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.

COVID-19 causes lasting cognitive impairment tied to brain injury markers

Researchers found that COVID-19 patients experienced widespread cognitive deficits one year post-hospitalization, associated with elevated brain injury markers and reduced brain volume. Cognitive recovery plateaued over time, suggesting lasting impacts.

26 Sep 2024

Breakthrough research reveals key role of melatonin receptor in REM sleep

A significant breakthrough in the understanding of sleep mechanism opens new promise for treating sleep disorders and associated neuropsychiatric conditions: Scientists have pinpointed the melatonin receptor MT1 as a crucial regulator of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.

23 Sep 2024

Brain scans reveal link between SSRI use and cognitive function

Researchers have found that SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) antidepressants have the potential to improve certain cognitive functions, such as verbal memory. They measured brain function in patients before and after taking the SSRI escitalopram and correlated this to a drop in the level of one of the serotonin receptors in the brain and to cognitive improvements during treatment.

22 Sep 2024

Amyloid-β and tau disrupt brain activity, driving early cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s risk

Researchers discover how amyloid-β and tau pathologies interact to drive early neurophysiological changes and cognitive decline in older adults at risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

20 Sep 2024

Eat more fruit and vegetables to lower frailty risk

Research finds that higher intake of fruits and vegetables significantly lowers frailty risk, especially in underweight individuals. Whole fruits and red-orange vegetables offer the greatest protective effects.

19 Sep 2024

Leptin variations may influence brain health and dementia development

New research is more closely linking obesity to dementia. Higher levels of leptin, a hormone that helps maintain normal body weight, is associated with better signal-transmitting brain white matter in middle-aged adults, according to a study by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio).

18 Sep 2024

New tool unveils dynamic changes in brain extracellular matrix

Between and around the billions of neurons in the human brain is an equally vital scaffold, the extracellular matrix (ECM).

18 Sep 2024

Impact of oxidative stress, gut, and diet on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder pathophysiology

Oxidative stress and gut microbiome interactions are key in ADHD pathogenesis, with diet playing a crucial role in managing symptoms and improving outcomes.

18 Sep 2024

New study offers hope for extending ovarian healthspan and function

A woman's ovaries are like a factory where eggs grow and produce hormones that regulate everything from menstruation and pregnancy to bone density and mood.

17 Sep 2024

Soft drinks worsen menstrual pain, study shows

Soft drink intake is linked to a higher likelihood and severity of primary dysmenorrhea in Chinese women, especially in rural areas, while moderate coffee consumption may reduce PD severity.

16 Sep 2024

TAAR1 gene: A new key to mental health

In the complex landscape of mental health research, a new peer-reviewed Viewpoint review sheds light on an underexplored genetic player: the trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1). Published in Genomic Psychiatry (ISSN: 2997-2388, Genomic Press, New York), this thought-provoking analysis suggests that mutations in the TAAR1 gene may be a crucial piece of the puzzle in understanding and treating neuropsychiatric disorders.

11 Sep 2024

Rethinking cognitive deficits and schizophrenia risk through genetic insights

In a comprehensive review of recent genetic and population studies, published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Genomic Psychiatry (Genomic Press, New York), Professors Michael Owen and Michael O'Donovan of Cardiff University's Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics present evidence that challenges conventional wisdom about cognitive deficits in schizophrenia

6 Sep 2024

New RNA therapy offers hope for mental health

Scientists at Cognigenics have made a significant advance in the field of neuroscience and mental health treatment. Their groundbreaking research, published in Genomic Psychiatry, demonstrates that a new RNA-based therapy called COG-201 can enhance memory and reduce anxiety in animal models.

6 Sep 2024

Sports concussions may not be related to long-term cognitive risks for non-professional athletes

Sports-related concussions (SRC) may not be associated with long-term cognitive risks for non-professional athletes, a study led by a UNSW medical researcher suggests.

4 Sep 2024

Sleep too much or too little? Your cognition pays the price

Findings indicate that both insufficient and excessive sleep are linked to higher mild cognitive impairment risk, underscoring the importance of balanced sleep.

4 Sep 2024

Matcha green tea enhances cognition and sleep in older adults

Regular matcha green tea consumption may improve emotional perception and sleep quality in older adults with cognitive decline, though it shows no significant effect on broader cognitive functions.

2 Sep 2024

Dietary patterns like fasting and the Mediterranean diet unlock molecular secrets to healthy aging

Study reviews the molecular mechanisms by which caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, and the ketogenic diet promote healthy aging.

2 Sep 2024

American football head impacts tied to increased brain damage and cognitive decline

Repetitive head impacts in former American football players are linked to increased perivascular space volume, which correlates with cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. The study suggests that the force of head impacts may be more critical than frequency, with potential protective effects from β-blocker use.

1 Sep 2024

Acute kidney injury doubles dementia risk, study finds

Study reveals a significant association between acute kidney injury (AKI) and an increased risk of dementia, particularly in cases of severe or recurrent AKI.

29 Aug 2024

Study explores link between prostate cancer treatment and Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University are searching for a better way to understand why many men with prostate cancer end up with Alzheimer's disease, and whether it's the standard hormone therapy treatment or an overactive immune response that actually contributes to the problem.

29 Aug 2024