Neuron production stimulation 'improves cognition'RSS Feed

Researchers have found a new way of stimulating neuron production in the brains of mice, which could potentially have implications for the treatment of brain injury.

Scientists at Columbia University Medical Center increased the number of neurons in the hippocampus and then assessed the mice using learning and mood-related tests, looking for differences in behaviour.

It was found that learning tasks that involve pattern separation - an ability to distinguish between similar places, events and experiences - were particularly affected.

Dr Rene Hen from the university explained that the process is essential for learning because it distinguishes whether something has already been learned.

"These mice, with just more adult-born neurons, and no other changes in the brain, basically learn better in tasks where they have to discriminate between similar contexts," she said.

Meanwhile, research published in journal Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that a self-administered light therapy could be used to improve the lives of brain injury patients.

According to the scientists, light therapy improved cognitive function and reduced post-traumatic stress disorder in individuals with traumatic brain injury.

Serious Law, award winning brain injury law firm

Posted by Matthew Heap
 

Research to prevent brain injury seen in Alzheimer's?

04 April 2011

Researchers have identified four different genes that increase the risk of an individual developing the brain injury seen in Alzheimer's disease.A team from Mount Sinai School of Medicine analysed...

Read More...

Brain abnormality responsible for SIDS?

01 April 2011

Scientists have identified regions in the brain which could contribute to the occurrence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), more commonly known as cot death.By investigating the areas in the brain...

Read More...

Alzheimer's starts years before symptoms appear, research shows

31 March 2011

Brain injury similar to that seen in Alzheimer's patients has been detected in seemingly healthy older people who have amyloid plaques in their brain.A study published in the Annals of Neurology used...

Read More...