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Young adults at future risk of Alzheimer's have different brain activity, says study

A new study by scientists from Imperial College London and University of Oxford found that young adults with a genetic variant associated with Alzheimer's Disease exhibit changes in brain activity decades before any symptoms appear. The researchers used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to compare the brains of healthy young...

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2009

New strategy to weaken traumatic memories

Researchers develop a novel approach to treating PTSD by selectively disrupting traumatic memories with a cortisol-blocking drug. The treatment's effectiveness is linked to the intensity of the initial trauma and can be administered shortly before recalling the memory.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 17, 2009

An end to fear

A team of Dutch researchers successfully reduced the fear response in human volunteers using beta-blocker propranolol. The treatment weakened fear memories, allowing them to be erased from long-term memory. This breakthrough has implications for treating anxiety disorders and offers a new approach to intervention.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 11, 2009

Can exercising your brain prevent memory loss?

A study of 197 people with mild cognitive impairment found that engaging in mental activities like reading, crafting, and playing games reduced the risk of memory loss by 30-50% compared to those who didn't participate. Participants who watched TV for less than 7 hours a day were also 50% less likely to develop memory loss.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 17, 2009

Heart failure linked to cognitive impairment

A new study published by Elsevier found that nearly half of patients with heart failure have problems with memory and other aspects of cognitive functioning. Memory problems, especially short-term memory, were the most common type of cognitive deficit in these patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Cardiac Failure·DateFeb 5, 2009

When less attention improves behavior

A study published in Cortex found that reducing attentional resources enhances memory accuracy in confabulating patients. By dividing their attention between tasks, these patients showed significantly reduced false-memory levels.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateJan 21, 2009