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Dementia risk in adults with intellectual disability

Researchers found dementia prevalence among people with ID to be 6.44%, with modifiable risk factors identified as hypertension, depression, stroke, age, severity of ID, duration of education, and traumatic brain injury. These findings can inform better screening and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

SourceOkayama University·JournalAlzheimer s Research & Therapy·TypeSurvey·DateSep 25, 2023

New neural insights into processing uncertainty in obsessive-compulsive disorder

A new study uses brain imaging to explore the neural underpinnings of uncertainty processing in OCD, finding that patients struggle with certainty and decision-making, particularly when outcomes are more certain. This understanding may offer new hope for developing therapies targeting uncertainty processing in OCD.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 12, 2023

Pioneering study finds that brain tumours 'hack' the communication between neurons

A pioneering study published in Cancer Cell finds that brain metastasis alters the brain's chemistry and disrupts neuronal communication. Researchers discovered a molecule, EGR1, that may play a role in this process, paving the way for potential drug development to alleviate neurocognitive effects.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Prevalence of disabilities for older Black & White Americans plummeted from 2008 to 2017

The study found a significant decline in the prevalence of serious later-life cognitive impairments among Black Americans, narrowing racial disparities. However, racial disparities persisted in activities of daily living and functional limitations. Improved air quality may have contributed to the narrowing of disparities in cognitive i...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAging and Human Development·TypeSurvey·DateAug 29, 2023

Poor report card for children’s wellbeing

A new study found that children's mental health and wellbeing gradually worsened over the past six years, with measures of life satisfaction, optimism, and emotional regulation declining consistently since 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on young Australians, particularly those in higher year levels and from lower...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 22, 2023

Extreme heat may hasten cognitive decline in vulnerable populations

A new study found that cumulative exposure to extreme heat can worsen cognitive health, particularly among Black older adults and residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 9,500 U.S. adults ages 52 and older, finding a link between high heat exposure and faster cognitive decline in these groups.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateAug 15, 2023

MIND diet study shows 'short-term' impact on cognition

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the MIND diet had a significant improvement in cognition during the first two years, but no significant difference in three-year changes. The study enrolled 604 people with suboptimal diets and family history of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 27, 2023

Intranasal insulin treatment might boost cognition in people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's Disease, according to meta-analysis of 29 studies across multiple disorders

A recent meta-analysis of 29 studies found that intranasal insulin treatment can boost cognition in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's Disease. The analysis suggests potential benefits for this treatment approach, which may be worth further investigation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 28, 2023

Professors call for further study of potential uses of AI in special education, avoiding bans

A group of educators is urging caution when using artificial intelligence (AI) in special education, highlighting its potential to benefit students with disabilities. The authors emphasize the need for careful consideration of AI's uses and limitations, including information literacy, consent, and critical thinking.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Special Education Technology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 8, 2023

Tracking early signs of Alzheimer’s pathology in a mouse model

A new study in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease examines the effects of environmental enrichment on AD symptom progression and pathology. The researchers found that living in an enriched environment improved several measures of metabolism and reduced individual behaviors, which became more similar and rigid as the disease progressed.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Case study reveals potentially lethal side effects of lecanemab for treatment of Alzheimer's disease

A case study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease reveals that lecanemab can lead to therapy-induced Aβ phagocytosis and multifocal intracerebral hemorrhage, highlighting a potential risk of brain damage and death. The study suggests that better biomarkers are needed to assess the extent of cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeCase study·DateMay 24, 2023

Study shines light on impact of environment on neurocognitive outcomes

A new study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that children with supportive environments fared better than those living in neighborhoods with economic hardship. Higher EHI scores were associated with lower cognitive abilities and greater decline after treatment, especially in math skills.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNeuro-Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2023

Children’s language development doesn’t just happen through words

Research by Professor Mila Vulchanova reveals associations between language development and cognitive skills in children. Non-verbal tests show that severity of language difficulties can be predicted based on cognitive markers, supporting the importance of measuring both verbal and non-verbal skills.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Language & Communication Disorders·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2023

How music can prevent cognitive decline

A study found that practicing music and active listening can alter cognitive decline in healthy seniors by promoting brain plasticity. The researchers discovered an increase in grey matter volume in four brain regions involved in high-level cognitive functioning.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNeuroImage·TypeNews article·DateApr 17, 2023

Mitochondria power-supply failure may cause age-related cognitive impairment

Researchers at Salk Institute discover that dysfunctional mitochondria at synapses fail to meet energetic demand, supplying either too much or too little power and potentially causing working memory impairment with age. Adherence to the ultrastructural size principle is essential for avoiding cognitive decline in aging brains.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2023

April issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover genetic underpinnings of common disorders, a digital intervention for depression and anxiety in youth, and more

The April issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry features studies on mood disorders, psychotic disorders, autism, and stress-related disorders. A special issue of The American Journal of Psychotherapy honors the work of Otto F. Kernberg, M.D.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 3, 2023

Psychedelics and Cognition: A New Look

A recent renaissance in psychedelic research investigates the cognitive effects of these drugs, shifting from mathematical modeling to behavioral and clinical studies. Studies have found that psychedelics can increase spontaneous creative insights while decreasing task-specific creativity, as well as affect memories in a malleable way.

Food insecurity and cognitive trajectories in older adults

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that food insecurity is associated with a decline in executive function among older adults. The research used data from 3,037 community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries and suggests that interventions to increase healthy food access may be crucial in mitigating cognitive decline.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 24, 2023

Repetitive negative thinking during low mood linked to suicidal thoughts – new study

A new study has found that increased rumination is a predictor of greater severity of suicidal ideation in young people with major depressive disorder. The study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, suggests that elevated cognitive rumination is associated with lower cortical surface area and suicidal ideation.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 16, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal study highlights epilepsy trends in China between 1990 and 2019

A Chinese Medical Journal study analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of epilepsy across China, finding significant increases in incidence and prevalence rates between 1990 and 2019. The study also showed a general decrease in age-standardized DALY rates with increasing socio-demographic index.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2023

Dental service use falls, oral health worsens after people become eligible for Medicare

A recent study found that nearly half of older adults receive no dental care and half lack dental insurance. After becoming eligible for Medicare, the percentage of people receiving restorative dental care decreased by 8.7%, while complete edentulism increased by almost 5 percentage points among those aged 65 and above.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2023

WVU study shows number of West Virginia infants exposed to drugs in the womb is 10 times higher than national rate

A new WVU study found nearly one in eight West Virginia infants had in utero exposure to opioids, stimulants, and/or cannabis between 2020 and 2022. The study showed a 40% increased risk of preterm birth among infants exposed to stimulants alone and a 70% increase with concurrent stimulant and cannabis exposures.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 7, 2023