Tag

Cognitive Function

All articles tagged with #cognitive function

science9 days ago•6 min saved

Cheap Prebiotic Fibers Linked to Memory Boost in Older Adults, Twin Study Finds

A 2024 Nature Communications twin study found that daily prebiotic supplements (inulin or FOS) added to a protein powder improved memory test scores in people over 60, prompting the PRECODE trial at Wageningen to test three fibers—chicory inulin, resistant dextrin, and seaweed polysaccharide—over 26 weeks. Early data from 36 twin pairs show modest cognitive gains and subtle gut microbiome changes (notably more Bifidobacterium), with results expected in 2027. Researchers view these inexpensive, over-the-counter fibers as a promising, safe approach to supporting brain health during aging.

via ScienceAlert|

#aging #cognitive-function #gut-brain-axis

health17 days ago•42 min saved

Positive View of Aging Can Help Seniors Improve Cognition and Mobility

A Yale-led study of more than 11,000 Americans aged 65+ followed for up to 12 years finds that 45% show improvements in at least one domain (cognition or physical function), with those harboring more positive beliefs about aging more likely to improve; findings challenge the inevitability of decline and suggest mindset-based interventions to bolster resilience in older adults.

via Good News Network|

#aging #cognitive-function #health

science1 month ago•24 min saved

Hidden fat spots may speed up brain aging, study shows

A large UK Biobank analysis of over 18,000 middle-aged and older adults finds that fat distribution—arm, leg, trunk, and especially visceral fat around internal organs—independently shapes brain structure, connectivity, and cognitive performance beyond BMI. Arm and trunk fat are linked to sensorimotor cortex thinning and hippocampal volume loss; leg fat affects limbic networks; visceral fat shows the strongest association with white-matter deterioration and faster brain aging as estimated by a Brain Age model. These patterns persist after adjusting for BMI, but the cross-sectional design means causality cannot be established.

via PsyPost|

#adiposity #brain-aging #cognitive-function

health2 months ago•5 min saved

Creatine Dosage Shifts: Higher Doses May Help Brain Health, But Five Grams Still Works

Traditional 5g/day creatine remains solid for muscle performance, but emerging research is exploring higher doses (potentially up to 10g/day or more) for brain benefits, with data limited to specific conditions. Safety at higher doses appears acceptable in studies, but cognitive gains aren’t yet universal. Practical takeaway: 5g/day is fine for most; some may experiment with 10g/day (split into two doses) to potentially gain bone and brain benefits, while continuing resistance training. Evidence will sharpen in coming years.

via Men's Health|

#bone-health #brain-health #cognitive-function

health2 months ago•5 min saved

One-Month Home HEPA Use May Sharpen Focus in Adults Over 40

A randomized crossover study in Somerville, MA found that using a home HEPA purifier for one month modestly improved cognitive performance—specifically mental flexibility and executive function—by about 12% in adults aged 40 and older, compared with a sham purifier, suggesting reduced particulate exposure from traffic could benefit brain health; the study notes limitations (short duration, unclear mechanism) and calls for longer research to confirm effects and explore aging-related benefits.

via SciTechDaily|

#aging #air-pollution #cognitive-function

health2 months ago•5 min saved

Tiny Increases in Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Attention Decline and Dementia Risk

A cross-sectional study of 2,192 dementia-free Australian adults finds that each 10% rise in ultra-processed food (UPF) intake is tied to lower visual attention scores and higher dementia risk, independent of overall diet quality. The impact persists even among those following a healthy Mediterranean pattern, suggesting that the degree of food processing itself may drive cognitive decline via additives and processing chemicals. The study shows association, not causation, but highlights attention as a foundation for learning and a potential early dementia risk factor.

via Neuroscience News|

#attention #cognitive-function #dementia-risk

science2 months ago•6 min saved

Breathing Clean, Thinking Sharper: Purifiers Boost Cognition in Adults 40+

A randomized crossover study in Somerville, MA found that adults aged 40 and older who used a home HEPA air purifier for one month showed about a 12% faster performance on tests of mental flexibility and executive function versus a sham purifier, suggesting reduced particulate matter may offer modest cognitive benefits. Results are preliminary due to the small sample, age range limitations, and short duration, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

via ScienceAlert|

#air-pollution #brain-health #cognitive-function

health2 months ago•10 min saved

Clean air, sharper minds: HEPA purifiers boost cognition in adults over 40

A randomized crossover study of 119 people aged 30–74 in Somerville, MA found that using a real HEPA purifier for one month improved executive function/mental flexibility by about 12% in participants 40 and older compared with a sham purifier, after accounting for indoor time and stress. The small but consistent cognitive boost is similar to gains from daily exercise and highlights potential brain health benefits of reducing particulate exposure, especially for those near highways. Limitations include the short duration, modest older-subject representation, and unknown long-term effects or mechanisms; further research is planned to explore brain white matter and metabolite changes.

via The Conversation|

#aging #air-pollution #air-purifiers

health3 months ago•29 min saved

Creatine Could Give Your Brain an Edge in Extreme Outdoors

Outside Online weighs evidence that creatine monohydrate, widely used for muscle performance, may also support brain function under stress and fatigue by replenishing ATP, potentially helping decision-making and vigilance in extreme environments (sleep deprivation, high altitude). A 2025 review notes memory and attention gains in older adults; a 2024 study links creatine to reduced tiredness under stress; however, evidence is mixed and not all studies show cognitive benefits, especially in everyday or high-stress settings. In practical terms, 3–5 g/day is considered safe for most people (kidney disease patients should consult a doctor), though initial water retention can occur. While creatine could offer a mental edge during long expeditions or backcountry challenges, researchers emphasize that the brain-benefit remains not fully proven and more research is needed to confirm its impact in extreme conditions.

via Outside Magazine|

#altitude #brain #brain-health

health3 months ago•4 min saved

61-Year-Old’s 24g Creatine Trial Sparks Quick Focus Gains

A menopause fitness expert conducted a two-week “super-dose” creatine trial (~21–24 g/day) and reported immediate cognitive benefits—improved focus, steadier energy, and better handling of travel and sleep disruption—despite no noticeable body changes in that short period. She favors creatine HCL to reduce bloating, though experts note high-dose effects are likely situational and not a general prescription. Aging may heighten the potential benefits of supplementation, but evidence is limited and individual; consult a clinician before trying large doses.

via Women's Health|

#aging #cognitive-function #creatine

nutrition-diet3 months ago•35 min saved

Virgin olive oil linked to sharper cognition via a healthier gut microbiome

In a two-year study of 656 older adults with metabolic syndrome, those who used virgin olive oil showed better cognitive performance and greater gut microbiome diversity than those using refined olive oil, likely due to polyphenols; findings are associative, not causative, and more research is needed to understand mechanisms and long-term effects.

via Medical News Today|

#cognitive-function #gut-brain-axis #gut-microbiome

health-and-medicine3 months ago•7 min saved

Moderate Coffee or Tea Tied to Lower Dementia Risk Over Four Decades

A 43-year cohort of 131,821 NHS and HPFS participants found that moderate caffeinated coffee (2–3 cups/day) or tea (1–2 cups/day) was linked to an 18% lower dementia risk and better cognitive performance, with decaffeinated coffee showing no similar benefit and effects observed across varying genetic risk; caffeine is suspected to play a key role and the benefits were strongest at the cited intake levels.

via ScienceDaily|

#caffeine #coffee #cognitive-function

health3 months ago•7 min saved

Long-Term Coffee and Tea Linked to Lower Dementia Risk

A 43-year prospective study of 131,821 NHS and HPFS participants found that moderate caffeinated coffee (2–3 cups/day) or tea (1–2 cups/day) was associated with a lower risk of dementia, slower cognitive decline, and better cognitive performance; decaffeinated coffee did not show the same benefit. The strongest cognitive benefits appeared within these intake ranges, and results were similar across genetic risk levels, suggesting caffeine may play a key role, though the study shows association, not causation, and other lifestyle factors also matter.

via SciTechDaily|

#caffeine #coffee #cognitive-function

cognitive-science4 months ago•27 min saved

Your workouts may prime your brain chemistry, not just your muscles

A 12-week aerobic training program in sedentary adults increased the acute release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) after hard workouts and altered activity in the prefrontal cortex during attention and inhibition tasks. While participants improved their cardiovascular endurance and showed brain signaling changes linked to efficiency, there was no significant improvement in cognitive test scores. The study highlights a potential mechanism by which fitness supports brain function, though it relies on small sample size and maximum-exertion exercise, with serum vs plasma measurements providing different perspectives on BDNF delivery.

via psypost.org|

#aerobic-training #bdnf #cognitive-function

science4 months ago•7 min saved

Quality Olive Oil Could Help Preserve Thinking Skills by Tuning the Gut

A two-year study of 656 older adults with metabolic syndrome finds that regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil (vs refined oil) is linked to improved cognitive performance and greater gut microbiota diversity, with Adlercreutzia identified as a potential marker for this brain-gut benefit, highlighting the value of high-quality fats in the Mediterranean diet for aging brain health.

via SciTechDaily|

#adlercreutzia #cognitive-function #extra-virgin-olive-oil