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Can flavonoids help fend off forgetfulness?

Eating a broad variety of fruits and vegetables is a good way to get a sufficient intake of flavonoids, chemicals that contribute to many aspects of health. Now, a study suggests that flavonoid-rich foods may also play a role in protecting memory and thinking as people get older.

Statins have no apparent link to cognitive problems or dementia

For older people, taking cholesterol-lower statins does not appear to affect their risk of developing cognitive problems or dementia.

A blood test may predict increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease

A study published online June 2, 2021, by the journal Brain found that a blood test may help to predict an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Take short breaks to maximize memory and learning

Taking short breaks between practice sessions may help someone master a new skill, according to a study published June 8, 2021, in Cell Reports.

Do people who have COVID-19 go on to develop other diseases?

Evidence suggests that people who recover from COVID-19 have an increased risk for developing new health problems, including heart attacks, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, muscle inflammation, blood clots that travel to the lungs, strokes from clots or hemorrhages, or psychosis. This is in addition to permanent damage that can result from having COVID, including damage to the lungs, heart, kidneys, brain, or other organs; and debilitating fatigue, difficulty thinking, and other symptoms that make it hard to function normally at work or at home.

Wearable devices may encourage enough exercise to prevent afib

Getting the recommended amount of physical activity appears to lower the risk of atrial fibrillation (afib), a heart rhythm disorder that raises the risk of stroke.

Early menopause linked to higher risk of stroke

Women who go through menopause before they turn 40 may be more likely to have a stroke than women who undergo the transition between 50 and 54, according to a study published in the August 2021 issue of the journal Stroke.

5 tips to help you age well

Aging well is sometimes a matter of luck, but there are some strategies that increase the chances of living well for longer. These include protecting brain health by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, walking regularly, and regularly reviewing medications to ensure that you still need to be taking them, that you are taking the correct dose and to prevent dangerous side effects. Other strategies such as learning to use technology to increase connections with others and using assistive devices, such as walkers or canes, can help people remain independent for longer.

Shingles vaccine may also reduce stroke risk

The shingles vaccine was associated with a 10% to 20% lower risk of stroke among adults ages 66 and older, according to a recent study.

The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious

Though recently discovered, the endocannabinoid system regulates and controls many of our critical bodily functions. Researchers are investigating the ECS's role in learning and memory and in hunger, hoping that these avenues of research may lead to new drug discoveries.

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