Rapid weight loss on popular drugs could ‘starve’ the brain, expert warns

Rapid weight loss on popular drugs could ‘starve’ the brain, expert warns

As GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy continue to surge in popularity, experts warn that rapid weight loss and severe caloric restriction could deprive the brain of vital energy and nutrients. Dr. Tommy Wood, a professor of pediatrics and neuroscience at the University of Washington, said the drugs’ effects on the brain may depend on whether … Read more

The ‘reporter trick’ that can help autistic kids cope with sensory overload

The ‘reporter trick’ that can help autistic kids cope with sensory overload

With autism cases on the rise in the US, spiking 175% between 2011 and 2022, more are looking for solutions to common symptoms, such as sensory over-responsivity. To many autistic children, everyday sensations, such as scratchy fabric or a loud car horn, can be overwhelming and cause distress. One study from UCLA Health, though, may have … Read more

Scientists reveal a bizarre sign that you’ve got a well-behaved toddler

Scientists reveal a bizarre sign that you’ve got a well-behaved toddler

Children who blink more, think more.  Researchers found that spontaneous and rapid eye-blinking is a sign of higher performance on cognitive flexibility tasks in children aged 3-6.  The association is linked to brain activation in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dIPFC), which controls executive functioning for planning and focus.  Blinking is directly related to brain … Read more

What happened to people’s brains when they ate 2 tablespoons of tomato paste every day

What happened to people’s brains when they ate 2 tablespoons of tomato paste every day

Your pasta dinner could ketchup to your brain health. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables have been shown to boost memory, and one of the most popular, yet controversially, grouped fruits could change how our brains function. Researchers in Spain tested how tomatoes impact the cognitive function of healthy middle-aged adults, and it may be … Read more

The childhood hobby that leads to lower stress, fewer mental health problems and better brain function as adults

The childhood hobby that leads to lower stress, fewer mental health problems and better brain function as adults

It may be time to take this old-school pastime off the shelf. A growing body of research suggests that a once-beloved childhood hobby, now increasingly falling by the wayside, is linked to better mental health, sharper cognitive skills and even differences in brain structure later in life. “It’s something we ought to be encouraging from … Read more

Your brain is actually two organs, new study finds — and it could change how we treat deadly diseases

Your brain is actually two organs, new study finds — and it could change how we treat deadly diseases

Next time you have a good, hard think, just know you’re racking your brains. Yes, you read that right — it’s plural. Scientists at Stanford University have discovered that the human brain isn’t one, but two organs. And the revelation could be huge for researching treatment for serious diseases including ALS. Scientists have uncovered an … Read more

Popular brain supplement linked to shorter lifespan in men

Popular brain supplement linked to shorter lifespan in men

A brain-boosting nutrient may sharpen your mind but knock years off your life. Research suggests the popular supplement ingredient, widely touted for improving focus and cognitive performance, may have a surprising downside when it comes to longevity. Scientists found that men with higher levels of the substance in their blood tended to have shorter lifespans … Read more

Don’t get enough sleep? A pre-bed routine can help you the next day

Don’t get enough sleep? A pre-bed routine can help you the next day

Forget counting sheep. Across the country, roughly one in three American adults get less than the recommended seven hours of sleep each night, leaving millions to muddle through the next day on fumes. But new research suggests adding a surprisingly simple activity to your nighttime routine could help keep your brain sharp — even when … Read more

California cheerleader diagnosed with narcolepsy after symptoms brushed off as ‘teen laziness’

California cheerleader diagnosed with narcolepsy after symptoms brushed off as ‘teen laziness’

A two-time world champion cheerleader from California’s Riverside County struggled to stay awake during the day despite sleeping through the night –– until a study revealed she was suffering from a chronic brain disorder. Rylie Shaw, 22, spent her teenage years running from one doctor to the other with her parents to figure out what was … Read more

A pink addition to your sleep can help wash out your brain

A pink addition to your sleep can help wash out your brain

Think pink for better sleep and extra brain benefits. While research is mixed about the benefits of background noise during sleep, many have added apps and ambient sound machines to nighttime routines for reduced clamor and improved rest. And our brains could see a big benefit with sound machines — and one type of static … Read more

Popular GLP-1 drugs may trigger a rare, life-threatening brain disorder: study

Popular GLP-1 drugs may trigger a rare, life-threatening brain disorder: study

Two common GLP-1 weight loss drugs have been linked to a brain condition that can cause permanent brain damage and become deadly. More than one in 10 American adults are now on GLP-1s for weight loss. And while the jabs work to shed pounds and provide a host of other unexpected benefits, they can come … Read more

Aspiring DJ left paralyzed, non-verbal after hospital dismissed fatal symptoms, family alleges

Aspiring DJ left paralyzed, non-verbal after hospital dismissed fatal symptoms, family alleges

The family of a fitness fanatic left paralyzed and unable to speak has sued the NHS after his deadly brain condition was dismissed as a virus. Aspiring DJ Oli Coppock, 34, has been non-verbal for more than two years, and his body is now twisted and virtually paralyzed after the blunder by an A and … Read more

10 minutes of a ‘very slow’ exercise can improve brain function and mood

10 minutes of a ‘very slow’ exercise can improve brain function and mood

Slow and steady wins the race. The benefits of exercise for the brain and mood are well documented and worthwhile — even taking a few thousand steps a day can positively affect cognitive function. And whether you love it or hate it, just a few minutes of one exercise in particular can boost brain function … Read more

A-Rod and Oprah’s ‘brain coach’ shares 5 steps to improve your memory

A-Rod and Oprah’s ‘brain coach’ shares 5 steps to improve your memory

A personal trainer can help you get jacked, but who do you call for brain gains? That’s where Jim Kwik comes in. The brain coach has worked with Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Alex Rodriguez, Novak Djokovic and Elon Musk’s team at SpaceX, helping them improve focus, memory and mental performance. Kwik, who has spent more … Read more

I’m a neurologist — the best stimulation for the brain isn’t what you think

The best time to start caring for your brain is right now, at any age. That said, middle age or younger is the perfect time, says Dr. Douglas Scharre, a neurologist at at the Ohio State College of Medicine. “Once you start working on your brain health, it could provide a more robust brain reserve which … Read more

Inside Tim Curry’s stroke that left him paralyzed and struggling to speak — as actor dies at 80

Legendary actor Tim Curry, known for playing unforgettable oddballs like Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” died late Tuesday at his Los Angeles home at age 80 No foul play is suspected, law enforcement sources told TMZ, which broke the news Wednesday. Curry’s official cause of death has not been revealed. The Emmy … Read more

Major brain shift that may occur around age 50 could affect dementia risk: study

The brain may undergo a notable shift at midlife, as new research suggests that its protective immune cells begin to decline and are increasingly replaced by inflammatory cells at around age 50. Researchers from the University of California, San Diego; New York Genome Center; and University of California, Irvine, found that these brain changes may … Read more

I’m a neurologist — the quickest test for dementia is just 3 hand movements

A clue about your risk for dementia may be in the palm of your hand. More than 10 million people around the world are diagnosed with dementia each year, with early-onset dementia striking people in their 50s and 60s. But a quick and simple screening tool may give people a better idea of the state of … Read more

I’m a neurologist — the quickest test for dementia is just 3 hand movements

A clue about your risk for dementia may be in the palm of your hand. More than 10 million people around the world are diagnosed with dementia each year, with early-onset dementia striking people in their 50s and 60s. But a quick and simple screening tool may give people a better idea of the state of … Read more

What too much TV really does to your brain — and how much is too much

Next time your favorite streaming service asks if you’re still watching, you might want to think twice before hitting “Yes.” Ever since TVs became fixtures in American homes, doctors — and plenty of worried parents — have warned that too much screen time could take a toll on our bodies, brains and social lives. But … Read more