Ginkgo biloba does not reduce dementia or Alzheimer’s disease risk according to Pitt-led study in JAMA. – The medicinal herb Ginkgo biloba does not reduce the risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease development in either the healthy elderly or those with mild cognitive impairment, according to a large multicenter trial led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
‘Super’ aged brains reveal first secrets of sharp memory in old age. Super aged brains had many fewer fiber-like tangles than the brains of those who had aged normally. – Researchers at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine wondered if the brains of the elderly with still laser sharp memory — called “super aged” — were somehow different than everyone else’s.
Brain imaging study supports the ‘cognitive reserve’ hypothesis. Greater education has been associated with better cognitive function during life. – Individuals with higher education levels appear to score higher on cognitive tests despite having evidence of brain plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Gladstone scientists identify role of fatty acids in Alzheimer’s disease, large-scale analysis of brain lipids identifies potential therapeutic strategy. – Scientists at the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease (GIND) and the University of California have found that complete or partial removal of an enzyme that regulates fatty acid levels improves cognitive deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
New study determines double flu jab needed against bird flu pandemic. Scientists recommend stockpiling influenza vaccine. – An international study led by University of Leicester researchers has determined that vaccination will be the best way to protect people in the event of the next influenza pandemic ? but that each person would need two doses.
Possible cause of antisocial behavior identified. Reduced stress hormone cortisol cause antisocial behavior – A link between reduced levels of the ‘stress hormone’ cortisol and antisocial behaviour in male adolescents has been discovered by a research team at the University of Cambridge.
Erasing drug-associated memories to treat drug addiction is a new approach that has great potential. – Erasing drug-associated memories may prevent recovering drug abusers from relapsing, researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered.
Older adults who regularly eat fish may have a lower risk of subtle brain damage that contributes to stroke and dementia. – Eating tuna and other types of fish may help lower the risk of cognitive decline and stroke in healthy older adults, according to a study published in the August 5, 2008, issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Those who don?t engage in complex mental activity over their lifetime have twice the shrinkage in a key part of the brain in old age, according to researchers from UNSW. – People who have been more mentally active over their lives have a larger hippocampus ? which relates to memory ? and critically that it shrinks at half the rate of those who have lower mental activity.
Jo’s Trust cervical cancer charity welcomes Department of Health’s announcement about HPV vaccine Cervarix. – The UK’s leading cervical cancer charity, Jo’s Trust, has welcomed the UK’s Department of Health’s announcement that the HPV vaccine, Cervarix will be used in the national immunisation programme for 12/13 year olds starting in September, 2008.
