Brain and Cognitive Health Archive

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.

In a 2024 study, researchers found that the short-term brain boosts people receive after doing moderate to vigorous exercise can last 24 hours.

Decreased concentration is often a normal part of aging as the brain's ability to function efficiently gradually declines. People who struggle with concentration when performing tasks can try strategies like avoiding multitasking, taking scheduled breaks, and removing distractions. Other lifestyle behaviors may also affect concentration and should be examined, such as sleep, medication, and caffeine intake. Activities like meditating, reading, and learning a new skill also can help improve mental focus.

Intensive blood pressure control that lowers systolic blood pressure (the first number in a reading) below 120 points may lower the risk of cognitive impairment or probable dementia.

A 2024 study suggests that older adults who fall for financial scams may have brain changes associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Sudden memory lapses could be natural aspects of aging or early signs of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). With MCI, memory loss is noticeable but usually does not impede the ability to carry out daily functions. A screening test from a doctor or more advanced testing (such as brain MRI or PET scans) from a neurologist can help identify potential cognitive problems so people can seek appropriate treatment.

Having an extremely low LDL level from aggressive cholesterol-lowering therapy was not associated with cognitive impairment, according to a 2024 study.