Researchers have long been trying to pinpoint the specific factors that play a role in the development of autism spectrum disorder as diagnosis rates skyrocket. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Department of Health and Human Services is planning to release a report this month that will link prenatal exposure to acetaminophen — a popular pain reliever … Read more
Your favorite diet soda could have a detrimental effect on your cognitive health, a new study suggests. In a Brazilian study published in the journal Neurology, participants who consumed the highest amount of artificial sweeteners were found to have “significantly faster declines” in thinking and memory skills. Researchers determined that the highest-consuming group lost about 1.6 years in … Read more
Neuron the right track! It’s essential to embrace healthy habits that enhance the brain’s ability to absorb information while staving off mental decline. Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of cognitive decline in older adults. Over 6 million Americans have the progressive brain disorder, which affects memory, thinking, reasoning, language and behavior. Dr. Giulio Taglialatela, … Read more
Stressed to the nines? Chronic stress — which tends to last several weeks or more — takes a major toll on the body. Not only can it manifest as headaches, fatigue, digestive issues and sleep problems, it can accelerate the aging process. Like an internal smoke alarm that won’t stop blaring, persistent stress damages cells, … Read more
Put your mind to the test! Dementia, which slowly erodes memory, reasoning, judgment and language skills, affects over 6 million Americans and accounts for more than 100,000 deaths annually. There’s no way of knowing for sure who will develop dementia — factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity raise your risk. … Read more
Fossils usually leave us with bones turned to stone, the hard remains of creatures long gone. But every so often, nature offers something far rarer — a glimpse of soft tissue that survived for millions of years. Researchers examining a 520-million-year-old arthropod larva were stunned to find not just an outline of the creature, but … Read more
Forget snooze buttons and slow starts. One woman swears that adopting a simple, no-cost habit first thing in the morning has “changed her life” — and it only takes a few seconds. “I am a lazy person by nature, I always have been,” Kathryn Smith (@kathhrynsmithh), a surgical athletic trainer, admitted in a recent TikTok. … Read more
A Boston Globe food critic Devra First defended Cracker Barrel’s controversial rebrand in a new piece, mocking detractors as having “biscuits for brains.” “It would be nice if every single small thing did not now have to become a pawn in a ginned-up culture war,” Devra First wrote Tuesday. “However, the Tennessee-based restaurant chain Cracker Barrel … Read more
Mind over mattress? It’s no secret that most Americans don’t get the recommended seven to nine hours of nightly sleep. Persistent stress, pressure-cooker schedules, 24/7 digital connectivity and “hustle culture” significantly contribute to insomnia. There are several ways to address sleep deprivation — you could reconsider your sleep position, for one, and avoid heavy meals … Read more
Scientists at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) may have discovered a cause of aging in the brain. The culprit is a protein called ferritin light chain 1 (FTL1), described as an iron-associated protein identified as a “pro-aging neuronal factor that impairs cognition.” The study, published in the journal Nature Aging, compared how genes and … Read more
Dave Asprey’s psychedelic journey spans continents and states of consciousness — from microdosing LSD in LA to sipping Ayahuasca with shamans in the mountains of Peru. The self-proclaimed “father of biohacking” has long touted the potential brain-boosting, trauma-releasing and even life-extending power of these mind-bending substances. But it’s not all bliss and breakthroughs. In his … Read more
Need an excuse to finally book that bucket-list vacation? Research suggests that traveling can be a boon for your brain, with some studies finding it may benefit dementia patients and even help fend off cognitive decline. That matters now more than ever. By 2060, 1 million Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the memory-robbing … Read more
That stinks! A 57-year-old UK father of four recently made headlines when he revealed the bizarre clue that preceded his Stage 4 glioblastoma diagnosis — a “strange sweet caramel smell.” “We didn’t think much of it,” said Costa Fantis’s 27-year-old son, Antonio. “We definitely didn’t know it was a symptom of something so serious.” Before … Read more
These seniors are having a moment. Life expectancy in the US hovers around 78.4 years — there’s a special group of people who surpass this mark with flying colors. The retirees, known as “SuperAgers,” exhibit the memory and cognitive abilities of people in middle age. A new report out of Northwestern University reveals unique traits … Read more
A New Jersey woman has been given a second chance at life, thanks to a new cancer therapy. Pamela Goldberger, 65, found out in 2023 that she had glioblastoma — a devastating diagnosis with an average survival of just 14 to 16 months, even with surgery. In an on-camera interview with Fox News Digital, Goldberger shared … Read more
It may be time to think outside the box. Many Americans will experience some level of brain decline as they age, ranging from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. Maintaining a sharp mind is crucial — strong cognitive function is vital for overall well-being and a high quality of life. Dr. Daniel Amen is a double board-certified psychiatrist, … Read more
Dreading a task at the end of a long week? There may be a way to trick your brain into seeing that chore as a reward. “Dopamine anchoring” is the latest psychology hack making the rounds on social media. The technique involves associating a desirable thing – like music or snacks – with a less pleasant task … Read more
I’m going the extra mile for myelin. I travel the world to deliver neurological care in places with limited resources. Along the way, I have learned several important lessons about protecting brain health and preventing brain disease. My perspective was forever altered on one of my first trips to Uganda for the Department of Neurology … Read more
Don’t drop the ball on this one. Boosting your brain health can be a real balancing act — one that involves regular exercise, a good diet, healthy amounts of sleep and plenty of mentally stimulating activities. But there’s one little trick that’s been shown to help you stay sharp as you age, and while it’s … Read more
Herb your enthusiasm — your brain’s about to get a boost. For centuries, a trusty kitchen staple has been celebrated by ancient healers for its wide-ranging medicinal properties, including sharpening memory, concentration and overall cognitive function. Now, modern science is backing up that old-school wisdom, with research suggesting the powerful plant could even help fight … Read more