Articles tagged with Memory Disorders
Scientists discovered that certain brain systems remain intact in individuals with Alzheimer's disease, enabling the retention of implicit memory capabilities. Structured training programs may be an effective approach to improving cognitive function.
Research reveals that autistic children can access and analyze musical details more readily than typically developing children. A subgroup of participants achieved impressive scores, even without prior musical training.
Researchers recorded activity of individual hippocampal neurons as monkeys retrieved well-learned information from memory, finding stronger response to familiar stimuli. The study provides strong evidence for a memory signal specific to well-learned information and may inform treatments for Alzheimer's Disease.
Researchers at UCLA deciphered the mystery of distant memory recall using a three-pronged experiment. They found that the anterior cingulate plays a special role in keeping early memories alive, while kinase II is critically involved in preserving our oldest memories.
A new study demonstrates that donepezil, a drug used to treat Alzheimer's, may also improve memory and cognition in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. More than 65% of those treated with donepezil reported improved memory, compared to 32% on placebo.
A study published in Neuron found that a lack of RIM1 alpha protein leads to profound deficits in learning and memory, impacting mice with symptoms similar to schizophrenia. The discovery offers insights into the molecular events underlying learning and memory processes.
Researchers discovered that deleting two related genes linked to inherited Alzheimer's disease causes memory loss, nerve cell death, and brain degeneration in mice. The study suggests that blocking the function of these genes may worsen the disease, providing a new perspective on its cause.
Researchers found that norepinephrine is critical for retrieving intermediate-term contextual and spatial memories, but not for forming or long-term consolidating emotional memories. The study used mutant mice lacking norepinephrine and rats treated with beta blockers to test this hypothesis.
A study found that 45 first-year psychology students reported elaborate false memories of a fictional event after being told three stories about their grade-school experiences. The presence of a real class photo doubled the rate of false memories compared to studies without photographs.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found that 'reconsolidation' of a forgotten memory is not permanent, contradicting previous studies. The study's results challenge existing theories on memory storage and retrieval, suggesting that traumatic memories may be more resilient than previously thought.
A UCI study reveals that newborn neurons in the adult brain mature by growing neural signaling appendages similar to those found in developing brains. This finding may aid in understanding how stem cells can be used to treat neurological diseases.
Researchers at MIT discovered that memories with emotional arousal are remembered by the amygdala, whereas calm memories are processed by the prefrontal cortex. This finding has important implications for understanding how the brain makes memories and may lead to treatments for memory loss and learning impairments.
Researchers discovered that the radish gene encodes a phospholipase-A2 enzyme, which plays a crucial role in anesthesia-resistant memory. The study found this enzyme is also involved in memory formation in chickens and rodents, suggesting a conserved mechanism across animal phyla.
Research found that acetylcholine helps keep old information from interfering with new learning, while anticholinergic medications can impair memory function. The study suggests targeting cognitive 'stress tests' to detect early dementia symptoms and discourages chronic use of medications with anticholinergic effects.
A study of 1,036 individuals from 266 families discovered that genetics significantly impacts memory performance, accounting for up to 80% of the variation. The influence of genes on memory abilities was stronger than previously thought and appears to be relatively unaffected by the presence of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discovered that a small mutation in the fragile X gene causes tremors, balance problems, and dementia in older men. Genetic screening is recommended for men with these symptoms, especially those carrying the premutation, to accurately diagnose and treat Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Atxa Syndrome (FXTAS).
Researchers found that unwanted memories can be suppressed using brain areas similar to those used during physical action control. This process reduces hippocampal activity, leading to forgetfulness. The study provides a novel neurobiological model for motivated forgetting, which may demystify how repression occurs.
Researchers at Northwestern University have made a breakthrough in treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting the gene that causes memory loss. The study found that inhibiting an enzyme called BACE1 can prevent memory deficits and brain cell functional abnormalities in laboratory models of Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study using MRI has found significant volume loss in the hippocampus, a key role player in memory functions, among patients with Korsakoff's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that awareness of these clinical and radiological similarities can aid in early detection of each disorder.
Scientists at the Hebrew University and Max Planck Institute have discovered a gene-based approach to suppressing stress-induced reactions. They developed an 'antisense' agent that neutralizes the production of modified proteins, preventing extreme fright or immobilizing shock reactions associated with traumatic memories.
A small sample of seniors showed significant improvement in decision times, attention focus, and self-reported memories after four weeks of nicotine treatment. The findings suggest that nicotine patches could alleviate 'senior moments' in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
Researchers at NYU School of Medicine developed a new technique to measure brain volume, identifying healthy individuals who would later develop memory impairment. The study found that the medial-temporal lobe shrank considerably more in people with Alzheimer's disease compared to those without it.
Researchers used MRI to study 45 healthy elderly patients and found that progressive brain atrophy was predictive of future cognitive decline. The medial temporal lobe, a small but critical brain region, showed the most significant correlation with memory loss.
New animal studies suggest that nicotine exposure during development can disrupt normal emotional learning in adulthood. Researchers have identified a novel brain circuit where changes occur, leading to altered behavior. The findings indicate potential use of pure nicotine-like compounds as medications for treating human disorders.
Researchers at the University of Houston discovered that nicotine can alleviate stress-induced memory impairment and improve symptoms of hypothyroidism. This breakthrough may lead to new therapeutic approaches for boosting memory and treating devastating diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The study's findings have significant i...
Researchers aim to enroll 75 men and women at three sites over three years to assess nicotine's effect on memory loss. The study, funded by a $1.5 million grant, will provide insights into potential treatments for mild cognitive impairment.
Scientists at Rice University develop a new technology that uses disordered nanowires and organic molecules to create functional memory devices. These 'NanoCells' can store information for more than a week without refreshment, far longer than traditional DRAM.
Researchers identified three stages of memory processing: creating memories (6 hours), stabilizing them during sleep, and recalling and refining them. These findings have implications for the treatment of neurological disorders like PTSD.
Paxil has been shown to improve memory and brain structure in PTSD sufferers, with clinically significant improvements in memory and concentration observed. The study found increased hippocampal volume and decreased cortisol levels, leading to relief of PTSD symptoms.
A team of researchers used a computer game to study human navigation, identifying distinct brain cells responsible for spatial mapping (place cells) and goal-directed behavior (goal cells). The study demonstrates that humans use both visual and cognitive processes to navigate their environment.
A study published in Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behaviour found that sage oil improved word recall test performance in healthy young adults. Sage is being investigated as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's Disease due to its ability to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.
Researchers have found small, soluble aggregated proteins called ADDLs in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, up to 70 times more than in normal individuals. These proteins may be reversibly blocking memory function, providing a potential target for new therapeutic drugs.
Research suggests that schizophrenia impairs habitual prospective memory, leading to high rates of non-adherence to medication. The study found that people with schizophrenia are more likely to forget to turn over a counter during an obstacle course test.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that frontal lobe function can impact false memories in older adults. Contrary to common assumption, age-related cognitive decline may be linked to declines in executive control functions rather than memory skills themselves.
Max Planck researchers found that reducing SK3 channel production in the hippocampus of aged mice prevented learning and memory deficits. The study provides new insight into the mechanisms of age-related cognitive decline and suggests a potential therapeutic approach.
Researchers found that sleep deprivation zero to five hours after learning impaired spatial orientation and recognition of physical surroundings, but not recollection of specific facts or events. The findings suggest that sleep helps regulate neuronal function in the hippocampus during memory consolidation.
Research reveals that amyloid accumulation selectively reduces expression of genes essential for forming new memories, leading to early memory loss in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a new approach to treating the disease by blocking the effect of remaining amyloid on normal learning and memory.
Researchers Mark Gluck, Catherine Myers, and Martijn Meeter propose a novel interpretation of how the brain organizes sensory input into memories. They suggest that the entorhinal cortex handles incremental learning, while the hippocampus stores episodic memory.
A federal task force study has found that there is insufficient data to support the practice of routine dementia screening in primary care settings. The study suggests that the potential benefits of early diagnosis may outweigh the risks, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Researchers argue that age differences in memory studies are influenced by stereotype threat and social contexts. Older adults perform similarly to younger adults when making objective decisions and judging character.
Researchers at Northwestern University find brain tangles in normal aging and mild cognitive impairment, correlating with memory loss. Neurofibrillary tangles are more numerous in brain regions associated with memory function, suggesting a link between tangle density and memory performance.
A study found that heavy drinkers with fragmentary blackouts misremember drinking experiences while expecting positive outcomes. This phenomenon can contribute to problem drinking by reinforcing distorted beliefs about alcohol's effects.
Researchers at USF and VA hospitals found that rats with intrusive emotional memories can't remember new information. They also exhibited behavioral symptoms similar to those in people with PTSD after being reminded of the traumatic experience.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified 92 unique fruit fly memory genes that could be important for understanding human learning and memory. The study found that many of these genes have counterparts in humans and may be potential targets for developing therapies to treat Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that Alzheimer's patients who scored well on memory tests show distinct compensatory brain activity. This activity was observed in the right frontal and temporoparietal areas, and was associated with improved performance on semantic and episodic memory tasks.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found an association between impaired glucose regulation and reduced hippocampal volume, leading to poorer memory performance. This suggests that improving glucose tolerance may have significant treatment implications for age-related cognitive decline.
A study found that clinicians' personal theories significantly impact diagnoses of mental disorders, with central symptoms leading to more accurate diagnoses. The researchers suggest that expert theorizing can be idiosyncratic and lead to conflicting diagnoses due to a lack of understanding of the underlying causes of mental disorders.
Researchers found that stimulating the prefrontal cortex in rats reduces fear responses by mimicking the brain's safety signal. The study suggests a new approach to treating anxiety disorders by using transcranial magnetic stimulation to control fear.
Researchers have discovered a new structure in the human brain linked to learning and memory, called the marginal division (MrD). This pan-shaped structure, composed of spindle-shaped neurons, plays a key role in linking other memory-related structures.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic tool using PET scans to detect Alzheimer's disease more accurately. By analyzing brain activity, the scans can identify changes that occur before patients themselves may recognize problems.
Researchers found three distinct clusters of patients with different memory and brain profile patterns, suggesting multiple disease mechanisms. The 'cortical' subtype showed temporal lobe pathology, while the 'subcortical' subtype featured frontal-striatal region issues.
A controlled study found that memory training improved recalling people's names among participants with mild to minimal Alzheimer's Disease. Those who were more aware of their failing memories showed the most improvement.
Researchers found that 43% of participants with mild cognitive impairment had psychiatric symptoms, and 75% of those with dementia did. The study highlights the importance of recognizing and treating these symptoms to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found that linoleic acid significantly improved vasodilatory responses and decreased systolic blood pressures in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The study also showed that linoleic acid administration improved spatial reference memory in older SHRs, suggesting a positive link between D1 receptor density and cognitive funct...
A recent study found that alcoholics experience a 'blunted' cortisol response after undergoing stressful tasks, which can lead to memory impairments. The researchers also discovered that the number of alcohol withdrawals is a strong predictor of memory deficits, but not problem-solving ability.
Chicago researchers awarded $9 million NIH grant to investigate the impact of lifestyle experiences on cognitive function and Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to understand how cognitively stimulating activities can increase neural reserve and reduce the likelihood of memory loss and other clinical signs of Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that cardiopulmonary bypass surgery can cause impaired memory and attention, which persist beyond the first couple of weeks. The study suggests that brain systems supporting attention may be particularly vulnerable during major surgeries.
A study found that participants who watched TV programs with sex or violence had impaired memory for advertised products compared to those who watched neutral programs. The results suggest that sex and violence can impair commercial memory, potentially deterring advertisers from sponsoring such content.
A study of Melbourne women found a decline in sexual interest, arousal, and frequency during menopause, with estradiol levels plummeting. Relationship factors, not hormonal changes, have the greatest impact on sexual response.
The study suggests that objects are recalled by uniting different brain regions, with the thalamus regulating electrical rhythms to connect these areas. This theory may help explain why some memories are clear while others are fuzzy.