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.

New compound targets the neuronal epigenome to treat Alzheimer's disease

A team from the University of Barcelona has designed and validated in animal models an innovative compound with a pioneering mechanism of action for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

19 Mar 2026

Menopause may raise women’s Alzheimer risk earlier than doctors once thought

This review argues that women’s higher Alzheimer disease risk may be shaped in part by midlife neuroendocrine aging, especially the menopause transition, rather than by longevity alone. It highlights early menopause, bilateral oophorectomy, vasomotor symptoms, and midlife cognitive changes as underinvestigated but potentially important risk markers, while calling for sex-specific, biomarker-driven prevention strategies.

18 Mar 2026

Study identifies brain pathway crucial for proper functioning of working memory

Working memory is a cognitive function that is essential for carrying out everyday activities and temporarily retaining information.

17 Mar 2026

Exercise cuts 'chemo brain' and fatigue in cancer patients

Implementing a simple exercise plan during chemotherapy may ease cognitive impairment and fatigue, promoting better health outcomes for cancer patients.

17 Mar 2026

New study links storytelling to evolution of human memory

New research from the University of Mississippi suggests that telling stories – from ancient campfire tales to modern-day digital communication – may be tied to how human memory evolved.

16 Mar 2026

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