Brain health Archive

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.

A long-running study found that closely following the MIND Diet was linked with significantly slower age-related brain changes, including 20% less shrinkage in grey matter—equivalent to slowing brain aging by 2.5 years. However, it’s not known if these changes translate to better brain function.

Neurogenesis is the birth of new nerve cells, called neurons, in the brain. The ability to grow new neurons appears more prominent in super-agers, people 80 and older whose thinking and memory skills are as sharp as adults who are decades younger.

The glymphatic system serves as the brain’s cleanup crew. It promotes the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid through the brain during deep sleep, flushing away amyloid and other proteins that can lead to neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and Lewy body dementia.

Aging and a family history can increase the risk for a stroke, but women can lower it by managing factors that are under their control-such as diet, exercise, blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes.

A cervical artery dissection is a tear in one of the arteries in the neck that carry blood to the brain. Although rare, it is one of the most common causes of stroke in people under age 50.

Encephalitis, or brain inflammation, can cause symptoms ranging from mild, flu‑like illness to life‑threatening confusion and coma. Causes, recovery, and urgent treatments vary by virus.

Tingling, leg weakness, and voice changes can be alarming. Learn how doctors sort out these symptoms and when Parkinson's disease may be suspected.

When tremors progress from a mild nuisance to disrupting daily life, specific therapies may offer relief and help steady your movements.

Muscle tightening or jerking during a severe migraine can have several explanations. Learn about the possible causes.