Tag

Cognition

All articles tagged with #cognition

science1 day ago•28 min saved

Teens’ gaming time may boost certain skills, but addiction harms cognition

Austrian researchers studied 3,854 adolescents and found that longer daily gaming time is not inherently harmful to cognitive abilities and may relate to better visual-spatial, reasoning, and memory skills, while higher Internet Gaming Disorder (gaming addiction) scores are linked to lower performance across cognitive domains and minor motor declines. When separating heavy gaming from addiction, time spent gaming shows positive associations, and game type also matters, with strategy/role-playing games linked to stronger skills and competitive shooters linked to higher addiction and weaker scores. The study notes limitations like its cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported playtime, and calls for more research on game mechanics and broader populations.

via PsyPost|

#adolescents #cognition #gaming

science2 days ago•6 min saved

Single Neurons as Deep Learners: Dendrites Endow Human Cognition

New research shows that human cortical neurons are exceptionally powerful computing units, thanks to dense, branching dendritic trees and unique electrical properties. Using AI to mimic a single neuron’s input-output behavior, scientists found its processing depth rivals a deep neural network, challenging the view that intelligence scales mainly with brain size. The work introduces a Functional Complexity Index to quantify neuronal computation and offers a blueprint for brain-inspired AI built from intrinsically deep biological units.

via Neuroscience News|

#cognition #dendrites #neuromorphic-ai

neurology3 days ago•7 min saved

Mild Heart Dysfunction Linked to Hidden Brain Changes and Memory Loss

A 3.5-year study of 73 patients shows that even mild cardiac dysfunction can predict microscopic brain tissue damage in regions associated with Alzheimer's, mediating poorer long-term memory. The finding suggests brain microstructure could help stratify neurological risk in heart disease and guide biomarker studies of heart–brain interactions.

via News-Medical|

#alzheimers-disease #brain-microstructure #cognition

health3 days ago•6 min saved

Brisk walking in seniors linked to lower dementia risk, study finds

A study of about 4,000 people aged 80+ found that those who walked much faster than peers—“super movers”—had roughly half the risk of cognitive impairment compared with typical-speed walkers. Postmortem brain analyses showed similar dementia-related changes in both groups, suggesting mobility is a marker of brain health rather than a proven cause of protection. The study is observational, so it cannot prove causation, and other factors like cardiovascular health, fitness, and genetics may influence both walking pace and cognitive outcomes. The takeaway remains that regular physical activity—aiming for about 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, with walking plus strength and balance training—supports healthy aging.

via Fox News|

#aging #cognition #dementia-risk

science4 days ago•16 min saved

Aphantasia Challenges the Notion That Abstraction Demands Visual Imagery

New research suggests abstract thinking can occur without mental imagery, challenging David Hume’s claim that ideas are based on visual images. The study on aphantasia shows many people can understand abstract concepts despite lacking imagery, prompting philosophers to rethink how higher cognition works.

via Gizmodo|

#abstract-thought #aphantasia #cognition

science7 days ago•9 min saved

Instant Rewards Rewire Our Valuation of Effort and Focus

A Nature Human Behavior paper argues that constant, low-friction digital rewards recalibrate how people value mental effort, making exploration cheap and tempting while diminishing willingness to endure slow, effortful tasks. The framework treats users as active agents and explains why lab results don’t always match real-world behavior, offering testable models and policy/design guidance to design digital environments that encourage persistence and mastery rather than perpetual quick wins.

via Neuroscience News|

#cognition #digital-media #effort-recalibration

science11 days ago•47 min saved

Global Parasite May Be Shaping Human Cognition

Toxoplasma gondii infects roughly one-third of people worldwide through cat feces, undercooked meat, contaminated water, and from mother to fetus. While often mild, the parasite can alter brain chemistry and behavior and has been linked to cognitive changes and an increased risk of schizophrenia. There is no vaccine or cure, and researchers argue for recognizing toxoplasmosis as a neglected tropical disease to mobilize resources, address its significant health and economic burden, and target especially vulnerable populations in poorer regions.

via Yahoo|

#cognition #neglected-tropical-disease #schizophrenia-risk

science13 days ago•3 min saved

Widespread Parasite Linked to Cognition Changes Sparks Call for Policy Action

A parasite called toxoplasma gondii, commonly spread via cat feces, undercooked meat, and contaminated water, infects roughly one-third of humans and can cause eye, brain, and possibly cognitive changes; there is no cure or vaccine. Researchers urge recognizing toxoplasmosis as a neglected tropical disease to mobilize resources for research and public health efforts, a move that could alleviate a disproportionate burden on poorer populations.

via Futurism|

#cognition #neglected-tropical-diseases #public-health

health14 days ago•7 min saved

Constipation Drug May Restore Cognitive Function in Remitted Depression

A small randomized trial found that prucalopride, a serotonin 5-HT4 receptor agonist used for chronic constipation, improved memory, attention, and executive function in adults with a history of depression after seven to ten days of treatment, with no significant side effects, suggesting potential repurposing to treat cognitive deficits in depression.

via SciTechDaily|

#5-ht4-receptor #brain-fog #cognition

health15 days ago•4 min saved

Healthy Aging: Build Resilience by Embracing Gentle Challenges

A geriatrician says aging healthfully hinges on hormesis—the body’s adaptive response to moderate stress—by gently challenging the body and mind. Vary exercise, try new activities, and seek new social or cognitive experiences to boost resilience and maintain health as you age.

via YourTango|

#aging #cognition #exercise

science15 days ago•72 min saved

Blood metabolome links midlife brain health to genes, gut microbiome, and exposures

In 1,082 dementia-free midlife participants, researchers linked 14 cognition-associated blood metabolites (ergothioneine strongest) and 22 metabolites with MRI brain markers. The metabolite patterns mirrored the signature of incident AD across replication cohorts. Genetic variation, gut microbiota, lifestyle, clinical factors, and medications all shaped metabolite levels, with lifestyle and clinical factors being particularly influential; antacid use correlated with worse cognition and lower ergothioneine, which mediated about 31.5% of this effect. The cognition and AD-risk metabolite signatures overlap, suggesting prevention avenues via modifiable exposures and gut microbiome factors.

via Nature|

#alzheimers-disease #cognition #exposome

health16 days ago•5 min saved

Mindset and mobility: Yale study finds key to aging well after 65

A Yale-led 12-year study of adults over 65 found that about 45% improved in cognition, walking speed, or both. Those with more positive attitudes toward aging were more likely to show improvement, and walking speed was used as a 'sixth vital sign' predictor of longevity. The findings suggest that positive beliefs about aging can boost health while negative stereotypes can hinder it, and that small daily actions—like walking, socializing, and regular health checkups—can help preserve brain and physical function as people age.

via New York Post|

#aging #attitudes #cognition

health18 days ago•3 min saved

Many Seniors Improve With Age, Yale Study Finds, Linked to Positive Beliefs

Analysis of over 11,000 adults aged 65+ followed up to 12 years shows about 45% improved in cognitive function, physical function, or both (32% cognitively, 28% physically), with some gains clinically meaningful. Even those starting with normal function showed improvements. Positive beliefs about aging predicted better outcomes, supporting stereotype embodiment theory and suggesting interventions to boost aging beliefs could enhance resilience and guide preventive care and rehabilitation.

via ScienceDaily|

#aging #cognition #health

health18 days ago•5 min saved

Family Tag Rugby Suggests Quick Brain Boosts and Better Post-Meal Insulin

A small study with 16 families tested a 45-minute tag rugby session versus rest. Researchers found immediate cognitive benefits (children improved working memory; parents faster information processing) and lower post-meal insulin after exercise, with similar blood glucose. Results are preliminary (single session, small sample) but indicate family-based activity may be a practical way to support health and cognitive performance while encouraging together time.

via ScienceAlert|

#cognition #exercise #family

cognitive-science20 days ago•28 min saved

Specific cognitive skills show strong, independent genetic influence beyond general intelligence

A large meta-analysis of 747,567 twin comparisons across 11 cognitive domains finds the average heritability of specific cognitive abilities is about 56%, slightly higher than general intelligence, with some domains above 60% (e.g., quantitative knowledge, reading/writing, processing speed) and others around 40% (e.g., fluid reasoning, short-term memory). After accounting for general intelligence, these specific abilities remain highly heritable, averaging about 53%, indicating distinct genetic influences beyond IQ. Development shows general intelligence heritability rises with age, while specific abilities follow a flatter trajectory; the study notes data gaps and measurement noise but envisions DNA-based profiling to tailor education and interventions.

via PsyPost|

#cognition #cognitive-science #education