For the first time, researchers have been able to use positron emission tomography (PET) to visualize binding sites of caffeine(Drug information on caffeine) in the living human brain, making it possible to explore possible effects of caffeine consumption.Caffeine, a neuroactive agent, is one of the most commonly consumed psychoactive substances worldwide. Caffeine has also been found to have some protection against some neurodegenerative diseases. In the U.S., it is estimated that 80 percent of adults consume an average of 200 mg of caffeine daily, the equivalent of two 5-ounce cups of coffee or four sodas.
But until now, researchers have not been able to visualize or quantify the effect of caffeine on the brain. In vitro studies have shown that commonly consumed quantities of caffeine have led to high A1 adenosine(Drug information on adenosine) in the brain, David Elmenhorst, MD, lead author of a study published in the November issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, said in a press release. The A1 adenosine receptor is the most abundant in the human brain. Researchers sought to measure the A1 adenosine receptor occupancy with in vivo imaging.… [Continue Reading]
Older people who are living independently but have signs of cerebral damage may lower their risk of having progressive cognitive impairment or dementia if they remain physically active, researchers found.
By Crystal Phend, Senior Staff Writer, MedPage Today
VANCOUVER—The quality and quantity of sleep may be associated with the risk for cognitive decline, according to four studies presented at the 2012 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. Treatments for insomnia or circadian rhythm delay might reduce or prevent cognitive decline, investigators reported.