Assessments of 40 children conducted at 1.5 years and 3.5 years of age revealed that those who spent the most time using touchscreens each day were less likely to resist distraction than kids who used electronic devices less often. JAMA Pediatrics, January 2021

A review of long-term data concerning over 6,000 individuals revealed that frequent cannabis use from adolescence onward is associated with a drop in IQ of approximately two points by around age 40. Senior author Dr. Mary Cannon adds, “Previous research tells us that young people who use cannabis frequently have worse outcomes in life than…

An analysis of data concerning over 28,000 adults revealed that midlife was the period of time in which 1 in 5 experienced their highest levels of psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety. Study co-author Dr. George Ploubidis explains, “Midlife tends to involve a ‘peak’ in career, with middle-aged adults acquiring increasing responsibility as the…

While a history of high blood pressure is a known risk factor for dementia, a recent study suggests that older adults who develop hypertension late in life may be at an even higher risk for cognitive decline. Frontiers in Neurology, November 2020

Questionnaires completed by over 27,000 teenagers revealed that 29% exhibit behaviors and symptoms suggesting addiction to the Internet. These individuals were also more likely to engage in other unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such has inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, lack of exercise, frequent consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods, and alcohol and e-cigarette use. International…

Researchers tested the kidney function of over 2,600 young adults every five years for two decades and found that those who received treatment for serious kidney-related issues on at least one occasion scored lower on cognitive assessments at midlife than participants with normal kidney function. Neurology, September 2020

New research suggests that declines in visual memory may become apparent in seniors at risk for Alzheimer’s disease before the onset of clinical symptoms. This finding may help in the creation of assessments for identifying future cases of Alzheimer’s disease much earlier than current methods. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, August 2020

New research suggests that smoking, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes are each significant risk factors for mental decline in middle age. Neurology, July 2020

Past research has shown that individuals with serious mental illness have an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. In a recent study that involved 132 adults with serious mental illness, researchers found that when a counselor and nurse guided participants to engage in a healthier lifestyle (stop smoking, eat a healthy diet, exercise, etc.), their risk…

The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care reports that up to 35% of dementia cases could be prevented by staying mentally engaged; maintaining a healthy weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose reading; addressing midlife hearing loss and late-life depression; and staying socially active. Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, July 2020