Rare type of dementia makes man cry happy tears for bizarre reason — plus his other unique symptoms

Rare type of dementia makes man cry happy tears for bizarre reason — plus his other unique symptoms

Dementia often affects memory, thinking, behavior and daily functioning — now, a new case study reveals a novel symptom that shouldn’t be overlooked. Nearly 7 million Americans and more than 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, an umbrella term that describes several progressive disorders that impact memory and cognition. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common … Read more

Popular diet staple may speed up brain aging by a year and a half

Popular diet staple may speed up brain aging by a year and a half

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

This simple brushing routine could lower dementia risk, dental health experts claim

This simple brushing routine could lower dementia risk, dental health experts claim

Brushing your teeth could do more than brighten your smile — it may also help you live longer. Growing research suggests that good oral hygiene is linked to a reduced risk of serious conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. At the annual American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference, which took place in Arizona … Read more

How Viagra might help ward off dementia: study

How Viagra might help ward off dementia: study

The drug that helps you stand at attention could also help keep your attention. In the hunt to ward off dementia, research out of the UK this week looked to assess whether existing drugs could be repurposed to fight the memory-robbing illness. And it may come as a surprise that erection meds may help prevent … Read more

Exclusive | The coolest new tech for hearing loss — including eyeglasses that provide captions in real time

Exclusive | The coolest new tech for hearing loss — including eyeglasses that provide captions in real time

The sound of silence is getting louder in America — and the tech world is listening. Across the country, the number of people living with some degree of hearing loss is rising, with cases expected to jump from 44 million in 2020 to more than 73 million by 2060. And the consequences stretch far beyond … Read more

$40 million ‘dementia village’ will include a restaurant, spa and grocery store — and housing for caretakers

 million ‘dementia village’ will include a restaurant, spa and grocery store — and housing for caretakers

This isn’t your grandma’s nursing home. The nation’s first “dementia village” is coming to Wisconsin, a $40 million undertaking aimed at helping residents preserve community, connection and quality of life even as their illness progresses. “Living at this campus will not feel like an institution — we are building individual households that look and feel … Read more

Doing this between age 45 and 64 can lower your risk of dementia by 45%

Doing this between age 45 and 64 can lower your risk of dementia by 45%

It’s never too late to start. With dementia cases expected to increase over the next 25 years, new research has found a way to significantly lower the risk of the degenerative disease. All it takes is one habit that has proven benefits at any age, and especially if you’re in mid- to late-life. One activity … Read more

5 early dementia signs people often miss — and why it matters

5 early dementia signs people often miss — and why it matters

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

Jay Leno was asked if he would ‘get a girlfriend’ as wife battles dementia: They’re ‘stunned’

Jay Leno was asked if he would ‘get a girlfriend’ as wife battles dementia: They’re ‘stunned’

Jay Leno has been asked if he’ll get a girlfriend in the wake of his wife Mavis’ dementia diagnosis. “You take a vow when you get married, and people are stunned, they’re shocked when you live up to it,” Leno told Maria Shriver on the latest episode of her “Life Above the Noise” podcast. The … Read more

These brain-altering meds linked to falls and confusion are being prescribed to 25% of older adults with dementia

These brain-altering meds linked to falls and confusion are being prescribed to 25% of older adults with dementia

This is a prescription for disaster. While all medications carry potential side effects, certain types have been shown to increase the risk of falls, confusion and even hospitalization among older populations. Despite the concerns, a new study found that 1 in 4 older Americans with dementia is still prescribed risky, brain-altering medications. Despite an increased … Read more

Your dementia risk goes up 45% if your ‘peak activity’ happens after this time of day

Your dementia risk goes up 45% if your ‘peak activity’ happens after this time of day

A new study has found a strong link between circadian rhythm and dementia risk. Published in the medical journal Neurology, researchers found that participants who were more active during a specific window of the day had an increased risk of dementia, a condition characterized by declines in memory, language, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Guided by … Read more

Dance your way to better health? Busting a move can protect you against these 4 diseases

Dance your way to better health? Busting a move can protect you against these 4 diseases

Bust a move. Whether you tear up the dance floor or have moves like Elaine from “Seinfeld”, dancing can bring about more than just joy. New research shows the social activity can even protect against four diseases, one of which the number of cases is predicted to skyrocket in the coming years. Dancing has been … Read more

Bruce Willis’ wife celebrates couple’s anniversary amid ‘Die Hard’ star’s dementia battle

Bruce Willis’ wife celebrates couple’s anniversary amid ‘Die Hard’ star’s dementia battle

Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming is celebrating a sweet milestone in their relationship. “18 years ago, he became my boyfriend,” the author, 47, penned on Instagram on Tuesday. “With one kiss on the top of my head, time stood still. I’m so lucky to know this kind of love 💙.” Heming and Willis, 70, tied … Read more

These groundbreaking Alzheimer’s drugs slow brain decline by treating the actual cause of dementia

These groundbreaking Alzheimer’s drugs slow brain decline by treating the actual cause of dementia

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

Bruce Willis’ wife says Christmas joy can feel ‘tangled in a web of grief’ as star battles dementia

Bruce Willis’ wife says Christmas joy can feel ‘tangled in a web of grief’ as star battles dementia

Christmas Day brings both joy and heartbreak for Bruce Willis’ wife. In a deeply personal essay published on her website, Emma Heming Willis opened up about the emotional toll of navigating the holidays since her husband’s dementia diagnosis. “For me, the holidays carry memories of Bruce being at the center of it all,” the 47-year-old wrote. … Read more

How to know if your pup has ‘dog dementia’ — look for the ‘DISHA’ signs

How to know if your pup has ‘dog dementia’ — look for the ‘DISHA’ signs

Not so good news for man’s best friend. While our furry companions may live longer, they also face a higher risk of developing harmful conditions, like “dog dementia.” And just like in humans, signs of one particular condition can get past the notice by even the most devoted pet owners. Dementia in dogs can affect … Read more

A third of a cup of these ‘unhealthy’ foods a day actually lower your risk of dementia — and low-fat versions don’t work

A third of a cup of these ‘unhealthy’ foods a day actually lower your risk of dementia — and low-fat versions don’t work

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

Beware these 6 symptoms in midlife that can predict dementia later in life: new study

Beware these 6 symptoms in midlife that can predict dementia later in life: new study

We’ve long known of the link between depression and dementia. Now, a new study pinpoints six depressive symptoms in middle age that can predict dementia more than two decades later. Dementia diagnoses are projected to skyrocket in the coming years, with new cases expected to reach 1 million per year by 2060 if significant intervention isn’t taken. … Read more

I’m a neurologist — 6 easy ways to boost your brain over the holidays, especially if you’re lonely

I’m a neurologist — 6 easy ways to boost your brain over the holidays, especially if you’re lonely

It’s supposed to be the most magical time of the year. The holidays are for gathering with loved ones, sharing traditions and creating lasting memories. Social connection is important for your spirit — and your mind. Socializing benefits the brain by stimulating cognitive function and by lowering stress hormones like cortisol, which reduces inflammation and … Read more

‘Major breakthrough’ blood test can find dementia risk before symptoms even start

‘Major breakthrough’ blood test can find dementia risk before symptoms even start

There’s new progress in the battle against Alzheimer’s disease. About 1 in 9 US seniors has Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, which slowly impairs memory, thinking skills and the ability to perform even basic tasks. There is no single, easy test to diagnose Alzheimer’s, but a new review of 18 scientific studies confirms … Read more