Hypertension in older adults leads to poorer cognitive and walking performance due to the need for more brain resources to manage dual tasks. Highlights: Older adults with hypertension show higher brain activation in motor and sensory areas when performing dual cognitive-walking tasks compared to healthy peers. Hypertensive individuals have worse cognitive performance on single cognitive …
A study found that certain genetic variations in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) were associated with different aspects of social understanding abilities in children with and without autism. Highlights: In typically developing children, one genetic variation (rs2268498) was linked to better verbal social understanding skills. In children with autism, a different genetic variation (rs53576) was …
Normal aging leads to a decrease in brain volume, with gray and white matter shrinking and cerebrospinal fluid increasing, as measured by synthetic MRI. Highlights: Study Sample: 300 healthy adults (141 males, median age 48; 159 females, median age 50) were analyzed using synthetic MRI. Brain Volume Trends: Brain parenchymal volume (nBPV) decreases steadily with …
Experiencing aesthetic chills can positively influence self-related beliefs in people with depression, similar to the effects of psychedelics, suggesting potential as a non-pharmacological intervention. Highlights: Novel Approach: Aesthetic chills, characterized by physical sensations like shivers and goosebumps, may help shift negative cognitive patterns in depression. Study Results: 96 patients with major depressive disorder showed positive …
Water pollution poses serious risks to human brain health, leading to neurological damage and increased risk of neuropsychiatric diseases. Highlights: Sources of Pollution: Water sources are contaminated by industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and urban waste, introducing harmful chemicals like pesticides, inorganic salts, and organic compounds into drinking water. Neurological Impact: Chemicals such as acrylamide in …
A study found that adults recovering from their first COVID-19 infection more than 1-year ago have higher levels of fatigue and other chronic neuropsychiatric symptoms, influenced by vaccination status and socioeconomic factors. Highlights: Adults who had their first COVID-19 infection over 1-year ago reported significantly higher fatigue levels compared to those who never had COVID-19 …
Expert chess players use chunk memory to make better decisions, showing unique brain connectivity that helps them perform well even against tougher opponents. Highlights: Consistent Performance: Expert chess players perform equally well regardless of the difficulty level, unlike beginners whose performance drops with increased difficulty. Stronger Brain Connections: Experts show stronger connections in specific brain …
TLDR: Researchers demonstrated that intranasal administration of the peptide FITC-PHDP5-CPP reverses early cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model mice, showing potential as a treatment for AD-associated cognitive decline. Highlights: PHDP5, derived from the pleckstrin homology domain of dynamin 1, inhibits the interaction between dynamin and microtubules, rescuing synaptic dysfunction caused by tau accumulation. The …
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is emerging as a revolutionary tool in enhancing cognitive functions, with over sixty studies indicating significant improvements in various tasks. Unlike traditional pharmaceutical approaches, TMS offers a non-invasive alternative to modulate brain activity, potentially benefiting healthy individuals and those with neurological conditions. Key Facts: Over 60 Studies Show TMS Enhancement: Research …
Stimulants like caffeine, methylphenidate, and modafinil have repeatedly been shown to boost cognitive abilities such as attention, focus, and memory in healthy individuals. A new study provides insight into the underlying brain mechanisms of this cognitive enhancement effect. Key Facts: All three stimulants (caffeine, methylphenidate, modafinil) enhanced performance across different memory tasks Stimulants increased functional …
