An updated Cochrane review finds evidence for a benefit of exercise on cognition but not mood in Dementia. 16 trials were included with a total of 937 subjects.
A study investigating Williams Syndrome was published in Developmental Neuropsychology. The researchers found that evoked response potentials differed from a control group when sounds and faces were presented which may be linked to other findings relating to social skills.
A study of older adults aged 65-84 provided evidence of increased social activity in men being linked with reduced mortality which the researchers found was partially mediated by mobility.
Neuroscience
Researchers publishing a repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) study looked at speech repetition. They used rTMS on the left hemisphere as a model for cerebrovascular accidents. The researchers found right hemisphere compensation with speech repetition. Such rapid adaptation gives possible insights into brain plasticity.
A mutation in the gene coding for the GABAA Beta 1 subunit was linked to excessive alcohol consumption in mice in this study.
Researchers investigated people undergoing surgery for Epilepsy. Brain electrodes can be used in the preoperative preparation. In this study, researchers used virtual reality environments to link activity in place cells in the Hippocampus with memories which effectively had ‘spatial tags’.
Evolutionary Psychiatry/Evolution/Culture
Researchers have undertaken an analysis of the mitochondrial DNA of the hominid species discovered in a cave in Atapeurca in Spain. This species was initially thought to be Homo Heidelbergensis but was recently reclassified as Homo Neanderthalensis. Now researchers analysing the mitochondrial DNA have linked them instead with the Denisovans and hypothesise that they may be ancestors of the Denisovans.
Appendix
Index: There are indices for the TAWOP site here and here Twitter: You can follow ‘The Amazing World of Psychiatry’ Twitter by clicking on this link. Podcast: You can listen to this post on Odiogo by clicking on this link (there may be a small delay between publishing of the blog article and the availability of the podcast). It is available for a limited period. TAWOP Channel: You can follow the TAWOP Channel on YouTube by clicking on this link. Responses: If you have any comments, you can leave them below or alternatively e-mail justinmarley17@yahoo.co.uk. Disclaimer: The comments made here represent the opinions of the author and do not represent the profession or any body/organisation. The comments made here are not meant as a source of medical advice and those seeking medical advice are advised to consult with their own doctor. The author is not responsible for the contents of any external sites that are linked to in this blog. Conflicts of Interest: For potential conflicts of interest please see the About section.
The Amazing World of Psychiatry: A Psychiatry Blog 