Parental Mental Illness and Offspring IQ: Schizophrenia Hits Hardest
A 1.6M-participant meta-analysis shows a clear gradient: parental schizophrenia hits offspring cognition harder than bipolar, which hits harder than MDD.
cognitive function
Alcohol & Brain Volume in Older Adults: Cortical Thinning & White Matter Loss in Heavy Drinkers (250g/Week) (2023 Study)
Alcohol’s effects on the brain, especially among the elderly, have long been a subject of scientific inquiry. A recent study from Gothenburg, Sweden, provides new insights into how varying levels of alcohol consumption impact brain structure in individuals aged 70 and over. This research sheds light on the relationship between alcohol intake and the aging …
Cognitive Function Does Not Predict Response to tDCS for Depression (2023 Trial)
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has been explored as a potential treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This non-invasive technique involves applying a weak electrical current to the prefrontal cortex of the brain, aiming to modulate neurocognitive functions. However, …
Effect of A Short Nap on Cognitive Function & Brain Connectivity with Sleep Deprivation (2023 Study)
Sleep deprivation (SD) is a common issue in today’s fast-paced world, leading to temporary cognitive impairments that can significantly affect daily functioning. However, new research reveals that even a short nap following a period of SD can help reverse these impairments to some extent, shedding light on the brain’s remarkable ability to recover. Highlights: Cognitive …
Abnormal EEG Microstates Linked to Major Depression & Related Cognitive Impairment (2024 Study)
In the quest to understand the enigmatic nature of depression, scientists are turning to the intricate patterns of brain activity, seeking clues hidden within the electrical storm of thoughts and emotions. By examining electroencephalography (EEG) microstates—brief, recurring patterns of brain activity—researchers have begun to piece together how depression alters the fundamental dynamics of the brain. …
Berberine for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment: Mechanisms & Efficacy (2023 Review)
In the quest for more effective treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), berberine, a bioactive compound derived from traditional Chinese medicine, has emerged as a promising candidate. Recent preclinical studies have showcased its potential to combat the debilitating effects of AD, with evidence pointing towards its ability to improve cognitive functions, reduce hallmark AD pathologies such …
Genetics of Common Executive Function (Cognition) from UK Biobank Data (2023 Study)
Executive functioning (EF) is a cognitive cornerstone essential for goal-directed behaviors and complex thinking. Recent research leveraging the massive UK Biobank dataset has shed new light on the genetic underpinnings of EF, revealing its distinct genetic profile from intelligence (IQ) and its intricate link with psychiatric disorders. This study underscores the importance of EF in …