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Cognitive Function

All articles tagged with #cognitive function

Creatine Could Give Your Brain an Edge in Extreme Outdoors
health14 hours ago

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
61-Year-Old’s 24g Creatine Trial Sparks Quick Focus Gains
health12 days ago

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
Virgin olive oil linked to sharper cognition via a healthier gut microbiome
nutrition-diet23 days ago

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
Moderate Coffee or Tea Tied to Lower Dementia Risk Over Four Decades
health-and-medicine23 days ago

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
Long-Term Coffee and Tea Linked to Lower Dementia Risk
health26 days ago

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
Your workouts may prime your brain chemistry, not just your muscles
cognitive-science1 month ago

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
Quality Olive Oil Could Help Preserve Thinking Skills by Tuning the Gut
science1 month ago

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
Cannabis Use in Later Life Not Tied to Dementia Risk or Cognitive Decline, Large Study Finds
health1 month ago

Cannabis Use in Later Life Not Tied to Dementia Risk or Cognitive Decline, Large Study Finds

A BMJ Mental Health study using data from UK Biobank and the US Million Veteran Program finds lifetime cannabis use in older adults is not linked to accelerated cognitive decline or higher dementia risk. Across hundreds of thousands of participants, cannabis users showed comparable or better cognitive performance and no increased dementia risk, reinforcing other recent findings that cannabis may not contribute to cognitive aging. The authors emphasize this as a major observational analysis on the topic, while NORML comments urge reframing stereotypes about cannabis use in aging populations.

via Miami's Community News|
#cannabis#cognitive-function#dementia
Ecstasy use linked to lasting memory deficits despite abstinence
neuroscience2 months ago

Ecstasy use linked to lasting memory deficits despite abstinence

A meta-analysis of 14 studies finds recreational MDMA users perform worse on memory tests than non-users, with verbal memory most affected, and these deficits persisting even after six months to years of abstinence. Current users do not differ much from abstinent users, suggesting potential long-lasting effects. However, evidence quality is generally low due to cross-sectional designs and confounding polydrug use, underscoring the need for longitudinal studies and objective exposure measures to clarify reversibility and public health risk.

via PsyPost|
#cognitive-function#mdma#memory-impairment
The Brain Vitamin Most People Are Missing
health2 months ago

The Brain Vitamin Most People Are Missing

Vitamin B-12 is essential for brain health, supporting myelin formation, DNA synthesis, and neurotransmitter production while helping to reduce homocysteine. A deficiency can cause fatigue, memory issues, concentration problems, balance troubles, and mood changes, with higher risk in older adults and those who are vegetarian/vegan or have absorption issues. Testing B-12 (and related markers) and early treatment with diet or supplements can reverse cognitive symptoms; untreated deficiency can lead to lasting brain decline or dementia.

via BuzzFeed|
#brain-health#cognitive-function#health
B-12 and the Brain: Why This Deficient Nutrient Is Key to Memory and Mood
health2 months ago

B-12 and the Brain: Why This Deficient Nutrient Is Key to Memory and Mood

Vitamin B-12 is crucial for brain health, helping build myelin, support DNA synthesis, and produce neurotransmitters; when levels drop, memory, focus and mood can suffer, with older adults and vegetarians at higher risk. Deficiency is common and can cause fatigue, numbness, balance issues, and cognitive decline. It’s diagnosed by blood tests (B-12, plus homocysteine and methylmalonic acid as needed). Good dietary sources include animal products and fortified foods; supplementation is typically oral, with injections for more severe cases. Early treatment can reverse memory problems and brain fog, while prolonged deficiency can lead to irreversible issues.

via HuffPost|
#b12-deficiency#brain-health#cognitive-function
Active Sitting May Protect Brain Health, Study Finds
sciencehealth2 months ago

Active Sitting May Protect Brain Health, Study Finds

A review of 85 studies shows that mentally engaging sedentary activities (like reading or using a computer) are linked to better cognitive health, while passive sedentary behavior (like watching TV) is associated with greater dementia risk; the findings argue for differentiating sitting types and encouraging brief, brain-stimulating activity during sedentary time.

via ScienceAlert|
#active-sitting#brain-health#cognitive-function