The American Heart Association reports that 42% of dementia cases in the United States can be attributed to these twelve factors: lower educational attainment, hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, high blood pressure, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, smoking, depression, social isolation, not getting the recommended amount of physical activity, diabetes, and air pollution. American Heart Association,…

According to a study that looked at the long-term health histories of over 153,000 women, entering menopause before the age of 40 is associated with a 35% increased risk for dementia later in life when compared with women who begin menopause around age 50. Researcher Dr. Wenting Hao notes that estrogen can activate antioxidants in…

Following a review of data from the Normative Aging Study that included 1,550 men, researchers report that higher anxiety levels during mid-life are associated with a 10-13% increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Journal of the American Heart Association, January 2022

A review of 16 studies regarding stroke incidence in the younger adult population found that women under the age of 35 are 44% more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke than men in the same age group. While the review does not pinpoint a reason for the difference, the authors of the study note that…

The Cleveland Clinic offers the following advice for caregivers of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease: stay informed about the disease, learn about behavioral challenges such as agitation and depression, be alert for wandering, provide a stable and calm environment, help the loved one express their emotions, and make sure the loved one keeps a…

There’s an abundance of research regarding the many poor outcomes associated with obesity from an increased risk for type 2 diabetes to an elevated risk for heart attack. Now, a new study that included 9,200 adults suggests that obesity may also cause the brain to age faster, which can hasten cognitive decline. JAMA Network Open,…

Interviews with over 5,000 teenager-parent pairs revealed that adolescents average about 3.9 hours of leisure screen time a day. Past research has shown that excessive screen time can increase the risk for poor outcomes like depression, anxiety, inattention, poor sleep, and physical inactivity. Academic Pediatrics, December 2021

During a four-year study, researchers observed that older adults with mild cognitive impairment who socialized in a greater number of environments were less likely to progress to dementia. Alzheimer’s Disease and Associated Disorders, January 2022

Researchers use handgrip strength to estimate an individual’s overall fitness level. A systematic review of data from 16 studies has concluded that poor handgrip strength is also associated with a nearly two-times increased risk for dementia. Geroscience, January 2022

Among a group of 979 retired professional football players over the age of 65, researchers observed that those had sustained ten or more concussions in their lifetime were five times more likely to have suffered a stroke. Stroke, January 2022