Cognitive Function News and Research

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Cognition is a concept used in different ways by different disciplines, but is generally accepted to mean the process of thought. For example, in psychology and cognitive science it refers to an information processing view of an individual's psychological functions.

Bioengineer wins NIH grant to advance brain-computer interface technology

Less than two years ago, a brain-computer interface designed at the University of Pittsburgh allowed Jan Scheuermann to control a robotic arm solely with her thoughts. Using the arm to bring a chocolate bar to her mouth and taking a bite was a sweet victory for Scheuermann, who has quadriplegia.

19 Jun 2014

Cogstate announces signing of first contract for Precision Recruitment tool

Cognition technology company Cogstate is pleased to announce the signing of its first contract for Precision Recruitment, a new web-based tool for streamlining patient recruitment for clinical drug trials.

12 Jun 2014

Cognitive decline not apparent in bipolar patients

Cognitive dysfunction is persistent but generally stable over time in patients with bipolar disorder, Spanish researchers report.

11 Jun 2014

Researchers recommend iron supplementation to women with heavy menstrual bleeding

A study by researchers from Finland found that diagnosis and treatment of anemia is important to improve quality of life among women with heavy periods.

9 Jun 2014

MRI-guided SLAH procedure provides safe, effective alternative to surgery

For patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) that can't be controlled by medications, a minimally invasive laser procedure performed under MRI guidance provides a safe and effective alternative to surgery, suggests a study in the June issue of Neurosurgery, official journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

3 Jun 2014

Jazz Pharmaceuticals' JZP-110 improves symptoms of EDS in adults with narcolepsy

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc today presented data from the Phase 2b study evaluating JZP-110 (formerly known as ADX-N05) as a potential new treatment for the symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adults with narcolepsy.

3 Jun 2014

Study highlights impact of diet, exercise on prevention, treatment and survivorship of cancer

This Special Issue titled "The role of diet, body composition, and physical activity on cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship" comprises both invited reviews and original papers investigating various themes such as the role of omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, cancer cachexia, muscle health, exercise training, adiposity and body composition.

30 May 2014

New research program to understand and treat debilitating psychiatric disorders

Scientists and physicians at UC San Francisco (UCSF) are leading a $26 million, multi-institutional research program in which they will employ advanced technology to characterize human brain networks and better understand and treat a range of common, debilitating psychiatric disorders, focusing first on anxiety disorders and major depression.

28 May 2014

Depression does not impact on cognition in early bipolar disorder

Depressive episodes have no additional impact on cognition in patients early in the course of bipolar disorder, research suggests.

21 May 2014

Transcendence is the best predictor of positive aging, shows study

An aging population poses challenges for governments around the globe as nations grapple with how to satisfy the physical, social and economic needs of older adults.

21 May 2014

BRF expands study to evaluate whether structured exercise slows progression of AD

The Brain Research Foundation (BRF) today announced that it will provide a major grant that will further research funded by the National Institute of Aging (NIA) which evaluated whether structured exercise slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

15 May 2014

Autoimmune epilepsy diagnostics: an interview with Dr. Joseph J. Higgins, Medical Director, Neurology, Athena Diagnostics, a business of Quest Diagnostics

Epilepsy is a group of neurological disorders often characterized by seizures and cognitive impairment due to electrical disturbances in the brain.

From Quest Diagnostics 14 May 2014

Scientists discover novel protein fragments that may protect against Alzheimer's disease

The devastating loss of memory and consciousness in Alzheimer's disease is caused by plaque accumulations and tangles in neurons, which kill brain cells.

14 May 2014

People with longevity gene have improved brain skills

Scientists showed that people who have a variant of a longevity gene, called KLOTHO, have improved brain skills such as thinking, learning and memory regardless of their age, sex, or whether they have a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

12 May 2014

Mice study shows specific energy source responsible for performing complex cognitive functions

New research suggests that certain types of brain cells may be "picky eaters," seeming to prefer one specific energy source over others.

9 May 2014

Finding has implications for understanding cognitive decline in degenerative diseases

New research suggests that certain types of brain cells may be "picky eaters," seeming to prefer one specific energy source over others. The finding has implications for understanding the cognitive decline seen in aging and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis.

8 May 2014

Study finds premature menopause associated with long-term negative effects on cognitive function

Premature menopause is associated with long-term negative effects on cognitive function, suggests a new study published today (7 May) in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (BJOG).

8 May 2014

Study shows cognitive deficits, structural differences in brains of school-age children born late preterm

The brains of children who were born just a few weeks early differ from those born on time, and these differences may affect learning and behavior, according to a study to be presented Monday, May 5, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

6 May 2014

FABP5 protein enhances cognitive function

Case Western Reserve researchers have discovered that a protein previously implicated in disease plays such a positive role in learning and memory that it may someday contribute to cures of cognitive impairments.

5 May 2014

Severe diabetes linked to brain atrophy

Type 2 diabetes may be associated with brain degeneration, according to a new multicenter study published online in the journal Radiology. The study also found that, contrary to common clinical belief, diabetes may not be directly associated with small vessel ischemic disease, where the brain does not receive enough oxygenated blood.

29 Apr 2014