Researchers at Mass General Brigham's McCance Center for Brain Health, in collaboration with Yale University, have developed the McCance Brain Care Score to help individuals maintain brain health and reduce the risk of dementia, stroke, and depression. The scorecard includes 12 modifiable factors such as blood pressure, nutrition, physical activity, and social connections. A study involving over 350,000 participants from the U.K. Biobank found that a 5-point increase in the score was linked to a significant reduction in the risk of these conditions over a 13-year period.
A new study suggests that consuming two liters or more per week of artificially sweetened beverages may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation by 20%, while consuming added-sugar beverages raises the risk by 10%. Atrial fibrillation is a dangerous irregular heartbeat associated with an increased risk of stroke and other serious health conditions. The study recommends reducing or avoiding artificially sweetened and sugar-sweetened beverages whenever possible, and emphasizes the importance of further research to fully understand the health consequences of these drinks.
A new study analyzing U.S. Forest Service data reveals that climate change is impacting forests differently across the United States, with the Western region experiencing a notable slowdown in productivity due to severe climate change impacts, while the Eastern region has seen slightly accelerated growth. This imbalance in forest productivity has significant implications for global carbon sequestration, as forests play a critical role in storing carbon and regulating the Earth's climate. The study emphasizes the urgent need for reduced global greenhouse gas emissions to preserve forest carbon sinks and limit the acceleration of climate change.
A Danish study involving over half a million people suggests that using hearing aids can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia. While hearing loss increases dementia risk by 20%, this risk drops to 7% with the use of hearing aids. The study highlights the importance of early intervention and regular hearing assessments to potentially decrease the incidence of dementia. Experts call for further research to understand the biological mechanisms behind this association and to destigmatize the use of hearing aids.
A study from Purdue University indicates that having sex at least once a week until the age of 90 may help maintain cognitive function in older adults. The research, which involved over 1,600 participants aged 62 to 90, found that sexual activity was linked to better brain function across this age group, with variations in the impact of physical pleasure on cognitive functioning between men and women. The study emphasizes the potential importance of sexual well-being in preventing mental decline in later life.
