Doing this activity just twice a week is a ‘strong ally against dementia’ — even if you’re high-risk

Doing this activity just twice a week is a ‘strong ally against dementia’ — even if you’re high-risk

Pumping it up may pump the brakes on cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s cases are expected to nearly double by 2050, reaching a staggering 13 million cases. And while genetics certainly come into play, there are some lifestyle factors that can raise — or lower — your risk. Now, researchers in Brazil have pinpointed a change that … Read more

Weight loss drugs like Ozmepic linked to 45% lower risk of dementia

Weight loss drugs like Ozmepic linked to 45% lower risk of dementia

Not one but two new studies published today have linked GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic to a decreased risk of developing dementia. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, which affects an estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older, but the studies’ authors say that these drugs could be used as a preventative measure against … Read more

I’m a neurologist — I eat these 8 foods to keep my brain healthy

I’m a neurologist — I eat these 8 foods to keep my brain healthy

What the heart wants, the brain wants too. A nutrient-rich diet is crucial for heart, vascular and brain health, as about 25% of our blood supply goes to our brain. Eating foods high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates — especially ultra-processed fare — can damage blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of … Read more

This 62-calorie snack can prevent cancer, improve your sleep and even slow aging

This 62-calorie snack can prevent cancer, improve your sleep and even slow aging

In the quest for a healthier lifestyle, one tasty snack stands out for its cluster of health benefits. This ancient fruit was once regarded as a symbol for luxury — and, in many ways, it still is. And since it’s 81% water and only clocks in at 62 calories per serving — it’s sure to … Read more

Over-60s who took these supplements had better memory than their twins

Over-60s who took these supplements had better memory than their twins

A new study found that taking a daily prebiotic supplement can improve scores in memory tests used to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. And to really control for genetic differences, the researchers enlisted several pairs of twins over age 60 to test it out. These findings support earlier research that suggests changes in the … Read more

When needing to nap more is a sign you’re more likely to develop dementia

When needing to nap more is a sign you’re more likely to develop dementia

A mid-day snooze isn’t always as harmless as it might seem. For some, persistent daytime drowsiness can be more than just a function of getting older — it could be a warning sign of dementia. A new study has pinpointed when sleepiness during the day is a clue that you’re headed for mental decline. Generally … Read more

At-home smell test could detect Alzheimer’s disease years before symptoms start

At-home smell test could detect Alzheimer’s disease years before symptoms start

Scientists have long known of a link between loss of smell and dementia — mainly because the plaque buildup that signals dementia initially occurs in parts of the brain related to memory and smell. Now, ​researchers from Mass General Brigham have developed an innovative at-home smell test that could harness this knowledge to detect Alzheimer’s … Read more

Scientists find clue to slowing Alzheimer’s symptoms — but research is caught up in Trump funding delays

Scientists find clue to slowing Alzheimer’s symptoms — but research is caught up in Trump funding delays

An experimental treatment appears to delay Alzheimer’s symptoms in some people genetically destined to get the disease in their 40s or 50s, according to new findings from ongoing research now caught up in Trump administration funding delays. The early results — a scientific first — were published Wednesday even as study participants worried that politics could cut their access … Read more

This ‘triangle test’ caught early signs of Alzheimer’s 12 years before people were diagnosed

This ‘triangle test’ caught early signs of Alzheimer’s 12 years before people were diagnosed

It’s all in the eyes. They say that eyes are a window into your soul — but research shows they might also serve as an early window into cognitive decline. A study published in Neurology suggests a simple vision test could detect Alzheimer’s a whopping 12 years before a diagnosis. The study suggests a simple … Read more

A popular hair loss remedy may hold a cure for Alzheimer’s — lab mice were ‘virtually back to normal’

A popular hair loss remedy may hold a cure for Alzheimer’s — lab mice were ‘virtually back to normal’

Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that afflicts roughly 6.7 million Americans — but scientists may have just found a way to reverse its effects by using a common herb in many products for hair loss. A new study published in the journal Antioxidants has identified carnosic acid — a compound found in rosemary and sage— as … Read more

Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa is the reason he didn’t die ‘long ago’, friend says: ‘She just really looked after him’

Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa is the reason he didn’t die ‘long ago’, friend says: ‘She just really looked after him’

Gene Hackman believed his wife Betsy Arakawa was the reason he lived as long as he did, according to one of the actor’s longtime friends. “She was very protective of him,” Tom Allin recently told The New York Times of Arakawa, who was seemingly the Oscar-winner’s sole caretaker prior to his shocking death. Maintenance workers … Read more

Woman with Alzheimer’s — but no dementia symptoms — stumps doctors

Woman with Alzheimer’s — but no dementia symptoms — stumps doctors

A puzzling discovery has left doctors scratching their heads: The brain of an American woman with Down syndrome showed all the classic signs of Alzheimer’s disease, yet she remained symptom-free throughout her lifetime. The patient enrolled in the Alzheimer Biomarker Consortium–Down Syndrome, which was created to explore how the two conditions are connected. She also … Read more

Five monumental Alzheimer’s discoveries scientists made in 2024

Five monumental Alzheimer’s discoveries scientists made in 2024

With an estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, the road to a cure seems long and uncertain. But as the year comes to a close, experts are reflecting on some of the hopeful advances in diagnosis, treatment and risk management that have been made in 2024. The Alzheimer’s Association … Read more

These medications could give you dementia if you take them too often — two are over-the-counter

These medications could give you dementia if you take them too often — two are over-the-counter

This could be a hard pill to swallow. An unhealthy diet, chronic insomnia, obesity and certain genetics can raise your risk of dementia, which destroys your memory, thinking skills and capacity to do basic tasks over time. Now, a board-certified anesthesiologist in Los Angeles is revealing five daily medications that may also increase your likelihood … Read more

Alzheimer’s starts decades before you realize — 4 warning signs your brain is in trouble

Alzheimer’s starts decades before you realize — 4 warning signs your brain is in trouble

Alzheimer’s disease primarily affects people over the age of 65, but it’s never too early to be aware of the warning signs of this common brain disorder. And you may be able to detect them years before things go downhill “Alzheimer’s disease actually starts in the brain decades before you have any symptoms,” Dr. Daniel … Read more

I’m a neurosurgeon — my mom’s stew recipe boosts brain health and prevents dementia, but she makes it best

I’m a neurosurgeon — my mom’s stew recipe boosts brain health and prevents dementia, but she makes it best

Here’s some food for thought. Dr. Jonathan J. Rasouli, a board-certified spinal neurosurgeon at Northwell Health in New York, says his mom’s dinner recipe is full of ingredients that are great for brain health — and eating it’s a smart step for preventing dementia and things like memory loss, fatigue and brain fog. Dr. Jonathan … Read more

I’m a doctor — here are 4 simple ways to lower your risk of dementia

I’m a doctor — here are 4 simple ways to lower your risk of dementia

All of our brains inevitably shrink with age — a change that is most accelerated and profound in the nearly 7 million Americans currently living with dementia. While there isn’t a way to reverse this loss in brain volume, we can potentially curb it by prioritizing our mental and physical health. Dr. Arjun Masurkar, a cognitive … Read more

‘Duck Dynasty’ star Phil Robertson diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, family reveals

‘Duck Dynasty’ star Phil Robertson diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, family reveals

“Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease amid his battle with a blood disorder, according to his family. The 78-year-old’s health struggles were revealed by his son, Jase, on Friday’s episode of the “Unashamed with the Robertson Family” podcast titled “Phil’s Diagnosis.” “Phil’s not doing well,” Jase said. “According to the doctors, … Read more

I’m a backup dancer turned neurologist — why busting a move’s one of the best ways to fight dementia

I’m a backup dancer turned neurologist — why busting a move’s one of the best ways to fight dementia

Showing off your sharp moves on the dance floor could help you keep your brain sharp, too. If anyone should know it’s Dr. Baibing Chen, a neurologist who once worked as a professional backup dancer — and says he still makes sure to bust a move regularly to lower his risk of dementia. Neurologist Dr. … Read more

The biggest signs at age 60 you’ll develop dementia at 80 — it’s bad news for teetotalers and slackers

The biggest signs at age 60 you’ll develop dementia at 80 — it’s bad news for teetotalers and slackers

Brain health should be top of mind as we age. Nearly 7 million Americans have been diagnosed with dementia, which slowly erodes memory, thinking skills and the ability to perform basic tasks. Now, economists at the nonprofit research organization RAND have identified several factors that can strongly predict at 60 if you’ll develop cognitive impairment and dementia by 80, including never drinking alcohol … Read more