A scientific group led by the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) have identified three kinases, or proteins, that dismantle connections within brain cells, which may lead to memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease. These findings, the results of a multi-year TGen study, are published in this month's edition of BMC Genomics in a paper titled: "High-content siRNA screening of the kinome ...

Grid cells that act like a spatial map in the brain have been identified for the first time in humans, according to new research by University College London (UCL) scientists which may help to explain how we create internal maps of new environments. The study is by a team from the UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and was funded by the Medical Research Council and the European Union. Published today i ...

Moderate physical activity performed in midlife or later appears to be associated with a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment, whereas a six-month high-intensity aerobic exercise program may improve cognitive function in individuals who already have the condition, according to two reports in the January issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. ...

Older adults who used the herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba for several years did not have a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to adults who received placebo, according to a study in the December 23/30 issue of JAMA. "Ginkgo biloba is marketed widely and used with the hope of improving, preventing, or delaying cognitive impairment associated with aging and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer ...

The results of an ongoing unpublished clinical trial* provides initial evidence that neurofeedback may significantly improve some components of memory and executive functioning in persons with dementia. The investigators want to expand this pilot study into a large clinical trial and seek additional participants (contact information is provided below). Berman et al.'s review of prior research found that per ...

Researchers* report that participants' sleep and declarative memory improved after they received 10 sessions of human sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) neurofeedback in a randomized parallel group design. SMR is an EEG frequency band from 12-15 Hz that is associated with an alert, attentive state coupled with calm or silent motor activities. The cat who remains completely still, yet focused the moment before he nab ...

Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by significant deficits in social skills, attention/concentration, and communication, as well as emotional, cognitive, and behavioral impairments. Examples include Autism, Asperger's Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. I am not aware of any treatment that can "cure" ASD. Current therapies focus on symptom reduction, beha ...