MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'cognitive functions'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:38:19 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069646&cid=t_138815_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F7WRGFlNNhZU%2F New study shows Transcendental Meditation improves brain functioning in ADHD students (press release): - “Prior research shows ADHD children have slower brain development and a reduced ability to cope with stress,” said Dr. Stixrud. “Virtually everyone finds it difficult to pay attention, organize themselves and get things done when they’re under stress,” he explained. “Stress interferes with the ability to learn—it shuts down the brain. Functions such as attention, memory, organization, and integration are compromised.” - Dr. Stixrud added, “Because stress significantly compromises attention and all of the key executive functions such as inhibition, working memory, organization, and mental flexibility, it made sense that a technique (such as Transcendental Meditation) th... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069646 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:35:14 +0100 5069646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4436845&cid=t_138815_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FhhTb65BWQDQ%2F In conclusion our research has shown that cryptic crosswords can help improve cognitive functioning in later life, which might not be the case for general knowledge crosswords. Overall the take-home message is continue doing the cryptic crosswords, even if they are a struggle! —  Nicholas Almond has been based at the University of Leeds, UK, for almost twelve years. Nick has just completed his PhD in cognitive neuropsychology, which investigated the relationship between cognitive activity and cognitive decline in healthy aging. . References 1. Hambrick, D. Z., Salthouse, T. A. & Meinz, E. J. (1999). Predictors of Crossword Puzzle Proficiency and Moderators of Age-Cognition Relations. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 12(2), 131–164. 2. Dunlosky, J., Kubat-Silman, A. K. & Her... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4436845 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:13:30 +0100 4436845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3845187&cid=t_138815_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FuaJVh6D6qUc%2F I was really interested in the recent critique of the BBC brain training experiment by Dr. Elizabeth Zelinski. I think Owens et al (2010) was a critical piece of research which was not conducted in the right way and was focusing on the wrong sample population.  I totally agree with the comments by Dr. Zelinski regarding the potential for sample bias and the use of some questionable cognitive measures. However, I would like to take this critique further and question whether the study was value for money when there are other studies which cannot achieve funding but would, in my opinion, show the criticism/scepticism of the use-it-or-lose-it theory. I think there is not enough criticism about the age of the sample population used in Owens et al. (2010). We have conclusive cognitive and neuro... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3845187 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:14:16 +0100 3845187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463713&cid=t_138815_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FYXFdEmrHH7M%2F Please remember we are accepting entries until end of this Thursday, April 15th. Winners will be announced on May 24th, 2010. How to Apply: Organizations can use this Entry Form to submit entries (opens a Word document). Description: the new annual Brain Fitness Innovation Awards, designed to foster innovation and best practice sharing by celebrating outstanding pioneers who apply neuroplasticity-based research and tools in the “real world”. The awards will recognize organizations that are devising and implementing results-oriented and scalable initiatives that demonstrate their commitment to the brain fitness of their clients, members, patients, students or employees, and showcase innovative uses of non-invasive tools to improve cognitive and emotional functions and real-world outcom... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463713 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:34:55 +0100 3463713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3460120&cid=t_138815_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F04%2F10%2Firreversible-effects-of-previous-cortisol-excess-on-cognitive-functions-in-cushings-disease%2F April 8th is Cushing’s Awareness Day. This day has been chosen as a day of awareness as it is the birthday of Dr. Harvey Cushing, a neurosurgeon, who discovered this illness. Cushing’s disease is a rare hormone disease caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood, whereas Addison’s disease [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3460120 Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:03:21 +0100 3460120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3044879&cid=t_138815_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F2wBLXqKGsKE%2F Discussion on the future of computerized cognitive behavioral therapy; United BioSource acquires Cognitive Drug Research; innovative partnership between Navigenics and Posit Science; new research on brain impact of Tetris; how a drop in visual skills may precede Alzheimer’s Disease;  excellent report by the National Academies for the US Army available for free now. Brain Teaser Who will you believe, me or your own eyes? discover the 3 Winners of the 2009 Best Visual Illusion of the Year Contest. Neuroscientists Susana Martinez-Conde and Stephen Macknik, who help organize the contest, will give a fun demo on Magic and the Brain at SharpBrains Summit, to discuss the limits of human perception and cognition. Enjoy the final month of 2009! (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3044879 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:30:59 +0100 3044879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2924900&cid=t_138815_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FGe5cptnSnbE%2F A few eternal questions: - Is caffeine good for the brain? - Does it boost cognitive functions? - Does it protect against dementia? There is little doubt that drinking that morning cup of coffee will likely increase alertness, but the main questions that research is trying to answer go beyond that. Basically: is there a sustained, lifetime, benefit or harm from drinking coffee regularly? The answer, so far, contains good news and bad news. The good news for coffee drinkers is that most of the long-term results are directionally more positive than negative, so no clear harm seems to occur. The bad news is that it is not clear so far whether caffeine has beneficial effects on general brain functions, either short-term or long-term (aged-related decline or risks of dementia). It is important ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2924900 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:22:26 +0100 2924900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441693&cid=t_138815_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2F26%2Fwhy-antidepressants-do-live-up-to-the-hype-i-see-a-cup-half-full%2F I always get a little irritated with articles like the one recently published in Time magazine: “Why Antidepressants Don’t Live Up to the Hype” by John Cloud. Why? Because I know that somewhere out there is a person who is desperately in need of treatment for severe depression, but an article like that could be the deciding factor not to pursue it. I know that because I’ve been there. Three years ago a friend who was opposed to my taking medication handed me a copy of O Magazine’s article, “The Valley of the Dulls: On Taking Antidepressants,” which featured interview after interview with folks who claimed that antidepressants zapped their creativity, personality, cognitive functions, and range of emotions. I was on my way to a psychiatric consul... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441693 Tue, 26 May 2009 11:56:51 +0100 2441693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2211917&cid=t_138815_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FmgzGobDdyZs%2F In April 2008, Baycrest, a leading research institute focused on aging and brain function, received $10-million from the Ontario Government to create a groundbreaking Centre for Brain Fitness. Its stated goal was to “develop and commercialize a range of products designed to improve the brain health of aging Ontarians and others around the world”. “Our government is proud to support Baycrest and its invaluable work, which is already leading to the discovery of important new tools and approaches to treating brain diseases associated with aging,” said Minister of Research and Innovation, John Wilkinson. We have Baycrest’s CEO with us today, to explore why Ontario and Baycrest chose to become pioneers in this area, and discuss some of the main opportunities, and challenges. Dr. Will... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2211917 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 22:43:35 +0100 2211917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2006970&cid=t_138815_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F473213588%2F Today's news: McDonnell Foundation grant harnesses cognitive science to improve student learning (press release) - "Using what cognitive psychologists are discovering in the laboratory to improve learning in the classroom is the goal of a $6.47 million collaborative activity grant to Washington University from the James S. McDonnell Foundation (JSMF)." - "The aim of the grant is to take the knowledge that cognitive psychologists have gained about learning and memory from laboratory experimentation and to develop techniques to improve learning in the classrooms," said Henry L. "Roddy" Roediger III, Ph.D., principal investigator on the grant and the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor in Arts & Sciences. Comment: this is great news, but it... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2006970 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:30:59 +0100 2006970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2006971&cid=t_138815_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F472517560%2F We have just announced an upcoming webinar to provide a market update:  Top 10 Cognitive Fitness Events of 2008 - A Market Update. When: Thursday December 11th, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm Pacific Time. The same webinar will be repeated on Thursday December 18th, from 9:00 to 10:00 pm Pacific Time. The Top 10 Cognitive Fitness Events that will be discussed include: 1) February: Dakim secures a $10.6m investment from Galen Partners. Jack LaLanne becomes spokesperson. 2) April: The Government of Ontario, Canada, invests $10m in Baycrest to develop and commercialize cognitive fitness technologies. 3) April: University of Michigan researchers reveal in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences how computerized working memory training can generalize and improve fluid intelligence in heal... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2006971 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:36:23 +0100 2006971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1418695&cid=t_138815_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F282910329%2F In the past two days, The New York Times has published two excellent articles on brain and cognitive fitness. Despite appearing in separate sections (technology and editorial), the two have more in common than immediately meets the eye. Both raise key questions that politicians, health policy makers, business leaders, educators and consumers should pay attention to. 1) First, Exercise Your Brain, or Else You’ll ... Uh ..., by Katie Hafner (5/3/08). Some quotes: - "At the same time, boomers are seizing on a mounting body of evidence that suggests that brains contain more plasticity than previously thought, and many people are taking matters into their own hands, doing brain fitness exercises with the same intensity with which they attack a treadmill." - "Alvar... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1418695 Sat, 03 May 2008 20:03:03 +0100 1418695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=793007&cid=t_138815_137_f&fid=35371&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthecaregiver.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fnewly-discovered-antibody-may-be-bodys.html In what could prove to be an important development in the search for a treatment of Alzheimer's disease, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center physician-scientists say the results of an initial (Phase I) clinical study provide encouraging evidence that antibodies derived from human plasma can capture the beta-amyloid protein in blood and exert positive effects on patients' thinking abilities.Read more at the Alzheimer's Reading Room: Newly Discovered Antibody May Be Body's Natural Defense Against Alzheimer's (Gammagard) (Source: CareGiver, The) CareGiver, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=793007 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:47:00 +0100 793007