Illness and disease don’t exist in silos: often, one can trigger or exacerbate another. Emerging evidence is painting a clearer, more urgent picture: the global epidemic of diabetes may be one of the strongest, yet most controllable risk factors for developing dementia. Far from being two separate conditions, researchers are increasingly recognizing them as a...
As people age, it is normal to experience small shifts in memory and processing speed. Forgetting where the keys are or occasionally misplacing glasses is part of everyday life. But when changes begin to interfere with independence, they may point to something more serious. Recognizing the signs of dementia early is important because intervention, planning,...
Across the globe, women are more likely to develop dementia, and biology provides one key reason. The story is quite complex, though, since your reproductive milestones and medical decisions tend to shape your lifelong exposure to hormones. Researchers are now carefully tracking how events like your first period, pregnancies, or surgery relate to later cognitive...
Prescription drugs play an essential role in treating everything from anxiety to chronic illness. But growing evidence shows that some of these more common medications are linked to dementia or memory loss, particularly in older adults. These effects are often linked to how the medications interact with brain chemicals like acetylcholine, which is vital for...
There is some bad news for those who use a type of acid reflux drugs, particularly proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), according to new research. These new findings suggest that long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may increase the risk of developing dementia by as much as 33%. Millions across the globe depend on these...
Most research points towards a link between diet and neurological disorders, such as dementia risk. Many dietary experts purport the Mediterranean and MIND diets for longevity and better health in life. Diets that prioritize whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and legumes and are linked with better cognitive function. However, there...
Dementia affects millions worldwide, and women carry a heavier burden than men. Longer life spans, hormonal shifts during menopause, and higher prevalence rates make prevention especially important for women. The good news is that science shows lifestyle choices can lower risk in powerful ways. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Instead, adding brain-healthy...
While Parkinson’s disease initially causes physical symptoms, issues with cognitive function often emerge later. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, around 4 out of 5 Parkinson’s patients eventually develop dementia. This can lead to cognitive issues with problem-solving, communicating, concentration, and memory. A new study has found that a cough medicine commonly used in Europe may...
Gabapentin is an FDA-approved prescription anticonvulsant that is primarily used to treat nerve pain and control epileptic seizures. But it is also prescribed “off-label” as a painkiller or treatment for fibromyalgia, sciatica, insomnia, anxiety, hot flashes, and lower back pain. It’s a popular choice since it’s not as addictive as opioids. Like all medications, gabapentin has...
Being social is more important to our well-being than we may have realized. Studies have shown that regular social interaction can lower the risk of developing anxiety and depression. People who socialize often also tend to have lower stress hormone levels and even better immune function. According to recent research, people who are social also...
Chronic lower back pain doesn’t just limit mobility, it can take over daily life. For millions of older adults, persistent pain leads to reliance on prescription medication just to get through the day. But recent research suggests that some of the most commonly prescribed drugs for this condition may quietly increase the risk of a...
It often starts small. A forgotten conversation. A recipe gone wrong. A loved one repeating the same story, or withdrawing from the ones they used to tell. These moments can feel like quirks of aging, easy to brush aside. But sometimes, they’re signs of something deeper: the earliest signals of dementia. Dementia is an umbrella...
