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.

Study examines existing tests that may be helpful in assessing safety of drivers with dementia

How do you know when it's time for an older adult with mild dementia to stop driving? Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.

6 Oct 2016

Early marijuana use may lead to lower IQ and abnormal brain function

In a new study, scientists in London, Ontario have discovered that early marijuana use may result in abnormal brain function and lower IQ.

5 Oct 2016

Brain rehabilitation via a mobile app? An interview with Keith Cooper

When a person has a brain injury due to a stroke or a trauma, they typically start in a hospital emergency room to treat any life threatening injuries. They are then often transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation program at the hospital where they receive intensive physical and cognitive therapy until they are well enough to transition home.

5 Oct 2016

Caffeine consumption linked to reduction in risk of incident dementia in older women

Among a group of older women, self-reported caffeine consumption of more than 261 mg per day was associated with a 36 percent reduction in the risk of incident dementia over 10 years of follow-up.

4 Oct 2016

Sustained exposure to economic hardship linked to worse cognitive function in young individuals

Poverty and perceived hardship over decades among relatively young people in the U.S. are strongly associated with worse cognitive function and may be important contributors to premature aging among disadvantaged populations, report investigators in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

27 Sep 2016

Study reveals radiosurgery as viable treatment option for patients with resected brain metastases

For patients who have cancer that has metastasized to the brain, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) results in statistically comparable survival rates, reduced cognitive decline and better quality of life (QOL), compared to whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), according to research presented today at the 58th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology.

26 Sep 2016

Heavy drinking in older adults linked to poorer neurocognitive functions

Heavy drinking can lead to neurophysiological and cognitive changes ranging from disrupted sleep to more serious neurotoxic effects.

23 Sep 2016

Study data does not support benefits of testosterone supplementation in men with ‘low T’

The prescription of testosterone supplementation for cardiovascular health, sexual function, physical function, mood, or cognitive function in men with "low T" is not supported by clinical trials data, conclude researchers who describe a review of more than 200 clinical trials published Sept. 21 in PLOS One.

22 Sep 2016

Performance-enhancing drug may improve cognition in patients with bipolar disorder or depression

A study has found that EPO (erythropoietin) - best known as a performance-enhancing drug in sport - may improve cognitive functioning in patients suffering from bipolar disorder or depression.

18 Sep 2016

Over a quarter of US adults aged 50 years or more are inactive

Research conducted at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that 1 in 4 US adults aged 50 years or over do not take regular exercise.

16 Sep 2016

Mathematical model explains molecular events linked to learning and memory formation

A team of researchers has built a mathematical model that describes the molecular events associated with the beginning stage of learning and memory formation in the human brain.

9 Sep 2016

Whole brain radiotherapy offers no quality-of-life benefit in lung cancer patients with brain metastases

People with the most common type of lung cancer whose disease has spread to the brain could be spared potentially harmful whole brain radiotherapy, according to new research published in The Lancet.

6 Sep 2016

Adenosine may play role in inhibiting REM sleep

The regulation and function of sleep is one of the biggest black boxes of today's brain science.

1 Sep 2016

SAGA funding initiative aims to advance understanding of potential sex differences in Alzheimer's

The first-ever Alzheimer's Association Sex and Gender in Alzheimer's research grant awards will provide $2.2 million to nine projects to advance understanding of the disproportionate effect of Alzheimer's disease on women.

31 Aug 2016

Study shows how caffeine counteracts age-related cognitive deficits in animals

A study published in the journal Scientific Reports from Nature publishing group, describes the mechanism by which caffeine counteracts age-related cognitive deficits in animals.

30 Aug 2016

First trial of Cognition Kit wearables demonstrates effectiveness in measuring mental health

The neuroscience company Cambridge Cognition Holdings PLC, which develops near patient technologies for the assessment of brain health, has announced results from a new technology feasibility study. The results demonstrate for the first time that consumer grade wearables such as the Apple Watch® and Microsoft Band can be used to accurately measure clinically relevant cognitive performance in everyday life using the Company’s new Cognition Kit software.

26 Aug 2016

Crohn's disease sufferers experience slower cognitive response times, study shows

New research published in the UEG Journal1 has found that Crohn's disease sufferers experience slower response times than matched individuals that do not have the disease.

25 Aug 2016

Researchers find better mental health in older adults despite more physical ailments

While even the best wines eventually peak and turn to vinegar, a new study by researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine suggests a paradoxical trend in the mental health of aging adults: They seem to consistently get better over time.

25 Aug 2016

Abnormal increase in hippocampal activity impairs memory and attention

Neurons in the brain interact by sending each other chemical messages, so-called neurotransmitters.

23 Aug 2016

Neuropsychologist pinpoints risk factors for dementia

Dementia strikes one in 14 people in the UK over 65, and 47 million people worldwide.Yet scientists are still urgently trying to find why the disease affects some but not others.

19 Aug 2016