Brain health Archive

Many older adults feel they can’t keep up with the deluge of apps, texts, emails, patient portals, social media, and video calls that are now part of everyday life. Age-related brain changes can make digital overload more challenging, and too much screen time can affect physical and mental health.

A 2026 study suggested that getting a high-dose flu shot may reduce older adults’ risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared with a standard-dose flu shot.

A 2026 study suggested that people who eat healthier plant-based diets, which prioritize whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, have a lower risk of developing dementia than people who eat a plant-based diet that includes more refined grains, fruit juices, and added sugars.

People who aggressively lower their high blood pressure not only help their heart health, but also may protect their brains from cognitive decline in the process, according to a 2025 study.

Communicating with someone with dementia can be tricky, since their ability to understand others and express themselves fluctuates and declines. Certain communication strategies can help smooth interactions between caregivers and dementia patients. They include being an active listener, avoiding confrontation, agreeing with the patient's reality, removing distractions, using shorter sentences and smaller words, asking yes-or-no questions, using written lists and schedules, and incorporating touch.

Recent advances in caring for people with strokes include expanded access to medications and clot removal procedures. In certain cases, these therapies may be done up to 24 hours after stroke symptoms first appear.

All adults should get a lipoprotein(a) blood test at least once in their lifetime, according to the 2026 cholesterol guidelines. Also known as Lp(a), these fatty particles are similar to LDL (bad) cholesterol but more dangerous.

People with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness were less likely to develop depression and dementia than those with low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, according to a 2026 research review.

Dementia poses many challenges, both for people struggling with it and for those close to them. Understanding common behaviors and learning to handle situations that arise can help families and caregivers.

More than 30% of adults over 70 have amyloid or tau (proteins implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s disease) in their brains yet have no apparent cognitive problems. This may indicate greater cognitive reserve, the brain’s ability to compensate for damage.