Tag

Cognitive Performance

All articles tagged with #cognitive performance

Fasting Generally Doesn’t Impair Adults’ Thinking, Large Review Finds
science13 days ago

Fasting Generally Doesn’t Impair Adults’ Thinking, Large Review Finds

A sweeping meta-analysis of 63 studies (3,484 participants) finds no meaningful difference in cognitive performance between fasted and fed healthy adults. Age matters (children fare worse when fasting); longer fasts may lessen performance gaps as ketones supply energy; testing later in the day and the presence of food cues can influence results; and the type of cognitive task matters. Overall, fasting appears compatible with maintained mental sharpness in adults, with caveats for kids and certain contexts, while metabolic benefits like autophagy and improved insulin sensitivity are noted but vary by individual.

Sleep Banking: Can Extra Rest Be Stored for a Future Wake-Up?
health26 days ago

Sleep Banking: Can Extra Rest Be Stored for a Future Wake-Up?

The BBC explores whether “sleep banking”—extending sleep in advance of anticipated deprivation—really helps alertness and performance. Early military studies suggested benefits, and some doctors and athletes have reported improved performance after extra sleep. Yet researchers remain divided: some argue sleep can’t be stored like a bank and that improvements may reflect avoiding debt rather than storing surplus. Most agree seven to nine hours of nightly sleep is optimal, and while 30–60 extra minutes or short naps before a busy period can help, sleep banking isn’t a long-term solution and shouldn’t replace regular sleep.

Wild Blueberries May Boost Vascular Health—and More—Within Hours
health29 days ago

Wild Blueberries May Boost Vascular Health—and More—Within Hours

A review of 12 clinical trials over 24 years finds wild blueberries rapidly improve vascular function, with potential downstream benefits for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and gut microbiome, plus measurable cognitive gains in older adults. Effects are linked to polyphenols like anthocyanins influencing nitric oxide signaling and inflammation, but larger studies are needed to define optimal doses and long-term outcomes.

Research Finds Skipping Breakfast Does Not Harm Brain Function
health-and-wellness3 months ago

Research Finds Skipping Breakfast Does Not Harm Brain Function

A comprehensive review of 71 studies found that fasting does not impair cognitive performance in healthy adults, though it may affect children, adolescents, and specific situations like late-day testing or food-related tasks. The research suggests fasting can be a safe health practice for most adults without sacrificing mental sharpness, but caution is advised for certain groups.

New Research Finds Fasting Does Not Impair Brain Function
health-and-wellness3 months ago

New Research Finds Fasting Does Not Impair Brain Function

A comprehensive review of 71 studies found that fasting does not impair cognitive performance in healthy adults, though children, adolescents, and certain situations may be exceptions. The research suggests fasting can be safely practiced without sacrificing mental sharpness, especially in adults, and highlights factors like age, fasting duration, and task type that influence its effects.

Frequent Pornography Use Affects Brain Connectivity and Cognitive Skills
health8 months ago

Frequent Pornography Use Affects Brain Connectivity and Cognitive Skills

A study in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that frequent internet pornography use in college students is associated with altered brain connectivity, heightened physiological and emotional responses, and impaired cognitive performance, resembling patterns seen in addiction. The research used fNIRS to monitor brain activity and revealed differences between high- and low-frequency users, suggesting potential neural and behavioral impacts of problematic pornography consumption. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore treatment options.