Condition Spotlight
Cognitive health is the ability to clearly think, learn, and remember. It is an important component of brain health. Others include motor function, which is how well a person can make and control movements; emotional function, which is how well a person can interpret and respond to emotions; and sensory function which evaluates how well a person can feel and respond to sensations of touch, such as pressure, pain, and temperature.
You’re having a holiday dinner, and your friends and family are gathering around a feast of homemade foods. You haven’t seen your grandma in several months, but when you start talking to her, you are Read More
It’s over a hundred years since the first case of Alzheimer’s disease was diagnosed. Since then we’ve learned a great deal about the protein ‘tangles’ and ‘plaques’ that cause the disease. How close are we Read More
As you age, your risk of dementia increases. Age is one of the greatest risk factors for dementia. The number of people suffering from this disease, which according to the World Health Organization is the Read More
To families and friends, caring for a loved one with dementia faces several difficulties. Dementia patients from disorders like Alzheimer’s and related illnesses are undergoing a gradual biological brain disorder that makes it increasingly difficult Read More
More than 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. As we age we become significantly at risk for declining brain health as one in nine people age 65 and older have dementia. This Read More
Around a third of people aged 85 or older show signs of Alzheimer’s, which is the leading cause of dementia and cognitive decline. Many people are worried about cognitive decline as they age, as it Read More
Representing more than 99% of our genetic material, the friendly microbes in our bodies take up a lot of space. Mainly residing in the gut, our bugs were here first, have co-evolved with us, and Read More
It’s tempting to dip into the leftover Holiday treats, but new research out of York University has found eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, combined with regular exercise, leads to better cognitive functioning for younger Read More
A variety of physical changes in the aging brain can trigger cognitive impairment and memory loss. Age-related thinning of the cerebral cortex, a decrease in the production of neurotransmitters (the brain’s chemical messengers) and the Read More
The global prevalence of dementia is growing at an alarming rate. According to a forecast reported by the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of people with dementia is estimated to triple by 2050. (1) Although lifestyle Read More
Cognitive health is the ability to clearly think, learn, and remember. Functions such as motor skills, emotional responses, and sensory responses indicate a resilience to neuropathological damage.
Genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors are all thought to influence cognition and health. Some of these factors may contribute to a decline in thinking skills and the ability to perform everyday tasks.
Environmental and lifestyle factors which patients can control are risk factors for health problems. These can include heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and depression, and brain injuries. Studies have shown and agreed on risk factors which can contribute to cognitive decline. These include some medicines, or improper use of them, lack of physical activity, poor diet, and smoking. They can also include drinking too much alcohol, sleep problems, little social activity or being alone most of the time.