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.

Adults with SCA show poorer performance on neurocognitive tests: Study

Compared with a group of healthy study participants, adults with sickle cell anemia showed poorer performance on neurocognitive tests, which was associated with anemia and age, according to a study in the May 12 issue of JAMA.

13 May 2010

Music enhances new learning of information in AD patients

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have shown that patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are better able to remember new verbal information when it is provided in the context of music even when compared to healthy, older adults. The findings, which currently appear on-line in Neuropsychologia, offer possible applications in treating and caring for patients with AD.

13 May 2010

Study confirms Resveratrol's impact on cognitive processes of the brain

The subject of extensive studies across the world, Resveratrol is proving to be a major talking point in the scientific community. And as evidence comes to light of the continuing beneficial effects of this compound, a further study by the University of Northumbria in the UK has confirmed what many scientists already believe to be the case - that Resveratrol could have a significant impact on the cognitive processes of the human brain.

12 May 2010

Adult patients with sickle cell disease may develop cognitive problems: Study

Sickle cell disease may affect brain function in adults who have few or mild complications of the inherited blood disease, according to results of the first study to examine cognitive functioning in adults with sickle cell disease.

12 May 2010

Phase IIb study of EVP-6124 initiated in patients with Alzheimer's disease

EnVivo Pharmaceuticals today announced the initiation and dosing of patients in a Phase IIb study of its EVP-6124 compound, a selective alpha-7 nicotinic agonist in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

12 May 2010

Transition Therapeutics reports increased revenue in third-quarter 2010

Transition Therapeutics Inc., a product-focused biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for disease indications with large markets, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2010.

11 May 2010

Algal DHA improves memory function in healthy aging adults: MIDAS

The Memory Improvement with Docosahexaenoic acid Study published online this week in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association showed that algal DHA improved memory function in healthy aging adults, providing a benefit roughly equivalent to having the learning and memory skills of someone three years younger.

4 May 2010

New research contradicts studies on adolescents’ risk-taking behavior

Conventional wisdom holds that adolescents are susceptible to drug use and other risk-taking behavior. However, a one-size-fits-all approach to curbing these behaviors likely will be unsuccessful, according to research to be presented Monday, May 3 at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

4 May 2010

Targacept, AstraZeneca expand TC-5619 development program to include ADHD, Alzheimer's disease

Targacept, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel NNR Therapeutics (TM), today announced an amendment to its 2005 collaboration agreement with AstraZeneca expanding the TC-5619 development program. In addition to the current development of TC-5619 in cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia (CDS), the amended terms provide for parallel development in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and potentially Alzheimer's disease.

3 May 2010

Panel finds insufficient evidence to support preventive measures for cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease

Many preventive measures for cognitive decline and for preventing Alzheimer's disease-mental stimulation, exercise, and a variety of dietary supplements-have been studied over the years. However, an independent panel convened this week by the National Institutes of Health determined that the value of these strategies for delaying the onset and/or reducing the severity of decline or disease hasn't been demonstrated in rigorous studies.

29 Apr 2010

FIESTY acronym to improve cognitive function, reduce chances of developing dementia

As researchers learn more about how we age, they're finding that genetics are only half of the story when it comes to developing Alzheimer's disease.

28 Apr 2010

Regular exercise speeds learning, improves blood flow to the brain: Study

Regular exercise speeds learning and improves blood flow to the brain, according to a new study led by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine that is the first to examine these relationships in a non-human primate model. The findings are available in the journal Neuroscience.

27 Apr 2010

The Frost Group agrees to make investment in ChromaDex

ChromaDex Corporation, a natural products chemistry company which provides novel and innovative ingredients to the dietary supplement, food, beverage and cosmetic markets, announced today The Frost Group, LLC, led by Miami entrepreneur and billionaire Dr. Phillip Frost, has agreed to make an investment in ChromaDex.

26 Apr 2010

Sleep improves memory

The next time you want to remember what you were taught, take a nap and dream about it. You may just remember it better. That is what scientists at the Center for Sleep and Cognition at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts had to say after a new study. Robert Stickgold the lead author confirmed that a nap would improve the chances of your remembering stuff if you dream it.

23 Apr 2010

OPAL study: Fish oil supplements offer no benefits for cognitive function in older people

The largest ever trial of fish oil supplements has found no evidence that they offer benefits for cognitive function in older people.

22 Apr 2010

Posit Science challenges BBC study on cognitive training programs

Posit Science, the leader in clinically proven brain fitness programs, contests the interpretation and methodology used in a British Broadcasting Corporation-sponsored study published in the journal Nature.

21 Apr 2010

Mental exercises: do they work?

It has been long believed and aggressively drilled into our brains that computer programs and games that are targeted towards memory enhancement improve memory, mental health, intelligence and prevent age related memory loss and dementia. In a new study such claims have been found to be empty.

21 Apr 2010

Study identifies protective relationship between gene variant and cognitive function in older people

New research shows a gene variant may help protect the memory and thinking skills of older people. The research will be published in the April 20, 2010, issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

20 Apr 2010

Study shows beneficial impact of TYSABRI on QoL in MS patients

Biogen Idec and Elan Corporation, plc today announced results from a one-year, longitudinal health outcomes studys 62nd Annual Meeting in Toronto, April 10 - 17, 2010. The AAN Annual Meeting is the world's largest gathering of neurologists.

17 Apr 2010

Foods that protect from Alzheimer’s

In a recent study researchers have revealed what we always knew - salads, fish, fruits and nuts are good for us. It says that these food combinations are related to a reduced risk of getting the dreaded brain and memory disease called Alzheimer’s disease. This study published in the online edition of the reputed journal Archives of Neurology also says that lesser the amount of high-fat dairy foods like butter etc. and red meats, the lesser is the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

13 Apr 2010