New study in relation between memory and spatial cognition

Posted on 2008-08-04 20:00:00 in Alzheimer's Disease | Brain and Mental Performance | Industry News |

A new study has been conducted to examine how memory and spatial cognition are related to each other within the brain.

In news that may be of interest to anti aging physicians, researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and the Veteran Affairs San Diego Healthcare System examined the movement of memory-impaired patients within their own environment.

Research suggests that the mind's ability to calculate the distance and direction of a journey is an important aspect of spatial thinking.

However, in contradiction with this belief, the team proposes that the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, two major medial temporal lobe structures which is thought to be the area responsible for spatial cognition, were not essential for path integration.

This was suggested following assessments that involved patients being led blindfolded and with earphones on around several paths before being asked to point to the starting point.

Larry R Squire who led the study said: "We showed that the tests could be successfully accomplished despite damage to these brain regions."

These findings are set to be published in the early online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week, Medical News Today reports.
ADNFCR-1506-ID-18716491-ADNFCR

Health Headlines

Berries May Combat Metabolic Dysfunction

Finnish researchers reveal that a diet rich in berries may reduce levels of inflammatory markers linked to metabolic disorders and liver disease.

Scientists Discover Protein that Naturally Inhibits Aging

UCSD (US) researchers discover Sestrin, a protein that functions as natural inhibitor of aging and age-related pathologies in a fruitfly model of aging.

Cocoa Compounds Boost Blood Flow to Muscles

Researchers find that a beverage rich in cocoa flavanols increases blood flow to muscles, and may thereby alleviate exercise-related strains on the heart.

Cardiac Risks of Air Travel in the Older Population

Older airline passengers with a history of heart disease may be more prone to heartbeat irregularities.

Blood Pressure Dietary Program May Boost Brain Function

The DASH Diet, resultant from the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension study, improves mental activity in overweight adults with high blood pressure.

Daily Dose of Sugary Beverages Linked to Rise in Diabetes

In the US, more than 100,000 cases of diabetes over the last decade may be a direct result of the rise in consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, sports drink

Alcohol May Help to Curb Weight Gain in Women

Large-scale study finds that light alcohol consumption slashes women’s risk of gaining excess weight.

Weakened Muscles May Result from Low Vitamin D Levels

Insufficient blood levels of vitamin D may cause fat to amass in muscle tissue, reducing muscle strength.

Nutrigenomics Personalizes Disease Prevention

Nutrigenomics is a new scientific field that combines molecular biology, genetics and nutrition to regulate gene expression through specific nutrients.

Red Clover Extract May Lessen Depression and Anxiety

Austrian study finds that red clover extract may alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in postmenopausal women.