Monthly Archives: November 2016

Tauopathies are neurodegenerative disorders that affect distinct brain regions, progress at different rates, and exhibit specific patterns of tau accumulation. The source of this diversity is unknown. Now, in a new study by Kaufman and colleagues, it is shown that … Continue reading →

Physical activity is hypothesized to be protective from future depression. However, according to the authors, the potential impact of cardiorespiratory fitness on the development of depression is less clear. In this study, researchers studied whether lower levels of cardiorespiratory fitness … Continue reading →

Cellular activity in the brain depends on mitochondria, the cell organelles which use energy sources to generate ATP. Cannabinoid receptors present at brain mitochondria membranes (mtCB1) can directly alter mitochondrial energetic activity, and cannabinoid intoxication is known to induce amnesia in humans … Continue reading →

Aerobic exercise improves cognitive function in older adults with vascular cognitive impairment, according to this recent study by Liu-Ambrose and colleagues. 70 subjects with mild vascular cognitive impairment were assigned to thrice-weekly aerobic exercise and usual care including patient education, … Continue reading →

“The concept of cognitive reserve hypothesizes that intellectually stimulating activities provide resilience against brain pathology/disease. Whereas brain abnormalities and cognitive impairment are frequently reported in bipolar disorder, it is unknown whether the impact of brain alterations can be lessened by … Continue reading →

“Motor skills can be maintained for decades, but the biological basis of this memory persistence remains largely unknown. The zebra finch, for example, sings a highly stereotyped song that is stable for years, but it is not known whether the … Continue reading →