A hidden genetic mutation could predict a man’s likelihood of developing dementia. That’s according to an Australian study led by Monash and Curtin Universities, which analyzed the medical data of thousands of Australians and Americans. Men who had a certain variant in the haemochromatosis (HFE) gene — which regulates iron levels in the body — were found to be … Read more
How nerve-racking! The anti-seizure drug gabapentin is used to treat epilepsy, nerve pain after shingles and restless legs syndrome by affecting chemical messengers in the brain and nerves. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, headaches and nausea. Now, a new study out of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland warns that gabapentin can significantly increase … Read more
Bill Gates is speaking out about his personal experience with Alzheimer’s — and his hope for progress in fighting the disease. In an essay published this week on his blog at GatesNotes.com, the Microsoft co-founder and tech billionaire, 69, reflected on the difficulty of spending another Father’s Day without his dad, Bill Gates Sr. The elder Gates … Read more
Daddy’s girl. Rumer Willis shared an emotional tribute to her dad Bruce Willis on Father’s Day amidst his dementia battle. “Today is hard, I feel a deep ache in my chest to talk to you and tell you everything I’m doing and what’s going on in my life,” Rumer, 36, wrote on Instagram Sunday alongside … Read more
Here’s something to go nuts over. Eating just a handful of this healthy snack a day could stave off a scary syndrome that affects a whopping one in three Americans, according to a new study in the journal Nutrition Research. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that includes at least three of the following: … Read more
You’re walking, but is it straight to the grave? A growing body of research suggests that the everyday movement can reveal how fast your body and brain are aging — and it might even be able to predict how much time you have left. The good news: There’s an easy at-home test that can show … Read more
Turns out your daily commute can affect more than just your road rage — it could also influence how your brain ages. New research published today suggests that how you get from point A to point B can significantly impact your risk of dementia. “We have about 55 million people living with dementia, and that … Read more
Certain foods may feed the brain better than others. New research presented this week at NUTRITION 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando, Florida, found that the MIND diet is particularly beneficial for cognitive health. People who followed the MIND eating plan — which stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay … Read more
Alarming new evidence suggests that it may be unwise to be a night owl. Research has indicated that nocturnal creatures face an increased risk of diabetes, mental health troubles and even premature death. A fresh study out of the Netherlands proposes that night owls may experience cognitive decline faster than early birds — but not … Read more
If your alarm clock feels more like a suggestion than a wake-up call, you’re not alone. A recent study found that more than half of adults are habitual snoozers, hitting the button an average of 2.5 times to sneak in an extra 11 minutes of sleep. But that extra shut-eye does more than just cut … Read more
Keeping your cool could be the key to keeping your mind. Researchers have long known that dementia risk goes up with age, family history, poor diet, lack of exercise and even the loss of hearing, sight, smell and taste. “It is hard to overstate the impact of stress on your cognitive health as you age,” … Read more
It’s music to our ears. A study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry tracked more than 1,100 adults over 40 — with an average age of 68 — to see which pastimes packed the biggest cognitive punch. A study tracked more than 1,100 adults over 40 to see which pastimes packed the biggest … Read more
Talk about a sore subject. New research suggests that a common viral infection lurking in as many as 8 out of 10 Americans could increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. But there’s a glimmer of hope — scientists believe antiviral treatments may help protect infected individuals from developing the memory-robbing illness. The number of Americans … Read more
Losing these two senses could indicate potentially fatal health conditions, new research shows. Hearing loss has been linked to a higher chance of heart failure while people with a poor sense of smell are more likely to die of neurodegenerative, respiratory and cardiovascular complications, according to two new studies. Scientists from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found … Read more
President Trump’s most recent annual physical revealed he’s in “excellent health,” going so far as to point to his “frequent victories in golf events” as evidence. But a new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests his love of the game and residence at Mar-a-Lago may be putting him at risk of an unexpected health condition. … Read more
Alzheimer’s affects nearly 7 million Americans, a number that’s expected to spike to 13.9 million by 2060. Given the devastating effects of this incurable disease, the hunt is on for a drug that could help prevent or slow its progression. Now, a new study has found that nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) — a common class of … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My oldest sister has it in her head that since she’s home all week, she needs to go out every Sunday. She started calling me every Saturday to invite me to accompany her, which I did a few times. In doing so, I realized she has mobility issues and the beginnings of dementia. … Read more
Many people know that obesity carries certain health risks, as it makes you more likely to develop diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain cancers. But fresh research being presented at this year’s European Congress on Obesity has experts concerned about the impact excess fat might have on the brain — especially in adolescents. After analyzing … Read more
Pop quiz: what’s an affordable, popular and delicious snack that could help you live to be 100? Hint — it’s not kale chips. Dan Buettner reveals “the best snack to live to 100.” Instagram/@danbuettner In a recent Instagram video, longevity expert Dan Buettner shared a “centenarian-approved” treat that you’ve probably already got in your pantry. … Read more
Let’s get quizzical! More than 6 million Americans have dementia, which affects memory, language and problem-solving skills. Several lifestyle changes can lower dementia risk, including a healthy diet, exercise, social interaction, blood pressure management and adequate sleep. More than 6 million Americans have dementia, which affects memory, language and problem-solving skills. LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS – stock.adobe.com … Read more