Summary
This document provides some recent news and information about improving brain health and avoiding cognitive decline.
In July 2024, it was reported that the current shingles vaccine has been shown to reduce dementia. [Source] This discovery has inspired an increase of interest in brain health.
Overview
When people age, and are removed from friends, family, and what is familiar, the environmental stimulus for sustaining mental sharpness and wellbeing is removed. Isolation, less physical activity, and hearing loss can further diminish cognitive abilities. Efforts are being made to understand what contributes to overall decline, and how to slow the aging process.
News
ABC News (29 Jul 2024)
“Blood test could help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease” — A study from Sweden shows early but promising results for a straightforward blood test for Alzheimer’s disease that could be easier for doctors to administer, but which is not yet approved by the FDA. [Source]
NBC News (29 Jul 2024)
“Research shows new blood tests could detect Alzheimer’s disease more accurately” — A study shows that new blood tests can detect the characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease more accurately. NBC News medical fellow Dr. Akshay Syal talks about how the new tests are outperforming current options. [Source]
CBS (26 Jul 2024)
“Latest shingles vaccine could help delay dementia” — Dr. Celine Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor, discusses a new study that says the latest shingles vaccination may also help delay dementia. According to a study published in the journal “Nature Medicine,” researchers found people who received that vaccine lived on average 164 additional days without dementia, compared to those who got the previous shingles vaccines. [Source]
Scientific American (20 Aug 2024)
“Many Older People Maintain and Even Gain Cognitive Skills” — Contrary to stereotypes of the doddering elderly, research shows that half of people older than age 70 stay mentally sharp. … A longer-term study followed more than 2,000 individuals with an average age of 77 for up to 16 years. It showed that the three quarters who did not develop dementia showed little to no cognitive decline. [Source]
College of Psychiatrists of Ireland (13 Aug 2024)
“Misconceptions About Old Age Psychiatry” — Consultant Old Age Psychiatrists Drs Joanne Fegan and Atiqa Rafiq discuss some common misconceptions about old age psychiatry, and offer a more positive outlook toward treatment and recovery for older psychiatry patients. [Source]
College of Psychiatrists of Ireland (7 Aug 2024)
“Delaying Cognitive Decline” — As part of our Tips From Psychiatrists series, Consultant Old Age Psychiatrists Drs Atiqa Rafiq, Joanne Fegan and Mia McLaughlin offer advice on small changes we can all make to delay cognitive decline as we age. [Source]
College of Psychiatrists of Ireland (7 Aug 2024)
“Different Types of Dementia” — Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist Dr Atiqa Rafiq discusses the different types of dementia and the importance of early diagnosis. This video is part of our Tips from Psychiatrists series, currently focusing on Psychiatry of Later Life. [Source]
WHO (19 Jul 2024)
“WHO’s Science in 5 — Dementia” — Is Dementia a normal part of ageing? Someone suffers from dementia every three seconds. What are the causes? Can we prevent it? Is there a cure? Dr Katrin Seeher explains in Science in 5. [Source]
Deutsche Welle (7 Jul 2024)
“Isolation and dementia – Why we should protect our ears” — If you’re young, you don’t usually do enough to protect your hearing. But more than a billion youngsters are at risk of hearing loss worldwide. People often turn to assistive devices when it’s already too late. Hearing loss can result in isolation and accelerate the onset of dementia. [Source]
Louisa Nicola (26 Jun 2024)
“These Habits Are The Leading Cause Of Alzheimer’s” — We know that the seeds of Alzheimer’s disease are planted at least twenty years before a diagnosis. It’s never too early to think about the lifestyle changes that can influence brain health and reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. With all the health and wellness advice out there, it can be challenging to know what to prioritize and what truly matters when it comes to protecting our brain health. Today’s guest breaks it down for us and gives us actionable steps we can implement immediately, regardless of age. Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with neurophysiologist Louisa Nicola. Louisa shares the top three lifestyle factors that can influence our risk for Alzheimer’s disease. She helps us sort through the most current research and uncovers the biggest myths. She also shares the top two supplements that are critical for protecting brain health and the optimal prescription for exercise and resistance training. Looking to protect your brain health? Louisa shows us how. Louisa Nicola, an Australian-born neurophysiologist and sports scientist, has made significant strides in the field of brain performance and human potential. In 2016, she founded Neuro Athletics, a consulting firm dedicated to optimizing brain health and performance for athletes, executives, and high performers. Louisa’s innovative methods improve reaction times, decision-making, and mental acuity. Her vision is to expand Neuro Athletics’ reach, empowering more individuals to achieve their full potential through enhanced brain function and mental resilience. [Source]
Patrick Holford (30 May 2024)
“Reduce dementia risk” — Dr. John Campbell interviews Patrick Holford, author of Upgrade Your Brain: Unlock Your Life’s Full Potential. The book provides eight steps to optimize your brain for better mood, memory, sleep and stress resilience. [Video Source]
Jessie Inchauspé (29 May 2024)
“Prevent Alzheimer’s, improve Depression, Anxiety, and Brain Fog” — Let’s discuss the crucial relationship between glucose levels and brain health. What you eat impacts everything from daily mental clarity to long-term brain health, including risks of Alzheimer’s, depression, anxiety, and brain fog. We’ll explore how stabilizing glucose not only supports cognitive functions but can also improve mood and decrease irritability. [Source]
Wendy Suzuki (23 May 2024)
“The Exercise Neuroscientist: NEW RESEARCH, The Shocking Link Between Exercise And Dementia!” — Dr Wendy Suzuki is a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology at New York University and the bestselling author of books such as, ‘Good Anxiety’ and ‘Healthy Brain, Happy Life’. [Source]
Dr. William Li (23 May 2024)
“Dementia could start in your blood vessels – eat these foods to keep your mind sharp” — Dr. William Li, an expert in cardiovascular and metabolic health. He reveals how caring for our heart is not just about longevity but maintaining sharp, effective brain function as we age. His groundbreaking work has impacted more than seventy diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Dr. Li is also a New York Times best-selling author. In today’s episode, Dr. Li explains how simple lifestyle choices in diet, exercise and sleep can drastically shape our brain’s health and stave off dementia. [Source]
Camila Nord (7 May 2024)
Recorded at the Royal Institution on 4 March 2024.
“The science of mental health – with Camilla Nord” — How does the body affect our brain, and vice versa? Can exercise, psychedelics, or the gut biome improve your mental health? Find out with neuroscientist Camilla Nord. [Source]
60 Minutes (2017, 2019, 9 Mar 2024)
“Alzheimer’s and Dementia” — From 2018, Dr. Jon LaPook’s groundbreaking report following an Alzheimer’s patient and her caregiver husband for 10 years to document the struggles they face. From 2019, Bill Whitaker’s heartbreaking look at frontotemporal dementia. From July 2017, Lesley Stahl’s examination of efforts to prevent Alzheimer’s. And from this past January, Sharyn Alfonsi’s story on a new approach to brain surgery that could revolutionize the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. [Source]
BBC (14 Nov 2022)
“The foods that can improve brain function” — Your friend’s address. A family holiday as a child. The name of that lady you see at work every day. Memory is our ability to recall information from the recent or distant past. But can what we eat affect how well it works? [Source]
CNN (28 Sep 2022)
“Potential breakthrough: New treatment for Alzheimer’s” — CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Brianna Keilar discuss a potential breakthrough in treating Alzheimer’s disease, as a monoclonal antibody treatment called lecanemab slows the progression of cognitive decline by 27% compared with a placebo, drugmakers Biogen and Eisai said. [Source]
CNBC (17 Sep 2022)
“Harvard Nutritionist: The #1 Vitamin To Keep Your Brain Sharp” — What is the best vitamin for protecting our aging brains? Nutritional psychiatrist and Harvard brain expert, Dr. Uma Naidoo, shares the vitamin-rich foods she eats every day to keep her brain young and healthy. [Source]
Wendy Suzuki (21 Mar 2018)
“Wendy Suzuki: The brain-changing benefits of exercise” — What’s the most transformative thing that you can do for your brain today? Exercise! says neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki. Get inspired to go to the gym as Suzuki discusses the science of how working out boosts your mood and memory — and protects your brain against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. [Source]
UC Davis (30 Nov 2016)
“Brain Foods for Brain Health – Boost Brain Health with Good Eats” — Discover the key to vibrant brain health and graceful aging with Dr. Liz Applegate in this insightful presentation. Learn about powerful foods and dietary supplements that have the potential to elevate brain function and bolster memory performance. Join Dr. Applegate, a renowned Distinguished Lecturer from the University of California, Davis, and former Director of Sports Nutrition, as she delves into the science-backed strategies for enhancing your overall health and vitality through the right nutrition. Dr. Liz Applegate’s expertise is not just theoretical – she’s a trusted columnist for Runner’s World, a familiar face on national television and radio, and a dynamic speaker who empowers individuals of all ages with practical, science-driven insights to optimize their lives through smart dietary choices. [Source]
TED-Ed (21 Jan 2016)
“How the food you eat affects your brain – Mia Nacamulli” — When it comes to what you bite, chew and swallow, your choices have a direct and long-lasting effect on the most powerful organ in your body: your brain. So which foods cause you to feel so tired after lunch? Or so restless at night? Mia Nacamulli takes you into the brain to find out. Lesson by Mia Nacamulli, animation by Private Island. [Source]