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Deep brain stimulation modifies memory

Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that stimulating the cingulate cortex worsened memory recall in epilepsy patients. However, deep brain stimulation also modified hippocampal brain waves and demonstrated a direct role for the cingulate cortex in memory encoding.

A NEAT discovery about memory

A team of researchers has identified a tissue-specific non-coding RNA called NEAT1 that regulates memory formation in the hippocampus region of the brain. Increasing NEAT1 levels in younger mice impaired learning and memory, while decreasing NEAT1 levels improved cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Signaling·DateJul 2, 2019

Health checks from age 40 avoid 'black hole'

A study of 561 healthy adults found an average of five unidentified health problems per person, including undiagnosed high blood pressure and hearing loss. Regular health checks can help identify these issues and improve health outcomes through individualized screening and self-management recommendations.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBMC Geriatrics·DateJun 30, 2019

What makes memories stronger?

Studies in rats reveal that highly demanding and rewarding experiences result in stronger memories due to replay processes in the hippocampus. This finding provides new insights into memory consolidation, which could lead to treatments that strengthen memories and better understand memory decline in diseases like dementia.

Exercise activates memory neural networks in older adults

A new University of Maryland study reveals that acute exercise increases activation in the hippocampus and other key brain regions associated with memory. This finding suggests that single sessions of exercise can promote adaptations and improve network integrity, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·DateApr 25, 2019

Unique patterns of brain activity predict treatment responses in patients with PTSD

A neuroimaging study identified unique brain activity patterns that predict poorer responses to talk therapy in patients with PTSD. Patients with impaired verbal memory and VAN function had poorer outcomes after psychotherapy, while those with intact verbal memory or normal VAN function were more responsive.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 3, 2019

Study examines how high altitude affects memory

A new study investigated the impact of high altitude exposure on short-term memory, identifying effects on spatial and verbal memory. The study found that high altitude exposure can lead to deficits in these aspects of cognition, affecting daily functioning.

SourceWiley·JournalBrain and Behavior·DateMar 20, 2019

What you eat could impact your brain and memory

Researchers at Iowa State University discovered a link between the satiety hormone Cholecystokinin and reduced Alzheimer's disease risk, with higher levels associated with a 65% decrease in cognitive impairment. The study suggests that dietary factors may play a role in preventing or slowing disease progression.

SourceIowa State University·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateJan 28, 2019

Signs of memory problems could be symptoms of hearing loss instead

A recent Baycrest study found that many older adults being evaluated for memory concerns had mild to severe hearing loss. Addressing hearing issues may mitigate or fix what appears to be a memory problem. Hearing loss is a common chronic condition affecting 50% of those over 65 and 90% of those over 80.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalCanadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement·DateJan 18, 2019

Epigenetics contribute to male and female differences in fear memory

A mouse model of traumatic memory found that male mice recall fear-related memories better than female mice due to natural activation of cyclin dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) in males. Artificial activation of Cdk5 reduced the strength of fear memories in female mice, highlighting sex differences in how fear is remembered.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 17, 2019

Do you recognize this image?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo found that histamine improved people's long-term memory test scores, especially for those with poor memories. The study showed mice could recognize toys they'd seen as long as 28 days ago after receiving a medication that increases histamine in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 8, 2019

Racial differences in Alzheimer's disease unveiled

Researchers identified racial disparities in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and progression among African-American participants, who had lower levels of brain protein tau. This may lead to under-recognition of the disease in African-Americans, as they often have lower tau levels than Caucasians, according to a new study.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJan 7, 2019

Fungi cause brain infection and impair memory in mice

Researchers found that Candida albicans can cross the blood-brain barrier, triggering an inflammatory response and forming granuloma-type structures, leading to temporary memory impairments in mice. The findings also suggest a possible link between fungal infections and chronic neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 4, 2019

Brain health not affected by major heart surgery

A new study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found no major impact on brain health after major heart surgery. Researchers compared cognitive decline between patients undergoing heart surgery and those who received a catheter-based procedure, and found that the two groups showed little difference in memory performance.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·DateDec 18, 2018