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Showing posts with the label brain health

17 factors affect your risk for dementia, stroke and depression, study suggests

April 5 (CNN/GNA) – More than 55 million people worldwide have dementia, a number expected to nearly triple by 2050. Deaths from strokes may double by the same year, and 10% to 20% of adults experience depression later in life. While the numbers are striking, there’s a growing body of evidence showing that many of these cases may not be genetically fated, but rather could be delayed or prevented altogether by addressing health factors generally within our control. At least 17 factors contribute to dementia, stroke and late-life depression, according to an extensive review published Wednesday in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. Addressing the 17 factors can reduce people’s risk for all three conditions. Those factors are, in no order of importance: Blood pressure Body mass index Kidney disease Blood sugar Total cholesterol Alcohol use ...

How Vision Foretells Dementia Up to 12 Years Before Diagnosis

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A recent study indicates that alterations in eyesight might serve as an initial indicator of dementia, potentially surfacing up to 12 years prior to diagnosis. Experts suggest that basic ocular examinations could aid in identifying the condition even before cognitive issues arise. Dementia refers to various neurological conditions that cause a deterioration in an individual’s memory, intellectual functions, problem-solving abilities, logical reasoning, among others as they grow older. This condition progressively intensifies, impacting behavior adversely. Although there currently isn’t a treatment to eliminate dementia completely, certain medications can assist in managing its manifestations. The study, published in peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports , carried out in Norfolk, England, tracked 8,623 healthy participants over multiple years. At the conclusion of the research, 537 individuals had been diagnosed with dementia. The findings revealed that participants who...

Neuroscientist's Secret Weapon for a Healthy, Sharp Brain: "Nothing Beats the Power of Physical Activity"

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To maintain the fitness of your mind in excellent condition , make sure to be physically active whenever possible. The impact of physical activity on our brain is incredibly potent, Dr. Wendy Suzuki , a neuroscientist and the dean of NYU College of Arts and Science, stated in an interview episode from a recent MasterClass series featuring neuroscientists and psychiatrists who offer guidance on maintaining optimal brain health. Suzuki pointed out that taking just ten minutes of daily walks can significantly boost one’s mood. He also noted that games such as soccer and basketball stimulate the prefrontal cortex more effectively compared to many other forms of exercise. However, the fitness regimen in Suzuki's weekly schedule stands apart from typical routines. “I was lured away from my sedentary lifestyle by this incredible fitness method,” Suzuki stated. “It’s known as intenSati.” The first part of the name "inten" comes from the term "intention,...