflammatory activity and specific cognitive impairments, including diminished visuospatial abilities and executive functions. Cognitive impairment was recorded in 60% of patients compared to 40% of volunteers.
Researchers found that combining plasma p-tau217 and Aβ42/40 levels could predict early brain Aβ accumulation in people with subthreshold Aβ accumulation. These biomarkers may help screen participants for primary prevention trials.
Researchers at Rice University found that chronic stress impacts cellular health, leading to decreased energy levels and increased inflammation, which can result in dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other health problems. Caregivers with less leftover cellular energy experience fewer positive emotions and have lower physical functioning.
A randomized clinical trial found that adding Intensive Parental Coaching (IPC) to Family-Based Treatment (FBT) improves outcomes for adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) who don't respond to FBT. The study identified specific families who can benefit from IPC, highlighting the need for precision medicine in mental health.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2024
A web-based cognitive behavioral self-help intervention effectively decreases eating disorder symptoms in individuals with bulimia nervosa, reducing illness-related burden. The digital intervention has potential as a complement to established treatments for bulimia nervosa.
A pilot study found that methylphenidate enhances oculomotor function in individuals with multiple sclerosis, improving visual processing speed. The treatment also showed promise for mitigating cognitive symptoms associated with MS.
A study published in Radiology found that brain connectivity on MRI scans can predict the progression of brain atrophy in patients with mild Parkinson's disease. The researchers used MRI data to generate a map of the brain's neural connections, which showed potential in predicting gray matter atrophy accumulation over time.
A new University of Cincinnati study reveals that a signaling pathway in the brain helps maintain health and prevent inflammation and cognitive deficits. Microglia cells produce their own TGF-β ligand to regulate local states of inflammation.
A randomized controlled trial at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that using the SAGE test during routine appointments led to a sixfold increase in early diagnoses. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of this simple, self-administered tool for detecting cognitive impairment.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that stress weakens the association between cognitive reserve and improved cognition in memory clinic patients. Cognitive reserve is built through experiences like higher education and social interactions, but high or persistent stress levels can impair these benefits.
A new multimodal approach has been developed to predict recovery in patients with disorders of consciousness, combining PET scans, multivariate EEG analysis, functional MRI, and cognitive evoked potentials. The approach shows improved prognostic performance and accuracy compared to standard measurements.
A consensus has been reached by an international team of rehabilitation researchers and clinicians on the standardized labeling of spatial neglect, a common disorder following neurological injury. The panel adopted 'spatial neglect' as the standard term for the disorder, aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment, and research.
Research from McMaster University found that orienteering exercise can improve spatial memory and delay cognitive decline. Those who ran while orienteering showed greater benefits than those who walked or exercised without navigation. The study suggests that orienteering could be a preventative measure for age-related cognitive decline.
Older people experiencing homelessness are at risk of premature death, cognitive impairment, and mobility concerns. Addressing this issue requires collaboration between health, long-term care, public health, and housing to provide adequate shelter policies, age-friendly shelters, and supportive housing models.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that upward social mobility significantly lowers the risk of dementia. The research, led by Osaka University researchers, analyzed data from 9,186 participants aged 65 and over, finding that individuals who experienced upward transitions had a notably lower risk of dementia incidence c...
A web-based cognitive behavioral self-help intervention has been shown to effectively reduce binge eating episodes and improve various mental health outcomes in patients with binge eating disorder. This scalable solution bridges the treatment gap for this condition, offering a promising alternative to traditional therapies.
Researchers created a new model to study the effects of undernutrition on the microbiome, which can help identify specific microbes that impact development. The model mimics early childhood experiences and shows promise in understanding the underlying causes of stunted growth and other harmful effects of undernutrition.
Researchers found that early neurodevelopmental assessments can predict long-term cerebral palsy outcomes in high-risk infants as young as 3 to 4 months corrected age. However, these tests are limited in identifying cognitive and neurodevelopmental impairments beyond CP diagnosis.
Researchers at UCLA Health have developed a potential biomarker for stroke risk using a network of inflammatory molecules in the blood. The study, published in the journal Stroke, found that patients with higher concentrations of these molecules had an 84% chance of experiencing a stroke during their lifetime.
A new study found that loneliness grows as people age, with a U-shaped pattern of higher levels in younger and older adulthood. Factors associated with persistent loneliness include social isolation, lower education, income, and functional limitations, as well as being divorced or widowed, a smoker, or having poorer health.
A new study found that Black women with poor cardiovascular health may face an elevated risk of early signs of cognitive decline in midlife. Processing speed, a leading indicator of early cognitive decline, appeared to decline in these women starting in midlife but not in white women.
A study of 156 severe COVID-19 survivors found that nearly two-thirds experienced persistent impairments after one year, including physical, respiratory, psychiatric, and cognitive problems. The study highlights the life-altering impact of SARS-CoV-2 on these individuals, many of whom required long-term acute care hospitalization.
A study from the American College of Surgeons outlines a strategy for sustaining lifelong competency in surgeons, including neurocognitive testing and early transition planning. The goal is to maintain patient safety while preserving physician dignity.
A new study identifies multiple emotion regulation systems in the human brain, providing targets for therapy. The research reveals that regions in the anterior prefrontal cortex and higher-level cortical hierarchies are involved in emotion regulation.
A new study by the University of Southampton found that a commonly used questionnaire for monitoring depression treatment in primary care does not provide immediate benefits. However, patients who tracked their scores reported improved overall wellbeing and quality of life after six months.
A new study found that a viral infection can cause cognitive impairments by damaging the blood-brain barrier, leading to memory loss and learning difficulties. Researchers developed a gene therapy that stimulated the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway to prevent this damage and improve cognitive function in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Research from Amsterdam UMC found that social activities like interactions and organised events prevent cognitive decline in long-term care residents. Participation in these activities offers a protective effect, particularly for those with little or no cognitive impairment.
A new pilot study explores the effectiveness of an artificial intelligence-supplemented Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Perfectionism (CBT-P) intervention for young people with anxiety and depression. The research suggests that AI tools could provide strong guidance through a therapy program, while parent support is also crucial in hel...
A study published in Open Medicine found that Ginkgo Diterpene Lactone Meglumine (GDLM) improves cognitive function in patients who recently experienced an acute ischemic stroke. The treatment showed anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects, reducing inflammation and coagulation markers.
Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the effects of APC treatment on AD transgenic mice, revealing alterations in glial cells and upregulated genes associated with AD progression. APC treatment downregulates inflammatory processes and recovers nervous system functions.
The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies is open to media registration for its 2024 event. Journalists can access the latest research discoveries in neuroscience fields such as dementia, addiction and depression.
A study by SLU professor SangNam Ahn found that childhood and adult adversity can increase the risk of mental illness and cognitive decline later in life. The research team analyzed data from over 3,500 individuals and discovered a strong correlation between adverse events and anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment.
A UCLA Health study suggests Kundalini yoga can improve cognitive function, memory and brain health for postmenopausal women. The study found that yoga prevented brain matter decline, reversed aging and inflammation-associated biomarkers – improvements not seen in a group who received standard memory training exercises.
A new study by Baycrest and the University of Toronto suggests that talking speed is a more important indicator of brain health than difficulty finding words. Changes in general talking speed may reflect changes in the brain, indicating its importance in detecting cognitive decline faster.
A survey study of U.S. adults found that post–COVID-19 condition is associated with greater self-reported functional impairment and depressive symptom severity. Cognitive symptoms are common among individuals with post–COVID-19 condition, impacting daily life.
A study of 11,000 children found that maternal tobacco use during pregnancy is associated with enduring deficits in childhood neurocognition. Continued research on the link between maternal tobacco use and cognitive performance is needed.
A team at Texas A&M University's School of Public Health has received funding to design a mobile app to help older Chinese American and Korean American adults prevent dementia. The app will focus on cognitive function and quality of life, with culturally appropriate content and multiple language options.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 104 studies with 341,000 participants found that physical activity was associated with better late-life cognition, although the association was weak. The findings suggest that even a weak link between physical activity and cognitive decline is still important from a population health perspective.
Researchers at Buck Institute for Research on Aging propose an alternate strategy for reversing memory problems in Alzheimer's disease by targeting the KIBRA protein. The findings suggest that KIBRA can rescue mechanisms that promote synapse resilience, potentially leading to improved memory function.
A new study found that 50% of youth aged 11-24 with mental health issues exhibit Psychosis Spectrum Symptoms, highlighting the need for early intervention. The study aims to identify predictors of psychosis spectrum disorder and improve mental health outcomes for this population.
A new study published by experts at the University of Exeter found that playing a musical instrument is associated with improved memory and executive function in older adults. Continuing to play into later life provides even greater benefit, suggesting that music could be a way to harness cognitive reserve.
Researchers at UTA developed a novel learning-based framework to predict Alzheimer’s disease progression. The DETree strategy can pinpoint clinical status within the disease spectrum, allowing for more accurate planning and potential applications in other diseases with multiple stages of development.
Researchers at UC Davis found that men with FMR1 premutation who experienced reduced executive function were at higher likelihood of developing fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. Executive function challenges, particularly working memory and organization issues, were strongly associated with the development of FXTAS.
A recent study of over 7,900 participants found that pet ownership was associated with slower rates of verbal memory and fluency decline among older adults living alone. This suggests that pet ownership may offset the negative effects of social isolation on cognitive health.
A prognostic study of 1,000 very preterm infants found predictive modeling can identify those at risk for cognitive impairment. This allows for targeted interventions to be implemented early, potentially improving outcomes.
A study of 8,000 participants found that negative wealth shock was associated with accelerated cognitive decline and elevated risks of dementia among middle-aged and older U.S. adults. The findings suggest a potential link between financial hardship and cognitive aging.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati's Lindner Center of HOPE have developed a novel approach to treating depression using spinal cord stimulation. The study found that electrical stimulation of the spinal cord decreased depressive symptoms and showed therapeutic potential.
A new study finds that exposure and response prevention (EX/RP) therapy for OCD improves cognitive control by strengthening connections between brain networks. This breakthrough sheds light on the mechanisms underlying EX/RP's effectiveness in treating OCD, paving the way for targeted therapies.
SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 29, 2023
A study from the University of Ottawa found that sleep deprivation significantly impacts decision-making processes, reducing neural responses to winning and losing outcomes. This can lead to diminished positive emotions in response to winning and negative emotions when faced with losses.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that excess thyroid hormone levels are associated with a higher risk of cognitive disorders in older adults. The research suggests that clinicians should avoid overtreatment when prescribing thyroid hormone therapy to prevent potential negative consequences.
Researchers developed a new diagnostic tool to identify and treat Hikikomori, a condition characterized by prolonged physical isolation or social withdrawal. The Hikikomori Diagnostic Evaluation (HiDE) assesses the severity of social withdrawal, providing a practical guide for clinicians.
Researchers found CBT reduced fatigue and physical limitations in nearly 1300 patients with ME/CFS, regardless of symptoms or diagnosis. Younger, less impaired patients benefited most from CBT.
Greater PTSD symptoms were associated with higher carotid atherosclerosis and brain small vessel disease among midlife women. Women carrying the APOEɛ4 gene showed poorer cognitive performance in response to PTSD.
Researchers investigate centro-cingulate network changes and cholinergic innervation deficits in Parkinson disease and normal aging. Studies reveal significant correlations between centro-cingulate changes and cognitive impairments, motor symptoms, and age.
Researchers found that hierarchical cortical organization is impaired in people with schizophrenia, leading to disruptions in processing stimuli from the external world. This disruption affects secondary processing of sensorimotor-visual gradients, explaining behavioral and clinical symptoms of the disease.
SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 17, 2023
A study of 15,000 dogs found that body size significantly impacts aging patterns, with smaller dogs living longer and experiencing slower decline rates. Larger dogs show an earlier onset of age-related decline but maintain cognitive health longer.
A study using virtual reality led by UCL researchers found people with early Alzheimer's consistently overestimated turns and showed increased variability in sense of direction. These specific impairments were not observed in healthy older participants or those with mild cognitive impairment.