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Judges and physicians have very different views about appointing a legal guardian for people with dementia

Judges and physicians hold vastly different opinions on appointing legal guardians for people with dementia. Cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as memory impairment and impulsivity, are evaluated differently by medical and legal professionals. Research emphasizes the need for consistency in assessments to ensure equal treatm...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology·DateMay 16, 2024

‘Mathematical microscope’ reveals novel, energy-efficient mechanism of working memory that works even during sleep

Researchers at UCLA Health discovered a novel, energy-efficient mechanism of working memory that reduces metabolic cost even during sleep. The discovery is published in Nature Communications and may provide an early diagnostic for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 8, 2024

Unlocking consciousness: a new frontier in neuroscientific fusion

The study suggests that memory plays a pivotal role in shaping consciousness, contrasting the idea that computer-based Information Theory provides a sufficient framework for understanding neural memory. The researchers propose a novel perspective that memory underpins consciousness, introducing the concept of a "brain cloud" to illustr...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalInternational Journal of Psychiatry Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 8, 2024

New technique sheds light on memory and learning

A new platform called TurboID has been developed to identify regulatory mechanisms driving dendritic translation, a process crucial for memory formation. The study reveals the role of micropeptides in protein synthesis and their potential link to intellectual disabilities like Fragile X syndrome.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 9, 2024

Small protein plays big role in chronic HIV infection

A study published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that normal levels of interferon-β are required for normal memory function, and its absence changes nerve cell components in a sex-dependent fashion. The research also showed that higher or lower than normal levels of interferon-β affect the brain in a sex-dependent manner.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024

Sex-specific blood biomarkers linked to memory changes in middle-aged adults: the Framingham heart study

Researchers have identified two sex-specific blood biomarkers linked to faster memory decline in middle age, specifically higher HbA1c and plasma insulin levels in women. The findings provide valuable insights into the etiology of dementia and may aid in the development of prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2024

New treatment target identified for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have identified PDE4B as a potential target for treating Alzheimer's disease, where reducing its activity shows promise in improving memory and glucose metabolism. The study suggests that this approach may also protect against other forms of dementia, such as Huntington's disease.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2024

Tiny magnetic particles in air pollution linked to development of Alzheimer’s

Research suggests that magnetite particles, found in air pollution, can induce signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The study exposed mice to fine particles of iron, magnetite, and diesel hydrocarbons, finding that magnetite induced Alzheimer's disease pathologies, including neuronal cell loss and amyloid plaque formation.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEnvironment International·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Yoga provides unique cognitive benefits to older women at risk of Alzheimer’s disease, study finds

A UCLA Health study suggests Kundalini yoga can improve cognitive function, memory and brain health for postmenopausal women. The study found that yoga prevented brain matter decline, reversed aging and inflammation-associated biomarkers – improvements not seen in a group who received standard memory training exercises.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 26, 2024

Revolutionary brain stimulation technique shows promise for treating brain disorders

A new brain stimulation technique called Patterned Low-Intensity Low-Frequency Ultrasound (LILFUS) has been developed by researchers at the Institute for Basic Science. This non-invasive method uses ultrasound to induce long-lasting changes in brain function and has shown promise in treating various neurological disorders.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

Fatty acids hold clue to creating memories

Researchers have identified the molecular mechanism behind memory creation and found that saturated fatty acids interact with a protein called STXBP1. This interaction coordinates the release of fatty acids and directs communication at synapses in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

‘Rare positive result' in trial of new support intervention for people with dementia and their family carers

A new therapy called NIDUS-Family has shown promising results in improving the lives of people with dementia and their family carers. The study found that those who received the intervention were more likely to achieve their personal goals, such as increasing social engagement or improving caregiver support.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 1, 2024

Don’t look back: The aftermath of a distressing event is more memorable than the lead-up, study suggests

Researchers found that traumatic memories immediately following a distressing event are more memorable than the moments leading up to it. This discovery has implications for eyewitness testimonies, therapies for PTSD, and understanding memory decline in brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease.

Third major study finds evidence that daily multivitamin supplements improve memory and slow cognitive aging in older adults

A meta-analysis of 5,000 participants found that daily multivitamins showed benefits for memory and global cognition. The study suggests that taking a daily multivitamin can help prevent memory loss and slow down cognitive aging by the equivalent of two years compared to placebo.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 18, 2024

Nanoparticle transport across the blood brain barrier increases with Alzheimer’s and age, study finds

Researchers develop nanoparticles that selectively bind to activated astrocytes and microglia cells in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's patients, demonstrating increased nanoparticle transport across the blood brain barrier with age. The study provides valuable insights into advancing nanoparticle-based drug delivery for treating neurode...

Memory, brain function, and behavior: exploring the intricate connection through fear memories

Researchers examine the dynamic nature of fear responses in varied environments, shedding light on physical manifestation of memory in the brain. The study reveals that fear memories are linked to pathological states like PTSD and generalized anxiety, with direct translational relevance for disorders involving dysregulated fear responses.

SourceBoston University·JournalJNeurosci·TypeObservational study·DateJan 2, 2024

Mass General Brigham study finds daily learning test can detect Alzheimer’s disease-related changes in memory among cognitively normal older adults

A study by Mass General Brigham found that daily learning tests can detect Alzheimer's disease-related changes in memory among cognitively normal older adults. The test, called BRANCH, was completed over seven days on a smartphone, revealing diminished learning curves associated with elevated amyloid levels.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 26, 2023

Physical and social activities promote healthy brain aging

A recent study published in NeuroImage found that physically active individuals experienced less decline in entorhinal cortex thickness over a seven-year period. Cognitive reserve is also boosted through regular mental stimulation, suggesting that brains can be trained like muscles to counteract age-related decline.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNeuroImage·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2023

Research team discovers new role of cerebellum in coordinating the brain network essential for social recognition memory

A research team at the University of Minnesota Medical School has identified the cerebellum as a critical component in coordinating brain networks essential for social recognition memory. This discovery holds promise for the development of targeted therapies for neurodegenerative disorders, which often feature loss of recognition memory.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2023