Executive Function

How playing in a brass band could give your health a boost

New research from the United Kingdom suggests that people who play in a brass band experience a wide array of mental and physical health benefits — partly from playing an instrument, and, in part, thanks to the feeling of inclusion in a group.
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Repairing leaky blood-brain barrier may rejuvenate brain function

New research in mice questions the idea that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." The answer may lie in preserving the blood-brain barrier, which tends to become leaky with age....
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Alzheimer's risk gene and heavy metal exposure may impair cognition

A new study in mice finds that cadmium exposure, combined with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's, can trigger symptoms of cognitive decline....
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New protein function could be key to treatment of drug addiction and behavioral disorders

The reward pathway of the brain causes feelings of happiness but is also involved in behavioral disorders like schizophrenia and addiction. A breakthrough study has now identified the role of a protein called Npas4 in the reward pathway, mediated by the well-known proteins MAPK and CBP, opening d...
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What is the link between anxiety and high blood pressure?

Anxiety and high blood pressure can sometimes go hand in hand. Anxiety may lead to high blood pressure, and high blood pressure may trigger feelings of anxiety.

Doctors characterize ...
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New MRI scans reveal brain features of depression

Recent advances in brain scanning may bring welcome news to people with depression. Two new types of MRI appear able to spot distinct brain characteristics of the condition.
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Anxiety: What You Need to Know

Most of us experience anxiety at some point in our lives. You might feel anxious when taking a test, crossing a busy street, or making an important life decision.
But for people with an anxiety disorder, these feelings usually last longer and are more intense. ...
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Negative bias in people with depression is temporary

The tendency to have an enhanced response to negative facial expressions is common in people with depression. The findings of a new study show that treatment can reduce this bias....
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Extra virgin olive oil may protect against various dementias

New research in mice suggests that adopting a diet rich in extra virgin olive oil can prevent the toxic accumulation of the protein tau, which is a hallmark of multiple types of dementia....
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Alzheimer's: Poor air quality may contribute to cognitive decline

More evidence points to the idea that air pollution may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. A new study suggests that tiny polluting particles carried by dirty air can enter the brain, possibly contributing to cognitive decline....
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