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.

Aphantasia may be associated with more cognitive functions than previously thought

Picture the sun setting over the ocean. It's large above the horizon, spreading an orange-pink glow across the sky. Seagulls are flying overhead and your toes are in the sand.

23 Jun 2020

Experts evaluate options for treating cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosis

Experts in cognitive research evaluated the status of available treatments as well as promising strategies for treating cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosis.

16 Jun 2020

Study shows high folate levels associated with improved cognition in older adults

A new study led by researchers from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin challenges claims from some international scientific circles, that having high blood levels of folate (folic acid) increases the risk of poor cognition in older adults, especially in those with low levels of vitamin B12.

16 Jun 2020

Study reveals completely new mechanism for mitochondrial disease

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered that excessive degradation of the power plants of our cells plays an important role in the onset of mitochondrial disease in children.

11 Jun 2020

Study assesses the acute impact of cannabis among real-world users

Smoking high-potency marijuana concentrates boosts blood levels of THC more than twice as much as smoking conventional weed, but it doesn't necessarily get you higher, according to a new study of regular users published today by University of Colorado Boulder researchers.

10 Jun 2020

Age-related structural brain changes are linked to hormone-level changes

Sex hormones influence the structure and function of the brain, but little is known about the effect of hormone therapies (HT) on changes in the brain during menopause.

10 Jun 2020

Understanding how brain region underscores reward location

We are free to wander but usually when we go somewhere it's for a reason.

1 Jun 2020

Frog brain discovery may pave the way for repairing birth defects in humans

A team of researchers from Tufts University, Universitat de Valencia, and Harvard University has discovered that the brains of developing frog embryos damaged by nicotine exposure can be repaired by using “ionoceuticals” that can help in the recovery of bioelectric patterns in the embryo.

28 May 2020

MU researchers examine how menopause can impact cognitive function

Characterized by a buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain, Alzheimer's is an irreversible disease that leads to memory loss and a decrease in cognitive function.

19 May 2020

Depression in individuals with autism linked to less proactive cognitive control

According to a UC Davis study, adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and those with typical development show similar proactive cognitive control.

19 May 2020

Neuroscientists discover anti-aging molecule that repairs age-related DNA damage

MIT neuroscientists have discovered that an enzyme called HDAC1 is critical for repairing age-related DNA damage to genes involved in memory and other cognitive functions.

18 May 2020

New study to explore long-term impacts of COVID-19 on mental health

A new study will assess the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the mental health of thousands of people – from the womb to old age.

13 May 2020

Exposure to racial residential segregation associated with worse cognitive performance in mid-life

A study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that black subjects who were exposed to highly segregated neighborhoods in young adulthood exhibited worse performance in cognitive skills in mid-life.

9 May 2020

Day services may help improve cognitive function of Alzheimer's patients

Day services—programs designed to provide stimulation in a safe environment during the day for adults with physical and mental impairments—may help improve the cognitive function of adults with Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published in Psychogeriatrics.

7 May 2020

Iron-biofortified beans help improve physical performance of anemic women in Rwanda

Anemia is a global health problem common in low-income countries. Severe cases can lead to fatigue, heart problems, and complications in pregnancy. When widespread, anemia can also weigh on national economies.

29 Apr 2020

Study unravels mechanisms underpinning how the heart influences our perception

Heart and brain communicate constantly. For example, when we encounter a dangerous situation, signals from the brain make sure that the heart beats faster.

28 Apr 2020

Excess weight may cause mental fatigue, research suggests

Obesity has been shown to place physical stress on the body, but new research suggests that excess weight may also cause mental fatigue.

27 Apr 2020

Study confirms that neuropeptide somatostatin can improve the brain’s cognitive function

Researchers have confirmed that neuropeptide somatostatin can improve cognitive function in the brain. A research group of Professor Seung-Hee Lee from the Department of Biological Sciences at KAIST found that the application of neuropeptide somatostatin improves visual processing and cognitive behaviors by reducing excitatory inputs to parvalbumin-positive interneurons in the cortex.

24 Apr 2020

Study: Somatostatin treatment in cerebral cortex may improve visual processing, cognitive behaviors

23 Apr 2020

Atmospheric CO2 levels can cause cognitive impairment

As the 21st century progresses, rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations will cause urban and indoor levels of the gas to increase, and that may significantly reduce our basic decision-making ability and complex strategic thinking, according to a new CU Boulder-led study.

21 Apr 2020