Category Archives: Brain Function

Memory dysfunction in type 2 diabetes patients can be improved with moderate exercise, according to research. The scientists set to investigate whether hippocampal glucose metabolism and memory function is altered in a rat model of type 2 diabetes. Based on the notion that exercise improves memory function, the researchers wanted to determine if it would ...click here to read more

A new study has found that runners’ brains, compared to non-runners, show greater connections. What does this mean exactly? The researchers found that runners had greater functional connectivity compared to those who lived more sedentary lives. The researchers compared brain scans of cross country runners to scans of young adults who did not partake in ...click here to read more

This weekend health news round-up focuses on depression and surrounding and related topics. Below you will find topics which discuss Parkinson’s disease and depression, Heart disease and depression, heart failure and depression, and yoga benefits for depression. Parkinson’s disease risk may triple with depression: Study Parkinson’s disease risk may triple with depression. Study author Albert ...click here to read more

Short-term sleep deprivation can raise the risk of heart disease. The study focused on those individuals working in emergency jobs such as firefighters or paramedics. They often partake in shift work or may be required to work a 24-hour shift. Extreme fatigue is known to affect mental and physical abilities, but the researchers wanted to ...click here to read more

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in veterans can be improved with tai chi. Rates of PTSD among the general population is 8.7 percent, but among veterans it is 23.1 percent. Tai chi is the practice of gentle and graceful exercise where movements are performed slowly and there is a strong focus on one’s breath. There ...click here to read more

A new report suggests that Americans who only get five hours or sleep or less happen to be in many cases heavy soda drinkers. Soda is a common source of sugar in our diet, and both soda drinking and sleep insufficiency are associated with obesity, which is a risk factor for heart disease and diabetes. ...click here to read more

Schizophrenia symptoms are significantly lower with aerobic exercise, according to study findings. The researchers combined data from 10 independent clinical trials with a total of 385 schizophrenia patients. The researchers found that just 12 weeks of aerobic exercise is enough to improve symptoms in schizophrenia patients. Schizophrenia patients may experience memory problems, impaired information processing, ...click here to read more

A new study has found that patients taking statins – cholesterol-lowering drugs – have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers from the University of Southern California and University of Arizona analyzed 399,979 men and women and found that those taking statins for two years or more had a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s ...click here to read more

Pets have been found to help aid in mental illness management based on research findings. Researchers from the U.K. surveyed over 50 adults with long-term mental illness to uncover the role which pets play. The responses unveiled that 60 percent of respondents placed pets in the central and most important circle – above family, friends ...click here to read more

Millions of Americans suffer from severe depression or anxiety, and while some people have turned to antidepressants to help quell the symptoms, we have learned that yoga breathing exercises can be effective for some people. Antidepressants were discovered by accident back in the 1950s when scientists were searching for a schizophrenia treatment. They found that ...click here to read more

A new study has found that adolescents with a high body mass index (BMI) are at a higher risk of suffering from cognitive impairment in their midlife years. To investigate this association, the researchers analyzed 507 people who were tracked on average for 33 years, beginning at the age of 17. The participants completed computerized ...click here to read more

Dementia risk in older adults can be predicted with a new risk index tool. Preventing dementia is becoming a worldwide concern as rates of mental decline are expected to climb. While the risk of developing dementia can be somewhat curbed with lifestyle changes, detecting the most vulnerable population segments is still a challenge. Researchers from ...click here to read more

Parkinson’s disease progression can be slowed down by experimental diabetes drug. The researchers studied a drug that binds to the peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist medications, such as GZT drugs, which has been shown to offer protection for nerve cells in animal models of Parkinson’s disease. PPARy regulates how the body uses fats and ...click here to read more

Researchers found that the rhythm of breathing creates electrical activity in the human brain that enhances emotional judgment and memory recall. In the study, participants were able to detect the fear in one’s face quicker when they were breathing in, as opposed to breathing out. Lead author Christina Zelano explained, “One of the major findings ...click here to read more