Articles tagged with Cognitive Function
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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.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that reduced cognitive function in adolescence is associated with a higher risk of subdural hematoma later in life. On the other hand, higher levels of education and physical fitness were linked to a decreased risk of this condition.
A new study measures brain function to assess the impact of aging on a nation's economy. Cognitive function is found to be a better indicator of the burden of aging than chronological age. The study suggests that education, nutrition, and health standards are key factors in maintaining cognitive ability across nations.
A new clinical trial found that Pycnogenol, a natural antioxidant plant extract, significantly enhances mental performance in healthy college students. The study revealed improved sustained attention, memory, and mood, as well as higher test scores on university exams and reduced anxiety by 17 percent.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that playing violent video games for a week can lead to changes in the brain's frontal regions associated with emotion and aggressive behavior. The study, which followed 28 healthy adult males, showed reduced activation in these areas after one week of gameplay.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals that people who share sensory experiences, such as enjoying a cupcake, tend to dampen their emotions and are less likely to spread word-of-mouth opinions about them. In contrast, sharing practical experiences, like using a USB stick, increases understanding and enthusiasm.
Studies of older adults reveal distinct immunologic patterns associated with physical and cognitive resilience, which could help identify individuals at risk for illness. The findings suggest that the immune system undergoes dynamic changes with age, influencing function.
A new supplemental issue of Journals of Gerontology Series B explores the relationship between cognitive aging and health, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. The studies presented in the issue aim to understand the complex interplay between age-related socioeconomic, racial/ethnic, gender, and health disparities.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that complex insurance choices in Medicare Advantage plans can lead to poor decisions among elderly patients with low cognitive ability. These patients often benefit from more generous coverage but struggle to navigate the numerous options.
A new RAND Corporation study found that older women who live in lower socioeconomic status neighborhoods exhibit lower cognitive functioning compared to those in more affluent areas. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 women and found that neighborhood socioeconomic status was significantly associated with cognitive function.
Two studies found that engaging in regular physical activity is linked to less decline in cognitive function in older adults. The studies used objective measures of energy expenditure to analyze data and found a significant association between physical activity and lower rates of cognitive impairment.
A study found that middle-aged adults who slept more or less than 6-8 hours per night experienced accelerated cognitive decline equivalent to four to seven years of aging. This association was seen in both men and women, with no beneficial effects observed for increased sleep duration.
A study found that older adults with the APOE ε4 allele who reside in psychosocially hazardous neighborhoods exhibit poorer cognitive performance in various domains, including processing speed and executive function. The presence of APOE ε4 alleles in African American populations also showed a significant impact on cognitive function.
A UC Irvine study reveals that activities like physical activity, nutrition, relationships, fun, and spirituality can significantly improve mental health. The study found that these therapeutic lifestyle changes can offer advantages over medications, including fewer side effects and complications.
A study published in JAMA found that severe sepsis is associated with significant cognitive impairment and functional disability in older patients. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 patients who survived severe sepsis and found a high rate of new functional limitations, including increased caregiver time and mortality.
A study found that Ritalin improved impaired brain function and enhanced cognitive performance in people addicted to cocaine. The medication combined with cognitive interventions may have a role in facilitating recovery from drug addiction.
Researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston advocate for reclassifying traumatic brain injury as a chronic disease to ensure proper care and funding for research. The study highlights the long-term effects of brain trauma on cognitive function, physiological processes, and quality of life.
A 7-year study found that moderate wine consumption, especially among women, is associated with better performance on cognitive tests. The study suggests that polyphenols and other microelements in wine may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline with ageing.
Research shows that IBS is associated with both decreases and increases in grey matter density in key brain areas involved in attention, emotion regulation, and pain inhibition. These findings suggest a 'brain-gut disorder' component and move beyond the traditional view of IBS as a functional syndrome.
A study found that vitamin D levels were associated with better cognitive performance in elderly individuals receiving home care. Those with sufficient vitamin D blood levels performed better on executive function tests, suggesting a potential link between vitamin D and mental agility.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that adults with mild sickle cell disease scored lower on brain function tests compared to healthy participants. Cognitive functioning was linked to severity of anemia, and older patients showed greater impairment.
Research suggests that adult patients with few or mild complications of sickle cell disease may develop cognitive problems, such as difficulty organizing thoughts or learning. The study found that more than a third of participants scored below normal levels on cognitive function tests.
A large trial found no link between fish oil supplements and improved cognitive function in people aged 70-80 years. High intakes of omega-3 fatty acids were observed after two years, but no benefits for memory or concentration were detected.
Patients with multiple sclerosis reported significant improvements in quality of life, physical function, and cognitive abilities after one year of TYSABRI treatment. Fatigue and overall well-being also showed notable reductions.
Highly fit multiple sclerosis patients perform significantly better on tests of cognitive function than similar less-fit patients. Aerobic fitness has a protective effect on parts of the brain most affected by MS, leading to better performance on tasks that measure processing speed.