Lack of Sleep Can Take a Toll on the Brain.

Otherwise healthy volunteers who slept two fewer hours a night for three nights in a row not only became less effective at performing tasks, but according to researcher Dr. Ingvild Saksvik-Lehouillier, “[Participants also] experienced a flattening of emotions…. They felt less joy, enthusiasm, attention and fulfillment.” Sleep, June 2020

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Diabetes, Sleep Disorders, and Dementia

Using data from the Korean Health Screening Cohort, researchers report that type 2 diabetics with a sleep disorder have a 46% higher risk for dementia than those without a sleep disorder. Journal of Diabetes, July 2020

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Mindfulness Improves Mood of MS Patients.

Mindfulness is described as the ability to be fully present, aware of where you are, and calm about what’s going on around you. In a recent study involving 61 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, researchers observed that those who received mindfulness training experienced improvements in cognitive function and mood regulation. Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology, May 2020

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Noise, Air Pollution, and Alzheimer’s.

New research suggests that frequent exposure to elevated noise and carbon monoxide levels may lead to increased oxidative stress in the body, which may raise the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Medical Gas Research, June 2020

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Gum Disease Linked to Dementia?

Researchers reviewed data from twelve studies and concluded that individuals with a history of periodontal disease have a 38% increased risk for dementia. European Journal of Epidemiology, June 2020

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Ask Grandma to Dance

In a study involving 16 grandma-granddaughter pairs who danced for 10-15 minutes once a week, researchers observed that the grandmothers experienced an increase in positive feelings and a better mood, while the granddaughters noted they gained an improved perspective on aging. Additionally, the participants reported the dance sessions strengthened their relationship with one another. Frontiers…

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Kids Intuitive About Parental Stress.

New research indicates that attempting to suppress emotions can lead a parent and their child to become cold and less engaged with one another. Researcher Dr. Sara Waters writes, “That makes sense for a parent distracted by trying to keep their stress hidden, but the kids very quickly changed their behavior to match the parent……

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