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.

Real-time monitoring shows how daily habits influence cognitive performance in older adults

New research using smartwatches shows that older adults can accurately assess how well they are thinking in the moment. The study finds their self-ratings closely match actual cognitive performance.

1 Jul 2026

Longer hormone exposure linked to healthier brain aging in women

Research indicates that hormonal therapies and later menopause are associated with increased brain volume and thickness, promoting healthier aging.

26 Jun 2026

High-dose DHA reaches the brain but fails to protect memory

High-dose DHA effectively increased brain levels in older adults at Alzheimer's risk, but did not lead to cognitive or structural brain health improvements.

25 Jun 2026

Fish oil supplements show little benefit for Alzheimer's prevention

Americans spend more than $1 billion annually on fish oil supplements, in part due to purported cognitive benefits from the omega-3 fatty acids they contain, essential nutrients that help form brain cell connections needed for cognition.

18 Jun 2026

Loneliness linked to faster mental and physical decline in older adults

Some people might not mind spending time alone, but new research with data from 18 countries suggests that older people who struggle with loneliness - rather than strictly being alone - may experience a faster mental and physical decline.

16 Jun 2026

Lab trials prove copper therapy enhances cognitive function and spatial learning

Monash University researchers have found in laboratory experiments that a drug which delivers copper to the brain significantly reduces toxic Alzheimer's proteins and improves long-term spatial memory.

15 Jun 2026

The cerebellum may help aging brains stay sharper

A large MRI study of more than 47,000 adults found that cerebellar aging is uneven, with posterior association regions and some motor-related areas showing steeper age-related changes. Larger cerebellar volumes were linked to better cognitive performance, supporting a threshold-reserve model in which the cerebellum may help sustain cognition before Alzheimer’s pathology becomes widespread.

11 Jun 2026

Study links low vitamin C levels in the blood plasma to reduced brain connectivity

A study of 2,044 older Japanese adults found that those with lower vitamin C levels in their blood plasma tended to have a lower volume of gray matter in their brains, as well as lower connectivity amongst a collection of brain regions known as the default mode network.

10 Jun 2026

Low blood pressure shows strongest link to Alzheimer's disease

Numerous types of cardiovascular disease and CVD risk factors were linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease, with low blood pressure showing the strongest connection, according to a new analysis published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.

10 Jun 2026

More daily steps translate to improved mental health and better sleep among college students

University students who aren't always enthused about walking across campus for class can take heart in new research that suggests lots of daily steps translates to improved mental health and better sleep.

9 Jun 2026

New digital platform treats insomnia and anxiety in seniors

Cognitive behavioral therapies for insomnia (CBT-I) are increasingly being delivered online in order to improve accessibility.

9 Jun 2026

Hospital admissions raise healthcare costs for dementia patients

Dementia makes most things in life more difficult, including hospital care. Though often essential for patients suffering from severe acute illness, hospital care can be confusing for persons with dementia, or PWD.

8 Jun 2026

Nature exposure shapes nasal microbiomes and mental well-being

Plenty of studies have linked exposure to nature to a wide variety of health benefits, from improved cognitive function to lower blood pressure to better mental health.

7 Jun 2026

Eight startups selected to advance heart and brain health technologies

Eight companies have been selected to participate in the American Heart Association Heart and Brain Health Accelerator, a specialty track within the 2026 MedTech Innovator (MTI) Accelerator.

4 Jun 2026

Long-term exposure to air pollution associated with lower semantic memory

A new study by researchers at UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente found that higher exposure to very small air pollution particles (PM2.5) over a 17-year span was associated with lower semantic memory.

3 Jun 2026

The best foods for brain health may change as you age

Investigating brain foods, this review highlights dietary influences on cognition and neurodevelopment, while addressing significant gaps in current research.

3 Jun 2026

How dysregulated collagen IV homeostasis causes cerebral microbleeds

Millions of older adults have tiny brain hemorrhages called cerebral microbleeds, which are strongly associated with dementia, cognitive decline, and stroke.

2 Jun 2026

Why new Alzheimer’s drugs are dividing regulators worldwide

The Lancet World Report examines why regulators in the US, UK, and Europe have reached different decisions on new amyloid-targeting Alzheimer’s drugs despite evidence that they can modestly slow clinical decline. It highlights the unresolved balance among benefits, safety risks, costs, access, and the need for broader, earlier, and more patient-centered treatment strategies.

31 May 2026

Virtual reality navigation deficits predict future brain volume loss

Alzheimer's disease (AD) often begins long before it is clinically recognized, with subtle brain changes emerging years before noticeable memory loss or cognitive decline.

27 May 2026