Articles tagged with Memory Disorders
A study published in Neuron suggests that reducing excess brain activity may improve memory and interrupt disease progression in patients with cognitive impairment, a potential new therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease. The findings are consistent with research in animal models and suggest that elevated hippocampal activation co...
Researchers found that reducing hippocampal activity improved performance on a memory task in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Elevated activity in this brain region is often seen in disorders associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease.
A new study found that people who reported greater purpose in life exhibited better cognition than those with less purpose, even as plaques and tangles accumulated. This suggests that engaging in meaningful activities promotes cognitive health in old age.
Researchers have gained a better understanding of how precise memories are formed through the study of inhibitory neurons. The discovery sheds light on the neurobiological basis of memory problems in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, and could potentially lead to new treatments.
A Mayo Clinic study of 926 people aged 70-93 found that combining mentally stimulating activities like computer use with moderate exercise decreases the risk of memory loss. The study suggests a synergistic interaction between computer activities and exercise in protecting brain function, particularly for those over 70.
A new study found that increased consumption of blueberries and strawberries is associated with slower rates of memory decline in older women. The study, published in Annals of Neurology, suggests that berries may be a simple dietary modification to reduce memory decline in older adults.
A new study found that repeated blows to the brain can cause measurable changes in memory and thinking after a certain threshold, despite earlier brain volume changes. Athletes with more years of fighting and fights per year performed worse on memory and thinking tests.
A new study examines the relationship between personality traits, emotional strategies, and gender in memory recall. Researchers found that men who were high in extroversion remembered more positive life events, while women who were high in neuroticism ruminated on negative memories.
Researchers found that memory decline speeds up in the last two-and-a-half years of life compared to previous stages, with mentally active individuals showing better cognitive health. Activities such as reading and playing board games were linked to preserved memory during late life.
Two studies published in Neurology find that memory decline accelerates in the two- and-a-half years before death, while mentally stimulating activities like reading and board games may help preserve cognitive function during late life.
A cholesterol drug commonly prescribed to reduce cardiovascular disease risk restores blood vessel function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The drug also improves learning and memory in adult mice, but not aged mice.
Research using tDCS shows promise in speeding up word finding in stroke patients and enhancing memory in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease patients. Numerical skills can also be improved using tDCS applied to the posterior parietal cortex, with observed improvements lasting up to 6 months.
Researchers found that stimulating specific neurons can reverse age-related memory defects in fruit flies, which may have implications for human memory disorders. The study used functional cellular imaging to monitor neuron activity and showed that cold-activated ion channels can rescue intermediate-term memory.
A new study found that sleep protects positive memories just as it does negative ones, with significant implications for treating post-traumatic stress disorder. Sleep enhances emotionally positive memories while these memories decay over wake, prioritizing them for processing during sleep.
A recent study by Sonia Lupien's team at the Centre for Studies on Human Stress found that testing older adults in unfamiliar and stressful environments can significantly reduce their memory performance. The researchers tested older adults under conditions similar to those in which cognitive examinations take place, and found that stre...
A $640,000 grant will fund research collaborations between ASU and Columbia University to expand knowledge about sensory feedback and motor actions involved in hand control. The study aims to understand how the brain stores memory representations of past actions and plans future actions.
Scientists at the University of Alberta investigated the molecular mechanism of memory encoding in neurons. They found components that fit together, enabling information processing and storage capacity necessary for forming and retaining memories.
A new study examines neural activation among individuals with and without a history of alcohol-induced fragmentary blackouts, suggesting individual differences in how alcohol impacts memory. The study found that some people are more likely to experience alcohol-induced blackouts due to unique patterns of blood flow and neural activity.
A study published in the journal Menopause found that menopause is associated with certain types of memory deficits, particularly those related to working memory and sustaining attention. The study's findings validate women's experiences of 'brain fog' during this phase of life.
A study by Dr. Lorraine Hope found that less than 60 seconds of physical exertion can severely impair a police officer's ability to remember details of an incident, including recognizing the person involved. This can lead to inaccuracies in witness accounts and potentially affect an officer's credibility.
A new study with monkeys suggests that higher doses of the ADHD medication methylphenidate can impair learning and memory, while lower doses improve performance. The results have implications for finding the optimal dosage for children with ADHD.
Researchers validated protease cathepsin B as a target to improve memory deficits and reduce amyloid plaque pathology in an animal model representative of most AD patients. Deleting the CatB gene improved memory deficits while reducing amyloid plaque, mimicking that found in AD.
A new article from the American Chemical Society suggests that berry fruits contain high levels of antioxidants, which can protect cells from damage. The study also found that eating berries changes the way neurons communicate, potentially preventing inflammation in the brain and improving motor control and cognition.
Researchers found that higher levels of VILIP-1 in the spinal fluid are linked to faster mental decline in patients with early Alzheimer's disease. This study suggests that VILIP-1 may be a better predictor of Alzheimer's progression than other markers.
Researchers found that a memory training strategy can help people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remember specific information, such as object locations. The technique showed increased activity in the hippocampus, a critical brain region for forming new memories.
A new study reveals that an overactive enzyme called HDAC2 is responsible for memory problems in Alzheimer's disease. When genetically blocked, the enzyme 'reawakens' neurons and restores cognitive function in mice. The findings suggest that drugs inhibiting HDAC2 could be effective treatments for some devastating effects of the disease.
Researchers have found that an epigenetic blockade affects people with Alzheimer's disease, leading to a blockade of genes involved in learning and memory. A treatment approach using gene therapy reduced HDAC2 levels, preventing the blockade and improving neuroplasticity.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that D-serine improves memory in 'depressed' rats by increasing brain plasticity. This finding suggests a potential treatment approach for depression, targeting the support cells' functionality.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology suggests that consuming excessive calories may double the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in individuals aged 70 and above. The findings indicate a dose-response pattern where higher caloric intake corresponds to increased MCI risk.
A new study from the University of Haifa identifies developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in children through a simple writing task, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment. Children with DCD struggle with motor coordination, leading to difficulties in everyday tasks like dressing and typing.
A new study published by Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care found that smartphone training can significantly improve daily life skills and boost confidence levels among individuals with moderate-to-severe memory impairment. Participants showed 'robust increases' in day-to-day memory functioning after taking the training.
Researchers at UCLA have found that stimulating a critical junction in the brain can improve memory in human patients. The study focuses on the entorhinal cortex, which plays a crucial role in transforming daily experiences into lasting memories.
A new questionnaire, AQ, can discriminate between normal memory loss and aMCI, a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. The study found that four questions were strong indicators of aMCI, including repetition of questions and difficulties with finances and direction.
Research suggests that severe memory loss in years before a stroke may predict a future deadly stroke. Participants who died after stroke had more severe memory decline compared to those who survived or didn't have a stroke.
A recent study published in Neurology found that men are at higher risk of experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) than women. The study, which analyzed data from 1,450 participants aged 70-89, revealed that the number of new cases of MCI per year was higher in men, affecting 72 per 1,000 people.
A study published in Neurology found that nicotine patches improved memory loss in older adults with mild cognitive impairment by 46% after six months. The treatment had minimal side effects and showed promise for further research into its potential benefits.
A clinical trial found that using a nicotine patch for six months improved long-term memory in people with mild cognitive impairment by 46%. The study, published in Neurology, suggests that nicotine may be beneficial for early signs of memory loss.
Researchers have identified a 90% accuracy biomarker that increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's by 10 years. Patients with low levels of beta-amyloid and high tau protein levels are at highest risk, indicating potential therapeutic targets for early intervention.
Researchers found a link between silent strokes and memory loss in older adults, with those having silent strokes scoring worse on memory tests. The study suggests that stroke prevention may help stave off memory problems.
A study found that individuals with smaller brain cortex regions are more likely to develop early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The research identified 21% of those at high risk for cognitive decline, compared to 7% of those at average risk.
Researchers are conducting a study to examine the effects of exercise and computerized memory training on executive function in people with Parkinson's disease. The goal is to determine if these interventions can slow or reverse memory changes and improve cognitive function.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a memory-enhancing drug by inhibiting PKR activity, which boosts excitability and enhances learning and memory. In mice, PKR inhibition led to increased synaptic activity caused by gamma interferon, mimicking the effect of a 'memory pill'.
A new study published in Current Directions in Psychological Science warns that evolutionary tradeoffs limit human cognitive abilities. Research suggests that increasing intelligence comes with problems, such as increased disease risk, and there may be an upper limit to how smart humans can get.
A recent study found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment and no memory problems who had the Alzheimer's biomarkers were more likely to have a lower BMI than those without the biomarkers. This association suggests a systemic metabolic response to the disease, possibly related to damage in the hypothalamus.
A modified Story Memory Technique was found to be effective in improving learning and memory deficits in people with multiple sclerosis. The treatment group showed greater activation in a widespread cortical network, indicating improved cognitive function.
Studies explore the influence of changes in brain structure, function, or both on human behavior and learning. Research findings may lead to effective interventions and treatments for brain diseases and conditions affecting memory.
A 22-year-old woman with amnesia demonstrated that her short-term memory is impaired when trying to recall new information. However, she showed no difficulty recalling familiar faces or words.
A study from Arizona State University found that the hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in Depo Provera shots impairs memory in rodents. The researchers also measured GABA's impact on brain function, which may contribute to memory loss.
Researchers found that tomosyn regulates synaptic signaling and plays a crucial role in controlling whether synapses get stronger or weaker, affecting memory formation. Knocking out tomosyn impaired fruit flies' ability to retain memories.
UCLA neuro-physicists discovered an optimal brain 'rhythm' for changing synaptic strength, contrary to previous assumptions. The findings suggest that stimulating synapses at naturally occurring frequencies, not high frequencies, increases synaptic strength and may lead to new therapies for learning disabilities.
Researchers found that kibra protein is essential for regulating brain circuitry and learning, leading to impaired memory in mice lacking the protein. The study suggests that kibra plays a crucial role in shaping brain connections during learning and memory formation.
A national study found intensive blood sugar control does preserve brain volume but lacks cognitive benefit in older people with diabetes. The study suggests focusing on diet, exercise and behavioral interventions to improve overall health.
Researchers at NASA developed a flexible memory fabric that can retain information for over 100 days, using copper-oxide fibers as the storage medium. The technology enables e-textiles to detect biomarkers, monitor vital signs, and transmit data to doctors.
Researchers have identified micro-RNA 34c as a key regulator of learning and Alzheimer's disease. Elevated levels of miRNA 34c are associated with memory impairment, while lowering its levels can restore learning ability in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that memory complaints in older adults are associated with poorer cognitive functioning. The study suggests clinicians should differentiate between types of memory complaints to identify those related to normal aging versus potential cognitive decline.
A new UCLA study found that a six-week memory fitness program improved verbal memory and reduced age-related memory decline in seniors over 80. The program included education on lifestyle factors impacting memory ability and overall brain health, resulting in enhanced self-perceived memory and cognitive function.
People with declarative memory impairment have trouble making common ground in conversation due to their inability to form new declarative memories. In the study, participants with amnesia looked equally at two elephants, showing no benefit from earlier conversations.
A new study suggests that moderate exercise can prevent age-related memory loss after a bacterial infection. Researchers found that older rats who ran on an exercise wheel showed improved cognitive function and reduced inflammation in the hippocampus compared to non-exercising rats.
A small amount of exercise has been shown to prevent exaggerated inflammation in the brain and long-lasting memory impairments following a bacterial infection. This study suggests that voluntary exercise can confer robust benefits for those who exercised, especially for older adults at risk of memory loss.
Researchers at NYU's Center for Neural Science have identified the hippocampus and perirhinal cortex as crucial brain areas involved in integrating 'what' and 'when' information. This discovery enhances our understanding of how memories are processed and may lead to new approaches for addressing memory-related disorders.