Articles tagged with Memory Disorders
Scientists are using new brain-machine interfaces to restore motor function, while developing tools to repair and improve cognition. New electrophysiology techniques allow for a sharper view of the brain's activity, enabling researchers to study human brains in real-time.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that increasing levels of protein tau may reverse cognitive deficits caused by Alzheimer's disease. They discovered that tau disrupts memory in models of Alzheimer's disease by depleting protein KIBRA, which is critical for memory formation.
A study by MIT neuroscientists suggests that early-stage Alzheimer's patients can form new memories but struggle to recall them. The researchers used optogenetics to stimulate the cells holding these memories and were able to retrieve them in mice with Alzheimer's symptoms.
Researchers used optogenetics to re-grow lost spines and restore memories in AD mice by stimulating engram cells. This method suggests that impaired retrieval of memories underlies early Alzheimer's disease symptoms and highlights the importance of targeted manipulation of neurons for future therapies.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that women tend to perform better on verbal memory tests and have less brain shrinkage in areas responsible for verbal memory. This suggests that women may be protected from loss of verbal memory skills before Alzheimer's disease symptoms appear.
A new study found that physically active older adults have larger gray matter volumes in key brain areas, which can help prevent cognitive decline. People with high calorie burn are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease or experience less volume reduction over time.
A new study led by University at Buffalo orthodontic researcher Thikriat Al-Jewair found that large tonsils and tongue indentations are common risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea. The research also showed that obese patients were almost 10 times more likely to report OSA symptoms than non-obese patients.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that older adults who used a computer at least once per week had a 42% lower risk of developing memory and thinking problems compared to those who did not. Engaging in social activities also showed a significant reduction in memory decline, with participants who participated ...
A breakthrough study sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) Global has significantly boosted the memory and mental performance of laboratory mice through Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). The researchers observed improved performance in navigating a water maze and distinguishing between known and unknown objects,...
Researchers found that flushing away inflammatory cells contributed to restored memory function in test mice with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests targeting these cells with specific drugs may be a promising new approach.
A new study suggests that fetal alcohol exposure leads to long-lasting slow-wave sleep fragmentation, which is associated with learning problems and impaired cognitive function. The researchers found that mice exposed to binge amounts of ethanol displayed severe sleep fragmentation, memory impairment, and hyperactivity.
Researchers have successfully disrupted a genetic chain of events in a mouse model of schizophrenia and reversed memory deficits. The study used a chemical compound to regrow connections between brain cells, restoring memory deficits and showing potential for effective therapies.
Researchers at Scripps Florida identified a memory suppressor microRNA called miR-980, which regulates neuronal excitability and inhibiting it improves memory. The study found links between miR-980 and autism spectrum disorder, suggesting that the microRNA may contribute to the development of the condition.
Researchers found that MAP1A connects NMDA glutamate receptors to microtubules, stabilizing receptor transport and preventing derailment. This discovery offers new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying memory and learning.
Cognitive neuroscientist Rosie Cowell is using a five-year grant to develop and test a theory of memory interaction with fine-grained visual perception. She will use computational modeling and memory experiments to investigate how the medial temporal lobe affects both memory and visual perception.
A new study finds that educating and involving family members in the care of a loved one with memory loss can significantly reduce hospital readmissions. The study, conducted at Henry Ford Hospital, showed a 30% decline in 30-day readmission rates for patients with congestive heart failure.
Researchers have identified PTEN as a key player in Alzheimer's disease, where it drives excessive synaptic plasticity and impairs memory formation. A new study offers a promising approach to prevent this process, using a molecular tool that shields synapses from PTEN recruitment.
A new study developed a comparable test of learning and memory for humans as the one used in mice, addressing limitations in translating results from animals to humans. The virtual version of the Morris water maze was found to show significant impairments in both Alzheimer's disease model mice and early-stage AD patients.
A new IU study confirms the existence of independent working memory systems in animals, which could inform new pre-clinical research models for Alzheimer's disease treatment. The results show that rats possess two separate memory resources, allowing them to recall more information across multiple categories.
Research reveals a decrease in inhibitory neurons in brain's memory center CA2 region, associated with social memory deficits and psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia. The findings suggest a possible link between this brain region and the disorder's symptoms, opening up new avenues for research and potential treatments.
A teenage girl's excessive codeine use led to a confusional state and loss of memory. Doctors warn that the lack of evidence supporting codeine's benefits in cough remedies makes its risks particularly unnecessary.
Researchers discovered epigenetic modifications in mouse brains that influence long-term memory, suggesting a potential code for memory content and new therapeutic targets. The study also found these modifications occur in non-neuronal cells, expanding our understanding of neuroplasticity regulation.
A Scripps Research Institute scientist has been awarded $2 million to investigate the impact of aging on a unique type of nerve cell involved in memory. The study aims to understand how gene expression changes with age and may lead to the development of novel therapeutics for age-related diseases.
Studies investigate biological factors behind memory decline in people with epilepsy, particularly those with temporal lobe epilepsy. Loss of neurons from the hippocampus is a common cause of impaired memory. Researchers also explore effects of seizures on signaling pathways and brain activity.
A recent study published in Neurology found an association between slow walking speed and amyloid plaques in the brain, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers discovered that participants with higher levels of amyloid were more likely to have slower walking speeds.
Researchers found that BRCA1 depletion impairs brain cell function and contributes to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that therapeutic manipulation of BRCA1 may prevent neuronal damage and cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease or at risk for the disease.
A new study has found that older adults who take more steps perform better on memory tasks than those who are more sedentary. The association between physical activity and memory was strongest with a task requiring recalling face-name associations.
A $9.4 million grant is being used to test a transdermal nicotine patch for improving memory loss in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI affects millions of people worldwide and is the stage between normal aging and dementia when others notice mild memory problems.
Researchers found that individuals with depressed mood forgot more number strings when responding to negative information, highlighting the impact of depressive thoughts on memory. The study suggests that this phenomenon may contribute to depression's effects on daily life and cognitive function.
A study of 1,107 dementia-free women found that those who complained of memory problems were 70% more likely to develop a diagnosis compared to those without complaints. Women with complaints were also 3-9 times more likely to develop a diagnosis at different time points.
A UCI study found that circadian rhythm-altering sleep disruptions similar to jet lag can promote memory problems and chemical alterations in the brain. The researchers suggest that good sleep habits may be crucial for maximizing good memory.
A new study shows that increasing caveolin-1 levels in nerve cells improves learning and memory in aged mice. The researchers believe this could be a path toward treating age-related memory loss and other conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists discovered that cannabinoid receptors in the brain exclusively control aversive memories, excluding neutral and positive ones. This finding has significant implications for treating diseases associated with emotional processes like depression and anxiety.
Scientists have found that neurons in a little-studied part of the brain become more active with age, leading to potential new treatments for memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that future therapies will need to account for different effects across various brain regions.
A specific group of genes controls calcium ion concentration, crucial for memory performance and Alzheimer's development. The study provides new insights into the origins of the neurodegenerative disorder.
A new study published in Neurology found that people who develop dementia experience a decline in awareness of their memory problems two to three years before the disease onset. The study also identified several dementia-related brain changes associated with this decline.
A new study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience reports that mental visual imagery training can improve autobiographical memory and episodic future thinking in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients, leading to better daily functioning and a greater sense of self-confidence.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health found that even brief exposure to sudden sounds or mild trauma can form permanent brain connections, leading to improved hearing in rats. The study may lead to better understanding of how to treat hearing loss, Alzheimer's disease, and PTSD.
Johns Hopkins University researchers identified the hippocampus region responsible for distinguishing between familiar and new memories. This finding validates theories about memory processing and may help explain memory impairments in diseases like Alzheimer's, potentially preserving people's memories as they age.
Researchers discovered a critical role for extra-synaptic GABA receptors in encoding and storing fear-inducing memories. Activating these receptors can retrieve traumatic memories, offering new potential treatments for patients with psychiatric disorders.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that the hippocampus represents time and space for at least a month of memories spanning up to 30 kilometers. The researchers used an Android-based smartphone to collect real-life photos, which were later analyzed using fMRI scanning.
Studies show that changes in moral behavior, not memory loss, cause loved ones to say the patient isn't 'the same person' anymore. Moral faculties form core of individual identity perception, according to researchers.
Researchers altered a gene in mice to inhibit PDE4B, leading to enhanced cognitive abilities and reduced anxiety. The findings offer hope for better treatments for age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia.
A study by Northwestern University researchers found an intrinsic biological difference in the molecular regulation of synapses in the hippocampus between males and females. The drug URB-597 increased inhibitory effect in females, causing a decrease in neurotransmitter release, but had no effect in males.
Researchers at the University of Basel used computational models to describe human memory processes for the first time. The study identified specific genetic profiles underlying distinct mental processes, such as learning and memory storage.
Researchers discovered insulin delivered via nasal cavity reaches affected brain areas, improving memory in a mouse model. The study suggests potential future treatments using gastrointestinal hormones like insulin to combat Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers from Cardiff University identified a process in the brain that can help rescue lost memories or bury bad ones. They found that strong reminders can recover memories previously thought to be lost in rats.
A new Iowa State University study found a strong association between insulin resistance and memory function decline, increasing the risk for Alzheimer's disease. Insulin resistance is common in people who are obese, pre-diabetic or have Type 2 diabetes, and can lead to cognitive decline at any age.
A study published in Cortex found that sleep significantly improves memory accessibility, allowing subjects to recall facts they couldn't remember while awake. After a night's sleep, participants were able to recover unrecalled memories, suggesting that sleep sharpens and makes memories more vivid and accessible.
Researchers found that people with schizophrenia experience relational encoding problems and regional brain dysfunction in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. The study suggests a new target area for treatment development to improve memory in individuals with psychosis.
A meta-analysis of 53 studies involving nearly 8,500 people found that programs featuring violence and sex don't improve advertising effectiveness, while some nuances were discovered, such as improved ad recall when the content matches the media.
Researchers found evidence of Alzheimer's-like pathologies in individuals with the APOE ε4 variant, including increased amyloid plaque and tau levels. This study provides a foundation for further research among patients at risk of Alzheimer's earlier than usual.
A new study shows that stroke survivors experience accelerated and persistent declines in thinking ability over the years after their stroke, even after accounting for normal brain aging. The study suggests a need for better long-term follow-up care for stroke survivors to manage their cognitive problems.
Researchers found that playing Tetris after reactivating traumatic memories reduces their occurrence over time. The study suggests a potential preventative treatment for PTSD by bringing back traumatic memories under controlled conditions.
Researchers identified individual neurons in the medial temporal lobe that changed their firing to encode new associations at the exact moment of the experience. This finding may lead to a better understanding of memory loss and new methods to fight it in Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases.
A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that cortisol enhances the consolidation of emotional memories, particularly in individuals with anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Cortisol levels can strengthen memories of traumatic experiences during both initial formation and reconsolidation after memory retrieval.
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have identified five microRNAs that are necessary for memory formation, while others decrease it, affecting neuronal physiology and nervous system development. The study provides valuable insights into the complex mechanisms of learning and memory.
A new University of Michigan study suggests that napping may be an effective strategy to counteract impulsive behavior and boost tolerance for frustration. The study found that taking a nap increased participants' ability to persevere through difficult tasks.
A new study found that errors on memory and thinking tests may signal Alzheimer's disease up to 13-18 years before the disease can be diagnosed. Those who scored lower overall had an increased risk of developing the disease, with higher scores associated with a lower risk.
Researchers have found that artificially reactivating positive memories can suppress the effects of stress-induced depression in mice. The study reveals how brain circuits interact with negative experiences and provides a potential target for therapeutic approaches.