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Association of mental disorders with dementia

Researchers found a significant association between mental disorders and dementia in a 30-year New Zealand study involving 1.7 million citizens. The study suggests that individuals with mental health conditions may be at higher risk of developing dementia, highlighting the importance of mental health care in preventing cognitive decline.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 16, 2022

Study reveals likely link between mitochondrial dysfunction and age-dependent cognitive disorders

Scientists demonstrate a definitive link between mitochondrial oxidative damage and cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease using a transgenic mouse model. The study found that Aβ1-42 aggregation in the hippocampus caused cognitive impairment, while oxidation led to mitochondrial dysfunction.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalBiomedicines·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022

Kessler Foundation scientists explore evidence for improving outcomes for prism adaptation therapy in stroke survivors

Researchers analyzed fMRI studies on healthy individuals and stroke survivors to understand the neural mechanisms underlying prism adaptation therapy. The study found differences in brain activity patterns between healthy individuals and those with spatial neglect, suggesting a shift in spatial processing to the left hemisphere.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalBrain Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022

Flavonoids may reduce mortality risk for people with Parkinson’s Disease

A recent study found that people with Parkinson's Disease who consume more flavonoids have a lower mortality risk than those who don't. The researchers discovered that higher flavonoid intake is associated with improved survival rates in both men and women, particularly when it comes to anthocyanin-rich foods like berries and red wine.

SourcePenn State·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2022

Prolonged exposure or cognitive processing therapy?

A landmark VA study found that prolonged exposure was statistically more effective than cognitive processing therapy in easing PTSD symptoms, with most Veterans showing meaningful improvement from both treatments. The researchers recommended shared decision-making between clinicians and patients to select their preferred treatment.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 19, 2022

Pilot study of exercise and cognition in progressive multiple sclerosis highlights need to assess outcomes of randomized controlled trials

A pilot study of exercise and cognition in progressive multiple sclerosis found that cardiorespiratory fitness and free-living physical activity were not associated with improved cognitive performance. The study, which analyzed data from 240 individuals with progressive MS, suggests that other mechanisms may be at play.

SourceKessler Foundation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2021

Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury show premature cognitive decline, in some ways comparable to that of people with early Parkinson's Disease and significantly worse than that of healthy non-veterans

Young veterans with mTBI experience premature cognitive decline in specific domains, matching elder normative scores and early-stage Parkinson's patients. The study highlights the significant negative impact of mTBI on cognitive function compared to healthy non-veterans.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 17, 2021

Alzheimer’s disease may cause vicious circle between brain network and immune cell dysfunctions

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discovered that non-convulsive epileptic activity drives chronic brain inflammation in Alzheimer's models, which can be reversed by eliminating protein tau or using the anti-epileptic drug levetiracetam. This link between brain networks and immune cells may hold promising treatments for Alzheimer's di...

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournaliScience·DateOct 26, 2021

Long COVID can negatively impact physical and cognitive function, employment, and quality of life for at least one year

A new study found that Long COVID can cause symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and cognitive impairment lasting over a year. The study also showed that more than 60% of patients experienced some level of cognitive impairment, with significant impacts on employment and quality of life.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateOct 25, 2021

Ketone supplement might be a novel therapeutic for boosting brain function in obesity

A new study found that ketone supplements enhanced blood flow to the brain and improved aspects of cognitive function, such as working memory and processing speed, in adults with obesity. This suggests that ketone supplements may be a novel therapeutic strategy for protecting and improving brain health in people with obesity.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Prevalence of spatial neglect prompts call for screening survivors of right and left brain strokes

A systematic review found spatial neglect to be prevalent among 29% of unilateral stroke survivors, with higher rates in right brain strokes and ecological assessments. This condition impairs cognitive and motor functions, slowing rehabilitation progress and increasing risk for injury.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalAnnals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 27, 2021

Who’s in cognitive control?

A new study published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience found that differences in cognitive control are not absolute, but rather a matter of degree. The research team, led by Todd Braver, used functional MRI to examine brain activity and behavior across four tasks in three conditions. Consistency was found in brain regions and b...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021

Signs of dementia are written in the blood, reveals new study

A new study published in PNAS has identified 33 metabolic compounds associated with dementia, which could aid in diagnosis and treatment. The researchers found that levels of these metabolites differed significantly between patients with dementia and healthy elderly individuals.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021

Postponed retirement slows cognitive decline

A recent study by MPIDR researchers found that participating in the labor market until age 67 slows cognitive decline and protects against cognitive impairment. This effect holds regardless of gender or educational/occupational attainment, with a slowed rate of cognitive decline rather than improved function.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalSSM - Population Health·DateAug 27, 2021

Using your smartwatch to reduce stress

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a smartwatch technology that can monitor and help lower stress levels by detecting changes in skin conductance response. The device sends reminders to listen to relaxing music when stress is detected, forming a closed-loop system.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalIEEE Access·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 24, 2021

New tool to quantify risk of cognitive dysfunction in drug treatment programs

Researchers have developed a simple assessment tool to evaluate patients' risk of cognitive dysfunction in drug treatment programs. The tool combines cognitive measures with patient demographics and health history to produce an overall risk score, helping staff identify accommodations needed for effective treatment.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2021

Study shows differences in rapidly processing sensory feedback among people with autism spectrum disorder

A study of over 200 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) found key differences in their fine motor control and eye movements compared to neurotypical peers. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple systems, including feedback and feed-forward systems, in understanding sensorimotor deficits in ASD.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalMolecular Autism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 11, 2021

New in Ethics & Human Research, July-August 2021

The article considers the ethical issues surrounding enrolling children with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder and fragile X syndrome, in clinical trials. Parents may face difficult decisions about whether to enroll their children due to concerns about potential loss of positive aspects of their condition.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalIRB Ethics and Human Research·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 9, 2021

White matter structural hubs and cognitive impairment

Damage to densely-packed white matter regions is strongly associated with cognitive impairment compared to gray matter regions; this suggests that white matter hubs are crucial for cognition. The study's findings provide insights into how brain damage affects cognitive abilities and may help explain differences in cognitive decline.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2021

Differences in cognitive decline between men, women

A pooled analysis of five studies reveals significant differences in cognitive decline between men and women, with women experiencing a more rapid decline. The study suggests that women's brains may be more susceptible to age-related cognitive changes, with potential implications for gender-specific interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 25, 2021

Exercise protocol mitigates one of the most incapacitating symptoms of Parkinson's disease

Researchers developed a complex physical exercise protocol to stimulate different motor and cognitive skills simultaneously, restoring brain regions associated with freezing of gait in advanced-stage Parkinson's disease patients. The protocol reduced symptoms by 60% and improved brain plasticity, providing new hope for treatment.

Comparing yoga, other treatments for anxiety

A randomized clinical trial found Kundalini yoga and cognitive behavioral therapy to be more effective than stress education in treating generalized anxiety disorder. Yoga was shown to be noninferior to CBT for the treatment of the disorder, suggesting a potential alternative or complement to traditional therapies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 12, 2020

Alcoholics Anonymous method can mesh well with other treatments for alcohol misuse

A Baylor University researcher suggests that clinicians should be aware of their misconceptions about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and educate themselves about the program to integrate it into their work with clients. Both AA and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aim to help individuals accept personal responsibility for their actions.

SourceBaylor University·JournalTraining and Education in Professional Psychology·DateApr 28, 2020

Parkinson's disease may start in the gut

Researchers have mapped out cell types behind various brain disorders, including Parkinson's disease, indicating that the disease may start in the gut. Oligodendrocytes were found to be affected early on, suggesting they play a key role in the early stages of the disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 27, 2020