People who selectively recalled positive information rather than neutral or negative information may be at risk for early stages of memory loss, according to researchers from the University of California, Irvine. For a study appearing in the August edition of Learning & Memory, Michael Yassa, associate professor of neurobiology and behavior and neurology, and colleagues… Continue reading Positive Memories May Not Always Be Good
Category: Memory Loss
Mentally Challenging Activities Key to A Healthy Aging Mind
Although evidence indicates that engaging in enriching activities may help maintain cognitive vitality, researchers haven’t really understood why – until now. The study was reported in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience. Investigators at the University of Texas at Dallas proposed that only tasks that involved sustained mental effort and challenge would facilitate cognitive function. Senior author… Continue reading Mentally Challenging Activities Key to A Healthy Aging Mind
A Link Between Some Brain Conditions and the Herpes Virus
Researchers have drawn closer to explaining the link between some neurologic condition and certain species of the herpes virus. In patients with Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and cerebellar ataxia, among other neuropathies, the cerebrospinal fluid teems with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Yet, the nature of that link has remained unclear, as it has been assumed that… Continue reading A Link Between Some Brain Conditions and the Herpes Virus
Alzheimer’s and The Genetic Factor
Scientists believe that many factors influence when Alzheimer’s disease begins and how it progresses. The more they study this devastating disease, the more they realize that genes play an important role. Research conducted and funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and others is advancing our understanding… Continue reading Alzheimer’s and The Genetic Factor
Solve the Medical Riddle: She Has Had a Constant Headache for Two Weeks and Her Pupils Are Not the Same Size, Second Week
Editor’s note: Welcome to our ThirdAge feature that gives you a chance to play medical sleuth as we share the details of what happened when a patient presented with a problem that stumped the physician at first. Last week, the patient reported her symptoms. The doctor proceeded with the examination using the components of the… Continue reading Solve the Medical Riddle: She Has Had a Constant Headache for Two Weeks and Her Pupils Are Not the Same Size, Second Week
Caregiving Strategies for Traveling with Alzheimer’s Patients
Taking a person with Alzheimer’s disease on an overnight trip is a challenge. Traveling can make the person more worried and confused, so it’s important to think ahead. Here are some tips from the experts at the National Institute on Aging: Getting Started Talk with the person’s doctor about medicines to calm someone who gets… Continue reading Caregiving Strategies for Traveling with Alzheimer’s Patients
Stress Linked to Memory Loss as We Age
Research done at the University of Iowa reports a potential link between stress hormones and short-term memory loss in older adults. The study, published in June 2014 in the Journal of Neuroscience, found that prolonged high levels of cortisol can lead to memory lapses as we age.