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Early-onset Alzheimer’s: Is ‘bad cholesterol’ a factor?

Early-onset Alzheimer’s: Is ‘bad cholesterol’ a factor?

Millions of people live with Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that affects memory and thinking skills. While most people develop it later in life, some have early-onset Alzheimer’s, which sets in before the age of 65 years. Its causes and risk factors are unclear, but scientists wonder if “bad cholesterol” plays a role. ‘Bad’ cholesterol may […]

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Scientists discover anti-aging potential in old drug

Scientists discover anti-aging potential in old drug

Clinical trials are underway to test whether rapamycin, a drug that has served as an immune suppressor for decades, could also treat cancer and neurodegeneration. Scientists are also interested in exploring its anti-aging properties. Scientists may have found anti-aging and neuroprotective benefits in an existing immunosuppressant drug. Rapamycin gets its name from Rapa Nui, the […]

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Using EEG data to diagnose Parkinson’s disease

Using EEG data to diagnose Parkinson’s disease

Currently, diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease relies on a neurologist’s professional opinion. Researchers behind a new study believe that an EEG may be a more effective alternative. New research suggests that an EEG test could help diagnose Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease affects more than 10 million people worldwide, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation, but no scan […]

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What causes a loss of taste?

What causes a loss of taste?

A lost sense of taste may refer to a partial or total loss of taste. People may also use this phrase to describe an overpowering and typically unpleasant taste. Many medical issues may lead to a loss of taste. Some of these issues are harmless, while others may require a doctor to diagnose them. The […]

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How a parasitic fish could help us fight brain cancer and stroke

How a parasitic fish could help us fight brain cancer and stroke

Researchers turn to an ancient species of fish in a bid to find a better way of delivering therapeutic drugs into the brain to treat conditions and events ranging from cancer to stroke. Lampreys (pictured above) may help boost brain therapies.Image credit: T. Lawrence, Great Lakes Fishery Commission Lampreys are one of the oldest surviving […]

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What to know about EEG tests

What to know about EEG tests

An electroencephalogram, or EEG, is a test that helps doctors diagnose problems with the brain’s electrical activity, such as seizures. An EEG test uses a special cap with electrodes to detect the electrical activity of the brain. The EEG test is one of the best diagnostic tools for epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Doctors may […]

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How sleep and mood impact working memory

How sleep and mood impact working memory

Two new studies assess how working memory — the memory we use on a day-to-day basis in decision-making processes — is affected by age, mood, and sleep quality and whether these factors impact memory together or on their own. Two new studies investigate how sleep quality, mood, and age affect a person’s working memory. Working […]

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How Pokémon characters can help us understand the brain

How Pokémon characters can help us understand the brain

Researchers from Stanford University in California have found that extensive exposure to video games, such as Pokémon, during childhood activates certain regions of the brain. A recent study used Pokémon to inform neuroscience. Pokémon is a media franchise that dates back to 1995. It involves fictional creatures called “Pokémon.” Players have to catch and train […]