Articles tagged with Cognitive Function
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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...
Researchers used fMRI scans to study how the brain responds to complex audio and visual stimuli while watching movies. They identified 24 distinct brain networks associated with specific aspects of sensory or cognitive processing, such as recognizing human faces or bodies, movement, and social interactions.
Research found that mothers' ability to mediate threatening situations and regulate their emotions can significantly reduce the link between maternal PTSD symptoms and child PTSD symptoms. Mothers with high self-regulation skills may be better able to separate their stress response from that of their children, providing them with a sen...
A new study published in the journal Aging & Mental Health found that people with more positive expectations of aging tend to report less frequent cognitive problems and are less likely to perceive a decline in their cognitive performance over time. Researchers suggest that modifying older adults' aging expectations could support healt...
A new study shows that preventing F-actin accumulation in the brains of aging fruit flies can maintain cellular recycling, extend lifespan and improve cognitive function. This discovery may offer a promising direction for developing interventions to promote healthier aging in humans.
A new Concordia study reveals that bilingualism is associated with larger and healthier hippocampi in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The research found no evidence of hippocampal atrophy in bilinguals across the continuum of Alzheimer’s development.
Women who started an aerobic exercise program during chemotherapy reported improved cognitive function and quality of life compared to those receiving standard care. The study found that while cognitive performance was similar after chemotherapy completion, the exercise program had a positive impact on self-reported cognitive function.
Researchers aim to develop small molecule drugs to target neuroinflammation in the brain, which contributes to cognitive decline. The goal is to slow or even cure Alzheimer's disease, offering a potential game-changer for the therapeutic landscape.
Scientists have identified a novel molecular mechanism underlying brain cell communication, regulating excitatory synapse maturation and contributing to anxiety disorders. The study reveals the TrkC-PTPσ complex governs synaptic protein phosphorylation, leading to abnormal synapse organization and behavioral defects in mice.
A team of scientists, led by Anne Bang, is working to establish clearer connections between genes and their effects on brain function and mental health. They will use high-throughput screening technology to study over 100 genes in brain cells.
Researchers investigate how liver necroptosis triggers inflammation in both organs, leading to cognitive impairment. Studying aging mouse models, they found that liver necroptosis causes systemic inflammation affecting brain function.
A new study found that HDL particle quality declines over time in women after menopause, increasing risk of episodic memory loss. Women with smaller, more functional HDL particles are less likely to experience cognitive decline.
Cardiovascular diseases like heart failure and atrial fibrillation are linked to cognitive impairment and increased risk of dementia. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and identifying vascular risk factors early may help preserve brain function and reduce the burden of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers identify modifiable determinants of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and arterial transit time (ATT) in older adults. A higher BMI was associated with lower CBF and longer ATT, while cardiorespiratory fitness linked to longer ATT in specific brain regions.
Researchers successfully activated a specific memory circuit in mice using brain-imaging technology. The study found that stimulating neurons in two areas of the mouse brains reactivated spatial memory and caused the mice to seek shelter.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that older adults who sustained a traumatic injury were more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias if they experienced falls. The study suggests that completing cognitive screenings in older patients after a fall could help detect dementia sooner.
A pooled analysis of three large, phase III clinical trials found that more than 40% of brain metastases patients can fully reverse cognitive losses with conformal radiation techniques. Recovery was more likely for those treated with highly targeted radiation compared to standard whole-brain treatment.
A groundbreaking study reveals how TRMT10A deficiency disrupts protein synthesis, synaptic structure, and function in the brain, leading to impaired cognitive abilities. Researchers found a significant decrease in specific tRNA levels, particularly those essential for initiating protein synthesis.
A University of Sydney-led study found multiple surgeries contribute to memory and brain health issues in older adults, with physical differences observed in brain areas responsible for memory. Cognitive decline is noticeable with each additional surgery.
A new study published in the SLEEP journal found that using artificial lighting synchronized to natural biological rhythms improves quality of sleep and work performance for night shift workers. Strategic exposure to light accelerated body-clock adjustment and improved alertness and performance, as well as sleep after a night shift.
Neurobiologists identify shared brain mechanism behind meth and PCP-induced cognitive deficits, finding a reversible switch in neurotransmitters. Reversing this switch restores memory function, offering potential for new treatments.