| Authors | McPhee, G.M. Downey, L.A. Noble, A. Stough, C. |
|---|---|
| Type | Journal Article (Original Research) |
| Journal | Medical Hypotheses |
| PubMed ID | 27692172 |
| Year of Publication | 2016 |
| URL | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27692172 |
| DOI | http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2016.09.002 |
| Abstract | As the elderly population grows the impact of age associated cognitive decline as well as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia will increase. Ageing is associated with consistent impairments in cognitive processes (e.g., processing speed, memory, executive function and learning) important for work, well-being, life satisfaction and overall participation in society. Recently, there has been increased effort to conduct research examining methods to improve cognitive function in older citizens. Cognitive training has been shown to improve performance in some cognitive domains; including memory, processing speed, executive function and attention in older adults. These cognitive changes are thought to be related to improvements in brain connectivity and neural circuitry. Bacopa monnieri has also been shown to improve specific domains of cognition, sensitive to age associated cognitive decline (particularly processing speed and memory). These Bacopa monnieri dependent improvements may be due to the increase in specific neuro-molecular mechanisms implicated in the enhancement of neural connections in the brain (i.e. synaptogenesis). In particular, a number of animal studies have shown Bacopa monnieri consumption upregulates calcium dependent kinases in the synapse and post-synaptic cell, crucial for strengthening and growing connections between neurons. These effects have been shown to occur in areas important for cognitive processes, such as the hippocampus. As Bacopa monnieri has shown neuro-molecular mechanisms that encourage synaptogenesis, while cognitive training enhances brain connectivity, Bacopa monnieri supplementation could theoretically enhance and strengthen synaptic changes acquired through cognitive training. Therefore, the current paper hypothesises that the combination of these two interventions could improve cognitive outcomes, over and above the effects of administrating these interventions independently, as an effective treatment to ameliorate age associated cognitive decline. |
http://www.ibas.org.au/what-we-do/publications/3872915
RESPIRATORY BIOMARKERS IN MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE
The inability to breathe is unfortunately the most common cause of death in people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Last year, our clinical research group in Melbourne reported that breathing...
Motor neurone disease (MND) causes the body's muscles to weaken. Breathing muscle weakness means that most people affected by MND will eventually lose the ability to take a deep breath and cough strongly....
ResearchFest 2026 at Austin Health launched new research flagships and honored Professor Mark Howard (Distinguished Scientist) and Professor Eliza Hawkes (Women in Research Award), with insights from Peter Doherty.
We are announcing exciting updates to our Early and Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) representation at the Institute for Breathing and Sleep (IBAS). The MSRC extend a warm thank you to Charissa Zaga and welcome Jessica Manousakis!
ANZSRS LIFE MEMBERSHIP FOR DANNY BRAZZALE
Danny Brazzale has earned a prestigious ANZSRS Life Membership—held by only 11 people—for his global leadership and dedicated mentorship in respiratory science.
PERTH HIGHLIGHTS: TSANZSRS 2026
A huge congratulations to all our team members who participated in the excellent workshops and meetings at the TSANZSRS Annual Scientific Meeting in Perth in March 2026! Well Done!
© 2026 Institute for Breathing and Sleep. All Rights Reserved. ABN 39 093 685 879
Powered by Helmut Design | Manage
