Category Archives: Brain Function

Colonic diverticular disease patients can be at risk for dementia, according to research findings. The scientists analyzed data from 66,377 patients with colonic diverticular disease and 265,508 patients without the condition. Cases of dementia were identified between 2000 and 2011. During the follow-up period, there were 1,057 dementia cases reported in the colonic diverticular group. ...click here to read more

Higher levels of mental and physical well-being are seen among older adults using computers and cellphones. Seniors have been adopting technology as a means of connecting with others and it seems that their newfound use of technology is offering up great benefits for their mental health in return. Researcher Tamara Sims explained, “Using tech to ...click here to read more

Early signs of Alzheimer’s disease have been found in the brain area associated with memory formation and information processing. The study confirmed that two molecules assumed to contribute to Alzheimer’s pathogenesis were present in the brain area involved in memory formation and information processing. Hopefully, these findings will inform the development of potential new treatment ...click here to read more

Brain fog isn’t a medically recognized condition but it is characterized by the feeling of confusion, forgetfulness, lack of focus, and poor mental clarity. Patients describe brain fog as the inability to think clearly. Brain fog can be associated with lifestyle factors or can develop as a side effect of a medical condition or medication. ...click here to read more

Hearing loss in schizophrenia can be improved by targeting specific receptors in the brain. Lead author Joshua T. Kantrowitz explained, “Slight variations in our tone of voice are an important way of communicating emotions, such as happiness or sadness. This inability to detect subtle changes in pitch can also make it difficult to ‘sound out’ ...click here to read more

Epileptic seizures severity and frequency can be lowered with cannabidiol (CBD) oil, based on findings from University of Alabama. The researchers presented their key finding that CBD oil significantly reduced frequency of seizures in most of the patients and two-thirds of patients saw a significant reduction in their seizure severity. Researcher Jerzy P. Szaflarski explained, ...click here to read more

Physical activity improves psychological well-being and reduces the risk of heart attack in older adults. Lead author of the study Julia Boehm explained, “Researchers have long studied how physical activity can lead to improved mood and feelings of well-being, however, less well understood is whether being happy and optimistic might actually encourage a person to ...click here to read more

New Alzheimer’s disease treatment and prevention opportunity has been recently discovered. In their study on donated brains, the researchers uncovered a correlation between the prevalence of aquaporin-4 (a membrane protein in the brain) among seniors who didn’t have Alzheimer’s disease, compared to those who did. Senior author Jeffrey Iliff explained, “It suggests that aquaporin-4 might ...click here to read more

If you’re over the age of 65, you probably have experienced some memory slipups. Maybe you forgot where you parked, or maybe you can’t recall someone’s name, whatever it was, you may notice that these episodes occur more and more often. Memory problems are a real struggle for seniors, and although it’s normal to have ...click here to read more

This roundup presents the latest in health news covering Alzheimer’s, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, adrenal fatigue, and chronic fatigue syndrome. This week, we discussed the link between amyloid proteins that trigger Alzheimer’s disease and an increased risk of heart failure, symptoms of stage 3 of chronic kidney disease, the reduction of the ...click here to read more

This chronic fatigue syndrome update presents articles about fibromyalgia, early menopause, irritable bowel syndrome, and visual stress. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition in which the individual constantly feels too tired to perform any activity – even the ones they enjoy. Worse yet, no amount of sleep or coffee can shake off the constant ...click here to read more

In Alzheimer’s disease, low bone density may indicate brain degeneration. Reduced bone mineral density is associated with a higher risk of bone fracture, which can lead to a poorer quality of life and increased mortality among Alzheimer’s disease patients. Dr. Christine Dengler-Crish explained, “Measurement of bone density, which is routinely performed in the clinic, could ...click here to read more

Music positively affects cognitive function, mood, and relationships among dementia patients. The researchers found that patients who take part in a music program experience positive effects in these aspects of life. The researchers spent nine months studying a music program known as B Sharp, which is geared towards those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The ...click here to read more

Older adults with mild cognitive impairment, a condition that increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, can improve brain volume and cognitive function with aerobic exercises. Lead investigator Laura D. Baker explained, “Even over a short period of time, we saw aerobic exercise lead to a remarkable change in the brain.” The study included 35 ...click here to read more