Articles tagged with Memory Disorders
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
A study of 1,158 participants with mild cognitive impairment showed rapid memory and thinking skill declines compared to those without cognitive problems. The decline in skills was twice as fast for those with mild cognitive impairment than those without, while four times faster for those with Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism found that repeated anesthesia can cause a significant decrease in stem cells in the hippocampus, leading to impaired memory and learning in young animals. The researchers believe this effect may be age-related, with younger animals being more susceptible.
Researchers found that rapamycin rescued learning and memory deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The study also showed reduced brain lesions similar to those seen in human Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers at NYU School of Medicine have found that elevated levels of phosphorylated tau231 may predict future memory decline and loss of brain gray matter in healthy adults. High levels of P-tau231 are associated with reductions in medial temporal lobe gray matter, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease.
A new study suggests that recreational drugs like ecstasy and cocaine can affect users' memory functions, including prospective memory. The researchers found that ecstasy/polydrug users showed memory deficits in both lab-based and self-reported measurements of their prospective memory.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that brain function slows in individuals with type-2 diabetes and high stress hormone cortisol levels. Higher cortisol levels have been associated with cognitive decline in this population.
A new synthetic magnesium supplement has been found to improve memory in young and aging animals, increasing synapses in the brain. Existing over-the-counter magnesium supplements do not work as they fail to penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers identified a gene variant that affects mice's response to natural hormone fluctuations, leading to increased anxiety and impaired memory. The study suggests the gene may play a role in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and other menstrual cycle-related disorders.
A study of 990 older adults found that hypertension predicts dementia progression in those with executive function deficits, but not in those with memory dysfunction. Control of hypertension may decrease the projected rate of dementia progression by half.
A medication called latrepirdine has been found to be well-tolerated in patients with mild to moderate Huntington's disease. The treatment showed improved average scores on an evaluation measuring overall cognitive function, suggesting potential benefits for cognition.
A new report reveals that a prion-like protein called CPEB may participate in memory in higher eukaryotes, including sea slugs. The protein's ability to switch between distinct conformational states suggests it could maintain stable states with unstable biological molecules.
A new magnesium compound, MgT, has been shown to boost learning abilities, working memory, and short- and long-term memory in rats. The study suggests that maintaining normal or higher levels of magnesium may help slow age-related loss of cognitive function and prevent diseases affecting cognitive function.
A study published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that blueberry juice supplementation improved learning and memory tests in volunteers aged 70-72. The researchers suggested that consistent blueberry consumption may offer an approach to mitigate neurodegeneration.
Researchers found a link between a specific gene variation and slower memory decline, as well as a lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study suggested that this protective association may be due to the gene's role in lipid metabolism.
A combination of nutrients, including uridine, choline, and DHA, has shown promise in improving verbal memory in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. The study found that 40% of treated patients improved performance in a test of verbal memory, while 24% of control subjects showed improvement.
A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease suggests that long-term cell phone exposure may protect against and even reverse Alzheimer's disease. The research found that electromagnetic waves generated by cell phones erased brain deposits of beta-amyloid, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, in mice.
A new brain scan, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), has been shown to detect changes in the hippocampus that are associated with memory decline. DTI-MRI scans were found to be more accurate than traditional MRI in identifying changes related to Alzheimer's disease.
UCSB scientists have made a major discovery in how the brain encodes memories. They found that strengthening synapses, which cement memories into place, involves making new proteins. The production of these proteins is regulated by RNA and microRNA, and degradation of silencing molecules allows for protein synthesis.
Researchers at NYU have developed a non-invasive technique to block the return of fear memories by updating them with non-fearful information during the reconsolidation process. This technique, shown to be effective in reducing fear responses, may lead to new ways to treat anxiety disorders.
Researchers successfully blocked a conditioned fear memory in humans for at least a year using a noninvasive technique that exploits the reconsolidation window of emotional memories. The method, inspired by animal studies, shows promise for treating anxiety disorders like PTSD by altering emotional memories during their recall.
Researchers from the University of Toronto have discovered that the hippocampus is only activated when context cues enable memory recall. This finding sheds light on the mysterious process of retrieving memories, particularly in individuals with damage to the hippocampus, such as those with Alzheimer's or Epilepsy.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine studied 575 patients who underwent surgery and found no evidence of long-term cognitive decline. The study suggests that if older adults physically recover from surgery, they will return to their previous level of cognitive ability within six months or a year.
Researchers found that transplanted stem cells restored learning and memory to normal levels in rats four months after radiotherapy. The treatment showed promise in reversing radiation-induced damage of healthy tissue in the brain.
Research published in Neurology suggests that people with both diabetes and Alzheimer's disease have a slower rate of memory loss than those with only Alzheimer's. The study found that diabetes may actually counteract the progression of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients, although the reasons for this effect are still unclear.
Research using animal models has identified key brain cells and circuits affected by addiction, shedding light on the cognitive problems associated with it. These findings may lead to more effective treatment options to weaken powerful cravings, ultimately guarding against relapse.
A transgenic rat named Hobbie-J was created by over-expressing the NR2B gene, which enhances communication between brain cells. This results in improved memory and learning capabilities, including remembering novel objects and navigating complex tasks.
Researchers found that declines in visuospatial skills and cognitive abilities can occur years before clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. These findings suggest that conventional methods for diagnosing the disease may not be sensitive to early manifestations of the condition.
Reijmers is investigating the proteins involved in long-term memory storage, with potential applications in treating diseases like Alzheimer's. His research aims to understand the mechanisms of memory and apply them to various fields, including addiction, epilepsy, and spinal cord regeneration.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that nicotine strengthens neuronal connections in the brain, creating memory associations between environmental cues and smoking behavior. This process is thought to underlie why former smokers often experience strong cravings when exposed to triggers such as bars or meals with friends.
A study found that people with infections were more likely to experience memory loss and cognitive decline compared to those without infections. The study suggests that reducing inflammation may be beneficial for people with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found that a cancer drug can restore memory deficits in patients with Alzheimer's disease by targeting a previously unknown defect in the brain. The drug works by increasing DNA spool acetylation and gene transcription, leading to improved memory performance.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University use Diffusion Imaging MRI to track memory changes and explore early detection of Alzheimer's disease. The study reveals that brain microstructure can change in mere hours, allowing for a quantifiable measure of individual brain plasticity.
A recent animal model study found that exposure to high concentrations of oxygen hastens memory loss in Alzheimer's mice. The study suggests that the combination of brain beta amyloid and hyperoxia may trigger Alzheimer's symptoms, particularly in those at increased risk. Researchers propose reducing oxygen exposure as a potential prev...
A study of 679 people aged 65 and older found that white matter hyperintensities were strongly linked to memory loss, while infarcts predicted non-memory cognitive problems. The results suggest that brain damage visible on scans may be a predictor of memory decline in old age.
A study published in Neurology found that engaging in brain-exercising activities such as reading and playing card games can delay the onset of rapid memory loss in people with dementia. Participants who engaged in more activities experienced a slower decline in cognitive function.
A study has identified key Alzheimer's brain changes in older individuals with little memory impairment, shedding light on the role of amyloid protein in cognitive decline. The findings suggest that asymptomatic older adults may already be in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
A new study suggests that preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) may increase the risk of weight gain and memory decline in adulthood. The research used a mouse model to examine the effects of blastomere biopsy on fetal, neonatal, and adult development.
Researchers at UC Irvine have found that neural stem cells can rescue memory in mice with advanced Alzheimer's disease by secreting a protein called BDNF, which creates new neural connections. This study provides hope for a potential treatment for the leading cause of elderly dementia.
A study found that a drug similar to one used for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis can rescue memory in mice with Alzheimer's symptoms. The drug, PMX205, prevented inflammation in brain regions with amyloid plaques, which accelerates neuron damage.
A new Mayo Clinic study found that clinical criteria for mild cognitive impairment are better at predicting Alzheimer's disease than a single memory test. The study identified individuals aged 70-79 years who were cognitively normal or had slight memory impairment as being most likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that a 'heart healthy' diet, rich in whole grains, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and nuts, may slow cognitive decline. Ongoing moderate physical activity was also associated with improved cognitive function in older adults.
Researchers found that women with higher language scores had a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, despite having hallmark signs of the disease. The study suggested that mental abilities at age 20 may be indicative of a brain better able to cope with diseases later in life.