That “fridge cigarette” might be accelerating your cognitive decline. A new study out of Brazil determined that popular sweetening agents in items like Diet Coke could cause the brain to age 62% faster than brains with less exposure. And the numbers are even more startling for younger people and those with diabetes. Over eight years, … Read more
Call ’em crimes against the food pyramid. The Snack Gods have blessed us with some out-of-this-world fusions lately, dropping mashups like crème brûlée grilled cheese, barbecue-flavored Cheetos and cheeseburger spring rolls. Researchers are now warning that these types of craving crossovers — while oh-so-tantalizing — hook us by blending novelty with comforting nostalgia, a captivating … Read more
The crème de la crème of diets? Many eating plans vie to be called the best, such as the Mediterranean diet, which offers several health benefits, and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) for healthier aging. Now, new research has potentially identified the best diet for boosting brain health as we age. While several diets have … Read more
Heart disease and stroke deaths are falling in the US — but there’s a quiet health threat that’s spreading fast and putting millions at risk. In fact, the problem has grown so widespread that the condition landed its own chapter in the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, released Wednesday. The … Read more
You might want to think twice before chalking grandma’s “senior moments” up to getting older. More than 10 million people around the world are diagnosed with dementia each year, but studies show symptoms often begin to appear long before the condition is officially recognized. Still, a 2023 Alzheimer’s Society survey found that one in three … Read more
Life in plastic might be fantastic after all — or at least not as dangerous as we’ve been led to believe. Ubiquitous in the environment, microplastics can be found in the clothes we wear, the cleaning supplies we use, the food we eat, the water we drink and even the air we breathe. For years, … Read more
Measles is back with a vengeance — and the danger doesn’t end when the rash fades. The US saw a dramatic rise in cases last year, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting the highest numbers of the highly contagious respiratory disease in more than 30 years. And the numbers keep climbing. Federal … Read more
Think ahead! It’s important to treat your brain like a retirement fund — the earlier you invest, the better it pays off. Building brain health with movement and mental curiosity helps keep your mind’s wiring strong and resilient over time. Dr. Bruce Mayerson, co-chair of neurosciences at Catholic Health and the chief of neurology at … Read more
Well, it’snot good news for most people. Some 90% of the population picks their nose — sometimes several times a day. This may seem like a harmless habit, but frequently digging for gold may have dire consequences. Dirty fingers can introduce bacteria into the nose, causing infections that can lead to crusting, tissue damage and … Read more
You’re not going to want to sit down for this. A new study suggests that a single habit is better for the brain than previously thought — and can treat symptoms of depression as effectively as medication and talk therapy. The CDC estimates that the prevalence of depression in U.S. adolescents and adults increased 60% … Read more
It’s the age-old question: How do you live to 100 years old? An estimated 101,000 Americans are centenarians, representing just 0.03% of the US population. There’s much we can learn from the triple-digit crew, since lifestyle choices are the primary drivers of longevity. Studies suggest that genetic factors account for 30% to 40% of the … Read more
Want to stay healthy this cold and flu season — and look good doing it? There’s a budget-friendly fruit in season right now that’s bursting with nutrients, low in calories and might just be the secret weapon your immune system and skin need this winter. An added bonus: Your brain will also get a boost. … Read more
As Americans look for a fresh start in 2026, Dr. Drew Pinsky says the country’s approach to addiction is drifting further from what actually works. Every January, many Americans look to reset their lives with enough discipline and a plan. For people who repeatedly promise themselves this will be the year they quit whatever they might be … Read more
With over 7 million people over 65 dealing with the degenerative disease — and the number expected to almost double by 2050 — Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. But two new groundbreaking drugs could pull the reins on the memory impairment and overall brain decline associated with the disease. While there’s no … Read more
It might just be the saddest day of the year. The wrapping paper is in the trash, the leftovers are packed away, and the last houseguest has hit the road. Christmas — and all the joyful chaos that comes with it — has officially come to an end. And if you’re feeling a bit blue … Read more
Getting to sleep often takes longer than a beat. With 1 in 3 adults struggling to snooze, it’s no wonder many will try anything to get the recommended seven to nine hours or fall asleep fast. Binaural beats could be the solution to nabbing a full night’s rest — and they don’t rely on counting … Read more
An inexpensive mix of two everyday supplements helped to fight the deadliest brain cancers without a single reported side effect, according to a new study — but researchers say the approach is still experimental. Scientists at the Advanced Center for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) in Mumbai, India, found that a combination of resveratrol and … Read more
Your favorite snack might be doing more than satisfying your cravings. New research from Sweden suggests that regularly enjoying a popular food Americans have long been told to limit could actually help lower the risk of dementia. But don’t go reaching for the low-fat version — the brain-boosting benefits don’t appear to carry over. toa555 … Read more
Millions of Americans battle chronic anxiety — but new research claiming a missing brain nutrient may be partly to blame is already drawing skepticism from experts who say the findings are far from conclusive. Using a non-invasive MRI-based technique that measures brain chemicals, researchers at UC Davis Health in California looked at data from 25 previous studies, … Read more
Thirst-zepatide? A cheap, already available pill is being billed as the “Ozempic of alcohol” for its ability to reduce appetites for booze, the way GLP-1 drugs curb food cravings. Naltrexone — which costs about $1.60 a pill when purchased in bulk — decreases the urge for alcohol by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, reducing the dopamine-reward … Read more