All articles tagged with #executive function
New mouse-model research shows cognitive flexibility—the ability to shift strategies—deteriorates before spatial memory in Alzheimer’s, linked to overactive corticostriatal circuits and reduced cholinergic interneuron activity. Quieting the overactive pathway improved adaptability and lowered amyloid-beta, suggesting early diagnostic and therapeutic targets focus on executive function rather than memory loss.
A 2024 UK study of 1,107 adults over 40 found that playing an instrument—especially keyboard-based ones—and other musical activities like singing are linked to better memory and executive function as people age. The researchers note the benefits likely come from cognitive reserve built by ongoing cognitive and social engagement, though limitations include self-reported data and a largely female sample. The takeaway: learning or continuing to make music may support long-term brain health.
A floordrobe—clothes left on the floor or chair—appears to be a common ADHD symptom tied to executive-function gaps and time perception. The piece cites experts and a viral TikTok about why laundry feels boring or non-urgent for people with ADHD and offers strategies like time-boxing, chunking tasks, capsule wardrobes, pairing chores with activities, and accountability measures such as body doubling, while noting that anxiety or depression can complicate clutter and may warrant mental-health support.
A study of 46 adults with long-term daily cannabis use (average about a decade; at least five years of daily use) found thinning of the right rostral middle frontal cortex on MRI, a region involved in planning and executive function. Researchers say such changes may be tied to reduced motivation and difficulty with complex tasks, but caution that causation isn’t proven and more research is needed to determine permanence or reversibility after stopping use.
A Harvard-led longitudinal study of 3,107 children in Massachusetts (2018–2023) found that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly slowed the development of executive function in kids aged 3–11, with growth rates below typical norms across all income levels, suggesting a systemic ‘cognitive stall’ that may underlie ongoing academic and behavioral challenges and requiring targeted, systemic support to rebuild foundational skills.
A University of Tsukuba study finds unsweetened, highly carbonated water during three-hour esports sessions helps players maintain mental focus and reduce cognitive fatigue compared with plain water, boosting executive function and enjoyment while also reducing fouls. The effect is achieved without sugar or caffeine, likely via the throat sensation that stimulates brainstem-to-prefrontal pathways, and heart rate and glucose levels remained unchanged.
Research shows that subtle features in everyday speech, analyzed using AI, can predict executive function and early cognitive decline, offering a scalable, non-invasive tool for monitoring brain health and potentially detecting dementia risk earlier than traditional methods.
The article discusses the rise of executive function coaching as a way for stressed professionals to improve skills like organization and self-control, helping to combat burnout and workplace stress, especially in the context of increased digital distractions and recent societal changes. It highlights how this coaching, initially linked to ADHD support, is now becoming a mainstream tool for managing mental health and productivity in the modern work environment.
A study suggests that what is commonly called 'executive function' in children may be more influenced by formal schooling and cultural context than innate cognitive abilities, challenging traditional views in psychology and cognitive science.
A young woman writes to Dear Prudence about her struggles with executive function and procrastination, suspecting she has ADHD but unable to afford a second opinion. Prudence and readers offer support, suggesting seeking alternative medical care, exploring school mental health services, and utilizing practical tips and strategies. Many share their own experiences and recommend resources like the "How to ADHD" YouTube channel, emphasizing that she is not weak-willed and encouraging her to seek the help she deserves.
Fox News's Outnumbered panel discussed President Biden's recent gaffes, with a focus on his mental and physical health. The segment included a clip of Fox White Correspondent Peter Doocy questioning White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about Biden's recent mix-up of French presidents. Former Trump press secretary Kayleigh McEnany expressed concern over Biden's mental acuity, citing polls showing public doubts. Fox News doctor Dr. Siegel argued that Biden's executive function is eroding and that he has become "meaner," suggesting a decline in leadership skills. The panel also discussed the importance of Biden's performance and mental acuity for the American people.
Combining aerobic exercise with groove rhythm (GR) music can enhance executive function in the brain, according to a study conducted with 48 healthy participants. Exercising to GR not only increased enjoyment but also activated the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) more than standard exercise. Participants who felt their bodies resonate with the GR experienced an elevated sense of excitement and demonstrated improved attention, concentration, and judgment. This research suggests that GR-enhanced exercise could offer a more enjoyable and cognitively beneficial approach to fitness, particularly in countries with low exercise rates like Japan.
A new study has found that hearing loss causes structural changes in the brain, specifically in areas associated with attention, executive function, and auditory processing. While the exact relationship between hearing loss and dementia is still unclear, previous research has shown an association between the two. The study suggests that hearing aids may help slow down these brain changes, but further research is needed. Protecting one's hearing is crucial, and individuals should get their hearing checked and wear hearing aids if prescribed. With the global population aging, the number of people with hearing loss is expected to increase significantly by 2050.
A new "big data" study has revealed when adolescents begin to think like adults. The study analyzed the performance of nearly 10,800 individuals aged between 8 and 35 years on 23 different measures of executive function. The results showed that executive function improves with age, with the biggest improvements occurring between 10-15 years and smaller improvements from 15-18 years. Performance on all measures stabilized to adult levels between 18 and 20 years of age. The findings confirm that adolescence is a distinct transitional phase during which goal-directed executive functioning reaches maturity. However, brain maturation continues into the third decade of life, suggesting that cognitive performance alone may not fully determine when adolescents reach adulthood.
A new study involving over 10,000 participants has determined that executive function, a set of cognitive skills crucial for planning, task-switching, and focus, typically matures by the age of 18. The study provides a comprehensive chart of cognitive development in teenagers, showing rapid growth in executive function during late childhood to mid-adolescence, with stability achieved by late adolescence. These findings have important implications for education, psychiatry, and the judicial system, as they can aid in early diagnosis of mental illnesses and help define the boundaries of the adolescent period.