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.

Highly fit MS patients perform better on tests of cognitive function than less-fit patients: Study

Highly fit multiple sclerosis patients perform significantly better on tests of cognitive function than similar less-fit patients, a new study shows.

18 Feb 2010

Social Security Administration adds early-onset Alzheimer's disease to Compassionate Allowances list: AFA lauds

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) today applauded the Social Security Administration for including early-onset Alzheimer's disease among the medical conditions that will be given automatic approval for disability benefits, rather than have individuals go through what could be a lengthy qualification process.

12 Feb 2010

Huntington's disease: Latrepirdine appears well-tolerated and beneficial

A medication previously studied in patients with Alzheimer's disease (latrepirdine) appears well tolerated and may improve thinking, learning and memory skills among individuals with Huntington's disease, according to a report in the February issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

10 Feb 2010

Study challenges clinical myths about effects of depression on cognitive functioning

Many clinicians believe that depression goes hand in hand with cognitive difficulties such as memory problems or difficulties concentrating and paying attention, but a recent review of nearly 20 years of literature conducted by researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center has found that depression does not always lead to such impairments.

10 Feb 2010

Dimebon drug associated with improved cognitive function in patients with Huntington's disease

An early stage clinical trial of the experimental drug dimebon (latrepirdine) in people with Huntington's disease appears to be safe and may improve cognition. That is the conclusion of a study published today in the Archives of Neurology.

9 Feb 2010

Regular exercise associated with greater longevity and reduced risk of age-related conditions

Physical activity appears to be associated with a reduced risk or slower progression of several age-related conditions as well as improvements in overall health in older age, according to a commentary and four articles published in the January 25 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

27 Jan 2010

European Breast Cancer Conference in Barcelona, Spain

The 7th European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC-7) will be held in Barcelona, Spain (Centre Convencions Internacional (CCIB - FORUM), Rambla Prim 1-17, ES-08019) from Wednesday 24 - Saturday 27 March 2010.

20 Jan 2010

Scientists identify fast-acting compound to improve cognitive function impairments

A fast-acting compound that appears to improve cognitive function impairments in mice similar to those found in patients with progressive Alzheimer's disease has been identified by scientists at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Program in Drug Discovery.

13 Jan 2010

Exercise may improve cognitive function

Moderate physical activity performed in midlife or later appears to be associated with a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment, whereas a six-month high-intensity aerobic exercise program may improve cognitive function in individuals who already have the condition, according to two reports in the January issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

11 Jan 2010

Study suggests participating in volunteer activities may prevent frailty in older adults

Frailty is a geriatric condition marked by weight loss, low energy and strength, and low physical activity. UCLA researchers followed 1,072 healthy adults aged 70 to 79 between 1988 and 1991 to determine if productive activities - specifically volunteering, paid work and child care - prevent the onset of frailty.

9 Jan 2010

Results of randomized, placebo-controlled study of Ambrotose complex announced

Mannatech, Incorporated, a global pioneer in the development of high-quality health, weight and fitness, and skin care solutions based on nutritional science, announced the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that shows healthy middle-aged adults who took one teaspoon of Ambrotose® complex twice daily performed significantly better on memory tasks and were overall more positive in their mood.

9 Jan 2010

Dakim expands distribution of dementia-fighting Dakim BrainFitness System to Canada

Dakim, Inc. announced today that it is expanding distribution of its dementia-fighting Dakim® BrainFitness(TM) System to Canada through a partnership with Tock Tick, Inc. Dakim's touch screen-based system is the #1 cognitive stimulation product in U.S. senior living communities, providing an entertaining and easy-to-use brain workout that is specifically designed to help seniors maintain their brain health.

7 Jan 2010

EnVivo Pharmaceuticals announces initiation and dosing of patients in Phase 2b study of EVP-6124

EnVivo Pharmaceuticals today announced the initiation and dosing of patients in a Phase 2b study of its EVP-6124 compound, a selective alpha-7 nicotinic agonist in patients with schizophrenia. EnVivo is conducting the multi-center, dose ranging, placebo controlled, three-month study in the U.S. and Europe.

6 Jan 2010

FDA approves generic donepezil hydrochloride orally disintegrating tablets

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic versions of Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride) orally disintegrating tablets on Dec. 11. Donepezil hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of dementia related to Alzheimer's disease.

5 Jan 2010

Experts release recommendations to help adults bolster their cognitive health

A panel of experts from leading northeastern universities recently reached consensus that proper nutrition, regular physical and mental activity, and adequate sleep can help to maintain and even improve cognitive skills in healthy adults.

30 Dec 2009

Significant limitations in new Ginkgo biloba study published in JAMA, says ABC

New research findings published this week on a standardized Ginkgo biloba extract are very limited and the public should focus on the well-documented cognitive and cardiovascular benefits of ginkgo, said the American Botanical Council (ABC), an independent nonprofit research and education organization.

30 Dec 2009

CRN stands by Ginkgo biloba's effectiveness in improving cognitive function

"It is important to put this study into context and to remember that there is a large body of previously published evidence, which suggests that Ginkgo biloba may help improve cognitive impairment in older adults. There are also additional ongoing clinical trials, the results of which may address some of the limitations of the current study. The results of this single study add to the overall data on Ginkgo biloba, including valuable evidence in support of Ginkgo's safety profile, but should not be viewed as the final word.

30 Dec 2009

Key molecular switch linked to HD identified

Scientists have identified a key molecular switch that may drive the onset of Huntington's disease (HD), an incurable neurodegenerative disorder that leads to severe disruptions in muscle coordination and cognitive function. The research, published by Cell Press in the December 24 issue of the journal Neuron, enhances the understanding of HD pathogenesis and may direct new strategies for treating this devastating brain disease.

24 Dec 2009

Four commonly used chemotherapy drugs disrupt birth of new brain cells, shows study

Researchers have developed a novel animal model showing that four commonly used chemotherapy drugs disrupt the birth of new brain cells, and that the condition could be partially reversed with the growth factor IGF-1.

18 Dec 2009

Pillo1 for chronic neck and back pain

At a time when Americans spend over $50 billion on ways to alleviate neck and back pain, Dr. Raymond Hall is theorizing a painful connection between conventional pillows and neck issues and created a revolutionary solution called Pillo1 (www.pillo1.com) to address the problem.

16 Dec 2009

Cognitive Function News and Research

Further Reading

Highly fit MS patients perform better on tests of cognitive function than less-fit patients: Study

Social Security Administration adds early-onset Alzheimer's disease to Compassionate Allowances list: AFA lauds

Huntington's disease: Latrepirdine appears well-tolerated and beneficial

Study challenges clinical myths about effects of depression on cognitive functioning

Dimebon drug associated with improved cognitive function in patients with Huntington's disease

Regular exercise associated with greater longevity and reduced risk of age-related conditions

European Breast Cancer Conference in Barcelona, Spain

Scientists identify fast-acting compound to improve cognitive function impairments

Exercise may improve cognitive function

Study suggests participating in volunteer activities may prevent frailty in older adults

Results of randomized, placebo-controlled study of Ambrotose complex announced

Dakim expands distribution of dementia-fighting Dakim BrainFitness System to Canada

EnVivo Pharmaceuticals announces initiation and dosing of patients in Phase 2b study of EVP-6124

FDA approves generic donepezil hydrochloride orally disintegrating tablets

Experts release recommendations to help adults bolster their cognitive health

Significant limitations in new Ginkgo biloba study published in JAMA, says ABC

CRN stands by Ginkgo biloba's effectiveness in improving cognitive function

Key molecular switch linked to HD identified

Four commonly used chemotherapy drugs disrupt birth of new brain cells, shows study

Pillo1 for chronic neck and back pain

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

From Puberty to Menopause: Clue’s CEO, Audrey Tsang on the Power of Femtech

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