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.

Blood protein structure changes may enable earlier detection of Alzheimer’s

Advanced proteomics and AI reveal blood protein changes, offering insights into early Alzheimer's detection and differentiation from mild cognitive impairment.

13 Mar 2026

Structured exercise helps chemotherapy patients maintain cognitive function and mental clarity

New research in the March 2026 issue of JNCCN-Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggests that exercise may help people with cancer stay mentally sharp and better able to handle daily tasks, work, and social activities through chemotherapy treatment delivered on an every two-week cycle.

12 Mar 2026

Everyday wearable data could reveal early brain health signals

Wearable sensors combined with AI offer a novel approach to continuous monitoring of cognitive and emotional health, detecting early changes in brain function.

12 Mar 2026

How the aging gastrointestinal tract drives age-related cognitive decline

We become forgetful as we age. This is often seen as a universal truth, but in fact it is far from universal: some people remain incredibly sharp at 100 years old, while others experience memory loss starting in middle age.

11 Mar 2026

Cellular energy changes may help detect early-stage major depression

Researchers may have discovered a new way to diagnose and treat major depression at the earliest stage of the condition, giving patients the best opportunity for recovery.

10 Mar 2026

Postbiotics may help treat PCOS by restoring microbiome balance

Emerging studies suggest postbiotics could aid PCOS management by restoring gut microbiome balance and enhancing insulin sensitivity and hormonal regulation.

10 Mar 2026

Hormonal imbalance and gut microbes linked to cognitive deficits in patients with PitNETs

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are commonly associated with visual disturbances and endocrine abnormalities; however, many patients also experience cognitive deficits, particularly in memory, attention, and executive function, which significantly affect quality of life.

9 Mar 2026

Exercise triggers memory-related brain waves in the hippocampus

A single session of physical exercise can spawn a boost of neural activity in brain networks that underlie learning and memory, according to a new study led by the University of Iowa.

9 Mar 2026

Can aging bring improvement instead of decline? Long-term study says yes

A large longitudinal study of U.S. adults found that many older people improve in cognitive function or walking speed over time, challenging the idea that aging inevitably leads to decline. Positive beliefs about aging were associated with higher odds of improvement in both cognitive and physical health.

8 Mar 2026

Seniors defy stereotypes of decline through positive mindsets

Aging in later life is often portrayed as a steady slide toward physical and cognitive decline. But a new study by scientists at Yale University suggests an alternate narrative - that older individuals can and do improve over time and their mindset toward aging plays a major part in their success.

6 Mar 2026

Tracking physiological stress during prolonged virtual soccer

Extended esports play can lead to mental fatigue, resulting in slower and less precise decision-making (diminished executive control) and a variety of physiological responses indicative of impaired sensorimotor or cognitive function.

5 Mar 2026

Why dancing may be one of the most joyful ways for older adults to stay healthy

A qualitative case study examined how older adults experience joy, accessibility, and well-being while participating in a community dance program at Canada’s National Ballet School. Using video elicitation and focus groups, participants described how inclusive class design, music, storytelling, and social connection supported meaningful engagement in later life.

4 Mar 2026

Drinking sparkling water helps gamers stay mentally sharp for hours

Sparkling water may combat cognitive fatigue in gamers, sustaining mental sharpness and executive function during extended esports sessions without stimulants.

4 Mar 2026

Scientists announce launch of the Society for Brain Health

Scientists meeting at Center for BrainHealth during its annual BrainHealth Week conference announced the launch of the Society for Brain Health.

27 Feb 2026

Researchers reveal why SuperAgers retain youthful brain cell signatures into their 80s

Researchers used single-nucleus RNA sequencing and chromatin accessibility profiling to map human hippocampal neurogenesis across adulthood, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease. They found that chromatin accessibility changes, more than gene expression alone, distinguish healthy aging, preclinical pathology, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive resilience in SuperAgers.

26 Feb 2026

Lymphovenous anastomosis may be an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease

A small but growing body of evidence suggests that a minimally invasive surgical procedure called lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) might be an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD), according to a special article in the March issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

26 Feb 2026

Superagers show greater neuron growth linked to strong memory

Brains of older adults with super healthy cognition grow more new neurons than those of their peers, according to a study from UIC, Northwestern University and the University of Washington.

25 Feb 2026

Study captures real-time protein clumping linked to Alzheimer’s

An Oregon State University scientist and a team of undergraduate students have uncovered real-time insights into a chemical process linked with Alzheimer's disease, paving the way toward better drug designs.

23 Feb 2026

Stereotactic radiation improves quality of life in patients with brain metastases

In a Phase 3 randomized trial, Mass General Brigham researchers found that stereotactic radiation targeting individual tumors led to lower symptom burden, better cognitive outcomes, and better day to day function when compared with whole brain radiation

19 Feb 2026

IFN-γ identified as a powerful blood biomarker for Alzheimer’s

This study identifies IFN-γ as a crucial blood-based biomarker for Alzheimer's, revealing its role in microglial inflammation and genetic risk interactions.

19 Feb 2026