Category Archives: Brain Function

A protein associated with Parkinson’s disease and dementia has been found to be capable of travelling from the brain to the gut through a specific pathway. The discovery gives insight into the progression of these disorders. The protein – alpha-synuclein – has been found to play a role in Parkinson’s disease. While it occurs naturally ...click here to read more

A molecular pattern has been discovered with regards to cognitive dysfunction in chronic fatigue syndrome, giving hope for improved diagnosis and treatment. The researchers uncovered a unique pattern of immune molecules in the cerebrospinal fluid in people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). This discovery provides insight into the basis for cognitive dysfunction – also ...click here to read more

It is recommended by the National Sleep Foundation that seniors over the age of 65 aim for seven to eight hours of sleep, but for many this goal is hardly attainable. Many of us find it difficult to fall asleep or even stay asleep, so by the time we wake up we are tired and ...click here to read more

Older adults who stick to Mediterranean diet show less cerebral atrophy (brain volume loss). However, contrary to previous studies, the researchers did not find that eating more fish and less red meat was associated with changes in the brain. The Mediterranean diet is based on large intake of fruits and vegetables, olive oil, beans, cereal ...click here to read more

Insomnia may cause dysfunction in specific brain regions, according to research findings. In the largest study of its kind, researchers identified differences in brain activity between states of sleep and wakefulness in 44 insomnia patients and 40 participants who had proper sleep. Research lead and study author Daniel Buysse explained, “While patients with insomnia often ...click here to read more

A new study suggests that living near a major road increases your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The Canadian study found that people residing near a congested roadway had a slightly higher risk of dementia, compared to those living further. Specifically, mental decline was seen highest among those living 160 feet from a major ...click here to read more

Cognitive problems in older adults brought on by depression may be improved by playing video games. Researcher Patricia Areán explained, “We found that moderately depressed people do better with apps like this because they address or treat correlates of depression.” The study enrolled older adults diagnosed with late-life depression into a treatment trial where they ...click here to read more

An experimental drug – known as opicapone – is showing promise in improving movement difficulties experienced in Parkinson’s disease. When taken alongside standard treatment (levodopa), the drug has been shown to help improve movement. Researchers found that opicapone helps boost levodopa’s ability to control Parkinson-induced motor difficulties in patients. These difficulties include tremors, stiffness, and ...click here to read more

Tossing and turning every night isn’t just annoying and exhausting. New findings suggest that it can actually be detrimental for your brain. A common sleep disorder – known as rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) – puts those affected at a greater risk for neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, and dementia ...click here to read more

Cognition in older adults may be improved with moderate post-lunch napping, according to a study. The researchers analyzed self-reported data on napping habits along with cognitive assessments of older Chinese adults. The participants were categorized into one of the following groups based on their napping behavior: non-nappers (0 minutes), short nappers (less than 30 minutes), ...click here to read more

Marijuana use has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease risk, as researchers recorded low blood flow to the brain among users. There is a strong push in the U.S. to legalize marijuana, but the long-term effects of the drug have been long unknown. The researchers used a sophisticated imaging study known as single photon emission computed ...click here to read more

Dementia disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease may be identified with brushstrokes. In the study, researchers analyzed 2,092 paintings from seven famous artists who experienced both normal brain aging and neurodegenerative disease. Of the seven, two suffered from Parkinson’s disease, two had Alzheimer’s disease, and three were without neurodegenerative disease. The artists’ brushstrokes were ...click here to read more

A new study uncovered that welders can develop and experience Parkinson’s disease symptoms which worsen over time with greater exposure to manganese from welding fumes. Study author Brad A. Racette explained, “These welders are developing parkinsonian symptoms even though their exposure to manganese is below the current regulatory limits. This study suggests that we need ...click here to read more

Heart artery dysfunction in women may be linked to emotional stress. C. Noel Bairey Merz, professor of medicine and senior author, explained, “Women who go to emergency rooms and cardiologists because they have chest pain often are told that their arteries are clear and their hearts are fine. But the reality is that women’s coronary ...click here to read more