Articles tagged with Cognitive Function
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A comprehensive longitudinal analysis of obesity trajectories identified distinct patterns affecting brain morphology, function, and cognition in middle-aged and older adults. The study suggests sustained obesity accelerates brain aging, highlighting the clinical importance of long-term monitoring and management.
A new study by researchers at Tufts University suggests that a lack of vitamin K may increase inflammation and hamper proliferation of neural cells in the hippocampus, a key region for learning and memory. Vitamin K deficiency was also associated with increased neuroinflammation and reduced neurogenesis, leading to noticeable cognitive...
Professor Tatia Lee's award-winning paper reports a study showing Qigong improves processing speed, sustained attention, and hippocampal volume in healthy older adults. The results suggest that Qigong can benefit brain health through its effects on the immune system.
Researchers found that immune molecule IL-17 influences brain regions to induce either anxiety in the amygdala or sociable behavior in the somatosensory cortex. This discovery highlights the interconnectedness of the immune and nervous systems.
Researchers have discovered that the thalamus can update its own connections independently of the cortex, a finding relevant to children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This breakthrough suggests that modulating neurotransmitters in the thalamus could alter sensory processing and improve cognitive function.
The DAM-Decision and Memory group at Universitat Jaume I studied the cognitive and neural computations that guide decision-making and long-term memory. They found that the hippocampal and medial prefrontal cortex regions use context boundaries to make decisions in both spatial and abstract contexts.
A new study has revealed that Beagle dogs carrying mutations in the Shank3 gene exhibit face processing abnormalities, similar to those observed in human ASD patients. The research provides direct experimental evidence that mutations in Shank3 lead to ASD-like deficits in face processing, contributing to social impairments.
Patients prescribed medicinal cannabis in Australia showed long-term improvements in overall health-related quality of life, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. The study, which recruited over 2,300 participants, also found improvements in anxiety, depression, insomnia, and pain for those with corresponding conditions.
Rats exposed to high amounts of alcohol demonstrated poor decision-making during a complex task even after a monthslong withdrawal period. The team linked the behavioral difficulties to dramatic functional transformations in the dorsomedial striatum, a part of the brain critical for decision-making.
Researchers used mice to examine the activity of two neuronal proteins linked to autism. They found that a natural balance between MDGA2 and BDNF maintains normal neuron activity, but disruption can lead to ASD-like symptoms. This study suggests MDGA2 and BDNF as promising therapeutic targets for future treatments.
A new study published in Radiology found that higher blast exposure correlated with changes in brain function and structure, even when standard MRI exams appeared normal. The researchers discovered weaker connectivity in key areas and more severe symptoms such as memory problems and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A new study from USC Dornsife's Brain and Creativity Institute found that nostalgic music engages the brain's default mode network linked to memory and self-reflection, as well as its reward circuitry. This discovery could support emotional well-being and cognitive function in individuals with memory impairments.
Research at Maharishi International University found that long-term TM practitioners have lower inflammation, slower age-related decline in cognitive function, and reduced cortisol levels, indicating potential benefits for overall health and longevity. The study suggests a protective effect against both stress and aging.
A new digital 'translator' for brain studies enables researchers to map the brain in a standardized way, facilitating discoveries and treatments for various disorders. The open-source software allows for the comparison of brain imaging data with widely used brain atlases, promoting commonalities across findings.
Research published in JAMA Network Open found that college graduates experienced faster cognitive decline after a stroke compared to those with less education. The study highlights the importance of identifying patients at high risk for post-stroke cognitive decline to target future interventions.
Researchers at ISTA discovered that neural activity patterns during sleep reflect recently learned spatial memories and transform into those seen later upon awakening. This 'representational drift' phenomenon optimizes memory representations for long-term storage, allowing the brain to free up resources for new memories.
Groundbreaking research from the University of South Australia shows that any form of exercise can significantly boost brain function and memory across children, adults, and older adults. Regular exercise improves general cognition, memory, and executive function in both healthy individuals and those with clinical conditions.
Despite severe sleep deficits, insomniac fruit fly mutants exhibit enhanced memory performance through altered PKA signaling in the mushroom body. This finding suggests a complex relationship between sleep and memory functions.
Researchers developed a portable system using AI to spot cognitive impairment by measuring subtle differences in motor function. The device accurately identified 83% of participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), offering potential for early intervention and improved outcomes.
Researchers from Kyoto University and Cambridge University developed a fluorescent dopamine sensor to monitor dopamine signals in primate brains. The study found that dopamine signals varied depending on the location in the striatum, with distinct patterns observed in the anterior putamen and caudate head.
A new study suggests that hospital rehabilitation for older adults might only be the beginning of a longer journey. While therapy is crucial in mitigating functional decline, only a small minority of patients receiving intensive therapy (14+ hours/week) had a greater likelihood of home discharge.
A new study led by researchers at UCL has found that online brain speed tests can provide valuable insights into cognitive function and potentially shed light on dementia development. The tests, which measure reaction times, were designed to be easy and convenient for women in their 40s and older to participate from home.
A randomized clinical trial found that a customized smartphone app, Silvia Program, significantly improved cognitive functioning among residents with mild cognitive impairment. The program's combination of daily goal setting, cognitive training, and AI-generated conversations showed promising results.
A study of nearly 900 postmenopausal women found an association between perimenopausal symptom burden and later cognitive function and behavioral impairment. Women with higher menopausal symptom burdens were more likely to experience poorer cognitive function and mild behavioral impairments, both markers of dementia.
Researchers discovered distinct neuronal populations in the ACC process pain and itch information separately, with stimulus-specific neurons receiving differentiated synaptic inputs from the mediodorsal thalamus. Suppressing these neurons reduced corresponding sensations without affecting the other.
Researchers discovered that the activity of place cells in large spaces follows universal mathematical principles, challenging long-held assumptions about neural circuits and spatial cognition. The findings suggest that randomness is key to encoding information about experiences.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered a fundamental mechanism linking breathing to pupil size, which affects vision. The study shows that the pupil is smallest during inhalation and largest during exhalation, impacting visual perception.
Researchers identified three key principles in language recovery after stroke: rapid reinforcement of damaged areas by unaffected network regions, activation of homologous mirror-image areas, and increased communication between affected areas.
Mutations in MeCP2 gene lead to depletion of NEAT1, a long non-coding RNA controlling autophagy. Restoring NEAT1 reverses cellular alterations in Rett syndrome models.
Researchers explore the connection between Alzheimer's and metabolic syndrome, finding links between insulin regulation, high blood pressure, and obesity. The study suggests that maintaining healthy blood fat levels may be crucial for brain health, paving way for potential therapeutic developments.
Researchers mapped bird brain regions and found similar cellular composition and evolution across species. Certain excitatory neurons have a common evolutionary origin, challenging existing assumptions about brain region evolution.
A study by Nagoya University researchers found that excessive neuronal activation over time leads to brain function decline, contradicting previous theories. Interventions targeting reduced neuronal hyperactivation, such as dietary changes, may mitigate age-related cognitive decline in humans.
Research reveals that even short-term exposure to high levels of particulate matter air pollution impairs cognitive functions such as selective attention and emotion recognition. This study highlights the urgent need for stricter air quality regulations and public health measures to combat the harmful effects of pollution on brain health.
Researchers found a high agreement between EEG and fMRI in identifying brain regions activated during language tasks. EEG-guided tDCS improved picture-naming speed in participants, suggesting its potential for innovative therapies.
Certain mouth bacteria may support better memory and attention, while others increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria can reduce nitric oxide production, crucial for brain communication.
A new drug developed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has shown significant promise in reversing memory loss in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The drug, GL-II-73, selectively targets GABA receptors to restore brain function and repair damaged neural connections.
Researchers used fMRI data to uncover how the hippocampus coordinates memory processes by analyzing neural activity patterns. The study found that participants remembered scenes with lower novelty more accurately and that the hippocampus integrates diverse forms of novel information.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that heavy cannabis users exhibited reduced brain activity during working memory tasks, associated with worse performance. Abstaining from cannabis before cognitive tasks may help improve performance.
A study found a link between oral microbiome and dementia risk, with certain bacteria associated with better executive function. A nitrate-rich diet may favor beneficial oral bacteria, potentially delaying cognitive decline.
Researchers at Nagoya University found that stimulating CB2 with JWH 133 improved cognitive function and reduced neuroinflammation in AD mouse models. The study suggests that CB2 is a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease, providing a cost-effective alternative to existing treatments.
Researchers discovered a brain functional connectome phenotype related to multiple cerebrovascular disease markers that contributes additively to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration alongside Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights the role of cerebrovascular disease in reshaping our understanding of dementia.
The Neuron special issue sheds light on the science of aging, focusing on how age-related changes impact the brain's ability to clear waste and transport energy. The collection also explores the link between the immune system and brain health.
Developing neurons rely on multiple signaling pathways to migrate from the germinal zone. An antagonistic circuit between Netrin-1 'pushing' and Siah2 'pulling' ensures proper cerebellum development by balancing adhesion and guidance cues.
A new study reveals multilingualism enhances executive function skills, including focus, understanding perspectives, communication, and reduces repetitive behaviors in both autistic and non-autistic children. Parents of multilingual households report stronger overall executive function compared to mono-lingual households.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered that chronic alcohol use alters brain signaling pathways, specifically targeting cholinergic interneurons. This impairment affects learning and adaptability, critical components of cognitive flexibility.
Dr. Gail Cornwall is investigating the structure of the brain extracellular matrix, a network of proteins and polysaccharides found in the space between neurons and glia. Her research aims to identify novel structural elements and mechanisms that enable brain plasticity and sex-specific responses.
Researchers at Waseda University found that somatosensory electrical stimulation on the wrist can bias subsequent motor decisions, increasing the likelihood of using the stimulated hand. This phenomenon highlights a connection between sensory input and motor choices, with potential implications for individuals with motor impairments.
A phase 1/2 clinical trial has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of the AEF0217 molecule in improving cognitive function in people with Down syndrome. Measured outcomes showed significant improvements in behavioral skills, social interactions, and cognitive flexibility.
Researchers found that babies' first vocalizations and attempts at forming words coincide with fluctuations in their heart rate. This discovery may indicate that successful speech development depends on predictable ranges of autonomic activity during infancy.
A researcher at Kessler Foundation is using virtual reality for cognitive-motor training to improve gait and balance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The study aims to reduce falls and enhance quality of life, finding potential benefits from combining motor and cognition training.
Researchers at UniSA found that certain sedentary behaviors, like reading, are beneficial for cognitive function, while others, such as watching TV, have a negative effect. The study suggests a nuanced approach to thinking about the link between sedentary behaviors and cognitive function.
Researchers develop personalized cognitive integrated sensorimotor virtual reality training to improve gait and balance in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). A separate study uses robotic balance training combined with non-invasive brain stimulation to enhance postural control and motor recovery in TBI.
A new study suggests that exercise can improve cognitive performance for up to 24 hours after a single day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. The study found that participants who spent more time being active and had better sleep quality performed better in memory tests the next day.
A Baycrest study has found that high blood sugar may impair brain health even in people without diabetes. Researchers analyzed data from 146 healthy adults and found a correlation between high blood sugar levels and lower brain activity.
A new OHSU study reveals that the human ability to conceptualize numbers is rooted deep within the brain, specifically in the putamen region. This finding has significant implications for improving learning among math-challenged individuals and for neurosurgical interventions.
A new study found that brain stimulation effectiveness is linked to individual learning abilities, not age. The study used atDCS on participants with optimal and suboptimal learning strategies, revealing accelerated accuracy improvement in suboptimal learners.
Researchers found lower pulmonary gas exchange may be associated with impaired cognitive function in patients with long COVID. The study also showed a potential treatment strategy using methods that target improved gas exchange, suggesting a causative relationship between cognitive dysfunction and lung dysfunction.
A new study reveals that concussions impact aperiodic brain activity in high school football players, leading to slowed cognitive function and worse post-concussion symptoms. The research highlights the importance of protective measures in contact sports and may lead to new treatments for concussion recovery.
Researchers found that cognitive performance worsened for older adults on days they felt lonelier than usual and the following day. The study suggests a vicious cycle between loneliness and cognitive decline over the short term, highlighting the importance of early intervention to prevent chronic loneliness.
A new study found that middle-aged people who engage in everyday physical activity show improvements in cognitive processing speed, which can counteract the natural decline in cognitive abilities with age. The study, led by Penn State researcher Jonathan Hakun, used ecological momentary assessment to track participants' daily activitie...