Articles tagged with Cognitive Function
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers have discovered that COVID-19 patients experience worse cognitive function 12-18 months after hospitalization, with reduced brain volume and abnormal protein levels. This affects global cognitive deficits equivalent to twenty years of normal aging.
Researchers have found that ultra-short heart rate variability measures can accurately capture autonomic function in severe TBI survivors using 30-60 second recordings. The study validates the reliability of these ultra-short HRV measures, which may provide an objective marker for post-TBI autonomic health.
Researchers found that SSRI antidepressants improve cognitive functions like verbal memory by reducing a specific serotonin receptor. The study suggests that stimulating this receptor may be a promising target for optimizing antidepressant treatment outcomes.
UTHealth Houston researchers are exploring new pathways to treat Alzheimer's disease through multiple projects funded by the Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium. Studies aim to investigate ACSL4 gene, delirium's impact on disease progression, biological aging, and noninvasive diagnosis methods.
A randomized clinical trial shows that transitioning insomnia care away from long-term sedatives to cognitive behavioral therapy can be achieved through a mailed, direct-to-patient approach. This method reduces sedative use and improves sleep outcomes in older adults.
A recent review suggests that artificial intelligence can learn by thinking, similar to humans, through processes such as explanation, simulation, analogy, and reasoning. This finding has implications for understanding the similarities and differences between human and artificial cognition, and could lead to improvements in AI systems.
Aging brains struggle to clear out outdated information, leading to slower processing and more frequent forgetfulness. Beta-band neural oscillations play a crucial role in regulating working memory, with older adults showing a stronger link between these oscillations and their ability to delete irrelevant information.
Researchers discovered a novel treatment that extends ovarian function in older mice by improving maintenance of the ovaries and preventing key age-related changes. The treatment also fixes hormone production and overall health, alleviating symptoms such as bone loss, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.
Newly developed tools enable selective labeling and manipulation of synapses, advancing understanding of learning, memory, and neurological disorders. The review highlights promising molecular actuators and optogenetic approaches to unravel synaptic function mysteries.
A new study using SWAN data found that physical intimate partner violence accelerates working memory performance decline in midlife women. Women who experienced violence showed a statistically significant greater decline in working memory over time.
Researchers have developed an integrated optical sensor capable of detecting dopamine directly from unprocessed blood samples. This breakthrough enables low-cost and efficient screening tools for various neurological conditions and cancers.
A research team discovered an evolutionarily distinct variant of the Hmgn2 gene, oHmgn2, which influences shape preference in medaka fish. The study found that medaka lacking functional oHmgn2 had difficulty distinguishing between shapes.
A small group of dopamine neurons in the striatum plays a crucial role in balancing essential brain functions, including reward, cognition, and movement. This discovery could lead to new treatments for psychiatric and neurological disorders.
A recent study from Waseda University found that short-duration, light-intensity exercises significantly increase oxy-Hb levels in the prefrontal cortex of children, indicating improved cerebral blood flow. This breakthrough suggests potential benefits for children's executive functions and brain development.
A new study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) may slow down cognitive decline in dementia with Lewy bodies over five years. ChEIs were also associated with a reduced risk of death in the first year after diagnosis.
A Leipzig study found that chronic kidney disease (CKD) activates microglial cells, disrupting potassium balance in nerve cells and leading to cognitive impairment. Researchers identified a mechanism involving the blood-brain barrier and potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers have discovered a new type of brain cell in the medial entorhinal cortex that accurately predicts future locations as an animal travels. This discovery helps explain how planned spatial navigation is possible and has important implications for understanding mechanisms of spatial navigation and episodic memory formation.
A new study published in Menopause suggests that severe menopause symptoms such as hot flashes can negatively affect cognitive function in postmenopausal women. The study found a link between hot flashes and cognitive impairment in memory, attention, and executive function.
A study found that older age, female sex, and irregular heart rhythms can predict Alzheimer's cognitive decline over two years. The results also showed strong correlations between caregiver load and various patient-related measures.
A study published in Neuron reveals that neurons are wired to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, enhancing the brain's ability to predict what we see based on past experiences. Visual experience influences the organisation of feedback projections, which store information about the world.
The researchers argue that accurate assessment of driving skills in older adults is crucial to mitigate harm and improve safety on the road. Comprehensive driving evaluations are estimated to cost $500-$800, a significant expense that may deter those who need it most.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine used intracranial EEG to study co-rippling in the cortex, finding synchronized activity between neurons enables integration of information and conscious thought. This breakthrough has potential implications for understanding neurological and psychiatric disorders and human experience.
Researchers have discovered a non-memory-based mechanism for animals to cache and retrieve food, challenging long-held beliefs about animal cognition. The proposed mechanism uses neural networks similar to hash functions, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval of cache locations.
A UCLA researcher identified a compound that effectively jumpstarts the brain's memory circuitry, restoring cognitive functions in mice with Alzheimer's disease symptoms. The molecule, DDL-920, works by targeting specific neurons to enhance gamma oscillations, which are critical for memory and cognition.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that Ecklonia cava polyphenols can protect against neurodegeneration and improve motor function in Parkinson's disease model mice. The antioxidants activate the AMPK enzyme and inhibit reactive oxygen species production, reducing neuronal cell death.
A study of nearly 150,000 young people found a strong association between breakfast consumption and life satisfaction. Regularly eating breakfast was associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, while skipping breakfast was linked to lower life satisfaction scores.
Research found mothers carry a 73% share of cognitive household labor compared to partners' 27%, contributing to mental health issues. The study highlights the invisible dimension of household labor that affects women's well-being and relationship quality.
Viji Santhakumar, a UCR professor, has been awarded a $3.5 million NIH grant to study brain circuit function and its impact on memory formation and cognitive deficits in diseases like epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists successfully mapped transcriptomes from 1.3 million brain cortex cells to gain molecular insights into Alzheimer's vulnerability and resilience. The resulting atlas holds promise for gene and molecular discovery across pathways affecting brain health.
Oligodendrocyte-derived amyloid beta produces toxic peptide that promotes neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. Selective suppression of oligodendrocyte Aβ production rescues abnormal neuronal hyperactivity, suggesting targeting these cells as a promising therapeutic strategy for AD.
A UC Riverside-led research team found that obesity causes chronic changes in the brain, leading to reduced connections between neurons and lower testosterone levels. The study suggests that the primary site of obesity's effects on reproductive function is the brain, rather than the testes or pituitary gland.
A new study found that increased exposure to residential greenery during midlife can help stave off cognitive decline. Higher average exposure to greenness was linked to higher levels of cognitive function and slower cognitive decline, particularly among people living in low-socioeconomic status and highly populated neighborhoods.
Researchers have developed Nano-MIND technology, which uses magnetism to selectively activate specific deep brain neural circuits, modulating complex brain functions such as cognition and emotion. The technology has been successfully tested in animals, demonstrating its potential to regulate feeding behaviors and maternal instincts.
Researchers created a new cortical surface template called 'OpenNeuro Average' that provides greater accuracy and efficiency in analyzing neuroimaging data. The template is based on the geometric shape of the brain and can be used for studies on cognition, clinical neuroscience, autism, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers used advanced brain imaging techniques to identify key regions and networks involved in creative thinking. The Default Mode Network (DMN) was found to play a crucial role, with activity originating from the DMN before being evaluated by other brain regions.
A recent study found that the cerebellum plays a crucial role in regulating thirst, with the hormone asprosin activating Purkinje neurons to enhance water intake. This discovery has significant implications for managing thirst disorders such as polydipsia and hypodipsia, for which current treatments are scarce.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that smoking is a key lifestyle factor contributing to cognitive decline among older adults. Non-smokers who engaged in healthy behaviors such as regular exercise, moderate alcohol consumption, and social activity experienced significantly slower cognitive decline compared to smokers.
Researchers discovered that young adults with higher levels of inflammation were more likely to experience reduced cognitive function in midlife. Higher inflammation was associated with lower performance on skills testing and differences in executive functioning.
Researchers have identified a cellular mechanism that detects when the brain needs an extra energy boost to support its activity. This discovery could lead to new therapies for maintaining brain health and longevity by targeting impaired brain energy metabolism, a process accelerated in ageing and neurodegenerative diseases.
A pilot study found that remote cognitive rehabilitation using TELE-Self-GEN improved memory performance and daily life functionality in individuals with MS. The virtual intervention demonstrated high levels of participant satisfaction and effectiveness.