Category Archives: Brain Function

Here’s more evidence that supports the notion that we need seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Sleeping less than six hours a night can increase your risk of atherosclerosis – hardening of the arteries as a result of a build-up of plaque. To achieve their findings, the researchers looked at parameters of atherosclerosis ...click here to read more

There is a study that is currently underway examining whether nicotine patches could improve memory in individuals who have mild memory loss. The MIND (Memory Improvement through Nicotine Dosing) study is the longest and largest running study of its kind. It is looking to recruit 300 volunteers across the US who are generally healthy, non-smokers, ...click here to read more

There are many different reasons why we can’t sleep, including drinking coffee late at night, exercising before bed, stress, an uncomfortable bed, and medical conditions. But did you ever think that who you share your bed with could also be a risk factor? Whether you’re newly sharing a bed with someone or have been sharing ...click here to read more

Morning exercise improves brain blood flow in older adults. The findings come from researchers at the University of Western Australia and The Baker Institute in Melbourne. The researchers found that morning exercise helps reduce the detrimental impact on blood flow patterns caused by prolonged sitting in overweight or obese seniors. It is urged to maintain ...click here to read more

Heart disease and stroke in depression patients increases their risk of death. It is known that depressive symptoms are more common in older individuals and studies have shown that depressive symptoms are associated with a higher risk of death. And yet, many older adults are never treated for their depression. Depression symptoms have been linked ...click here to read more

Obstructive sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness increases cardiovascular disease risk in the elderly. To achieve their findings, researchers looked at patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and categorized patients into one of four categories: disturbed sleep, minimally symptomatic, moderately sleepy, and excessively sleepy. There has been previous research which linked OSA ...click here to read more

Dementia is a broad term describing a group of diseases that progressively affect the brain. There are different types of dementia along with various causes, none of which currently has a cure. In an attempt to have a better understanding of dementia, researchers took a closer look and uncovered that women are more prone to ...click here to read more

What came first, the chicken or the egg? If you think about that argument, there are valid points to support either side. The same type of argument can also be made when it comes to poor sleep and pain. Does poor sleep contribute to pain, or does living with pain rob you of your sleep? ...click here to read more

A new study has uncovered that controlling high blood pressure may help stall dementia. The study was a large randomized trial, and it found that patients who underwent intensive treatment for high blood pressure were 19 percent less likely to experience early cognitive deficiencies compared to those who underwent traditional blood pressure treatment. Early cognitive ...click here to read more

Consuming walnuts has been found to reduce the symptoms of depression. The latest study found that patients who consumed walnuts experienced a 26 percent reduction in depression scores compared to those who did not consume nuts. Lead investigator Dr. Lenore Arab explained, “According to the CDC, one out of every six adults will have depression at ...click here to read more

Absentmindedness may be an early sign of a silent stroke. It refers to losing a train of thought or becoming sidetracked. Researchers now suggest that these traits may be an early symptom of cerebral small vessel disease, otherwise known as a ‘silent stroke.” Researchers found that individuals with damage to white matter in the brain ...click here to read more

Exercise-induced muscle changes may reduce depression in the elderly. The latest research findings uncovered that exercise released specific proteins which help to regulate gene expression and the processing of tryptophan. Tryptophan is a mood-enhancing hormone that is closely related to serotonin. It is commonly found in depressed individuals who have low levels of serotonin. Tryptophan ...click here to read more

With Alzheimer’s disease cases growing, there is a strong need for further treatment of this memory-stealing disease. Researchers everywhere are working hard to not only better understand Alzheimer’s disease, but to find better modes of treatment for it, and they may be closer than ever. Researchers from the University of Buffalo may have found a ...click here to read more

Stop and take a moment to think about your sleeping position. Do you sleep on your side, possibly in the fetal position? Do you lay on your stomach with your head cranked to one side? Or are you continually changing positions throughout the night? Well, the position in which you sleep can play a significant ...click here to read more