Cognitive Function News and Research

RSS

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.

Progression of Alzheimer's disease is linked to oxidative brain damage, research confirms

Increased oxidative damage is linked to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Even though the pathophysiology of AD has been widely investigated, the likely relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and the disease remains largely unknown.

14 Feb 2022

Scientific statement highlights the uncertainty about health effects of marijuana

Despite the perception that marijuana is harmless, there is some scientific evidence challenging that belief, and there are many unanswered questions about its impact on brain health, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement published today in the Association's journal Stroke.

10 Feb 2022

Being fit can protect older people against mild cognitive impairment

Seventy- to eighty-year-olds who train for better fitness are better at solving cognitive tasks and are less likely to suffer cognitive impairment.

10 Feb 2022

Toxic goiter affects the brain more than previously thought

Toxic goiter affects the brain more than was previously known, a University of Gothenburg study shows, and involves volume changes occurring in central parts of the brain.

8 Feb 2022

Selenium could boost learning and memory in aging brains

Selenium – a mineral found in many foods – could reverse the cognitive impact of stroke and boost learning and memory in aging brains, according to University of Queensland research.

7 Feb 2022

Cerebrovascular impairment persists months after severe acute COVID-19, UK study

Researchers in the United Kingdom have conducted an observational cohort study on hospitalized patients and have found that the degree of severity of acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) predicts the occurrence of chronic cerebrovascular impairment. The study further suggests that the levels of cerebrovascular impairment are associated with worse cognitive, mental, and physical well-being.

7 Feb 2022

Taking steps to prevent heart attack may help slow cognitive decline

Preventing heart attacks may help slow cognitive decline, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2022, a world premier meeting for researchers and clinicians dedicated to the science of stroke and brain health to be held in person in New Orleans, and virtually, Feb. 8-11, 2022.

3 Feb 2022

Study shows a cause-and-effect link between cigarette smoking and cognitive impairment

The more people smoke, the worse they perform on cognitive tests, regardless of other health conditions known to affect cognition, according to preliminary research among adults aged 60 and older presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2022, a world premier meeting for researchers and clinicians dedicated to the science of stroke and brain health to be held in person in New Orleans, and virtually, Feb. 8-11, 2022.

3 Feb 2022

Greater body fat found to be a risk factor for reduced cognitive function

A new study has found that greater body fat is a risk factor for reduced cognitive function, such as processing speed, in adults.

1 Feb 2022

Following heart-healthy lifestyle behaviors can support good brain health

The same risk factors that contribute to making heart disease the leading cause of death worldwide also impact the rising global prevalence of brain disease, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease and dementia, according to the American Heart Association's Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics - 2022 Update, published today in the Association's flagship, peer-reviewed journal Circulation.

27 Jan 2022

Beta-amyloid deposits found in young patients with COVID-19

A new study describes the finding that patients of COVID-19 exhibit large amounts of focal β-amyloid deposits in their neocortical tissues.

25 Jan 2022

Breathing coordinates neuronal activity in the brain regions during sleep

LMU neuroscientists have shown that breathing coordinates neuronal activity throughout the brain during sleep and quiet.

24 Jan 2022

Could heart rate be a risk factor for dementia?

In this interview, we speak to Dr. Yume Imahori about her latest research which looks at whether heart rate could be used as an early risk factor for dementia.

20 Jan 2022

UC researchers to examine how stress hormones affect cell degeneration in Parkinson's patients

Stress can have a negative effect on anyone's health but presents particular challenges for people with Parkinson's disease.

13 Jan 2022

Prevalence of persistent Long COVID symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection

In a new study, researchers aimed to analyze the prevalence and severity of persistent symptoms in the first year of COVID-19 infection as compared to non-infected individuals.

13 Jan 2022

rTMS may have the potential to improve memory function in Veterans with cognitive impairment

Current treatments for Alzheimer's disease are of limited effectiveness and do not halt the progression of the disease and associated cognitive decline.

12 Jan 2022

Study finds an exponential increase in older adult opioid overdose death rates

A common stereotype for an "older adult" might include early-bird specials, dentures and tickets to the matinee show.

11 Jan 2022

Poor cognition may be part of normality in older age, research says

At the first sign of cognitive trouble, people often worry Alzheimer's disease is forthcoming. But poor cognition can be part of the spectrum of normality in older age, according to new research published in JNeurosci.

10 Jan 2022

Improving air quality may reduce dementia risk in older women

Improving air quality appears to slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of developing dementia in older women living in the U.S., according to a new study by researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

10 Jan 2022

Physical activity may help boost synaptic functioning in older adults

When elderly people stay active, their brains have more of a class of proteins that enhances the connections between neurons to maintain healthy cognition, a UC San Francisco study has found.

7 Jan 2022