Tag

Brain Health

All articles tagged with #brain health

health12 hours ago•5 min saved

Magnesium in Diet Linked to Slower Brain Aging and Lower Dementia Risk

A UK Biobank study found higher dietary magnesium intake (around 550 mg/day from food) is associated with slower brain aging and reduced dementia risk, with stronger benefits for postmenopausal women. While excess magnesium from supplements can cause GI issues, experts say most people should focus on foods rich in magnesium (e.g., leafy greens, nuts, whole grains) and consult a clinician before taking supplements; the NIH notes daily needs vary by age and sex (about 310–420 mg).

via Prevention|

#aging #brain-health #dementia

science22 hours ago•2 min saved

Birdwatching Could Help Preserve Brain Function with Age

Canadian researchers report that expert birders have higher density in brain regions tied to attention and perception, suggesting lifelong birding—and by extension bird photography—may bolster neural networks through neuroplasticity and help mitigate age-related cognitive decline, though it does not prove prevention of decline.

via PetaPixel|

#aging #birding #brain-health

health1 day ago•11 min saved

Mind Workout: Everyday Habits to Sharpen Your Brain, According to a Neuroscientist

Neuroscientist Majid Fotuhi shares six practical brain-boosting habits: start your day with a positive mindset; exercise about four days a week to boost oxygen, BDNF, and hippocampal growth; eat a high-fiber breakfast to support overall body-brain health and gut balance; use brief mind resets (slow breathing and a simple ma-ta-sa-ba finger rhythm) to curb stress and sharpen focus; don’t panic if sleep is interrupted—keep moving and breathing to reset; and practice memorizing three to four new names daily to strengthen memory.

via GQ|

#brain-health #exercise #gut-brain-axis

health1 day ago•59 min saved

Popular brain-boosting supplements may speed brain aging, doctors warn

US doctors warn that popular brain-boosting supplements may age the brain, flagging six risky supplements or combinations—such as high-dose vitamin E, turmeric and ashwagandha, and fish oil with ginkgo and garlic—that can raise bleeding risk or cause liver waste buildup. Zinc with copper, coffee plus stimulants, and kratom are also cautioned. With little proven benefit, experts advise prioritizing a healthy lifestyle and using supplements only after blood tests show a deficiency and under medical supervision.

via Daily Mail|

#aging-brain #brain-health #health

health4 days ago•17 min saved

Busy Mind, Slower Alzheimer’s: Large Study Links Daily Mental Activity to Delayed Decline

A large study finds that mentally stimulating activities—such as chess and other daily cognitive tasks—are associated with years-long delays in Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment, suggesting that everyday mental engagement can slow brain aging.

via The Washington Post|

#aging #alzheimers-disease #brain-health

wellbeing-mind5 days ago•19 min saved

Brain on screen: how heavy online time may alter attention and memory

A Washington Post Well+Being piece explains that heavy use of social media and AI chat tools can affect attention and memory, but offers practical steps to mitigate these effects.

via The Washington Post|

#brain-health #mental-health #note-to-user-only-top5

wellbeing-mind8 days ago•19 min saved

Outdoor therapy goes mainstream as clinicians embrace nature-based sessions

A growing number of therapists are offering outdoor therapy—such as walk-and-talks and nature-based sessions—citing mood and memory benefits. Clinicians report clients opening up more during movement and in natural settings, drawing on research and real-world experiments, while weather and practicalities can affect how widely the approach is adopted.

via The Washington Post|

#brain-health #mental-health #outdoor-recreation

health8 days ago•5 min saved

Lifelong Reading and Language Learning May Cut Dementia Risk, Study Finds

A Rush University study of 1,939 older adults over ~8 years links lifelong cognitive enrichment—through reading, writing and language learning—to up to 38% lower Alzheimer's risk and 36% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment, independent of socioeconomic status, suggesting lifelong mental activity may delay dementia—even though causation isn’t proven.

via ScienceAlert|

#alzheimers-disease #brain-health #cognitive-enrichment

health10 days ago•5 min saved

Menopause May Shape Brain Health and Sleep, Cambridge Study Finds

A Cambridge study using UK Biobank data from about 125,000 women links menopause to brain changes, poorer sleep, and higher rates of anxiety and depression. Post-menopausal women reported more sleep disturbances and greater use of mental-health services, while hormone replacement therapy is used by many to mitigate symptoms. The researchers also note that lifestyle factors—regular exercise, cognitively engaging activities, a nutritious diet, good sleep, and strong social connections—can improve brain health and potentially reduce age-related cognitive decline. Menopause typically begins around age 49; consult a GP if symptoms are challenging.

via HuffPost UK|

#brain-health #health #hrt

health16 days ago•6 min saved

Speed-Training Game Slashes Dementia Risk by 25% in Major 20-Year Study

A NIH-backed ACTIV study of 2,000 adults aged 65+ found that an online speed-training game called Double Decision reduced long-term dementia risk by 25%, unlike slower or non-adaptive cognitive games. The game’s adaptive, fast-paced nature may boost brain connectivity, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear.

via Business Insider|

#activ-study #brain-health #cognitive-training

health16 days ago•3 min saved

Daily coffee or tea may reduce dementia risk, large study finds

A study of 131,821 US adults followed for up to 43 years found that people who drank two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of caffeinated tea daily had about a 15-20% lower risk of dementia than those who drank little or none, and caffeinated drinkers showed slightly slower cognitive decline and better test scores compared with decaf. The researchers note causality cannot be established and there may be other factors at play; decaf coffee showed no benefit. More research is needed to confirm the link and understand underlying mechanisms.

via The Guardian|

#brain-health #caffeine #coffee

health17 days ago•4 min saved

Where Fat Hangs Out Predicts Brain Aging Risk

A 25,997-person UK MRI study used latent profile analysis to classify body-fat distribution into six patterns. Compared with the leanest group, all non-lean profiles showed lower brain volumes and less gray matter, independent of total fat. Two patterns—pancreatic-predominant and skinny-fat—were most strongly linked to brain aging, white-matter lesions, and cognitive decline, with some sex-specific effects (men showing faster brain aging and women showing links to epilepsy for the pancreatic-predominant type). While higher BMI correlated with brain changes, fat location adds independent risk. The study is cross-sectional and can’t prove causation, but if validated these fat-distribution patterns could inform earlier interventions for neurodegenerative risk.

via ScienceAlert|

#brain-health #cognitive-decline #fat-distribution

health24 days ago•48 min saved

The Brain Vitamin Most People Are Missing

Vitamin B-12 is essential for brain health, supporting myelin formation, DNA synthesis, and neurotransmitter production while helping to reduce homocysteine. A deficiency can cause fatigue, memory issues, concentration problems, balance troubles, and mood changes, with higher risk in older adults and those who are vegetarian/vegan or have absorption issues. Testing B-12 (and related markers) and early treatment with diet or supplements can reverse cognitive symptoms; untreated deficiency can lead to lasting brain decline or dementia.

via BuzzFeed|

#brain-health #cognitive-function #health

health24 days ago•49 min saved

Vitamin B-12: The Brain-Boosting Deficiency You Might Have

Vitamin B-12 is essential for brain and nerve function; deficiency can cause fatigue, numbness, memory problems, and cognitive decline, especially in older adults and vegetarians. Early testing and treatment—via diet, supplements, or injections—can reverse symptoms and protect long-term brain health.

via BuzzFeed|

#brain-health #cognitive-function #deficiency

health29 days ago•14 min saved

B-12 and the Brain: Why This Deficient Nutrient Is Key to Memory and Mood

Vitamin B-12 is crucial for brain health, helping build myelin, support DNA synthesis, and produce neurotransmitters; when levels drop, memory, focus and mood can suffer, with older adults and vegetarians at higher risk. Deficiency is common and can cause fatigue, numbness, balance issues, and cognitive decline. It’s diagnosed by blood tests (B-12, plus homocysteine and methylmalonic acid as needed). Good dietary sources include animal products and fortified foods; supplementation is typically oral, with injections for more severe cases. Early treatment can reverse memory problems and brain fog, while prolonged deficiency can lead to irreversible issues.

via HuffPost|

#b12-deficiency #brain-health #cognitive-function