Articles tagged with Cognitive Function
A study found that individuals who enjoy groove rhythm experience improved executive functions after listening to the same rhythm while exercising. Those who felt their bodies 'resonating' with the music showed enhanced prefrontal cortex activation and improved cognitive abilities compared to those who didn't.
A new study found that people with Alzheimer's dementia who were treated with lipid-lowering statins showed slower cognitive decline compared to those not treated. The researchers emphasize caution due to the observational nature of the study and initial concerns about statins' effects on patients with dementia.
Researchers at NTU Singapore found that indoor air quality can affect creativity, with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from products like detergents and perfumes affecting participants' ability to build 3D models. By reducing TVOC levels by 72%, creative potential can be improved by 12%.
A new study suggests that breastfeeding, even partially alongside formula feeding, positively influences brain development in infants. The research found significant differences in metabolite levels between breastfed and formula-fed infants, with those fed breast milk having better cognitive test scores at age 2.
Research by Hungarian researchers found that flat-faced dogs, like French Bulldogs, sleep more due to increased daytime sleepiness and longer REM sleep phases. Their EEG patterns showed signs of white matter loss and distorted brain function.
A new study from MIT shows that computational models trained on auditory tasks display an internal organization similar to the human auditory cortex. Models trained on diverse tasks and background noise more closely mimic brain activation patterns.
Research by Staffordshire University found that caffeine can improve short pass accuracy but negatively affect decision-making and long pass accuracy. The study suggests that coaches may need to adjust training strategies to account for caffeine's effects on young soccer players.
Researchers at University College London have discovered that slow waves typically present during sleep can also occur during wakefulness in people with epilepsy, potentially protecting against increased brain excitability. These 'wake' slow waves decrease the impact of epileptic spikes on brain activity and may protect against seizures.
A study from the University of Ottawa found that sleep deprivation significantly impacts decision-making processes, reducing neural responses to winning and losing outcomes. This can lead to diminished positive emotions in response to winning and negative emotions when faced with losses.
A new study finds that exposure and response prevention (EX/RP) therapy for OCD improves cognitive control by strengthening connections between brain networks. This breakthrough sheds light on the mechanisms underlying EX/RP's effectiveness in treating OCD, paving the way for targeted therapies.
Researchers have generated comprehensive genetic maps of the developing cerebellum in humans, mice, and opossums. The study reveals ancestral and species-specific cellular characteristics spanning over 160 million years of mammalian evolution.
A breakthrough study found that light exercise can improve cognitive health in adults with Down syndrome, leading to improved information processing and attention. After just eight weeks of walking, participants showed significant increases in physical fitness and reductions in errors during cognitive assessments.
A study will examine the cognitive function of older adults who were exposed to measles during childhood, shedding light on potential long-term benefits of routine childhood vaccinations. The research aims to better understand how childhood experiences shape health and well-being across the life course.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 can leave a lasting impact on older adults living in nursing homes, causing them to need more help with daily activities and experience a decline in brain function. The study found that those who tested positive for COVID had effects that lasted up to nine months.
Researchers argue that the brain does not create new functions in previously unrelated areas but instead utilizes existing latent capacities. They provide alternative explanations for observed changes in brain activity following injury or deficit.
A review of 23 years of neuroimaging research finds that screen time affects the pre-frontal cortex and other brain regions involved in executive functions, memory, and processing. Digital experiences may shape children's brains and influence cognitive development, with both positive and negative impacts.
Researchers analyzed contestant behavior on the British TV show 'Mastermind' to examine human physiology under conditions of stress. They found that blinking acts like a 'punctuation of thought,' reducing during periods of intense thinking, and increased blink rate in stressed contestants.
Researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas discovered distinct changes in brain network patterns associated with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, affecting sensory and motor processing. These findings offer new insights into the broader impact of Alzheimer’s on brain function and potential targets for treatment.
Researchers propose a new hypothesis that ECT alleviates depression symptoms by increasing aperiodic activity in the brain. Aperiodic activity helps boost inhibitory activity, slowing down neuronal cycles and effectively controlling how neurons turn on and off. The studies also found similar effects in magnetic seizure therapy.
New research reveals a cocktail of approved drugs can quickly reduce brain swelling and improve outcomes in animal models of brain injury. The study suggests reopening lymph nodes as an emergency pressure release valve for the brain, addressing cerebral edema as the leading cause of TBI-related deaths.
A four-year blood-pressure intervention significantly reduced the risk of developing dementia among adults with high blood pressure, compared to those who received usual care. The study found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure to less than 80 mm Hg reduced dementia risk.
A new USC study reveals that variants of the autism-linked gene SYNGAP1 can disrupt early brain development in the cortex, a region involved in higher-order cognitive functions. The research found that disease-causing variants of SYNGAP1 alter the cells' cytoskeletons and lead to disorganized neural circuits.
A new study has identified a brain connectivity variate that predicts psychiatric disorders in adolescents. The finding provides evidence for a transdiagnostic brain-based measure underlying individual differences in developing psychiatric disorders in early adolescence.
Earlier onset of atrial fibrillation is associated with an elevated risk of subsequent all-cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia. Monitoring cognitive function among patients with atrial fibrillation, especially those younger than 65 years at diagnosis, is crucial.
Researchers found that cognitive decline quickened by 50% in the first year of the pandemic, with factors like loneliness, depression, and decreased exercise contributing to the impact. The study suggests that lockdowns had a lasting effect on brain health in people aged 50+, raising concerns about increased risk of dementia.
Research from the University of East Anglia found that children who are too short for their age can suffer reduced cognitive ability due to differences in brain function as early as six months. The study discovered a link between stunted growth and disrupted visual working memory, making them more easily distracted.
Researchers have discovered axonal dysregulation in the prenatal brain as a mediator of genetic risk for schizophrenia. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells and three-dimensional brain organoids to identify key genes involved, including CYFIP1, which is highly expressed in microglia.
A smartphone attachment developed by UC San Diego engineers can screen for neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury at low cost, accurately regardless of skin tone. The technology uses far-red light to enhance visibility of the pupil, making it easier to track changes in eye movement.
A Cornell University-led study has separated the role of the hippocampus in two functions of memory, which are crucial for associating time, place, and past experiences with future actions. The breakthrough has significant implications for treating memory and learning issues found in Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Researchers at Kyushu University have successfully converted brain immune cells into neurons, which restored brain function after a stroke-like injury in mice. The findings suggest that replenishing neurons from immune cells could be a promising avenue for treating stroke in humans.
A study of 1,732 adults found that 69% used the snooze function or set multiple alarms. Snoozing resulted in lost sleep but prevented awakening from slow-wave sleep. In a second study, 30 minutes of snoozing improved cognitive performance.
Researchers found that working memory was the most significant predictor of writing ability among English learner students. Cognitive functions such as phonological awareness and oral language development were also important, but only working memory consistently predicted higher scores in writing.
A team of researchers aims to develop drug therapies by targeting genes that affect metabolism in people with Down syndrome, potentially improving their quality of life. The project will focus on the protein SIM2, which has been linked to breast cancer and metabolic changes in individuals with the condition.
A recent study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine found that playing golf, Nordic walking, or regular walking for just one session can improve immediate cognitive function in older adults. The research also showed that Nordic walking and regular walking were associated with enhanced executive functions.
A study of 15,000 dogs found that body size significantly impacts aging patterns, with smaller dogs living longer and experiencing slower decline rates. Larger dogs show an earlier onset of age-related decline but maintain cognitive health longer.
Researchers discovered a non-invasive eye exam that can detect early signs of cognitive decline and cerebral small vessel disease, a major contributor to vascular dementia. The study found connections between altered retinal blood flow and changes in brain structure associated with the condition.
A study at Ohio State University found that a combination of ibogaine hydrochloride and 5-MeO-DMT significantly improved PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, and cognitive functioning in special operations forces veterans. The treatment also alleviated cognitive impairment linked to traumatic brain injury.
Dr. On-Yee Lo receives $50,000 seed funding to develop personalized non-invasive brain stimulation targeting shared networks to improve physical and cognitive functions in older adults. The project aims to demonstrate direct evidence that modulating between-network connectivity can be linked to changes in physical and cognitive behaviors.
NTU Singapore's study found social media fatigue hampers cognitive judgment, leading to misinformation acceptance. Narcissistic individuals experiencing fatigue are more likely to share misinformation, regardless of accuracy.
A new study suggests that life satisfaction has limited benefits for cognitive function in older adults experiencing health or socioeconomic challenges. High life satisfaction was associated with increased cognitive functioning among most individuals, but it was less beneficial for those with low SES, poor health, or adverse psychologi...
A new NIH grant will investigate the impact of combined alcohol and e-cigarette use on the blood brain barrier, a cell layer regulating substance passage into the central nervous system. The study aims to identify mechanisms behind damage and potential biomarkers for clinical use.
Researchers uncover clues about how chemicals released by brain cells regulate our attention span, finding that two neurotransmitters work together in a precise sequence to regulate signal transmission. This discovery could lead to new treatments for neurological conditions associated with concentration difficulties.
A study found that two brain areas, typically associated with language processing, are also linked to social-semantic working memory. This challenge traditional views of language comprehension and its connection to social cognition.
The Open Encyclopedia of Cognitive Science (OECS) is a dynamic web reference that will equip readers with essential tools to grapple with the profound implications of cognition and intelligence in today's society. With generous funding from James S. McDonnell Foundation and the Allen Institute for AI, the first set of articles will be ...
Researchers highlight microvascular contributions to white matter injury in Alzheimer's disease, sparking calls for exploration of connections between AD, WM injury and cerebral small vessel disease. The study emphasizes the critical need to define mechanisms and diagnostic features of mixed vascular and AD neuropathological change.
A new study suggests that transcranial ultrasound stimulation can be used to change specific types of activity within the brain, paving the way for targeted treatments of mental health conditions. The research found that TUS induced significant changes in GABA concentration and altered communication between brain regions.
A groundbreaking review paper reveals the importance of GABA tone, the amount of GABA that regulates continuous signaling in the brain. The study identifies key mechanisms and functions, including astrocytes' role in regulating GABA tone and its impact on cognitive processes.
Researchers at EPFL developed a novel system integrating 2D semiconductors and ferroelectric materials to create faster, more efficient electronics with brain-inspired operations. The technology enables significant energy reduction and advanced functionalities, including synaptic neuron function within the same device.
Researchers found that individuals with a genetic mutation linked to early-onset Alzheimer's disease had slower cognitive decline if they had higher education levels. The study also revealed that the APOE e4 mutation, which significantly increases risk for sporadic Alzheimer's disease, was less detrimental to cognitive function in thos...
The study found a significant decline in the prevalence of serious later-life cognitive impairments among Black Americans, narrowing racial disparities. However, racial disparities persisted in activities of daily living and functional limitations. Improved air quality may have contributed to the narrowing of disparities in cognitive i...
A new study will examine the role of lifestyle physical activity in cognition among insufficiently active older adults with higher risks for Alzheimer’s or related dementias. The research aims to identify achievable lifestyle health behaviors that can reduce the risk of these conditions.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that exposure to night shift work and rotating shift work is associated with higher rates of cognitive impairment among middle-aged and older adults. Cognitive function tests revealed impairment in memory and executive function, suggesting a potential link between shift work and neurodegeneration.
A new study found that cumulative exposure to extreme heat can worsen cognitive health, particularly among Black older adults and residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 9,500 U.S. adults ages 52 and older, finding a link between high heat exposure and faster cognitive decline in these groups.
HBP researchers used glucose uptake to locate alpha waves' generation, finding subcortical areas drive cortical activity associated with consciousness. The study reveals an inverted u-shape relation between alpha power and brain function in patients with disorders of consciousness.
A two-year NIH-funded study led by Penn State associate research professor Ashley Linden-Carmichael examines the next-day effects of heavy drinking on young adults' daily cognitive functioning. The study will collect intensive self-reported data from 250 participants to explore the impact of alcohol use on memory and other cognitive fu...
Researchers propose GABA-modulating treatments as potential therapeutic targets for depression's cognitive and affective symptoms. The study highlights the importance of GABA-A receptors in regulating balance and signals between neurons, and suggests compounds that promote or inhibit these receptors may alleviate depressive symptoms.
A new study from the University of Arizona has found that remembering events can trigger theta oscillations in the brain's hippocampus region, suggesting that memory is a strong driver of these rhythmic signals. This discovery could lay the foundations for cognitive impairment therapy and improve memory.
Research found that very light exercise can improve prefrontal executive function, with pupil dilation during exercise indicating subsequent improvement. Pupil-linked neural activity was also shown to activate the brain's noradrenergic arousal system.
Researchers discovered that adult and aged mice demonstrated improved performance in behavioral tasks after environmental enrichment, with MSK1 playing a vital role. The study highlights the importance of MSK1 in converting positive experiences into cognitive benefits across the lifespan.
Researchers discovered lactate's role in helping neural stem cells develop into specialized neurons. Lactate sends signals to cells, modifying and strengthening neuronal functions. The study provides insight into lactate signaling in the nervous system, with potential applications for preventing or controlling cognitive diseases.