New insight into how environmental enrichment enhances memory
A new study reveals that environmental enrichment enhances memory by forming new synapses and breaking down old ones, with the β-Adducin protein playing a critical role in this process.
Memory Disorders
Articles tagged with Memory Disorders
Comparing profiles of learning and memory impairments in 2 groups of children
Children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and ADHD exhibit different patterns of learning and memory impairments. PAE is associated with initial encoding problems, while ADHD affects retrieval mechanisms, suggesting distinct underlying deficits.
Epilepsy-linked memory losss worries more patients than doctors
A survey of patients with epilepsy found that they ranked memory loss as their second-most important concern, while doctors ranked it 12th. Practitioners were more concerned about unexpected seizures, which was also the top concern for both groups.
Enzyme enhances, erases long-term memories in rats
Researchers at the NIH have discovered that increasing activity of brain enzyme PKMzeta enhances long-term memories in rats, while decreasing it erases them. This finding has significant implications for treating debilitating emotional memories and enhancing faltering memories in disorders of aging.
High cholesterol and blood pressure in middle age tied to early memory problems
A recent study found that individuals with high cholesterol and blood pressure in middle age are more likely to experience early cognitive decline and memory problems. The research, which tracked over 4,800 participants for 10 years, showed a significant association between cardiovascular risk factors and poorer cognitive test scores.
Memory problems may be sign of stroke risk
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that individuals with memory problems are at a higher risk for stroke. The research used two simple tests to evaluate brain function and found that those who scored in the bottom 20% were 3-9 times more likely to experience a stroke, depending on age.
Metabolic syndrome linked to memory loss in older people
A study published in Neurology found that older people with metabolic syndrome are 20% more likely to experience cognitive decline on memory tests. Higher triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol were linked to poorer memory scores.
Philanthropist invests $3.5 million in Buck Institute's Alzheimer's drug development effort
Douglas Rosenberg invests $3.5 million with Buck Institute to develop treatments for Alzheimer's disease based on small molecule screenings that show promise. The goal is to raise $10 million to get the new drug candidates into early clinical trials.
Little-known growth factor enhances memory, prevents forgetting in rats
A naturally occurring growth factor called IGF-II has been found to enhance retention and prevent forgetting of fear memories in rats. The study suggests that IGF-II could become a potential drug target for boosting memory, with the potential to address clinical problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Brain's 'autopilot' provides insight into early development of Alzheimer's disease
Researchers tested how brain network integrity relates to future cognitive decline in people with mild memory problems. They found altered patterns of brain activity in the default mode network among those who later progress to Alzheimer's disease compared to those whose memory remains intact.
BRNI identifies new therapies for prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease
A BRNI study reveals underlying causes of Alzheimer's degeneration and identifies promising pharmaceutical solutions by normalizing the Alzheimer's brain. Treatments that target synapse growth and preservation have shown to prevent disease progression, shifting focus from amyloid plaques.
'Long-shot' discovery may lead to advances in treating anxiety, memory disorders
Researchers at UCLA have made a groundbreaking discovery about neuronal gap junctions, which could lead to new treatments for anxiety disorders like PTSD. The study found that blocking these gap junctions can disrupt critical rhythms in the brain region most involved in cognition, preventing fear memories from forming.
Stress can enhance ordinary, unrelated memories
Researchers found that stress activates memory recall of unrelated experiences in laboratory rats, which may offer insights into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions. The study's results suggest that traumatic stress can reactivate non-traumatic memories, linking them to the traumatic experience.
UCI researchers find novel memory-enhancing mechanism in brain
UCI researchers identified a novel mechanism in the brain that boosts memory by strengthening and prolonging memories of negative events to simple objects. Neuropeptide S activation prepares the brain for learning, leading to remarkable memory improvement with long-lasting effects.
Protein restores learning, memory in Alzheimer's mouse model
Researchers at UT Health Science Center San Antonio have found that increasing a protein called CBP can restore learning and memory in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. This breakthrough provides a novel therapeutic target for the development of Alzheimer's medications.
Forget your previous conceptions about memory
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that brain disruptions cause confusion between memories, leading to false remembering. This insight could lead to new treatments reducing memory confusion and improving daily functioning for patients.
Walking slows progression of Alzheimer's
A 10-year study found that walking at least five miles per week protects brain structure and slows cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment. The study also showed that physical activity levels are correlated with MRI results and reduced the risk of cognitive decline.
Gene therapy prevents memory problems in mice with Alzheimer's disease
Scientists discovered that increasing EphB2 levels can fix memory problems caused by amyloid proteins in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that blocking amyloid proteins from binding to EphB2 and enhancing its functions may be beneficial for AD treatment.
A molecular switch for memory and addiction
Researchers have identified a key role for a protein called RyR2 in the development of long-term changes in brain connectivity associated with learning, memory, and addiction. By upregulating RyR2, nicotine can trigger the formation of new connections in the brain, leading to addictive behavior.
Jet-lagged and forgetful? It's no coincidence
Research by University of California, Berkeley psychologists found that chronic jet lag causes persistent changes in the brain's hippocampus, leading to memory and learning problems. The study, which used female Syrian hamsters as subjects, showed that even after recovery from jet lag, the brain continued to experience deficits.
New ways to detect and treat Alzheimer's disease
Researchers have identified brain changes in people with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. These findings may help identify individuals at risk and improve early detection, potentially leading to more treatable stages of the disease.
Yerkes researchers present at 40th Annual Society for Neuroscience Conference
Yerkes researchers are presenting various studies on neuroscience topics including social bonding, addiction, neurodegenerative diseases and memory. Researchers like Larry Young, Leonard Howell and Yoland Smith are sharing their findings on oxytocin, stimulant addiction and cell death in neurodegenerative diseases.
Bilingualism delays onset of Alzheimer's symptoms
A Canadian research team found that bilingual individuals experienced a delay in the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms by as much as five years. The study analyzed clinical records of over 200 patients and found that bilingualism contributed to cognitive reserve, delaying symptom onset.
Brain's ability to selectively focus/pay attention diminishes with age
A University of Toronto study reveals that visual attention diminishes with age, leading to better memory for irrelevant information. Older adults are less capable of filtering out distracting information, which broadly influences cognitive deficits in normal aging.
Arthritis drugs could help prevent memory loss after surgery
Researchers have linked anti-inflammatory arthritis drugs to preventing cognitive decline after surgery by targeting a specific inflammatory response in the brain. The findings suggest that these therapies could lead to human clinical trials within 12 months.
Tackling cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease: 1 'STEP' at a time
Lowering STEP protein levels reversed cognitive deficits in mice with Alzheimer's disease, according to a Yale University study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The research found that reducing STEP levels is sufficient to reverse cognitive defects in mice without the Alzheimer's mutation.
Gladstone scientists uncover mechanism for the major genetic risk factor of Alzheimer's disease
Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes have discovered that ApoE4 causes learning and memory deficits by impairing GABAergic interneuron function. The study found that apoE4-dependent deficits were rescued by pentobarbital, a compound that enhances GABA action.
Compound in celery, peppers reduces age-related memory deficits
A diet rich in luteolin reduces inflammation in the brain and related memory deficits. Luteolin improves cognitive health by acting on microglial cells to reduce inflammatory cytokine production.
Promising drug candidate reverses age-related memory loss in mice
Researchers have identified a preclinical candidate that may slow the natural decline in memory associated with ageing. The new synthetic compound selectively blocks an enzyme involved in high levels of 'stress' steroid hormones, which are linked to memory loss.
Psychologist finds 'shocking' impact on name recall
A recent study found that electric stimulation of the right anterior temporal lobe improved proper name recall by 11% in young adults. This technique, known as tDCS, may also lead to longer-lasting effects and hold promise for treating memory decline in older adults.
Neuroscience research may help patients recover from brain injury
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the way the brain processes second-stage learning could be mimicked therapeutically to help people with impaired memory formation. The researchers discovered a new mechanism of learning that is independent of the NMDA receptor, which is currently essential for learning and memory.
Memory impairment common in people with a history of cancer
A new study reveals that people with a history of cancer are 40% more likely to experience memory problems that interfere with daily functioning. The findings suggest that cancer itself is a key independent predictor of memory issues, going beyond previously recognized conditions like 'chemobrain'.
Scientists identify a new target for Alzheimer's disease
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center have identified neutral sphingomyelinase as a key player in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. By inhibiting this protein, they were able to prevent activated brain cells and beta-amyloid from killing neurons.
Study: Old age may not be to blame for becoming forgetful
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that brain lesions associated with dementia contribute to mild memory loss in older adults. The study of 350 Catholic nuns and priests revealed a gradual decline in memory until the last four to five years of life.
Mild memory loss is not a part of normal aging
A study published in Neurology found that mild memory changes are caused by brain lesions associated with Alzheimer's and other dementias, contradicting the long-held notion that age is a primary factor. The study involved over 350 participants and showed a rapid decline in cognitive function in the last four to five years of life.
Memory problems more common in men?
A new study published in Neurology shows that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is 1.5 times higher in men compared to women. MCI often leads to Alzheimer's disease and the study found nearly 14% of participants had MCI, with men being more likely to experience it.
Older adults experience 'destination amnesia'
A new study by Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute found that older adults are more prone to destination memory failures, including falsely believing they've shared information. They remain highly confident in these false beliefs, leading to awkward social situations and miscommunication.
Scientists find link in humans between nerve cell production, memory
A recent study published in the journal Brain has found a link between nerve cell production and memory in humans. The research suggests that increasing nerve cell regeneration in the hippocampus may alleviate or prevent memory loss, providing new insights into age-related cognitive decline.
Alcohol dependence damages both episodic memory and awareness of memory
A new study found that individuals with alcohol dependence not only experience impaired episodic memory but also a distorted perception of their own cognitive abilities. This distortion leads to an overestimation of memory capacities and a failure to recognize actual memory deficits.
Memory researchers explain latest findings on improving the mind, stopping memory loss
Researchers found that certain stages of sleep have distinct roles in people's memory capacity, with REM sleep stage crucial for memory systems. The formation of associative networks from previously unassociated information is facilitated by changes to neurotransmitter systems during REM sleep.
Plasma beta-amyloid levels associated with cognitive decline
High plasma beta-amyloid levels are associated with faster cognitive decline, even in those without dementia. Cognitive decline was more pronounced in memory domains than other areas.
When memory-related region of brain is damaged, other areas compensate, study finds
Researchers at UCLA found that when one brain region is damaged, another region can take over its function. The study suggests that the brain has a mechanism to adapt and compensate, potentially leading to new treatments for patients with memory impairments.
Memory's master switch
A study published in Neuron reveals that GABA, a natural molecule in the brain, is responsible for regulating synaptic connections and facilitating the formation of new memories. The research demonstrates that variations in local GABA levels near individual synapses determine synaptic strength and heterogeneity.
SIRT1 gene important for memory
A study led by the University of Southern California found that SIRT1 protein is essential for recall in mice, but over-expression did not improve performance; instead, it raised questions about supplementing with sirtuin activators.
Rescuing fruit flies from Alzheimer's disease
Fruit fly males with reduced Alzheimer's disease protein activity showed impairments in learning and memory as they aged. Researchers prevented age-related deficits by treating the flies with drugs like lithium or genetic manipulations that reduced nerve-cell signaling.
New study identifies best tests for predicting Alzheimer's disease
A new study has identified two tests - episodic memory test and PET brain scan - that can accurately predict the development of Alzheimer's disease. These tests are nearly 12 times more effective than others in predicting disease progression.
Memories are made of this
A new study led by the University of Leicester has revealed the mechanism by which memories are formed, highlighting the importance of the M3-muscarinic receptor in this process. The research, funded by the Wellcome Trust, holds potential to impact drug design for treating Alzheimer's disease.
Antihypertensive drugs may protect against Alzheimer's disease
Researchers found that carvedilol can lessen the degenerative impact of Alzheimer's disease and promote healthy memory functions in mice. The study suggests that certain antihypertensive drugs already available to the public may independently influence memory functions.
Drug substitutes for training in rats, inducing a memory of safety
A team of researchers has discovered a protein that can mimic the effect of training in rats, inducing a memory of safety. The protein, BDNF, supports the growth and survival of neurons and was found to be effective in extinguishing fear memories in rats.
Inducing a safety memory in the brain
Scientists found a way to pharmacologically induce a memory of safety in the brain of rats by administering brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) into the prefrontal cortex. This procedure prevented rats from expressing fear to a tone that had been previously paired with a shock, suggesting new treatments for anxiety disorders.
Extending lifespan has mixed effects on learning and memory
Research at Princeton University found that caloric restriction impairs long-term memory in early adulthood but does not further decline it with age. In contrast, reducing insulin signaling improves learning ability and maintains it better with age. The study has implications for treating cognitive decline associated with aging.
Preserving memory with age
Researchers found that longevity treatments have different impacts on learning and memory in C. elegans, a nematode species. Dietary restriction improved early adult memory but declined with age, while reduced Insulin/IGF-1 signaling enhanced memory performance but failed to preserve it with age.
New study characterizes cognitive and anatomic differences in Alzheimer's disease gene carriers
A comprehensive study identifies significant cognitive and anatomic differences in Alzheimer's disease patients with and without the APOE ε4 gene, affecting memory, attention, language, and executive function. The findings have important implications for early diagnosis, treatment, and personalized medicine approaches.
Science closing in on mystery of age-related memory loss, says UAB neurobiologist
Researchers at UAB have made a breakthrough in understanding age-related memory loss, with histone deacetylase inhibitors showing great promise in both normal age-related decline and Alzheimer's disease. The findings provide important proof-of-principal for potential therapeutic interventions to improve quality of life in the aged.
Spouses who care for partners with dementia at sixfold higher risk of same fate
A 12-year study has found that spouses who care for partners with dementia are six times more likely to develop the condition themselves. The increased risk is comparable to a well-studied gene variant associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Study: Patients with amnesia still feel emotions, despite memory loss
A new study by University of Iowa researchers found that individuals with amnesia retain emotional responses to happy and sad movie clips, even when they cannot recall the content. This challenges traditional views on memory loss and highlights the importance of caring for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers design self-test for memory disorders
Researchers developed a self-administered test to screen for early dementia, detecting 80% of mild cognitive impairments. The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE) can help identify individuals with Alzheimer's disease at an early stage, improving treatment outcomes.
CSHL scientists reverse Alzheimer's-like memory loss in fruit flies
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that blocking PI3 kinase signaling improves memory in aging fruit flies, reducing β-amyloid deposits. The study sheds light on the role of PI3 kinase in Alzheimer's disease and suggests potential therapeutic targets.
Memory decline linked to an inability to ignore distractions
A new study shows that older adults' inability to ignore distracting information contributes to memory decline. Prior knowledge of an impending distraction does not improve working memory performance in this age group.
Probing the secrets of sharp memory in old age
Researchers have discovered elderly people with super-sharp memory who escaped formation of brain tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. These 'super-aged' individuals were found to be protected from the negative effects of tangle formation.