Cognitive Science

The latest breakthroughs, innovations, and cool happenings at the cutting edge of the world of cognitive science. Updated daily.

Random forest analysis of midbrain hypometabolism using [18F]-FDG PET identifies Parkinson’s disease at the subject-level

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is currently diagnosed largely on the basis of expert judgement with neuroimaging serving only as a supportive tool. In a recent study, we identified a hypometabolic midbrain cluster, which includes parts of the substantia nigra, as the best differentiating metabolic feature for PD-patients based on group comparison of [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]-FDG) PET scans. […]

Published on February 7, 2024

Effects of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation on clinical symptoms and molecular biomarkers in Parkinson’s disease

Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) is an established neurostimulation therapy used in the treatment of epilepsy, migraine and cluster headache. In this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial we explored the role of nVNS in the treatment of gait and other motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. In a subgroup of patients, we measured selected neurotrophins, […]

Published on February 7, 2024

Modifiable dementia risk factors and AT(N) biomarkers: findings from the EPAD cohort

IntroductionModifiable risk factors account for a substantial proportion of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases and we currently have a discrete AT(N) biomarker profile for AD biomarkers: amyloid (A), p-tau (T), and neurodegeneration (N). Here, we investigated how modifiable risk factors relate to the three hallmark AT(N) biomarkers of AD.MethodsParticipants from the European Prevention of Alzheimer’s Dementia […]

Published on February 7, 2024