Articles tagged with Cognitive Function
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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.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that Ritalin, used for Attention Deficit Disorder, can improve seniors' cognitive abilities and gait, cutting the risk of serious falls. The study suggests using Ritalin to reduce fall risk in older adults by targeting cognitive deficits.
A randomized trial of simvastatin on cognitive function in children with NF1 found no significant improvement, but a potential benefit in object assembly scores. The study suggests that statins may not be effective in ameliorating cognitive deficits associated with the genetic disorder.
A study of 506 healthy older adults found that subtle neurological abnormalities are associated with increased disability, depression, and cognitive decline. Those with three or more such abnormalities were more likely to die or experience a stroke over eight years.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers suggests that heart bypass surgery is not the cause of lasting cognitive problems in patients. After six years of testing, both groups experienced similar declines in cognitive function, indicating that the disease itself may be the culprit.
A randomized clinical trial found that anti-inflammatory drugs celecoxib and naproxen had no effect on cognitive function in older adults with a family history of Alzheimer's disease. In fact, naproxen may have a slightly detrimental effect, according to the study published in Archives of Neurology.
A new neuroimaging study maps functional brain areas to improve cognitive skills before, during, and after brain tumour surgery. The study uses fMRI to localize important areas and preserve motor, sensory, and cognitive abilities.
Studies found that people living in deprived areas had significantly worse cognitive function and higher mobility problems compared to those in less deprived areas. The research highlights the importance of adequate healthcare and social care in poorer communities.
A new study from Harvard University reveals that brain systems in older adults are less coordinated than those in younger individuals, even if there is no Alzheimer's disease present. This decline affects the way different brain regions communicate and process information.
New research suggests that nicotine patches can improve attention and working memory in recovering alcoholics, particularly those who smoke. The study found that these individuals are more sensitive to the effects of nicotine, which may help explain their struggles with quitting nicotine use.
Researchers identified a brain network in the frontal lobe associated with cognitive reserve, which builds through mentally-stimulating activities and provides protection against Alzheimer's disease. The study found that participants with higher levels of cognitive reserve could activate this network while working on difficult tasks.
A six-month study found that a medication initially used for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease improved memory and global function in people with severe Alzheimer’s disease. Cognitive tests showed stabilization or improvement in 63% of participants taking the drug compared to 39% on placebo.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that mindfulness training enhanced performance and attention in subjects. Even new meditators saw improvements in just weeks, with benefits extending to executive functioning skills.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that patients with specific gene variants were less likely to experience cognitive decline after heart surgery. These variants were involved in the inflammatory system and may provide a biological basis for the protective effect observed.
A study found that lactulose improved cognitive function and health-related quality-of-life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy, a condition associated with advanced liver disease. The treatment showed significant improvement in emotional behavior, movement, mobility, sleep/rest, and recreational activities.
A new study published in The Lancet found that folic acid supplementation can improve memory and information processing speed in older adults. Researchers randomly assigned participants to receive either 800 micrograms of folic acid daily or a placebo for 3 years, with significant improvements observed in those receiving the supplement.
A UCL study found that relying on instincts rather than higher-level cognitive processes can lead to more accurate decisions. Participants who were given no time to think performed better, with accuracy rates of 95% compared to 70% when given over a second to scrutinize the image.
A randomized controlled trial found that cognitive training improved cognitive function in well-functioning older adults, with benefits lasting up to 5 years. However, the impact on daily functioning was limited, with only the reasoning group showing significant improvements.
Researchers have developed a new way to track neuropsychiatric symptoms in lupus using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), which measures biochemical changes in the body. The study found that MRS can detect changes in metabolites, such as glutamate and glutamine, that correlate with behavioral tests.
A study by Sharon Inouye found that 39% of hospitalized older adults experience subtle cognitive decline, known as recoverable cognitive dysfunction. The condition can be screened for and prevented or treated with interventions.
Researchers found that internet-accessible computer activities improved cognition in patients with Alzheimer's disease, even after the disease had advanced. The study showed that tasks aimed at increasing or maintaining mental function have a place in treating Alzheimer's alongside pharmacotherapy.
A new study published in Kidney International found that Fosrenol, a phosphate binder used to treat hyperphosphatemia in CKD Stage 5 patients, did not negatively impact cognitive function deterioration. The two-year trial compared Fosrenol with standard therapy and showed similar declines in cognitive function for both groups.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a critical protein player in cell communication, which controls calcium flow into cells. This finding sheds new light on the rare cognitive disorder Williams-Beuren syndrome, associated with overly social behavior and spatial learning defects.
A new study found that long-term abstinence from alcohol can resolve many neurocognitive deficits, including short- and long-term memory, planning, learning, and comprehension. However, spatial processing abilities may be impaired, affecting daily activities like driving.
Research reveals that brief morning exposure to bright white light significantly boosts alertness and modulates brain responses in areas involved in attention and non-visual cognitive processes. The effects are highly dynamic, dissipating within minutes.
Researchers found physical exercise can slow aging's effects and improve cognitive functions in older adults. Fitness training, particularly aerobic exercise, was associated with improved cognition, brain function, and retained brain volume.
Research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with better mental performance and reduced risk of dementia in older women. Women who reported drinking up to two or three drinks per day performed better on measures of global cognitive function, particularly in verbal skills.
A 12-month study found that testosterone patches improved bone density, body composition, and cognitive function in women with low testosterone levels resulting from hypopituitarism. The patches showed few side effects, making them a potential treatment option for these women.
Researchers found that each year of treatment reduced the risk of developing dementia by about 3 percent. Long-term hypertension can damage brain blood vessels, but this study suggests benefits for cognitive function with proper treatment.
A study of 186 cognitively normal adults aged 70+ found that performance on cognitive tests of executive control and memory predicted walking speed without interference. Gait velocity with interference was also affected by executive control and memory, highlighting the importance of these functions in navigating busy environments.
A study of carotid artery stenting found that the procedure significantly improved cognitive speed and memory function in patients with impaired brain perfusion. The results suggest that stenting may offer benefits beyond reduced stroke risk for these patients.
African-Americans experience more pronounced cognitive decline with higher blood pressure compared to whites, even among non-demented individuals. The study found significant associations between blood pressure and cognitive performance in African-American subjects, particularly in abstract reasoning and visual organization skills.
A recent study found that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to slower processing speed and efficiency, particularly in tasks requiring working memory. Children exposed prenatally to moderate-to-heavy levels of alcohol may struggle with complex cognition and social interactions as they age.
SEROQUEL demonstrates a higher compliance rate compared to risperidone and olanzapine, with significant improvements in cognitive function, including working and verbal memory, while also offering a superior side effect profile.
A study examined the effect of SEROQUEL on cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia, showing improved overall cognition. Another analysis found that patients taking atypical antipsychotics had better treatment compliance compared to those taking conventional antipsychotics.
Researchers found that mercury levels were not consistently associated with adverse performance on a broad range of tests, except for improved performance on motor speed and eye-hand coordination tests. The study suggests that the aging population may be more sensitive to toxic chemicals.
Research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may help protect against cognitive decline and dementia in older women. The study analyzed data from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study, which found that women who drank one or two drinks per day scored higher on tests of cognitive function than those who drank less.
Researchers found that patients' neuromotor functions, including problem-solving and motor skills, significantly declined after cancer treatment but recovered within a year. Factors such as chemotherapy type and immune suppressant use lowered the risk of impaired function.
A Yale University study will investigate the effects of marijuana, ecstasy, and teen cognitive deficits in 200 adolescents. The research aims to determine if sustained abstinence leads to recovery of cognitive function in this population.
University of Illinois researchers found a correlation between academic achievement and fitness scores among school-aged children. Fit children showed improved cognitive function, including better attention and working memory, compared to their sedentary counterparts.
A 20-year study found that high blood pressure is associated with a decline in cognitive function in both younger and older adults. The research emphasizes the importance of reducing blood pressure levels in younger individuals to prevent cognitive decline.