Cognition

Cognition is mental processes by which knowledge about oneself, others, and the environment is gained and interpreted. It includes thought processes such as perception, problem solving, and creativity.

Anxiety can damage brain and increases Alzheimer’s disease risk

Anxiety can damage brain — Accelerate conversion to Alzheimer’s for those with mild cognitive impairment – People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are at increased risk of converting to Alzheimer’s disease within a few years, but a new study warns the risk increases significantly if they suffer from anxiety.

Alzheimer’s related memory loss linked to Neuroligin-1 protein

Cleveland Clinic identifies mechanism in Alzheimer’s-related memory loss — Study uncovers role of Neuroligin-1 protein – Cleveland Clinic researchers have identified a protein in the brain that plays a critical role in the memory loss seen in Alzheimer’s patients. The protein – Neuroligin-1 (NLGN1) – is known to be involved in memory formation; this is the first time it’s been linked to amyloid-associated memory loss.

Tonsil surgery improves behaviors in children with sleep apnea

Tonsil surgery improves some behaviors in children with sleep apnea syndrome — NIH-funded clinical study may help inform decisions about this common surgical procedure – Children with sleep apnea syndrome who have their tonsils and adenoids removed sleep better, are less restless and impulsive, and report a generally better quality of life.

Life expectancy has increased around the world

Majority of the world living longer, but spending more years in poor health compared to 20 years ago – Comparing healthy life expectancy for 187 countries, in 1990 and 2010, the researchers were able to evaluate major patterns and trends in global health over two decades. They found that life expectancy has increased in 19 of 21 regions around the world, but, although people are living longer, they are spending these later years living with poor health.

Chewing ability linked to reduced dementia risk

Chewing ability linked to reduced dementia risk — Can you bite into an apple? If so, you are more likely to maintain mental abilities. – Can you bite into an apple? If so, you are more likely to maintain mental abilities, according to new research from Karolinska Institutet. The population is ageing, and the older we become the more likely it is that we risk deterioration of our cognitive functions, such as memory, decision-making and problem solving.

Exercise improves memory and thinking after stroke

Exercise improves memory, thinking after stroke, study finds – Just six months of exercise can improve memory, language, thinking and judgment problems by almost 50 per cent. Toronto researchers found that the proportion of stroke patients with at least mild cognitive impairment dropped from 66 per cent to 37 per cent during a research study on the impact of exercise on the brain.

Speaking more than one language may ward off symptoms of dementia

Being bilingual wards off symptoms of dementia — speaking more than one language may translate to better mental health – New study examines how being bilingual can offer protection from the symptoms of dementia, and also suggests that the increasing diversity in our world populations may have an unexpected positive impact on the resiliency of the adult brain.