Category Archives: Brain Function

Older people with diabetes should have routine eye exams to help identify cognitive decline. Research shows that older adults with diabetes are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders than people without diabetes. With regular eye exams, doctors can identify changes in the retina that may be associated with cognitive disorders. Scientists ...click here to read more

According to a new study from the American Academy of Neurology, high blood pressure during pregnancy may lead to memory decline later in life. Researchers have found that women who have pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure tend to have lower scores on memory and thinking skills tests through the years following pregnancy. The study included ...click here to read more

Patients who have psoriasis may be at an increased risk for metabolic syndrome (MetSyn), leading to a higher cardiovascular risk. This new information comes from a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. For the study, researchers from the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, and colleagues examined the impact ...click here to read more

A new study has shown that by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), physicians can locate potential brain biomarkers of PTSD in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The research, which appeared in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, is a stepping-stone for better treatment and outcomes for those who may develop PTSD. If doctors could ...click here to read more

Young adults with PTSD may have an increased risk of stroke when taking certain types of antidepressants, according to new research. The study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke was the largest investigation of post-traumatic stress disorder and antidepressant-associated stroke risk in young adults ever performed. Collecting data from 1.1 million U.S. veterans ...click here to read more

Mental health affects millions of people in America, yet it still has a certain stigma surrounding it. However, one of the world’s most popular musical genres is helping those overcome mental illness by encouraging people to seek professional treatment. With the worldwide popularity of hip-hop, many rappers have risen to fame. In fact, seven of ...click here to read more

Those who enjoy wine and cheese as part of their diet may want to note new research showing that it may reduce cognitive decline. Studies on diet typically show a direct impact on health in a negative way, but this new research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease has found a positive connection with ...click here to read more

Regardless of age, high blood pressure takes a toll on memory and thinking skills. The findings suggested that even hypertensive middle-aged folks experienced cognitive decline. And even if high blood pressure was kept in check until advanced age, cognition took a steep decline once it set it. The long and short of the study is ...click here to read more

Sleep is at a premium these days. The stress and anxiety of the holidays can make it tough to get a good night’s sleep. Toss a pandemic into the mix, and quality sleep becomes even more elusive. Sleeping pills, also called “z-drugs,” can be an attractive option for those struggling with sleep. But they are ...click here to read more

As more research becomes available, it’s becoming more apparent that focusing on heart health in midlife is crucial for lowering the risk of dementia later in life. New studies are showing that even those who have just a few signs of poor heart health in middle age are linked to a faster decline in cognition. ...click here to read more

New research has found that high blood pressure may accelerate cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults. Studies such as this are becoming imperative since nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure or hypertension. According to the study published in Hypertension, high blood pressure is a risk factor for cognitive decline. This includes ...click here to read more

According to new research from the University of Eastern Finland, obstructive sleep apnea (OBA) may have a more significant impact on the heart than previously noted. Patients with OBA have been found to show a higher immediate heart rate variability and greater changes in beat-to-beat intervals. These new findings come from two recent studies that ...click here to read more

Not being able to run as fast or lift as much weight as you used to is an acceptable form of aging. But when memory starts to go? Little can be more frustrating. But it happens. Just like your muscles have slowed down with age, so has your brain. Age can cause your brain to ...click here to read more

With the COVID-19 pandemic across the world, many people are experiencing more stress than ever. This stress can cause health problems such as headaches, trouble sleeping, muscle pain, upset stomach, and fatigue. According to Dr. Craig Sawchuk, a Mayo Clinic psychologist, everyone has a “stressometer.” This is a warning from your body that stress may ...click here to read more