Articles tagged with Cognitive Function
A study found that intensive blood pressure control in people aged 80 and older reduces the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and mild cognitive impairment, but increases the risk of declines in kidney function. Benefits were highest in those with higher cognitive performance.
The American College of Physicians recommends testosterone treatment for men with age-related low testosterone only to treat sexual dysfunction. Testosterone treatment has shown small improvements in sexual and erectile function, but not in energy, vitality, or cognition.
Researchers used MRI to assess neural activity in preterm infants and adults, finding similar patterns of interindividual variability in brain network activity. The study suggests that age-related increases in brain network variability may be linked to cortical maturation and expansion.
A new study suggests that individuals with psychotic disorders experience persistent cognitive impairment across all areas of ability measured. Cognitive decline in these individuals may exceed expected age-related changes in some areas, particularly those related to symptoms and employment.
Researchers found associations between sensory difficulties, cognitive impairments, and disease severity in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Sensory processing deficits also affected functional performance of everyday life activities.
A nationwide, multiple-site study will investigate whether lifestyle changes can improve chronic sleep problems, which have been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to identify an effective strategy for improving sleep that could prevent Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
An international team developed a framework for cities to quantify and incorporate nature's benefits on mental health, considering elements of nature, contact, interactions, and benefits. This tool aims to address environmental justice and health disparities in underserved communities.
Researchers found that new neurons continue to form well into old age, including in people with cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The study provides evidence that neurogenesis may moderate the effects of brain pathology, suggesting potential therapeutic possibilities.
A study examining sleep data from a pan-Canadian cohort of 28,485 participants found that chronic insomnia disorder is directly associated with cognitive problems in people aged 45 and over. The main type of memory affected was declarative memory, independent of other factors.
A new study evaluates the effectiveness of three home-based assessment methods to monitor cognitive function and decline in participants over 75. The results show that all approaches are feasible but with varying degrees of success, and suggest potential improvements in participant retention rates and reduced costs.
A study on chronically indebted individuals in Singapore found that debt relief reduces anxiety and improves financial decisions. Paying off total debt was more effective than reducing partial debts.
Research presents findings on the role of social support and sense of purpose in preserving cognitive abilities with age among Hispanics/Latinos. Higher scores on ethnic identity, life engagement, and social support are associated with higher cognitive functioning, whereas loneliness and familism are linked to lower cognitive function.
Poorer cognitive function in older adults is associated with poorer oral health and a higher risk of tooth loss. A study of 4,416 UK adults found that those with lower cognitive function scores had a 39% higher odds of tooth loss compared to those with higher scores.
Research suggests that childhood affluence may hinder cognitive development in adulthood, as those with the most advantageous conditions experience stronger cognitive decline over time. This study analyzed data from 24,066 individuals and found a paradoxical relationship between socioeconomic status and cognitive aging.
A new study finds that people with psychosis experience accelerated aging of brain networks important for general cognition, but at a faster rate than healthy individuals. This accelerated decline can be a promising target for early intervention and cognitive remediation strategies to improve functional outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that frailty is associated with cognitive decline in adults undergoing kidney transplantation. Cognitive function improved after transplantation but declined in frail recipients over several years.
Research reveals an important cerebellar function in cognitive and emotional control, shedding light on connections between cerebellar damage and mental challenges. The study also identifies a direct pathway between the cerebellum and the ventral tegmental area, which regulates dopamine release.
Researchers describe the potential of digital neuropsychology to improve cognitive testing and measure brain functioning in health and disease. Digital tools can capture subtle information about test takers' cognition, including moment-to-moment changes.
Aerobic exercise shows promise in improving cognitive function and reducing weight gain in schizophrenia patients. Researchers are enrolling over 200 participants to test the effects of aerobic exercise versus a control group.
A new digital software tool, THINC-it, evaluates cognitive functions of severely depressed people and provides an accurate measure of patients' cognitive difficulties. The research assessed the tool's effectiveness in checking the cognitive function of 127 life-long sufferers of MDD.
Scientists review interplay between sleep and TBI to improve diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Early treatment is crucial for optimal cognitive recovery, and non-pharmacologic interventions like regular bedtime routines and sleep-conducive environments can help.
A study suggests that microdosing psychedelics can improve creative problem-solving abilities by enhancing divergent and convergent thinking. Participants who took a tiny fraction of a normal dose of psychedelic substances showed improved performance on tasks requiring alternative solutions and convergent thinking.
A study by Drexel University researchers explores the public's willingness to use brain stimulation devices, revealing a divide between personal and moral acceptance. Participants were more likely to support using brain stimulation on others to repair cognitive functions than enhance their own abilities.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that dietary fiber can reduce brain inflammation in old mice, leading to improved memory and reduced cognitive decline. The researchers discovered that high-fiber diets elevated butyrate levels in the blood, which had anti-inflammatory properties on microglia.
A new study reveals that older adults fitted with cochlear implants exhibit poorer cognitive function than normal-hearing counterparts. Rehabilitation should be adjusted to the cognitive profile of cochlear implant patients, and further studies are needed to determine the impact of implants on cognition and decline.
Mice deficient in tPA exhibited greater white matter damage and cognitive function loss after TBI, while tPA treatment improved neurological function. The study suggests a potential therapeutic target for recovering from TBI.
Researchers explore the influence of dietary nitrate supplementation on cerebral hemodynamics and cognitive function in veterans with Gulf War Illness. Studies suggest that beetroot juice may improve cerebrovascular system functioning due to its high organic nitrate composition.
A study published in JNeurosci found that increased frontal brain activity in healthy older adults is associated with reduced cognitive efficiency, not compensation for age-related decline. The research suggests that the extent to which an older brain operates like a younger one is a key determinant of cognitive function in old age.
A 10-year follow-up of 6,500 people found that those living in greener neighborhoods experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those living in less green areas. The study suggests that exposure to urban environmental hazards can have negative effects on mental capacity after aging.
A study of over 2,500 adults found that visual impairment is strongly associated with cognitive decline. Maintaining good vision through prevention and treatment may help reduce age-related cognitive changes.
A study published in Acta Diabetologica found that people with diabetes and prediabetes who have lower sleep efficiency have poorer cognitive function than those with better sleep efficiency. The researchers also found that having diabetes was associated with lower cognitive function scores.
A large study of over 91,000 people found a strong association between disrupted body clock rhythms and an increased risk of depression, bipolar disorder, and poor wellbeing. Disruptions to normal daily circadian rhythms were linked to mood instability, loneliness, lower happiness, and worse cognitive function.
A University of Otago study found that New Zealanders with dementia and older men have poorer oral health, with dirtier and more decayed teeth. The researchers emphasize the need for improved oral care in aged residential care, citing higher rates of cognitive and physical impairments as a major challenge.
Researchers linked cognitive function levels to crash risk in older drivers without dementia, finding lower cognitive function increases the risk of motor vehicle crashes. Depression also increased the risk for these drivers.
Frequent cannabis use among young people is associated with decreased cognitive performance, which subsides with abstinence. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 69 studies found a significant link between heavy cannabis use and reduced cognitive function.
A new study published in PNAS demonstrates that a novel hormone replacement therapy can improve cognitive function and working memory capacity in patients with adrenal insufficiency. The therapy involves replicating the natural secretion patterns of cortisol, resulting in better outcomes compared to traditional constant infusion methods.
A new study found that lower sodium levels in the blood, known as hyponatremia, are related to declines in cognitive function with advancing age. Slightly lower serum sodium levels were associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment and decline over time, while high serum sodium was also linked to cognitive decline.
A new study reveals that genetic factors causing autism spectrum disorders diminish brain cognitive functions, leading to lower non-verbal IQ. Motor skills also correlate with de novo mutations in ASD, making them a sensitive indicator of damage.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that compounds derived from hops can improve glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and sensitivity to leptin in people with metabolic syndrome. The findings suggest that these compounds may be a promising treatment option for the condition.
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center conducted a study on a brain pacemaker to slow the decline of problem-solving and decision-making skills in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The deep brain stimulation (DBS) implant improved cognitive, behavioral, and functional abilities in patients.
Researchers found a correlation between predictable maternal sensory signals and improved cognitive function in children, with unpredictable signals linked to memory problems. Maternal predictability may influence cognitive development across species.
A study of over 30,000 older US adults found that visual impairment is associated with worse cognitive function. Visual dysfunction was also linked to broader limitations in function from cognitive and directly visual tasks.
Researchers manipulate brain connections to enhance or impair cognitive functions, offering potential therapeutic applications for psychiatric disorders and learning disabilities.
A 16-year study found that men who never smoked, maintained a healthy diet, and weren
A new Finnish study found that greater muscle strength is associated with better cognitive function in ageing men and women. The association was observed when including upper or lower body muscle strength in the model, but not when using handgrip strength alone.
Researchers propose that a single neural network, the fronto-parietal network, relies on 'emulation' to perform various cognitive tasks. This process creates an abstract dynamic image of movements, enabling the brain to strengthen motor skills and construct precise representations.
A new Penn study found that ICU doctors are better at predicting patients' survival rates than their cognitive function, with confidence levels improving accuracy. Nurses' predictions were less accurate but still informative for guiding family decisions.
A new pilot study reports that Mexican-American stroke survivors are less likely to receive inpatient rehabilitation than non-Hispanic whites. The research team found that only 30% of Mexican-Americans received inpatient rehab while 73% of non-Hispanic whites did.
A comprehensive neuropsychological study of retired professional hockey players found they reported cognitive and psychosocial challenges, despite performing well on objective tests. The study suggests a link between concussion history and executive functioning, and genetic factors may play a role in psychiatric symptoms.
New research shows that evolocumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor, effectively lowers LDL cholesterol levels beyond current targets and reduces adverse cardiovascular events. In contrast to previous studies, this study found no association between evolocumab use and decline in memory or cognitive function.
Despite growing numbers of centenarians, Chinese oldest-old population faces poor physical and cognitive function. Research finds decreased mortality rates, but worsening physical and cognitive abilities among the aged.
A study by the University of Exeter found that drinking concentrated blueberry juice improved cognitive function, blood flow to the brain, and working memory in healthy older adults. Flavonoids, rich in blueberries, may be an important component in causing these effects.
A woman in Argentina endured multiple strokes, resulting in extensive brain damage, yet remained functional. Despite lesions in both hemispheres, her cognitive abilities and emotional recognition remained near-normal.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that executive cognitive functions in children and young people can be quantified and linked to their performance on the football pitch. The study found strong results for simpler forms of executive function, such as working memory, to be associated with success.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are studying biometric data from Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hikers to identify patterns of biological and cognitive markers that may precede serious health events. The study, R2R WATCH, aims to improve preventive education and treatment for exercise-associated hyponatremia.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a Processing Speed Training Game (PSTG) that significantly improved processing speed and inhibition among healthy older adults. Regular playing of PSTG also reduced depressive moods compared to a Knowledge Quiz Training Game (KQTG).
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that patterns of white matter microstructure present at birth and after birth predict cognitive function in children at ages 1 and 2. The study used diffusion tensor imaging to identify 12 white matter fiber tracts important for cognitive function, which wer...
Research reveals that endurance running alters brain structure and function in ways similar to complex tasks like playing a musical instrument. The study found greater functional connectivity in the brains of young adult cross country runners compared to sedentary individuals.
A study of Israeli adolescents found that higher BMI in late adolescence and long-term cumulative burden of BMI predict poorer cognitive function later in life. Taller stature was associated with better global cognitive function, independent of socioeconomic position.
A new research letter published online by JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that walking fewer than 900 steps per day is associated with hospitalization-associated functional decline in older hospitalized patients. The study included 177 older patients who walked less than 900 steps per day, with 55.4% experiencing functional decline.