A large US study found a significant increase in memory and cognitive issues among adults under 40 over the past decade, with rates nearly doubling, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, highlighting a growing public health concern.
Self-reported memory and thinking difficulties among U.S. adults, especially those aged 18-39, have increased significantly over the past decade, with higher rates among lower-income, less-educated, and minority groups, prompting calls for further research into social and economic causes.
A decade-long study reveals a significant rise in self-reported memory and thinking problems among U.S. adults, especially those under 40, with social and economic disadvantages playing a key role, raising concerns about a potential brain fog epidemic.
A three-minute EEG-based brainwave test shows promise in detecting early memory issues linked to Alzheimer's disease, potentially allowing for earlier intervention and better targeting of new drugs, though larger studies are needed to confirm its predictive power.
A transcript of a special counsel's interview with President Biden over his handling of classified files shows that while the president appeared clearheaded, he fumbled with dates and the sequence of events. The report by special counsel Robert K. Hur concluded that there was insufficient evidence to charge Biden with a crime but portrayed him as an "elderly man with a poor memory," sparking political controversy amid his re-election campaign. Biden's lawyers have challenged this portrayal, and the transcript was released to evaluate Hur's assessment that Biden's memory has "significant limitations."
A large study found that symptoms of sleep apnea, such as snorting, gasping, or paused breathing during sleep, are linked to a significantly higher risk of cognitive and memory problems. The study suggests that clinicians should consider sleep apnea as a potential factor in individuals experiencing memory or cognitive issues, prompting further evaluation for sleep apnea, particularly in at-risk individuals. While the study did not establish a cause-and-effect relationship, it highlights the importance of raising awareness about the potential link between sleep and cognitive function, and the need for early identification and treatment to improve overall health and quality of life.
A new study has found an association between sleep apnea symptoms and a 50% higher risk of memory and thinking problems. The study, based on data from the 2017–18 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, revealed that participants with sleep apnea symptoms had greater odds of experiencing memory or thinking issues. While the findings highlight the importance of early screening for sleep apnea, further research is needed to establish the effects of sleep apnea symptoms on memory and thinking. Experts emphasize the potential impact of sleep apnea on cognitive function and the importance of early treatment, such as using a CPAP machine, to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
A new study suggests that individuals with sleep apnea symptoms may be more likely to experience memory or thinking problems, although it did not determine whether the disorder causes cognitive decline. The research, based on a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, found that proactive measures in screening and managing sleep apnea are needed, with effective treatments such as CPAP machines readily available to help. Sleep apnea is associated with a high risk of developing cognitive impairment, and addressing conditions like sleep apnea is crucial for maintaining cognitive health.
A study from the University of California, San Francisco suggests that individuals with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may be at a higher risk of developing memory and thinking problems in middle age. The research found that participants with PCOS had lower scores on tests measuring memory, attention, and verbal abilities, as well as lower white matter integrity in the brain compared to those without PCOS. The study highlights the potential link between PCOS and cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive care and lifestyle interventions to protect brain health in individuals with PCOS.
A recent study from the University of California has found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may experience memory and thinking problems in middle age, with brain scans revealing poorer connections between brain cells. The condition, which affects 10% of women and is linked to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems, could lead to subtle brain changes at midlife. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Neuroscientist Robert Love shared three early signs of Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the importance of catching it early for prevention. The signs include putting things in unusual places, social withdrawal, and mood changes, with the latter being a surprising indicator. Other common symptoms of Alzheimer's include memory problems, repetitive questioning, and difficulties with tasks. The NHS advises seeking medical advice if concerned about memory problems or dementia symptoms.
Researchers believe they have identified the cause of "chemo-brain," a condition characterized by memory and attention problems in cancer patients undergoing treatment. The study suggests that an excess of calcium floating in the brain may be responsible for these cognitive symptoms. The findings could potentially lead to new treatments to restore cognitive function in cancer patients. Excess calcium build-up is also associated with cognitive deficits in other conditions such as Alzheimer's, long Covid, and PTSD.
A study conducted over 30 years with 5,116 women found that those who followed the heart-healthy DASH diet in midlife were about 17% less likely to report memory loss and cognitive decline later in life. The DASH diet, which focuses on plant-based foods and lower levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar, has been shown to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and dementia. The study highlights the importance of adopting a healthy diet in midlife to prevent cognitive impairment in older age.
A study conducted over 30 years on 5,116 women found that those who followed the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet in midlife were about 17% less likely to report memory loss and cognitive decline later in life. The DASH diet, designed to lower blood pressure, consists of higher levels of plant-based foods and lower saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar. While the study relied on self-reported cognitive complaints without clinical assessment, it suggests that starting a healthy diet in midlife may help prevent cognitive decline or impairment in older age.
Lesions in the brain's memory circuit, similar to those seen in stroke patients, are associated with memory problems in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a study. The findings could help identify which lesions are likely to cause memory issues in MS patients, a challenge in previous research. The study suggests that MS lesions causing memory dysfunction connect to a memory circuit, centered on the hippocampus, which extends to other brain regions involved in memory. Patients with more damage to the memory circuit tended to have poorer memory test scores, and those with higher overall lesion volume were more likely to have memory problems. The study may provide insight into the relationship between lesion burden and memory dysfunction in MS.