Category Archives: Brain Function

The world of advertising can be a complex and intricate business, and it takes advantage of our senses and emotions to a much greater degree than we normally think. We often brush off ads as temporary product pitches, but according to new research, they are designed to stay in our mind and convince us on ...click here to read more

Minor slip ups in memory as we age are normal, but they can still be troublesome. You forget a birthday, you can’t recall an acquaintance’s name, these little lapses in memory can make day-to-day living a challenge. Of course, if forgetfulness is a regular part of your day, that could signal mild cognitive impairment, which ...click here to read more

As the saying goes, “don’t go to sleep angry.” You’ve probably experienced a poor night of sleep and felt irritable and cranky the following day. A new study suggests that this lack of sleep and eagerness to start a feud can contribute to stress-related inflammation. Stress-related inflammation is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular ...click here to read more

Women are at a greater risk of developing depression as they age. As the population as a whole continues to age, over the next 50 years, the number of women over the age of 65 is expected to double. Because of this, there is a large focus on age-related disorders including depression. The latest findings ...click here to read more

Suffering from migraine headaches can ruin a person’s entire day. They are often throbbing, pulsing, or feel like an incredible pain sensation lasting for several hours. When a migraine headache does strike, sufferers often try to find a quiet place—preferably one that’s dimly lit—to help ease their excruciating pain. A retreat into darkness It is ...click here to read more

Despite all of our knowledge about sleep, we still don’t know the exact reason why we do it. Sure, we can measure brain waves and appreciate its restorative effects, but why do we need to be unconscious and follow the sun to help initiate the process? These are just some of the questions investigated by ...click here to read more

Are you sneaking off to the fridge late at night? Can’t seem to get through your evening TV show without mindlessly munching on chips or some other snack? If you can’t seem to curb your cravings for sweet, starchy, and salty foods in the evening, the researchers at Harvard and Oregon Health and Science University ...click here to read more

Have you ever experienced a sensation in your stomach that felt like knots being tied? Have you suddenly had a strong urge to rush to the bathroom before publicly speaking? Has the urge to vomit ever occurred during times of intense stress? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you are like ...click here to read more

A new study suggests that simple lifestyle changes may delay the onset of or slow down dementia. The researchers found that keeping your brain active through “cognitive training,” controlling your blood pressure, and regular exercise can go a long way in keeping your brain healthy. CEO emeritus of the American Association for the Advancement of ...click here to read more

If you’re feeling stressed out and think that your work performance is on a steady decline, this new research will strike a chord. It suggests that cycling can help improve both of these symptoms. The researchers compared different methods of commuting to work and their effects on stress levels and work performance. The researchers found ...click here to read more

OCD is a psychological disorder characterized by patterns of unreasonable thoughts and obsessions that lead those affected to perform repetitive behaviors in a compulsive manner. It is this compulsive behavior that interferes with daily activities, leading to significant distress. The obsessive component of this disorder manifests as unwanted or intrusive thoughts, images, or desires that ...click here to read more

Statins are a commonly prescribed drug used to lower cholesterol. Previous studies have also suggested that statins could offer protective properties against Parkinson’s disease, but the latest findings suggest the opposite. Researchers uncovered that there may be a slightly heightened risk for Parkinson’s disease among statin users—but it does not prove that statins cause Parkinson’s ...click here to read more

Everyday forgetfulness is one of those unpleasant—but often unavoidable—side effects of aging. Losing track of what you were doing or trying to remember an important phone number to no avail can be very annoying. In many cases, it’s simply brain aging, and it definitely doesn’t mean you have Alzheimer’s. But because these episodes of forgetfulness ...click here to read more

Cerebral ischemia is a type of stroke that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. A steady supply of oxygenated blood is required to maintain proper brain health and function. Prolonged cases of cerebral ischemia can cause the death of brain tissue as well as a loss of function. An ischemic stroke can ...click here to read more