A landmark international study of DNA samples from 520,000 individuals worldwide — including 67,000 affected individuals — identified 22 new genetic risk factors for stroke. Sudha Seshadri, M.D., of UT Health San Antonio, is senior co-author of this largest genetic study of stroke to date. Nature Genetics published the results online today [March 12/2018]. Continue reading “Worldwide study triples number of known genetic risk factors for stroke”
Study sheds light on how ‘dopamine neurons’ contribute to memory formation in humans
Research from Cedars-Sinai sheds light on how the human brain rapidly forms new memories, providing insights into potential new treatments for memory disorders. Continue reading “Study sheds light on how ‘dopamine neurons’ contribute to memory formation in humans”
Try exercise to improve memory and thinking, new guideline urges
For patients with mild cognitive impairment, don’t be surprised if your health care provider prescribes exercise rather than medication. A new guideline for medical practitioners says they should recommend twice-weekly exercise to people with mild cognitive impairment to improve memory and thinking. Continue reading “Try exercise to improve memory and thinking, new guideline urges”
Neurons’ sugar coating is essential for long-term memories
How the brain is able to store memories over long periods of time has been a persistent mystery to neuroscientists. In a new study, researchers from the Centre for Integrative Neuroplasticity (CINPLA) at the University of Oslo show that long-lived extracellular matrix molecules called perineuronal nets are essential for distant memories. Continue reading “Neurons’ sugar coating is essential for long-term memories”
Smart people have better connected brains
Differences in intelligence have so far mostly been attributed to differences in specific brain regions. However, are smart people’s brains also wired differently to those of less intelligent persons? A new study supports this assumption. In intelligent persons, certain brain regions are more strongly involved in the flow of information between brain regions, while other brain regions are less engaged. Continue reading “Smart people have better connected brains”
New genetic variations linked to educational attainment: Genetic overlap between cognitive ability and longevity
Investigators at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research discovered dozens of new genetic variations associated with a person’s general cognitive ability. The findings, which were published online today in Cell Reports, have the potential to help researchers develop more targeted treatment for cognitive and memory disorders. Continue reading “New genetic variations linked to educational attainment: Genetic overlap between cognitive ability and longevity”
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