Category Archives: Brain Function

This week is off to a rough start. To tell you the truth, I’ve done something I haven’t done in at least 8-10 years: I watched my favorite sports team on its west coast road trip. The late nights are taking its toll. But it got me thinking about sleep and “sleep hygiene.” So, many ...click here to read more

I’ll mark the day—November 9. I had gone out for a lovely brunch with my wife before stopping in at the pharmacy to pick up some toothpaste. When we walked through the door, it was like we’d entered Santa’s village. Christmas decorations, gift idea, chocolates, and, of course, Christmas carols. It’s quite possible we missed ...click here to read more

It is never too late to start a fitness routine if you want to reduce the likelihood of getting dementia. New research shows that staying fit or improving fitness could be one of the best medicines to help improve cognitive functions. Atefe Tari of the Cardiac Exercise Research Group (CERG) at the Norwegian University of ...click here to read more

The severity of mental health issues, including depression, may have a connection to heart disease and stroke. A study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions examined the connection between depression and non-fatal heart diseases such as heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack, or stroke. The study looked at U.S. adults aged ...click here to read more

We all have those family members who can make our blood boil. A new study has come out, just in time for the holidays no less, that says strained family relationships are a major contributor to chronic illness. As the holidays near and you may be faced with spending time with family members that make ...click here to read more

For people worried about the risk of depression, getting plenty of exercise may help. New research shows how even those with a genetic risk of mental health issues could greatly benefit from all forms of exercise. The study, published in the journal, Depression and Anxiety, analyzed data from nearly 8,000 people and found that people ...click here to read more

Every night, when you’re off in dreamland, things are happening. Processes are underway throughout your body, all of it with the purpose of setting you off on the right foot tomorrow, and potentially many days after that. Some of the most important actions are taking place in your brain, where a biological cleaning crew comes ...click here to read more

Research has shown that tobacco smoking is more common among people with mental illness, especially depression and schizophrenia. However, until now, there has been no evidence for cause-and-effect and in which direction. A new study published in Psychological Medicine poses the question, does mental illness increase the likelihood of smoking, or is smoking itself a ...click here to read more

Chronically itchy skin has now been linked to mental issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Itchy skin is a widespread symptom in patients suffering from skin diseases, and a new cross-sectional study is now showing the psychological burden that it can take on those suffering from the condition. The study published in the Journal ...click here to read more

Many people exercise in their younger years, but staying active is just as important later in life for improved physical health and memory. Researchers at McMaster University have examined the impact of exercise on the brain and have found that high-intensity workouts can improve memory in older adults. The study published in the journal Applied ...click here to read more

Two of the most significant health threats facing you right now are heart failure and Alzheimer’s. Don’t believe me? Check the facts: Nine out of 10 deaths from heart failure are in the 65+ age bracket. 7.3 million Americans have dementia. That number is expected to double in the next 20 years, One specialist recently ...click here to read more

In mid-October, a biotechnology company called Biogen claimed it has produced a drug that can slow down cognitive decline and the onset of Alzheimer’s. The product still needs to undergo FDA approval and is unlikely to be available—if it is approved—for at least two years. That’s pretty cool news. Unfortunately, news of new drugs isn’t ...click here to read more

New research shows how a high-salt diet may contribute to cognitive impairment by creating chemical changes to the protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This is yet another reminder by healthcare professionals to regulate salt consumption. This new research has found that a high-salt diet could cause a deficiency of the compound nitric oxide, which is ...click here to read more

For those who have dementia, aggression and agitation can be a daily struggle. But new research shows how unconventional therapies can go a long way in helping soothe these emotions in dementia patients. Non-drug therapies such as massage, touch therapy, and outdoor activities have been shown to help dementia patients who may be feeling aggression ...click here to read more