There may be some truth to the saying “getting up on the wrong side of the bed,” according to Penn State researchers who say starting your morning by focusing on how stressful your day will be may be harmful to your mindset throughout the day.
Lesley Ross, associate professor of human development and family studies, and colleagues found that a particular kind of computerized cognitive training program reduced the risk of dementia among older adults across a ten-year period.
The October Healthy Aging Lecture will focus on what happens to the brain as people age, and ways to support and enhance memory into old age. Hosted by Nancy Dennis, associate professor of psychology, the lecture is part of the Penn State Center for Healthy Aging Community Lecture Series.
Health Policy and Administration student Matthew Roda, and his company, developed the “Edge,” which is comprised of six panels of LED touch screens that can test for brain injury by measuring reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and converting those responses into standardized data.
Judith Kroll, distinguished professor of psychology, linguistics and women's studies and director of Penn State's Center for Language Science (CLS), has published numerous articles on the cognitive processes that underlie language, communication and bilingualism. Today in a syndicated public radio series called "Academic Minute," she explains some highlights of CLS research on the mental exercise that bilingual speakers perform that benefits their brains -- and that can benefit new language learners as well.
Couples who bring thoughtful words to a fight release lower amounts of stress-related proteins, suggesting that rational communication between partners can ease the impact of marital conflict on the immune system. "Previous research has shown that couples who are hostile to each other show health impairments and are at greater risk of disease," said Jennifer Graham, Penn State assistant professor of biobehavioral health. "We wanted to know if couples who use thoughtfulness and reasoning in the midst of a fight incur potential health benefits."
Linda Wray, associate professor of biobehavioral health in Penn State's College of Health and Human Development (HHD), will present the 2009 HHD Alumni Society Excellence in Teaching Lecture. Wray's lecture, titled "Memory Performance and Retirement Decisions," will begin at 4 p.m. on Monday, April 20, in the Bennett-Pierce Living Center, 110 Henderson Building. The event, sponsored by the College of Health and Human Development, is free and open to the public.
