Researchers have found that individually tailoring brainwave training to each person can enhance cognitive abilities like memory and attention. Through just 10 hours of practice over 2 days, participants were able to increase their peak “alpha” brainwave frequency. This boost to their individual alpha frequency was associated with better performance on cognitive tests. These findings …
Depression and cognitive deficits are common health issues that impact millions of people. Scientists are testing a new drug, NSI-189, to see if it can help treat depression and improve thinking ability. Early research shows promise that NSI-189 may be able to grow new brain cells and connections, which could potentially treat depression and boost …
We all want to be the best versions of ourselves. Many people look for ways to boost their brain power to improve performance at school, work, or in their hobbies. New scientific discoveries have led to drugs and technologies that can enhance cognition – our ability to think, focus, learn and remember. But is it …
A recent case report describes a 34-year old man who developed a rare form of early onset dementia after two years of heavy marijuana use. While concerning, experts say more research is needed to understand the potential risks of cannabis on the developing brain. Key Facts: The man developed frontotemporal dementia, a disorder causing personality …
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Dopamine plays an important role in PD development. Here are some key facts: Dopamine is a chemical messenger in the brain involved in movement, motivation, and mood. Loss of dopamine-producing neurons causes the motor symptoms of PD like tremors, rigidity, and …
Trouble sleeping may raise your risk of dementia later in life, according to a new 19-year study of over 22,000 middle-aged and older adults in Sweden. Both insomnia symptoms and shorter sleep were linked to higher chances of developing dementia down the road. Key facts: Adults reporting insomnia symptoms had an 18% higher risk of …
A new drug recently approved for Alzheimer’s disease aims to treat the underlying cause of the condition by removing amyloid plaques in the brain. Though promising, the drug called aducanumab also comes with potential side effects that require careful monitoring. Key facts: Aducanumab is the first drug that targets and removes amyloid plaques, sticky buildups …
How does our brain form intentions and make decisions? Do we have free will? A new study takes a fresh look at a classic Libet experiment to uncover new insights. Key Facts: Researchers tested whether people can accurately report when they formed an intention to move. They compared brain activity to the timing people reported …
A new study finds that drinking a small amount of caffeine in the morning may improve alertness, memory, and attention in healthy young men. The caffeine dose was equivalent to about one cup of coffee. Key Facts: 25 healthy young men drank either a placebo or 50 mg of caffeine (amount in a cup of …
Experiencing chronic stress or taking addictive drugs like cocaine can change your brain and behavior in similar ways, making you prone to anxiety or addiction. Key Facts: Chronic stress and chronic drug abuse both impair the striatum, which can make people become rigid in their thinking and unable to update information. This can promote anxiety, …
