Articles tagged with Cognitive Function
A systematic review of over a decade of studies on anticholinergic medications found significant adverse effects on both cognitive and physical functioning in older adults. The review suggests that these medications may negatively impact their ability to feed, dress, and engage in daily activities.
A psychology researcher proposes a new theory, 'selective engagement,' to explain why older adults show declining cognitive ability in lab settings but not in daily life. Motivation plays a key role in this disparity, with tasks deemed personally relevant eliciting higher cognitive performance.
Researchers found that motivation, crystallized knowledge, and compensatory mechanisms can help maintain cognitive function in older adults. Contrary to popular beliefs, older adults may not be more susceptible to consumer fraud.
Researchers at Duke-NUS found that short sleep is linked to faster brain ventricle enlargement and decline in cognitive performance. The study of 66 older Chinese adults suggests that seven hours of sleep per day may be optimal for brain health.
Researchers recommend moving emphasis from dysfunction to competence, and propose embodiment theory as a viable solution. The latest edition of the DSM-5 also focuses on improving evaluations of persons with TBI by mental health professionals.
A new study from Turkey finds that women with gestational diabetes perform worse on cognitive function tests, including a 30-point test for mild cognitive impairment and visual memory tests. The researchers suggest that early interventions and therapies may delay cognitive impairment in diabetes.
Children who are physically fit have faster and more robust neuro-electrical brain responses during reading, corresponding to better language skills. The study found higher amplitude N400 and P600 waves in fitter children, suggesting they processed information more quickly and efficiently.
Research suggests that maintaining healthy blood pressure, sugar levels, and cholesterol as a young adult may help prevent cognitive decline in mid-life. A 25-year study of 3,381 participants found that those with higher risk factors scored lower on cognitive function tests in their 40s and 50s.
Research study examines association between cognitive function and tactile, taste perceptions in elderly. Results show positive correlation between cognitive function and oral perception, suggesting decline in cognitive function is related to impaired oral perception in independently-living octogenarians.
A recent study by IIASA researchers found that education significantly improves cognitive function in seniors and slows down cognitive decline. The study examined variation in years of schooling in six European countries during the 1950s and 1960s and showed that compulsory educational reforms had a positive impact on mental functioning.
A research team led by Mathew Diamond found that rats have a 'working memory' system, conceptually similar to humans', which enables them to recognize and interact with environmental stimuli.
Most multivitamin supplements have no benefit in preventing chronic disease or death, and long-term use does not preserve cognitive function. Researchers found that high doses of multivitamins and minerals do not protect against cardiovascular events following myocardial infarction.
The study found that perinatal exposure to estrogen-like compounds may be associated with a host of health problems. The researchers aim to review the latest advances in morphological definition, developmental mechanisms, and environmental factors that can influence the development of the sexually dimorphic nucleus.
A study analyzing resting-state functional MRI data from four populations reveals that Alzheimer's disease is associated with a decline in brain network efficiency. As cognitive deficits increase, the shortest path in the network increases while clustering coefficients decrease.
Researchers found that learning new skills, such as photography, improves memory in older adults, while less demanding activities like listening to classical music or completing word puzzles have little impact. Engaging in unfamiliar and mentally stimulating activities is crucial for maintaining cognitive vitality with age.
A new study links obstructive lung disease to impaired cognitive functions, including memory and information processing. Researchers analyzed 5,764 people with OLD and found significant declines in memory tests, pairs matching tests, and reaction time.
A systematic review of 12 studies confirms a positive impact on cognitive function associated with higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet. However, results for mild cognitive impairment are inconsistent, highlighting the need for further research.
Research suggests that poverty can impair cognitive functioning, leading to poor decision-making and perpetuating financial struggles. The study found that individuals with pressing financial concerns exhibit a significant drop in cognitive function, similar to a 13-point dip in IQ.
A recent study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that individuals with type 2 diabetes and normal kidney function who have persistent albuminuria (protein in the urine) are at a greater risk for cognitive decline. The study, which followed 2977 diabetics over four to five years, showed that t...
Research from University of Luxembourg finds employment gaps during working life can decrease cognitive reserve, with training and maternity spells associated with slower cognitive decline. The study suggests cognitively stimulating activities during employment gaps may have beneficial effects on cognitive function.
Increased visit-to-visit blood pressure variability is associated with worse performance on cognitive tests, including selective attention and reaction time, general cognitive speed, immediate and delayed memory. Higher variability also links to higher stroke risk, independent of average blood pressure.
New research suggests that dementia prevalence in the UK has fallen from 8.3% in 1991 to 6.5% in 2011, a reduction of 24.1%. This decline is attributed to lower rates among women and no change in prevalence among men.
A study of postmenopausal hormone therapy found no long-term benefits or risks to cognitive function in women aged 50-55. Cognitive assessments conducted 7.2 years after treatment cessation showed similar global and domain-specific cognitive functioning between those who received hormone therapy and placebo.
A study finds that active smokers with alcohol dependence show more problems with memory, problem-solving skills, and cognitive efficiency than non-smokers. The effects become greater with increasing age, suggesting that chronic cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol consumption exacerbate neurocognitive decline in older adults.
Researchers found that five days of cognitive training combined with transcranial random noise stimulation led to long-lasting improvements in math ability and brain function. The study, published in Current Biology, suggests that TRNS enables the brain to work more efficiently by synchronizing neuron activity.
Researchers have identified key biological changes in people with presymptomatic Huntington's disease, which can predict disease progression and guide treatment trials. Baseline measures from brain imaging were found to be the clearest markers of disease progression beyond age and CAG length.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that increased heart disease risk factors can negatively impact cognitive function in young adults. The study revealed a significant association between smoking, diabetes, and poor cognitive scores, with heavy smokers experiencing a lower cognitive function than non-smokers.
Researchers found subtle effects of konzo on children's cognitive ability, even without physical symptoms. The study highlights the need for public health education programs to prevent outbreaks and create nontoxic cassava varieties.
A new study has created a 'toxicity map' of the brain to help protect cognitive function in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. The map relates treatment dose to brain function, shedding light on the impact of radiation on cognitive performance.
A nationwide Swedish study of over 300,000 young men found that those with low cognitive scores were at a higher risk of sustaining a mild traumatic brain injury. The study also identified other risk factors for mild traumatic brain injuries, including socioeconomic status and physical fitness.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that individuals with a higher genetic risk of schizophrenia are more likely to experience a decline in IQ as they age. The research, conducted by the University of Edinburgh, used advanced genetic analysis techniques to investigate how thinking skills change over time.
Aerobic exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function in older adults, including task switching, selective attention, and working memory. The evidence suggests that regular physical activity can attenuate age-related decline in these areas, providing a simple means for people to optimize their brain power.
A systematic review of 14 studies and 1,600 participants found lasting decrements in neurological and cognitive function, particularly in memory and information processing speed. The study's findings suggest that low-level exposure to organophosphate pesticides may be associated with impaired cognitive function.
A study of over 1,200 participants found no significant improvement in cognitive and functional status for those treated with citicoline after traumatic brain injury, contradicting its widespread use as a neuroprotective agent.
A study by Temple University found a significant association between decreased kidney function and reduced global cognitive ability, abstract reasoning, and verbal memory. Researchers tracked 590 individuals over five years to examine the longitudinal impact of renal decline on cognitive functioning.
Research shows that exposure to fine air particulate matter may be an environmental risk factor for reduced cognitive function in older adults. Cognitive decline was associated with every ten point increase in fine air particulate matter exposures, equivalent to aging three years.
A Montreal Heart Institute study found that middle-aged people with increased cardiovascular risk showed significant improvements in cognitive functions after four months of high-intensity interval training. The participants' waist circumference and trunk fat mass decreased, while their VO2max and insulin sensitivity increased.
A four-month high-intensity interval training program improved cognitive functions in previously sedentary adults. The exercise increased blood flow to the brain, leading to sharper thinking, recall, and decision-making abilities.
A recent study published in CMAJ found that engaging in four healthy behaviors during midlife significantly increases the chances of successful aging. These behaviors include not smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, exercise, and eating fruits and vegetables daily.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that men and women with autism spectrum conditions exhibit different cognitive abilities. Women with autism performed comparably to non-autistic women in tasks involving attention to detail, while men struggled with similar challenges.
A recent study published in Frontiers found that veterans who smoke are more likely to experience cognitive impairment and are at a higher risk of relapse. The research controlled for genetic variables and showed that smokers performed worse on measures of learning, memory, and processing speed compared to non-smokers.
Research suggests that maintaining healthy lungs may be crucial for retaining problem-solving and processing speed in older adults. The study found no link between poorer lung health and loss of stored knowledge or memory, but showed a correlation between reduced pulmonary function and steeper declines in cognitive abilities.
Research from Karolinska Institutet found a significant association between difficulty chewing hard food and cognitive impairment, including dementia. The study of 557 people aged 77 or older suggests that maintaining good chewing ability may be crucial for brain health.
A study by Dr. Jesus Lovera and colleagues found that Ginkgo biloba does not improve cognitive function in people with Multiple Sclerosis, contradicting earlier small studies. The researchers suggest that the supplement may be beneficial earlier in the disease process or for participants with more severe impairments.
A new study found that elderly subjects who underwent temporal training improved not only their rate of processing auditory information but also other cognitive areas such as attention and short-term memory. The results were long-lasting, with effects confirmed 18 months after the training.
Recent studies from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health reveal that long-term methadone treatment can affect nerve cells in the brain, leading to changes in cognitive functioning. However, a separate study found no alteration in the formation of new nerve cells, providing some relief for methadone patients.
Consuming cocoa flavanol-rich products daily may improve memory and cognition in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Researchers found significant improvements in cognitive scores, insulin resistance, blood pressure, and oxidative stress for those drinking high and intermediate levels of flavanols.
Older adults tend to prefer positive looking patterns and show improved mood regulation when focusing on positive stimuli. This research suggests a causal link between positive looking and mood regulation in older adults.
A recent study by the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that binge drinking in older adults is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Participants who reported binge drinking at least once a month were 62% more likely to experience significant declines in cognitive function and memory.
New research establishes a link between postoperative delirium and prolonged loss of cognitive function in cardiac surgery patients. Interventions to prevent delirium may help cardiac patients avoid long-term cognitive consequences.
A recent study published in Annals of Neurology found that consuming high amounts of saturated fat was associated with poorer overall cognitive function and memory in women over time. In contrast, eating more monounsaturated fats, commonly found in olive oil, may help prevent decline in memory and cognitive performance.
A new study found that people engage in media multitasking despite knowing it impairs their performance, as it provides an emotional boost. The research recruited 32 college students to record their activities for four weeks, showing that multitasking was more likely when cognitive or habitual needs were present.
Researchers at UBC and VCH found that a senior's exercise program using resistance-training can improve executive cognitive functions, associative memory, and brain plasticity. The study suggests that resistance training can be an effective prevention strategy for dementia.
Elite soccer players exhibit superior executive functions compared to non-players, correlating with performance in goals and assists. Cognitive flexibility and creativity are also essential components of top-tier athleticism.
A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found a strong link between irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) and cognitive decline, dementia, and loss of independence in daily activities. Researchers analyzed data from two large trials and found that patients with atrial fibrillation were 34% more likely to experienc...
Researchers found that playing World of Warcraft improved spatial ability and focus in older adults who scored poorly on cognitive tests before playing the game. However, memory performance showed no significant improvement.
Researchers discover a small protein fragment that enhances synaptic plasticity, leading to improved learning and memory in rats. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and its manipulation for cognitive enhancement.
New research from North Carolina State University shows that a fluctuating sense of control is associated with improved cognitive abilities in older adults. The study found that participants who normally reported low sense of control performed better on problem-solving tests when feeling more in control.
A Yale University study found that factors like chronic conditions, low physical activity, and hospitalization increase the likelihood of elderly disability. Women are also more likely to become disabled in later years.
A brain training computer game called Brain Age can improve executive functions and processing speeds, but does not affect global cognitive status or attention. The study suggests that it may be possible to improve some cognitive functions quite rapidly with a relatively short training period.