Category Archives: Brain Function

New information from the American Heart Association (AHA) has provided new important guidelines about sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and cardiac arrhythmias. SBD is often undiagnosed, but new research shows how it may be associated with developing cardiac arrhythmia. Approximately 1 billion people suffer from SDB worldwide. Alterations in breathing during sleep characterize the condition. Previous studies ...click here to read more

Dementia is a condition that affects the brain and results in impaired thinking, memory, and behavior. While there is no cure for dementia, you can take steps to lower your risk of developing this debilitating disease. One such step is engaging in leisure activities that stimulate the mind and keep your brain active. In fact, ...click here to read more

According to a new study, people with abnormalities in the heart’s left atrium may have a higher risk of developing dementia later in life by 35%. This risk was found in people with or without symptoms, including those who did not have atrial fibrillation or stroke, two conditions known to be associated with dementia. The ...click here to read more

Being in tune with your emotions may sound straightforward, but it is not. For example, have you ever found yourself irritated by a person that has literally done nothing more than asking you how your day was? Many people overestimate their level of self-awareness. Even people who think they are in touch with their emotions ...click here to read more

Getting older can be difficult for everyone, but a new study suggests a simple exercise routine may help keep the aging brain healthy as we get older. According to the findings, regular exercise may help protect aging brains from cognitive decline. Researchers say the benefits of exercise seem to be strongest in people who start ...click here to read more

People who have gout may need to be cautious of an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. New research from the University of Nottingham suggests that cardiovascular risks increase in the four months after a gout flare. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. The ...click here to read more

New research has shown that chair yoga may be a valuable exercise for older adults with dementia. Cognitive decline doesn’t just involve the mind, it can also deteriorate physical function, but this new study shows a unique way to keep seniors with dementia active. Chair yoga is a safe, effective, low-impact intervention that can be ...click here to read more

Of all the fruits in the world, strawberries may be one of the most beneficial for reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to being low in calories and high in nutrients, a new study has found that including strawberries in your diet may help protect your brain. Researchers say that the antioxidants found ...click here to read more

It’s long been known that physical and mental activity can help delay memory problems with age. But new research is showing the effects may be more pronounced for women. This new research looked at the cognitive reserve, or the brain’s ability to withstand the effects of diseases like Alzheimer’s without showing a decline in thinking ...click here to read more

People wake up about four times per night, on average. Most fall back to sleep quickly like nothing happened, and it isn’t a problem. But as age goes up, the number of awakenings can, too. Older adults spend more time in the earlier, lighter sleep stages and less time in the deeper sleep stages. This ...click here to read more

If you often take a nap during the day, you may be at an increased risk for high blood pressure and stroke. A recent study found that adults who napped frequently were more likely to have hypertension than those who didn’t nap. So, if you’re looking to keep your blood pressure under control, it’s best ...click here to read more

Meditation and mindfulness have been used for centuries to help control pain, but exactly how it works has been a mystery. A new study may explain how these ancient practices may alter brain function to relieve pain. The study used MRI scans to learn that mindfulness and meditation can interrupt communication between brain areas that ...click here to read more

You’ve learned a lot of things in your life. Far too many to remember. So, cut yourself some slack when something slips your mind, especially if it’s not particularly important to you. And try not to worry. It’s likely not related to some underlying brain disease like Alzheimer’s or dementia. Just like you’re not as ...click here to read more

Depression is a serious mental health condition that can lead to several health problems, including stroke. A new study has found that adults who exhibit symptoms of depression are at an increased risk of having a stroke. If you are concerned about your mental health or are experiencing symptoms of depression, it is important to ...click here to read more