Articles tagged with Cognitive Function
A new study from Northwestern University found that individuals with higher conscientiousness tend to have greater cognitive resilience in older age. In contrast, those with higher neuroticism are more likely to experience worse cognitive function despite similar levels of neuropathology.
A new study published in the journal Addiction found that moderate cannabis use during adolescence can have adverse effects on cognitive function, especially verbal memory. The study compared siblings to account for environmental and genetic factors, shedding light on the potential risks of cannabis use on developing brains.
A new study from Harvard Medical School found that Black former NFL players experience significant health disparities, including more pain, physical impairment, mood disorders, and cognitive problems compared to white peers. Other nonwhite athletes also face similar challenges.
A new analysis reveals that education has a positive impact on cognitive function in early and middle adulthood, but does not prevent age-related cognitive declines. Individuals with more years of schooling tend to have higher levels of cognitive function until later in life.
A recent study by the University of Tsukuba found that regular physical activity improves cognitive skills, especially in children with initially poor executive function. The research suggests daily physical activity is critical for school-aged children and has practical implications for educational institutions.
A study from the University of Georgia found that light to moderate drinking may preserve brain function in older adults. The study examined cognitive function over time among middle-aged and older adults in the US and found a correlation between light drinking and better cognitive performance.
A nationally representative US adult sample found that low to moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a slower rate of age-related decline in cognitive function. The study's results suggest that moderate drinking may have protective effects against cognitive decline in older adulthood.
A study by University of Copenhagen found that prolonged exposure to sunlight on the head significantly impairs cognitive functions and motor skills, leading to decreased productivity and safety. The researchers emphasize the need for protection against sunlight to mitigate these effects.
A new Irish study challenges claims that high blood levels of folate increase the risk of poor cognition in older adults. The study found no evidence of adverse effects, while higher folate levels were associated with better cognitive function in older adults.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that menopause can reduce cognitive function and potentially play a role in Alzheimer's development in women. Animal studies using surgically induced menopause in rats showed poor memory and learning, indicating a decline in cognitive function.
Research finds that people with Type 2 diabetes experience worse cognitive performance after a stroke compared to those without the condition. However, prediabetes is not associated with similar cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
A study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found a strong association between long-term exposure to segregated neighborhoods and decreased processing speed in midlife. The study analyzed data from over 1,500 black participants and found that high segregation was linked to poorer cognitive function.
A study of 161 Japanese adults with Alzheimer's disease found that day service users experienced significant improvements in cognitive function over six months. The Mini-Mental State Examination scores showed notable enhancements in orientation, attention, memory, language, and visual-spatial skills.
Researchers at KAIST found that neuropeptide somatostatin improves visual processing and cognitive functions by reducing excitatory inputs to parvalbumin-positive interneurons. The study provides a new insight into the therapeutics of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
A recent analysis found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet correlates with higher cognitive function and slower cognitive decline. High fish and vegetable consumption had the greatest protective effect on cognition.
A study found that people with type 2 diabetes who have a lacunar stroke experience better cognitive function when their glucose levels are well-controlled. This association remains significant even after adjusting for other factors.
A new study led by NUI Galway researchers provides insights into the neural basis of general cognitive ability (IQ) and its relationship with brain structure and schizophrenia. The research used diffusion tensor imaging to analyze brain scans and measures of cognitive function in over 1,700 participants.
Research by the American Psychological Association finds that middle-aged and older adults who disengage from mentally stimulating activities after retirement may be at increased risk of cognitive decline. Women are more likely to experience this decline than men, according to the study.
A new study found that high blood pressure in young adulthood is associated with significant declines in cognitive function and gait in midlife. The research, published in Circulation, suggests that treating high blood pressure earlier may prevent future cognitive decline and mobility issues.
A promising new study by University of Melbourne researchers suggests that wearing hearing aids may delay cognitive decline in older adults. The study found significant improvements in executive function, working memory, and quality of life for participants aged 62-82 years with hearing loss.
Researchers uncover that neuronal necrosis occurs earlier in Alzheimer's progression than thought and identifies YAP as a key regulator. Early intervention with YAP supplementation can prevent neuron loss, restore cognitive function, and reduce beta-amyloid plaques.
A study of 677 participants found higher abdominal fat was associated with lower scores on memory and language tasks. Visceral adiposity may impact cognitive decline in older patients with diabetes, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions.
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.