Articles tagged with Cognitive Function
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.
A longitudinal study of 80 Canadian mom-baby pairs found that mothers who used effective parenting techniques, such as responding quickly to requests and encouraging problem-solving strategies, helped their children develop better executive functioning skills. This skillset is crucial for later school success and social competence.
A new study found that 12 months of resistance training improved executive cognitive function in senior women aged 65-75 years old, enabling them to make accurate decisions quickly. The exercise also led to increased walking speed, a predictor of significant reduction in mortality.
Two studies found moderate physical activity in midlife reduces risk of mild cognitive impairment. A six-month high-intensity aerobic exercise program improves cognitive function in individuals with the condition. Moderate exercise is associated with a 39% reduction in odds of developing mild cognitive impairment.
A large national study on testosterone's effectiveness will be conducted at LA BioMed, focusing on its impact on anemia, cardiovascular disease, and other health conditions in older men with low testosterone levels. The Testosterone Trial will involve 800 men across 12 sites, including LA BioMed, to evaluate the treatment's benefits.
A study of 970 older adults found that those with weaker muscles were more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and experience cognitive decline. Muscle strength was also linked to the development of mild cognitive impairment, suggesting a common pathogenesis underlying loss of muscle strength and cognition in aging.
Middle-aged and older adults with little Internet experience showed significant brain activation patterns after just a week of online training. The study found that internet searching can stimulate neural activity, enhancing decision-making and complex reasoning in older adults.
A new study links impaired kidney function to faster cognitive decline in older adults, especially in episodic, semantic, and working memory. The researchers found that poor kidney function accelerated cognitive decline equivalent to seven years of age at baseline.
Research suggests that reading surreal literature like Kafka's 'The Country Doctor' can enhance implicit pattern learning and accuracy. Participants who read the nonsensical story performed better on an artificial-grammar task than those who read a rewritten version with a logical plot.
A study of 6,476 adults aged 70+ found no link between cognitive decline and socioeconomic status. However, seniors who never married or are widowers tend to perform poorer as they age.
A study found that elderly individuals with reported self-neglect or abuse have a significantly increased risk of death, particularly within the first year. Confirmed elder abuse was also associated with a higher risk of overall mortality.
Researchers found a significant association between low sunlight exposure and cognitive impairment in depressed individuals. The study used NASA satellite data to measure sunlight exposure across the US, linking it to depression and cognitive function.
A study by MU researchers found that cancer survivors experience mild decreases in skills like verbal fluency and problem-solving ability, impacting their daily lives. The researchers identified specific interventions, such as pharmaceuticals and cognitive behavior techniques, to help patients manage these challenges.
Researchers found that a 'heart healthy' diet, rich in whole grains, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and nuts, may slow cognitive decline. Ongoing moderate physical activity was also associated with improved cognitive function in older adults.
Researchers at NC State University are studying the impact of video games on cognitive functioning in older adults, with a focus on attentional demand, novelty, and social interaction. They plan to develop a prototype game based on their findings to improve memory and thinking skills in the elderly.
The study found that US seniors performed significantly better than their English counterparts in cognitive function, with a decade of ageing equivalent between the two groups. Lower levels of depressive symptoms and higher prevalence of hypertension among US adults may have contributed to this advantage.
A study of 2,500 elderly individuals found that those with moderate exercise habits, high education levels, and social engagement were more likely to retain their cognitive skills. These factors, which can be changed through lifestyle modifications, may help prevent or slow the onset of dementia.
Patients who received three infusions of TYSABRI reported significant improvements in general and disease-specific measurements of quality of life (QoL) and cognitive function. Cognitive functioning was assessed by Medical Outcomes Study Cognitive Functioning Scale, with higher scores indicating improved cognition.
Researchers found that former athletes who experienced concussion during their early sporting life showed a decline in attention, memory, and motor function compared to those with no concussion. The study's findings suggest long-term effects of concussion on mental and physical processes.
A recent study published in Neurobiology of Aging found that being physically fit significantly improves blood flow to the brain, leading to enhanced cognitive abilities. The research, conducted by Marc Poulin and his team, involved comparing two groups of women aged 65, one who was active and the other who was inactive.
A home-based physical activity program improved cognitive function in adults with memory problems, compared to those who did not participate. The study found that exercise delayed recall and reduced Clinical Dementia Rating scores in participants.