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.

Donepezil may have short-term benefit for mild cognitive impairment

People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) taking the drug donepezil were at reduced risk of progressing to Alzheimer's disease (AD) for the first 18 months of a 3-year study when compared with their counterparts on placebo

26 Jul 2004

Donepezil may have short-term benefit for mild cognitive impairment

21 Jul 2004

Mustard greens, cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts help to preserve cognitive abilities in ageing women

Harvard Medical School researchers have found that women who eat lots of mustard greens, cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower or brussels sprouts in middle age preserved more of their cognitive abilities as they entered their 70s.

20 Jul 2004

Drug slows the progression of mild cognitive impairment

For the first time, a drug appears to have a slowing effect - though limited - on the progression from mild cognitive impairment, a memory disorder considered a strong early predictor of Alzheimer’s disease, to Alzheimer’s.

19 Jul 2004

Soy protein not effective in improving memory in post menopausal women

No beneficial effects were found on cognitive function, bone mineral density or plasma lipids when postmenopausal women age 60 years or older took soy protein supplements with isoflavones for one year

7 Jul 2004

Drop in systolic blood pressure may indicate imminent likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia

Journal of the American Heart Association reports that a significant drop in systolic blood pressure may indicate imminent likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in some elderly people.

2 Jul 2004

Hormone replacement therapy in women increases risk of dementia

These "surprising and significant findings" are reported in two studies from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study, in which UC Medical Center participates, in today's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

28 Jun 2004

Findings from WHI memory study may not directly apply to newly menopausal women

The WHIMS article reported that estrogen therapy does not decrease, but may increase, the risk of probable dementia in women age 65 and older using hormones compared to women taking placebo.

23 Jun 2004

Estrogen therapy may increase the risk for dementia

A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests that estrogen therapy does not decrease, but may increase, the risk for dementia in older, postmenopausal women.

22 Jun 2004

Chemobrain side effect in women may be overestimated

A new study says the incidence of "chemobrain," a widely reported side effect in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer, may be overestimated.

21 Jun 2004

Just six months of yoga significantly reduces fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis

Just six months of yoga significantly reduces fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis, but it has no effect on alertness and cognitive function, says a new Oregon Health & Science University study.

11 Jun 2004

Howard Hughes researchers find Alzheimer's may leave some forms of memory intact

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) researchers have made the surprising discovery that people with Alzheimer's disease retain the capability for a specific form of memory used for rote learning of skills, even as their memories of people and events are extinguished.

10 Jun 2004

Genetic signature associated with the aging human brain

Unraveling the mysteries of the aging brain is a major goal for brain science, especially given the exploding population of senior citizens and the obvious desire to preserve brain function as long as possible.

9 Jun 2004

New medical imaging research helps diagnosis fetal brain abnormalities, epilepsy and autism

The world's leading neuroscience and radiology experts today shared new research and technological developments in medical imaging that facilitate diagnosis and breakthrough treatments of fetal brain abnormalities, epilepsy and cognitive disorders such as autism and Alzheimer's.

7 Jun 2004

Columbia University to study link between diabetes and early dementia

Understanding the link between diabetes and early dementia -- as well as how diabetes relates to other causes of memory loss -- is the focus of a new study at Columbia University Medical Center and approximately 40 other medical institutions nationwide.

25 May 2004

Link between diabetes and early dementia

25 May 2004

Researchers to study link between diabetes and early dementia

Understanding the link between diabetes and early dementia – as well as how diabetes relates to other causes of memory loss – is the focus of a new study at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) and approximately 40 other medical institutions nationwide.

20 May 2004

Results look promising in Alzheimer’s gene therapy trial

Surgical placement of genetically modified tissue directly into the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, an experimental approach to delaying brain cell loss associated with the disease, leads to increased metabolic activity in the brain, with cells apparently responding to the insertion of growth factor-producing grafts

28 Apr 2004

Lack of exercise causes physical and psychological setbacks

Use it or lose it, fitness experts tell us. Now a new study offers evidence that the adage really does ring true – that a lack of exercise can not only cause physical setbacks, but also psychological setbacks as well.

16 Apr 2004

Liptor helps Alzheimer’s disease

In a small clinical trial enrolling 63 individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, half of those who received atorvastatin (Lipitor) stabilized or improved after one year of treatment, the trial’s principal investigator D. Larry Sparks, Ph.D., reported today at a professional meeting on Alzheimer therapy.

15 Apr 2004